Florida State Hosts Notre Dame in Wake of Leonard Hamilton’s Resignation Announcement

Hamilton’s Legacy and Florida State’s Struggles

For Leonard Hamilton, this isn’t just another game. The longtime Florida State head coach—who has been at the helm for 23 seasons—recently announced his resignation, effective at the end of the season. Hamilton, 76, has been a pillar of college basketball, leading FSU to multiple NCAA Tournament runs, including a 2018 Elite Eight appearance. However, this season hasn’t followed suit.

The Seminoles (13-9, 4-7 ACC) started strong but have lost four straight after collapsing late in a 77-76 loss to Boston College on Saturday. Florida State led by 15 points at one stage and held an eight-point lead in the final minute before a stunning late-game collapse allowed the Eagles to pull off an unthinkable comeback.

Hamilton acknowledged the need for a shift in mentality from his players.

“We definitely need a mind shift,” Hamilton said. “We give these guys the same information we’ve been giving guys for a long, long time. We’re not getting the same response.”

Florida State has had opportunities to win but has struggled to close out games—a trend the team must reverse to salvage the season.

Notre Dame’s Season of Inconsistency

On the other side, Notre Dame (10-11, 4-6 ACC) hasn’t fared much better, struggling to find consistency under first-year coach Micah Shrewsberry.

The Fighting Irish suffered a setback on Saturday, becoming the first team to lose to Miami in ACC play this season.

Despite leading 53-48 in the second half, Notre Dame allowed Miami to rattle off a decisive 9-0 run and never regained the lead.

“This is a team that’s completely dangerous,” Shrewsberry warned before the game—yet his squad failed to match Miami’s energy late in the contest.

Notre Dame saw the two-game Florida trip as an opportunity to gain momentum, but now must beat Florida State to avoid dropping below .500 in conference play.

Key Players to Watch

Markus Burton – Notre Dame (20.1 PPG)

Burton returned from a knee injury in January and remains the heart of Notre Dame’s offense. The freshman leads the team in scoring and will be a critical factor if the Irish hope to secure a road win.

Jamir Watkins – Florida State (13.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG)

Watkins has been a versatile playmaker for FSU, but he will need to step up as a leader to help the Seminoles snap their losing streak.

Closing Struggles for Both Teams

Neither Florida State nor Notre Dame has been able to finish games strong. If this game comes down to the final few possessions, expect defensive discipline and execution to determine the outcome.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Win for Both Teams

With Hamilton’s farewell tour underway, Florida State will be motivated to secure a statement win at home. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is desperate to stay competitive in the ACC standings.

Which team will break its losing trend and turn its season around? Tuesday night will provide the answer.

Florida State Seminoles vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Picks and Predictions February 4th 2025