BREAKING: Former Florida State Men’s Basketball Head Coach Leonard Hamilton, Who Also Previously Coached the Oklahoma Sooners, Shares a Message with Current FSU Head Coach Luke Loucks Regarding the Program’s Future
In a heartfelt and powerful statement released earlier today, former Florida State men’s basketball head coach Leonard Hamilton reached out publicly to current FSU head coach Luke Loucks, offering a message of support, reflection, and encouragement. Hamilton, who served as the head coach of the Seminoles from 2002 to 2024 and had previously led the Oklahoma Sooners from 1990 to 1994, remains one of the most respected figures in college basketball.
Hamilton, now retired from coaching but still deeply invested in the sport, began his message by commending Loucks for stepping into a demanding role with grace and a clear vision. “Luke, I’ve watched you from afar with admiration,” Hamilton said. “You’ve embraced this opportunity with energy, purpose, and a deep understanding of what it means to lead not just a basketball team, but a legacy.”
Loucks, a former player under Hamilton during his collegiate years at Florida State, took the reins of the program at a time of transition. In his message, Hamilton acknowledged the pressure that comes with following a long-tenured coach and urged Loucks to stay true to his own voice and philosophy.
“You don’t have to fill my shoes,” Hamilton stated. “You’ve got your own journey to walk, and the players need your voice. The foundation we built is yours to grow from, not to replicate.”
Hamilton also reflected on the culture he helped cultivate at Florida State—one built on discipline, academic success, defensive toughness, and resilience. He encouraged Loucks to protect those values but also to evolve them for a new generation of players.
“The game is always changing,” Hamilton noted. “But the core values—accountability, effort, integrity—those never go out of style. Make sure those young men know they’re part of something bigger than basketball.”
Hamilton’s message wasn’t just about coaching philosophy; it was also personal. He spoke about the emotional and mental toll the job can take and reminded Loucks to take care of himself and lean on those around him.
“This job will stretch you in ways you never expected,” he said. “Don’t try to do it all alone. Surround yourself with people who will challenge you and support you. Trust your staff. Trust your instincts.”
In closing, Hamilton offered a warm gesture of mentorship, saying his door would always be open.
“If you ever need a sounding board, a memory, or just someone to talk hoops with—I’m only a phone call away.”
The message has been met with widespread praise from the basketball community, with many former players, analysts, and fellow coaches praising Hamilton’s continued leadership and the strength of the FSU basketball brotherhood. For Loucks, it was a public vote of confidence from the man who shaped the program’s identity for over two decades—and a poignant reminder that while a new chapter begins, the story of Seminole basketball remains a deeply connected one.