Luke Loucks calls for better Florida State fan attendance

The 2025-26 season marks a changing of the guard for the Florida State basketball program, as it is the first season since 2001-02 that legendary head coach Leonard Hamilton is not in charge. Hamilton resigned following his 23rd season, paving the way for alum Luke Loucks to be hired this offseason.

Loucks, who played under Hamilton at FSU from 2008-2012, led the Seminoles to a 108-76 win over Alcorn State Tuesday night in Tallahassee. The program was in need of a shot in the arm, as it has missed the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons after making four consecutive Tournaments from 2017-2021 (2020 was cancelled).

Following the win, Loucks sent out a cry for better fan attendance for Florida State‘s second game of the season against Alabama State Friday night. These first two games are acting like a dress rehearsal for the program, as it will clash with in-state rival No. 3 Florida next Tuesday night in Gainesville.

“I do appreciate all the fans coming tonight,” Loucks said. “To me, you have to build it and win games and then people are going to want to show up. But there’s room to grow, just like our team has room to grow. I have room to grow as a coach. We have to have a better home environment, and that starts with people coming to the games. Simple as that, and that will happen naturally as we continue to win and grow this program. Part of it, I’m not afraid to think outside the box on the court and off the court.”

Loucks says FSU could have one of the best home-court environments in country

“I want to incentivize students to show up, have a good time, and support us,” Loucks continued. “My job is a lot easier and my players’ jobs are a lot easier when there’s a ton of people in the stands, and I think it’s gonna take some time to build this in a lot of different areas.”

“I am very adamant that we can have one of the best home-court environments in the country. You guys see it with football games. I felt it as a player here. When you win, they show up and it’s unbelievably hard for the opponent to come in and play in that environment.”

Four of Florida State‘s five starters scored in double-digits in the win, led by senior forward Chauncey Wiggins‘ 22 points. Alcorn State actually led 15-14 with 14:22 remaining in the first half, but was outscored by the Seminoles 94-61 over the remainder of regulation.

With a new head coach in charge, the program is seeking a return to national relevance and the NCAA Tournament. Since Florida State went 26-5 and would have earned a No. 1 seed in the 2020 NCAA Tournament, the program is 79-75 over the past 154 games.