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Four Florida State players the Seminoles must retain this offseason
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- Four Florida State players the Seminoles must retain this offseason
Florida State men's basketball enters the offseason riding a wave of momentum it hasn't felt in years. After a stunning second-half ACC surge that saw the Seminoles win nine of their final 11 regular-season games, climb into the ACC Tournament as an eight seed, and nearly topple top-overall seed Duke on national television, Luke Loucks has something real to build on in Tallahassee.
However, momentum without continuity is fragile. With six seniors departing, the Seminoles face an offseason defined as much by who stays as who arrives. Four players in particular stand out as essential pieces for Florida State to retain: Cam Miles, Thomas Bassong, AJ Swinton and Martin Somerville. Keeping this core intact would give Loucks a battle-tested foundation to accelerate the program's growth heading into year two.
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Martin Somerville — The Breakout Star Who Must Stay
Of the four players on this list, no one made a bigger leap in the second half of the season than Somerville. His signature performance came at Virginia Tech, where he erupted for 23 points, including 18 points on 7-7 shooting from the field, to lead FSU to a stunning 92-69 road upset.
Somerville averaged 8.0 points per game and led the team with 49 steals on the season, a statistic that speaks directly to how well he fits Loucks' turnover-forcing defensive philosophy. He won America East Rookie of the Year honors at his previous school before transferring to Florida State, and he still has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
FSU simply doesn't win several key games down the stretch without Somerville's contributions. He proved himself capable of being the best player on the floor against quality ACC competition. Keeping him off the transfer portal and locked into Tallahassee is arguably Loucks' most important offseason task.
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Cam Miles — The Combo Guard of the Future
Miles, a true freshman from Orlando, was drawn to Florida State in large part because of Loucks' background as a point guard — the same position from which Loucks led FSU to its first ACC Championship in 2012.
Miles averaged 5.4 points per game as a freshman, with his playing time largely diluted by the presence of Robert McCray V and Lajae Jones ahead of him in the rotation. Those numbers don't tell the full story of what he brings. He has an incredible ability to create for teammates, can get to the basket, and plays both guard positions fluidly.
With McCray and Jones no longer in the picture, Miles is a strong contender to inherit a starring role. Retaining him isn't just important, it's essential.
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AJ Swinton — Explosive Talent With Unfinished Business
Swinton suffered a season-ending ACL tear this year, cutting short what had been a promising sophomore campaign. That injury clouds his immediate future, but it doesn't diminish how critical his return is for Florida State's ceiling.
Swinton is one of the most athletic players in the ACC. If he can return healthy and recapture that form, Swinton can step directly into a starting role and replace the production lost by Wiggins' graduation. His combination of size, length, and shooting ability is rare. FSU cannot afford to lose him to the portal during his recovery.
Thomas Bassong — A Frontcourt Anchor in the Making
Bassong emerged as one of the most impactful freshmen in the ACC this season, starting 17 games and shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor. His most complete performance came on the road at Georgia Tech, where he finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds — his first career double-double — including seven offensive boards.
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The 6-foot-8 forward from Paris, France, carries a 7-foot-3 wingspan and has been praised specifically for his defensive presence, which allows him to emerge as one of the better rim protectors in the ACC. In Loucks' system, which relies heavily on forcing turnovers and generating second-chance opportunities, Bassong's length and motor are an ideal fit.
Retention Wins Seasons
Florida State's late-season surge wasn't built overnight, it was the product of chemistry, trust, and shared investment in Loucks' system. Rebuilding that from scratch every offseason is a losing proposition in the modern era of college basketball.
Miles, Bassong, Swinton, and Somerville represent more than individual talent. They represent continuity. They know the system, they've bought in, and they've each proven they can contribute at a high level in the ACC. If Loucks can keep this group together and surround them with talented transfers, the Seminoles won't just be a feel-good story in year two, they'll be a legitimate threat. The foundation has been laid. Now it's time to build on it.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Florida State basketball: 4 players FSU should retain this offseason
