’Noles hope to build buzz in Jamaica Some Knights have Philadelphia ties
TALLAHASSEE — With a 20-point season opening victory under its belt, players and coaches on the Florida State men’s basketball team grabbed their passports Wednesday in anticipation of the inaugural Jamaica Classic at Montego Bay this weekend.
FSU will play two games during the classic: first against Fordham tonight at 6 p.m. on the CBS Sports Network, then a contest against Colorado State on Sunday at 5 p.m.
The trip is FSU’s second to Jamaica in three months, with an August exhibition tour allowing the Seminoles to develop chemistry before the season.
“This time, we’re going for business,” said 7-4 sophomore center Christ Koumadje, who tied a career-high with 14 points adding seven rebounds in the 87-67 win over George Washington on Tuesday. “We’re going to be playing hard. We can joke off the court and stuff, but we have to lay it all out on the floor.”
The Seminoles had five players score in double figures during the opener, led by versatile junior forward Terance Mann’s 17 points and senior forward Phil Cofer’s 15 points.
True freshman guard M.J. Walker, a McDonald’s AllAmerican, added 12 points, three rebounds and two assists in his debut.
Twelve players were able to play in the opener for FSU, a recipe the Seminoles used to finish second in the ACC and undefeated at home last season.
Next football game: FSU vs. Delaware State, Saturday, noon
Safid Deen
Temple will be a homecoming of sorts for some of UCF football’s assistant coaches who previously worked for former Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly.
Erik Chinander (defensive coordinator), Greg Austin (offensive line) and Mike Dawson (defensive line) all had coaching stints with the Eagles. Dawson spent the most recent time in Philadelphia having served as the assistant defensive line coach for the Eagles from 2014-15 before accepting a position with UCF in 2016.
“I had a tremendous experience. The people of Philadelphia were awesome and I loved living in South Philly, the food was great,” said Chinander, who praised Tony Luke’s, Jim’s South Street and Max’s Steaks for the best cheesesteak spots.
“I wish I could get to all of my spots there but we’re kind of in and out.”
Junior safety Kyle Gibson was named to the American Athletic Conference honor roll this week for his performance during the Knights’ 49-24 win over UConn. Gibson led the team with nine tackles.
“I think Kyle has been playing great all year but some games his production shows up a little more than others. But the main thing about him this week was he tackled much, much better in the football game,” Chinander said. “He missed some of the previous week. He tackled really well this game, I think secondary went from 11 missed tackles to one in a week’s time.”
Next game: No. 15 UCF at ESPNU
Shannon Green Temple, Saturday, Noon,