Florida State University (FSU) is known for football but also has a proud past on the basketball court. While the Seminoles still search for a national title on the hardwood, they’ve stayed competitive during the past 33 years in the nation’s elite basketball conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Despite FSU’s usual status as an underdog against traditional Tobacco Road powerhouse basketball programs, the Seminoles have won 11 games vs. the Duke Blue Devils and 11 games vs the UNC Tar Heels. FSU also won the 2012 ACC Tournament.
FSU’s history includes two guards who enjoyed impressive careers in the NBA: Sam Cassell and Charlie Ward. Both players were members of the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. Cassell provided a key spark for the Rockets’ backcourt in relief for then-veteran starter Kenny Smith. Cassel finished his career with an average of 15.7 points per game and six assists per game.
Jonathan Isaac played just 32 games for the Seminoles before being drafted for the NBA. He averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game at FSU, but was most respected for his defensive talent in the low post, where he accumulated 49 blocks.
Dave Cowens scored 1,479 points in 78 games at Florida State, at 19.0 points per game, and ranks among Florida State’s top 10 all-time scoring leaders. Cowens went on to play for the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
Below are the top 10 all-time career leaders in points per game (PPG) for FSU men’s basketball:
- Mitchell Wiggins (1981–1983): Wiggins leads the list with an impressive average of 23.8 PPG during the 1981–82 season and 22.7 PPG in the 1982–83 season. His scoring ability played a crucial role in elevating FSU’s competitiveness during the early 1980s.
- Tharon Mayes (1986–1990): A dynamic guard, Mayes averaged 23.3 PPG in the 1989–90 season, demonstrating his efficiency in scoring and leadership of the Seminoles’ offense.
- George McCloud (1985–1989): McCloud’s versatility shone through with an average of 22.8 PPG in the 1988–89 season. His exceptional shooting and leadership earned him recognition as one of FSU’s all-time greats.
- Ron King (1970–1973): King made an immediate impact, averaging 22.7 PPG in the 1970–71 season. His scoring prowess was vital to FSU’s success in the early 1970s.
- Hugh Durham (1956–1959): Before becoming a famous coach, Durham was a standout player, averaging 21.9 PPG in the 1958–59 season. His contributions as a player laid the groundwork for FSU’s basketball program.
- Murray Brown (1977–1979): Brown showcased his scoring ability by averaging 21.7 PPG in the 1978–79 season, ranking him among the top scorers in FSU history.
- Toney Douglas (2006–2009): Douglas was a prolific scorer, averaging 21.5 PPG in the 2008–09 season. His leadership and offensive skills were pivotal in FSU’s return to national prominence.
- Bob Sura (1991–1995): Sura’s all-around game featured notable scoring, with an average of 21.2 PPG in the 1993–94 season. He remains FSU’s all-time leading scorer with 2,130 career points.
- Dave Fedor (1959–1962): Fedor was a consistent scorer, averaging 21.1 PPG in the 1959–60 season and contributing significantly to FSU’s early successes.
- Al Thornton (2003–2007): Thornton thrilled fans with his athleticism and scoring capabilities, averaging 19.7 PPG in the 2006–07 season, which earned him All-American honors.
These players have etched their names in FSU’s record books and significantly contributed to the rich history and tradition of Seminoles basketball. Their scoring abilities, leadership, and dedication have set benchmarks for future generations and played an essential role in shaping the program’s legacy.
While these statistics highlight individual achievements, it’s important to remember that basketball is a team sport. The success of these players was supported by their teammates and coaches. The legacy of FSU basketball is built on the collective efforts of all its members, past and present.
