Florida State University's men's basketball program, while not as widely celebrated as its football counterpart, has a notable history of success. The Seminoles have participated in the NCAA Tournament 18 times, and controversially, were declared national champions in 2020 by Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis and the State Legislature after the tournament's cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, 53 Seminoles have been selected in the NBA draft, including prominent players like Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors, Terance Mann of the Brooklyn Nets, and Devin Vassell of the San Antonio Spurs. The program also boasts NBA Hall of Famer Dave Cowens, who went on to win two championships with the Boston Celtics in the 1970s.
The Los Angeles Lakers have historically selected two players directly from Florida State University in the NBA draft, while another was drafted by them and immediately traded. Each of these players carved out distinct paths in their professional basketball careers, contributing to the rich legacy of FSU in the NBA. These athletes represent a unique intersection of collegiate development and professional opportunity, highlighting the varied trajectories of sports careers.
Among the FSU alumni who have had connections to the Lakers are Tony Jackson, a guard drafted in the fourth round of the 1980 draft, who briefly played two games for the team. Elvis Rolle, a center who transferred to FSU from Oral Roberts University, was a second-round pick in 1981. Although he never played in the NBA, Rolle enjoyed a successful 13-year career in European basketball, primarily in Italy. Von Wafer, another guard, was drafted by the Lakers in the second round of the 2005 draft after two years with the Seminoles, appearing in 16 games as a rookie before continuing his career internationally. Toney Douglas, a guard, was picked 29th overall in the 2009 draft by the Lakers but was immediately traded to the New York Knicks. Douglas went on to have an eight-year NBA career, playing for seven different teams.
These stories underscore the enduring connection between collegiate sports and professional leagues, reminding us that every athlete's journey is unique and filled with diverse experiences. The paths of these FSU basketball players, from the draft floor to various courts around the world, inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with dedication and resilience, showcasing the profound impact of collegiate training on global sports.
