Florida State University Athletics

Sunday, October 29
Tallahassee, Fla.
4:00 p.m.

Florida State

90
vs
74

Flagler College

Florida State 90, Flagler 74

Seminoles Top Flagler In First Of Two Exhibition Games

10/29/2023 7:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Newcomer Jamir Watkins scored a team-high 18 points and led four Seminoles in double figure scoring as Florida State defeated Flagler College, 90-74, at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Sophomore Baba Miller scored 16 points, while seniors Darin Green Jr. and Cam'Ron Fletcher scored 13 points each. Miller finished one rebound shy of a double-double as he added a game-high nine rebounds.

Florida State's win over the visiting Saints came in its first of two exhibition games leading up to its regular season opener against Kennesaw State on November 10. The Seminoles play their second exhibition game against Valdosta State on November 5 at 4:00 p.m. Parking and admission to the Seminoles' game against Valdosta State are free.

"I came away from this game realizing the potential we have," said Seminole Head Coach Leonard Hamilton. "We have to play with a lot more energy in order for us to realize our real true potential."

Watkins, a transfer student-athlete from VCU, was perfect from the field (six of six) and the 3-point line (two of two), while pulling down six rebounds, leading the Seminoles with five steals and adding three assists. Watkins was in the starting lineup in his first game as a Seminole. He totaled nine points in each half. Watkins' five steals allowed the Seminoles to outscore Flagler in fast break points by a 20-13 margin.

"Jamir is really talented offensively," said Hamilton. "He is able to make plays because of his strength, hands, and ball handling skills."

Miller also earned a stat-sheet stuffer set of statistics. In addition to his 16 points and nine rebounds, he totaled a game-high three blocked shots, and one assist. He shot the ball extremely well as he made six of nine field goals attempts including one made 3-point shot.

Green finished with 13 points, a team-high tying three assists and one steal. He made two 3-point shots, with two coming in the first half as Florida State scored the first eight points of the game and led by as many as nine in the first 20 minutes of the game.

Florida State started strong as it began the game on an 8-0 scoring run on a 3-pointer by Watkins, a dunk by Miler and a 3-pointer by Green Jr.

Fletcher, who was playing in his first game since injuring his right knee on December 3, 2022, also scored 13 points to go along with eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one blocked shot.

"Cam Fletcher was very instrumental with deflections and steals," said Hamilton.

Fletcher scored his 13 points in 18 minutes played. He totaled 10 points and six rebounds in nine second half minutes played.

Florida State played 12 players in its first game rotation with nine playing at least 10 minutes. Green led the Seminoles with 31 minutes played, as four of their five starters played at least 25 minutes.

"I think we have the makings of a pretty good basketball team, but the cake is still in the oven," said Hamilton. "We have some work to do but we have good pieces to work with."

Flagler guard Destin Clark scored a game-high 19 points, while forward Kyle Young totaled a team-high eight rebounds.
 
Behind the Mic | FSU Women's Basketball with Jack Kavovit | Alabama
Wednesday, October 15
Behind the Mic | FSU Men's Basketball with Jeff Culhane | Alabama
Wednesday, October 15
FSU Student Athlete Spotlight | Myles Bailey
Wednesday, October 15
DL Mandrell Desir: “I have faith in us”
Wednesday, October 15