Florida State freshman Scottie Barnes declares for 2021 NBA Draft

Scottie Barnes, the do-it-all freshman for Florida State, announced his decision to take the next step in his career by entering the 2021 NBA Draft. Barnes, the ACC Sixth Man of the Year and Freshman of the Year, becomes the second one-and-done player in as many years for Leonard Hamilton’s Seminoles, and the fourth such player since 2016.

A ballyhooed recruit, Barnes burst onto the scene early in his tenure with a memorable game winner against the Indiana Hoosiers. Blessed with tremendous court vision, basketball IQ, and length to go along with his playmaking skills and defensive versatility, Barnes is likely to be a lottery pick in the upcoming draft. If he is indeed selected in the top 14, he would become the 3rd ‘Nole in the last two years to become a coveted lottery selection, joining Patrick Williams of the Chicago Bulls and Devin Vassell of the San Antonio Spurs.

In terms of impact to next year’s basketball team, Barnes was always expected to depart Tallahassee after one season. So Hamilton and Co. have been planning for this exit for more than a year. Not only is five-star point guard Jalen Warley already signed, sealed, and delivered, it would not be a surprise at all if the Seminoles look to the transfer market to add another playmaking guard. Of course, 6’9 ball-handlers don’t exactly grow on trees, so it will likely be a long time before a player quite like Barnes laces them up for the garnet and gold.