Historically speaking, Florida State and Kennesaw State in Tallahassee, Fla., might like a mismatch in the Seminoles’ favor.
But both teams ended last season in much different fashion.
Florida State missed the postseason after suffering through an injury-plagued 9-23 season, the worst year by a significant margin during coach Leonard Hamilton’s tenure as coach.
Kennesaw State won 26 games, the Atlantic Sun Conference championship, and lost a competitive game against Xavier in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
While the Owls (1-0) eye sustained success, the Seminoles hope their first game of the season is the start of a major bounceback campaign.
Kennesaw State opened the season on Tuesday with a 93-46 victory over NAIA Oakwood University. Demond Robinson led the Owls with 16 points and 13 rebounds and surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his career. R.J. Johnson also had 12 points and eight assists.
The win also marked a successful debut for first-year Kennesaw State coach Antoine Pettway, who previously spent 15 years on Alabama’s coaching staff.
“I’m just so blessed,” Pettway said after the game. “It was a surreal moment. I’m just so blessed to coach a team like this.”
Florida State lost its first four contests and nine of its first 10 last season.
The Seminoles’ lineup should get a boost from Virginia Commonwealth transfer Jamir Watkins, who totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and six steals in a win over Division II Valdosta State in an exhibition game.
Baba Miller, who missed the first 16 games last season due to a suspension, returns along with Darin Green Jr., Jalen Warley and Cameron Corhen.
Hamilton, 75, said he has no immediate plans to retire either as he enters his 23rd season coaching the Seminoles.
“I enjoy every day,” Hamilton said. “I don’t know what I’d do if I wasn’t coaching … as long as I don’t come out and sit on the other team’s bench because I don’t know where I am, I’m going to hang around here.”
–Field Level Media