Florida State Makes Noise in ACC, Jumps Into Top 25

Filed under: Clemson, Duke, NC State, Virginia Tech, ACC, North Carolina, Florida State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The biggest difference in the Florida State Seminoles from early January 2011 to late January 2011?

Accountability.

FSU's 67-51 home victory over Boston College last Saturday pushed the Seminoles (15-5 overall, 5-1 ACC) into a two-way tie atop the Atlantic Coast Conference standings with the Duke Blue Devils (18-1, 5-1). It's too early to get picky, especially with 10 conference games remaining, but FSU holds the tiebreaker by virtue of its win over Duke two weeks ago.

For a team that was so painful to watch earlier this season -- specifically from an offensive standpoint -- the Seminoles have executed an impressive about-face during their four-game win streak. They jumped into the Associated Press Top 25 rankings Monday at No. 22, joining No. 3 Duke as the lone conference representatives in the poll. (Virginia Tech is the only other team receiving votes, putting the Hokies at No. 34 in an extended look-see).

"I've been fairly consistent in the assessment of our team," FSU coach Leonard Hamilton (right) said Monday as he further explained his team's mix of youth and experience.

"They've taken to coaching. I am very pleased with their ability to motivate each other, hold each other accountable. Their communication level with each other has really gotten better. I think the main thing is they are holding each other accountable with the things they are expected to do."

Consecutive defeats at Auburn and Virginia Tech earlier this month left many mumbling if Hamilton, despite his successful resume on the professional and collegiate levels, could get FSU to the next level after being so close, so often during his decade-long tenure. But four consecutive victories over then-No. 1 Duke, North Carolina State, Miami and BC have helped put cheering fannies back in Tucker Center seats.

"We're kind of moving into uncharted waters for our basketball program," Hamilton said following his team's win over Boston College. "And in order for this to be meaningful, we've got to continue to stay focused. We've got to continue to get better."

 

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