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The Atlantic Coast Conference's media day in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday served as the unofficial tip-off for the 2026-27 college basketball season. Florida State head coach Luke Loucks, entering his second year at the helm of his alma mater, took time to discuss the previous season, the upcoming campaign, and his roster in a one-on-one conversation.
When asked about the difficulty of recruiting compared to his NBA background, Loucks explained that the challenge lies not in difficulty but in the time and energy required. "It's time-consuming. That's the toughest part, the amount of energy and focus it takes to recruit at the level we want," he said. He emphasized the importance of identifying players who fit the program's style and have NBA potential. "If we don't think you can eventually play in the NBA, Florida State's probably not the place for you," Loucks stated.
Loucks believes the transition to college recruiting has been smoother than expected because of the authenticity of his pitch. "What we're selling is authentic to who we are. I played at Florida State, I want Florida State to be great, I know what goes into winning here. We develop guys for the NBA, and we've got multiple guys on staff that have done it," he said. He pointed to the program's track record of producing NBA players like Trent Forrest, Devin Vassell, and Patrick Williams, as well as the development of players like Rob McCray, Chauncey Wiggins, and Lajae Jones, who was drafted after a standout season.
Regarding his desire to play fast, Loucks clarified that last year's mid-season adjustment was about efficiency, not simply slowing down. "I want to play fast because fast is usually efficient. Last year, we were out of control and not good in transition. So it wasn't about slowing the pace, it was giving them different directives to be more efficient," he explained. Even during that period, the team remained top 40 nationally in pace. Loucks stressed that while he prefers an up-tempo style, he will adapt to the group's capabilities. "If the group can't play efficiently fast, then we'll slow it down a little bit," he said.
Offensive rebounding was a key point of emphasis for Loucks, who called it one of the team's core identities. "We want to create extra possessions, and there are two ways: turnovers or offensive rebounds. We did a great job creating turnovers, but we didn't have the size or physicality to rebound as well as we wanted," he said. With the addition of players like Marcis Ponder, Cooper Schwieger, and Sebastian Rancik, along with lengthy wings Shon Abaev and Kam Taylor, Loucks is optimistic about improvement. "I'm hopeful we can be one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country," he added.
Loucks also discussed the development of Shon Abaev as a point guard, a move that has shown promise. "It's still a work in progress, but he has the capability to be one of our best playmakers. At his size, he's got a really good handle and can see the floor. If he improves his defense and distribution, it could unleash us, especially with the second unit," Loucks said. He noted that Martay Barnes, a combo guard, will also handle the ball, giving the team two high-level creators when Anthony Robinson is off the floor.
Freshman Elisee Assui, known as Elli, has impressed in camp with his defensive intensity. "He's a Lu Dort-type player who picks up 94 feet. He's aggressive defensively, and we love that. Offensively, he keeps it simple and is a smart player," Loucks said. Assui, who has professional experience in Europe, is expected to contribute immediately as a role player.
Collin Paul, another freshman, is still recovering from a serious knee injury. "We're focused on getting his body right first and foremost. We're not going to bring him back until we're not at risk for another injury," Loucks said. Once healthy, Paul's 6'8" frame, ball-handling, and versatility could impact the season.
AJ Swinton, who is also recovering from an ACL injury, is progressing well. "AJ's working his behind off. I'm hopeful he'll be available at some point this fall, maybe before ACC play," Loucks said. The next few weeks will provide more clarity on his timeline.
Brandon Bass Jr. has been a standout shooter in practice. "If he's not our best shooter, he's a close second. His catch-and-shoot ability has been the most consistent, and he's a relentless worker," Loucks said. Bass's dedication in the gym is translating to results.
On the team's three-point shooting, Loucks expressed confidence in his players' ability to make shots. "All of them are capable shooters. They're shot-makers. If they take the right shots, their percentages will go up. None of their shots are broke," he said. He believes that with the looks the offense generates, the ball will go in.
Loucks was unaware that he set a program record for ACC road wins in his first season. "Really? I didn't know that. It was looking at one point like we weren't going to win any games. That's a credit to the guys and the staff for staying focused," he said. He attributed the success to the team's structured approach on the road, similar to an NBA schedule.
With the new preseason format, Florida State is scheduled to play Mississippi State, Auburn, and LSU. Loucks prefers challenging games over easy wins. "I want to compete against top-tier teams. It's easier to address weaknesses before the real games start. Playing tough opponents helps teams win long-term," he said. He believes the experience will better prepare the team for the rigors of the ACC season.
Other Notes from ACC Media Day
Alex Steen remains ineligible but is appealing. Loucks expressed frustration that other teams are allowed fifth-year players while Steen is not. Sebastian Rancik called the team a "special group" and said he received good feedback from NBA teams during the draft process. He appreciated that Loucks and associate head coach Jim Moran visited his family in Slovakia. Anthony Robinson II is excited to represent his hometown and play alongside his brother. After being known for defense at Missouri, he looks forward to showcasing his offensive game and aims to lead Florida State back to the NCAA Tournament.