Leonard Hamilton discusses the state of the Florida State basketball program

With Florida State’s loss to Georgia Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Seminoles ended an incredibly frustrating season. Going just 9-23 with a 7-13 record in ACC play, the Seminoles had their worst season during the more than two-decade tenure of Leonard Hamilton.

Following that loss, Hamilton gave his thoughts on the state of the Florida State basketball program.

“Well, I’d say this is a bump in the road,” Leonard Hamilton said. “This is not a volcano eruption. We’ve got a great staff, tremendous administration. I thought our fans were there for this year like no other. I was just so pleased and impressed with the support that we got from the community, even though we were having a down year.”

Leonard Hamilton noted that this season indicated the need to change. He said this while taking responsibility for the program’s failures this season.

“I think our fans stuck with us, and I think we have made some progress, but in order for us to maintain and beyond the level that we — the standards that we have had over the years, we’re going to have to do things a little differently,” Hamilton explained.

“You have no idea how I feel every day I get up, because I feel like the buck stops with me. We’ve got to be prepared for injuries. We’ve got to be prepared for youngsters exercising their right to make decisions to move on with their careers, even though it might not be the wisest thing to do. You’ve got to respect that, and I think sometimes as coaches, we don’t — we think about what’s best for them and what’s best for us. But sometimes we don’t have the right to dictate, and we only can inform and have conversations with kids to help them navigate through the challenges that they have.”

One of the biggest issues has been communication. That, and a blend of other issues, led to the difficult season according to Hamilton.

“I think that’s one thing I could do a better job of is having direct communication and helping guys have the right information,” Hamilton continued.

“But what I think maybe is logical for a program and for us personally as a staff and as a school might not be what other individuals think are important. So now you get caught with decisions being made that aren’t expected, then you throw in a couple injuries, then you’ve got some inexperience, this could happen to you.”

Dealing with the unexpected was clearly an issue for the Seminoles this season. However, as Leonard Hamilton explained, he’s not going to let that happen again.

“But I think moving forward, we will be working hard to prepare for the unexpected so that we don’t ever get caught in a situation like this. You’ve got to prepare differently. But I think we know exactly how we need to fix this. We’ve got to be on it. As far as I’m concerned, next season starts today. That’s where we’ll be placing all the emphasis as we move through this process.”

Leonard Hamilton feels he is totally responsible

At the end of the regular season, Leonard Hamilton explained that he feels completely responsible for the team’s issues this season.

“I feel totally responsible for the position that we’re in. As a coach, you need to understand that people will do what they feel is best for them. I feel guilty that I didn’t maybe take a little bit more time and explain to a couple of guys that decided they graduated. They reserve the right to go realize their dream, but they’re coming off a year of injuries. I thought the wise thing was for them to maybe take the COVID year and improve everything. That’s not for me to say,” Hamilton said.

“I think I was thinking logical about what’s best for them and for us and I don’t think I articulated that correctly. I didn’t expect to lose John Butler. I thought that he would be back. I had a plan, but I didn’t prepare myself for the unexpected. I can’t blame anybody because the buck stops with me. I got the memo.”