ACC Hoops Preview: #10-Florida State

Who are the main men? Toney Douglas will inherit "da man" role in Tallahassee. Douglas missed a chunk of last season and was really missed. He partners up with Isiah Swann, who along with Jason Rich and Ralph Mims, form an extremely experienced backcourt.

What are the team's strengths? They are one of the few teams in the league that bring back their backcourt. Guard play is huge in college hoops and the fact that they already have that puts them at an advantage. They can use those guys to speed up the game against teams that are bigger than them.

When will we see them struggle? Anytime they realize that Al Thornton is no longer on the floor. Thornton was the ACC's leading scorer and so valuable to the Noles last year that they have no one person [or possible combination] that can take his place.

Why should anyone care? Florida State is great for an upset or two [eh, Duke?]. They are also good for a rotten egg of a game here and there. Also, with a new AD coming in the future, Hamilton is fighting for his job.

How stable is the program? It has been a decade since Florida State went to the NCAA tournament, and Leonard Hamilton has yet to get them there. It doesn't help that fellow football power, Florida, has rolled out two straight championships.

Where will they finish in the ACC? With Thornton, this was a middle of the road team. What do you think they'll be without him?

Name you didn't know, but will: Solomon Alabi will be a force on the defensive end in this league. The 7-1 freshman will be plugged right into the mix and will allow those Seminole guards to take a few chances on some steals, knowing that they have a wall back there.