With transfers, FSU basketball will add three new faces for the 2018-19 season. As far as recruiting classes go however, the class of 2018 is a class of one.
That one is Georgia guard Devin Vassell. Vassell wasn’t on the radar of many programs when he committed to Florida State, but wound up as a 3-star prospect with another major offer from Texas Tech. Both the Seminoles and Red Raiders reached the Elite Eight last season.
At 6-foot-5 and 170 pounds, Vassell hasn’t grown into his body yet and is probably more of a project for 2018-19. The Seminoles are replacing key guards in Braian Angola and CJ Walker, but Vassell is probably more of a long-term replacement than a short one.
Sharing the load
That is hardly set in stone however. Manning the point guard position will likely be a combination of Trent Forrest, who came on late last season, and Albany transfer David Nichols. The shooting guard spot, which was manned by Angola, will likely be shared by sharpshooter PJ Savoy and MJ Walker, along with a few youngsters vying for time.
The Seminoles will likely spend some time with both point guards on the floor together and could even go big with Terance Mann holding the two-guard position. Beyond that, it is likely that Vassell’s biggest competition for minutes will come from redshirt freshman Anthony Polite.
An FSU legacy and a native of Switzerland, Polite appeared in just one game last season. Polite is more of a combo guard, who at 6-6, has a lot of potential.
The good news for Vassell is his wait to become a significant part of the Florida State rotation may only be one season. At guard, Forrest, Savoy and Nichols are all set to be seniors this coming season.
Solid shooter
Vassell’s biggest strength for the time being is as a shooter and with Savoy and Phil Cofer – FSU’s top two returning players when it comes to made three-pointers – both departing, Vassell could be a guy that the Seminoles turn to for helping stretch the floor in the future.
Vassell will need to put on some weight to maximize his length and ability to defend at the next level. Vassell does handle the ball well enough to be utilized as a combo guard in the future, also.
FSU’s 2018 class of one probably won’t go down as the most memorable of the Leonard Hamilton era, but it could be a prosperous one. With a deep corps of veteran guards, Vassell is a candidate to take a redshirt and give his new program four solid years. Vassell is certainly a worthwhile prospect, but the immediate results will likely be minimal.
Read more: What makes the unique Terance Mann such a special player for FSU