Florida State University Athletics
Toys For Kids
12/25/2025 7:55:00 AM | Men's Basketball
TALLAHASSEE – "It's good to be home."
Those were the first five words Luke Loucks said at his introductory press conference when he was hired to be the head basketball coach at Florida State.
As he was welcomed back into the Seminole family that day, he spoke of his love for the Florida State community and the people who make up the Florida State family.
"It's an absolute honor to be the head coach of your basketball team," said Loucks.
That's why it was so important to Loucks that his program continues the annual Toys for Kids program during the season of giving.
Loucks partnered with former Seminole great and current Florida State Assistant General Manager Terance Mann to spotlight the children in the area during this most special time of the year. The Toys for Kids program accepted donations during Florida State's game against Georgia at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
"I can't thank the people of Tallahassee and the fans of Seminole basketball more for their support of the Toys for Kids program this year," said Loucks. "The wagons full of toys that I saw after our game was impressive. I paused before I left the building that night because I knew my wife, Stevi, and I had made the right decision to return to a community that is also a family."
The response to the Toys for Kids drive at the Tucker Center was overwhelming. The Tallahassee Community filled seven wagons full of toys that will be distributed to more than 80 families during the holiday season.
In Loucks' eyes, the assortment of gifts represented all that's good about the people of Tallahassee and the surrounding communities.
"I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the fans who came to our game that night," said Loucks.
The Toys for Kids program has been special to Mann since he was a star guard for the Seminoles from 2016 through 2019. He played on three NCAA Tournament teams, including Florida State's Elite 8 Team in 2018. Mann was an All-ACC Honorable Mention selection and an All-ACC Tournament Second Team selection in 2019.
Mann is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA.
Giving has always been a part of Mann's DNA. He was a nominee for the Give Back team sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches as a junior in 2018 and was a semifinalist for the John R. Wooden Citizenship Cup as a senior in 2019.
"Florida State University and the Tallahassee community helped shape my journey and remain very important to me," said Mann shortly after he led the Brooklyn Nets to a 119-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. "I want every child in Tallahassee to feel the magic of the holiday season—no matter their circumstances.
"I'm committed to bringing that magic to the boys and girls of the Tallahassee community. I'm so grateful for Coach Loucks and the FSU community who donated gifts and who continue to support our mission."
With the help of so many people, Loucks is building a complete program at Florida State. His desire is for his family, his staff, and his players to be an important part of the Tallahassee community.
Loucks stated early on in his tenure his desire for him and his family become part of the Tallahassee community with their support of every Florida State athletic team and their participation in university events.
"This community has had such a big impact on my life and my wife's life," said Loucks. "My wife and I are excited about giving back to this community that has given us so much."
For Loucks and his family, it's good to be home.
Those were the first five words Luke Loucks said at his introductory press conference when he was hired to be the head basketball coach at Florida State.
As he was welcomed back into the Seminole family that day, he spoke of his love for the Florida State community and the people who make up the Florida State family.
"It's an absolute honor to be the head coach of your basketball team," said Loucks.
That's why it was so important to Loucks that his program continues the annual Toys for Kids program during the season of giving.
Loucks partnered with former Seminole great and current Florida State Assistant General Manager Terance Mann to spotlight the children in the area during this most special time of the year. The Toys for Kids program accepted donations during Florida State's game against Georgia at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
"I can't thank the people of Tallahassee and the fans of Seminole basketball more for their support of the Toys for Kids program this year," said Loucks. "The wagons full of toys that I saw after our game was impressive. I paused before I left the building that night because I knew my wife, Stevi, and I had made the right decision to return to a community that is also a family."
The response to the Toys for Kids drive at the Tucker Center was overwhelming. The Tallahassee Community filled seven wagons full of toys that will be distributed to more than 80 families during the holiday season.
In Loucks' eyes, the assortment of gifts represented all that's good about the people of Tallahassee and the surrounding communities.
"I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the fans who came to our game that night," said Loucks.
The Toys for Kids program has been special to Mann since he was a star guard for the Seminoles from 2016 through 2019. He played on three NCAA Tournament teams, including Florida State's Elite 8 Team in 2018. Mann was an All-ACC Honorable Mention selection and an All-ACC Tournament Second Team selection in 2019.
Mann is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA.
Giving has always been a part of Mann's DNA. He was a nominee for the Give Back team sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches as a junior in 2018 and was a semifinalist for the John R. Wooden Citizenship Cup as a senior in 2019.
"Florida State University and the Tallahassee community helped shape my journey and remain very important to me," said Mann shortly after he led the Brooklyn Nets to a 119-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. "I want every child in Tallahassee to feel the magic of the holiday season—no matter their circumstances.
"I'm committed to bringing that magic to the boys and girls of the Tallahassee community. I'm so grateful for Coach Loucks and the FSU community who donated gifts and who continue to support our mission."
With the help of so many people, Loucks is building a complete program at Florida State. His desire is for his family, his staff, and his players to be an important part of the Tallahassee community.
Loucks stated early on in his tenure his desire for him and his family become part of the Tallahassee community with their support of every Florida State athletic team and their participation in university events.
"This community has had such a big impact on my life and my wife's life," said Loucks. "My wife and I are excited about giving back to this community that has given us so much."
For Loucks and his family, it's good to be home.
Behind the Mic | FSU Men's Basketball LIVE
Tuesday, December 23
Men's Basketball vs Jacksonville University - Post Game Press Conference
Tuesday, December 23
Women's Basketball South Carolina State- Post Game Press Conference
Saturday, December 20
Men's Basketball vs Mississippi Valley State - Post Game Press Conference
Saturday, December 20