Posted by NoleCC

By: Joe Cala (JoeSeminole18)

Realists beware; blind homers take notice. Tired of the same dull, drab articles that you read everywhere else about this writer’s take on the game? Well, here I am. I’m here to provide the fan’s view, without the political correctness that everyone else is forced to write with. In part one of my (hopefully ongoing) series, I’m going to be talking about Seminole Basketball and why the future is brighter then ever.’,'Adios Tim Pickett. See ya Nate Johnson. One might see that the ‘Noles are losing Pickett and just simply assume that they’re in big trouble next season: but we’re not. These people do not understand what type of talent Head Coach Leonard Hamilton is bringing into Tallahassee. Coming off a recruiting period that saw Coach Hamilton grab the Nation’s best recruiting class, he’s poised to bring in another stellar class. With Jason Rich, Isaiah Swann, and Jerome Habel already committed, the ‘Noles have a class made up of 2 top 40 players and another ranked 61st. If forward Juan Palacios ends up pulling the trigger and committing, that will cap another great recruiting class that should easily be a top 15 class.

It’s a word all ‘Noles fans know, and know well, and its called reloading. But here in Tallahassee, reloading is a football word, not a basketball one. However, times change. With the absence of top 5 finishes for the football team, Coach Hamilton has started something very special in the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center.

Just a few years ago the only reason for going to the Civic Center for a basketball game was the rip-off beer and the girls. Now, while those are great alternatives during a lull in the action, the basketball team is drawing some real attendance. Most ACC games last season pulled in well over 8000 fans, which is something that just didn’t happen before Leonard stepped foot in Tallahassee.

Next year the ‘Noles return some very key players. ACC Rookie team member Alexander Johnson is back to anchor the inside, and the Tribe will get a huge boost from Juco sensation Diego Romero. Diego was held out of action last season because the NCAA found that he was in violation of several rules concerning the amateur status. Later in the year he was cleared to play but Hamilton decided to keep the versatile big man on the bench so he could have a full two years to play. Shooting guard Von Wafer will have to step into Pickett’s shoes and try and fuel the Seminole offense. Some might think that task is too big for the true sophomore, but anyone who saw Von play at the TLCCC his senior year in high school knows better. As I sat in the stands that night watching Von absolutely torch the opposition, I knew we were extremely lucky to be landing a player of his caliber. He’s already shown signs of growing up. He hit some huge shots down the stretch of some very crucial games (at Duke and NC State in the ACC Tournament) this season and his slashing ability makes him more than just a shooter.

If Adam Waleskowski can sustain his solid play like he did for the latter half of last season, he will play a crucial role in getting this team to the NCAA Tournament. The only question on the court will be whether or not Todd Galloway can fill in at the PG spot. Expect a good battle next season between him and Isaiah for the starting point guard spot. If Jerome Habel can qualify he will also help out on the inside where at times the ‘Noles were a little thin. Sophomore Al Thornton and Andrew Wilson will get plenty of playing time and could just be the difference makers for next season.

After the excitement for next football season has died down, remember Seminole fans, there is another sport here in Tallahassee. It might have been in hideaway for the past few seasons, but its definitely back: and needs your support. Grab some friends and get yourselves to the Civic Center for some expensive beer, to check out the hot women, and most of all, to support this team as it takes the next step forward: the NCAA Tournament.