TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Luke Loucks is making a homecoming to Florida State as he steps into the role of head coach for the Seminoles.
Florida State revealed Loucks’ appointment on Sunday, marking the transition in leadership as the 34-year-old Loucks takes over from Leonard Hamilton, who will be retiring at the end of the current season.
As a native of Clearwater, Loucks carries a rich history with Florida State, having played for the team from 2008 to 2012. In his senior year, Loucks averaged 7.1 points and 3.3 rebounds. He was also instrumental in the Seminoles’ impressive run, having triumphed over Miami, Duke, and North Carolina on consecutive days to clinch the ACC Tournament title in March 2012.
Loucks’ coaching experience spans several teams in the NBA, including serving as an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings since 2022. His resume also boasts tenures with the Golden State Warriors, contributing to their NBA Championship victories in 2017 and 2018, and the Phoenix Suns.
While Loucks has not held a head coaching position at the collegiate or NBA level previously, his exposure to top-tier coaching under mentors like Steve Kerr and Mike Brown, coupled with his understanding of Florida State’s expectations, made him an appealing choice for the position.
“We will adhere to a high standard both on and off the court as we strive to build a culture capable of winning championships,” Loucks stated. “Having firsthand experience of success at Florida State, I am eager to achieve even more.”
Following a professional playing career in Europe and the NBA’s developmental league, Loucks honed his skills in player development during his time with the NBA. His role in Sacramento included overseeing the Kings’ defense, echoing a focus Hamilton maintained throughout his 23-year tenure as Florida State’s coach.
Reflecting on Loucks’ return, Hamilton remarked, “Luke was an outstanding player for the Seminoles who significantly contributed to the team’s first ACC championship. I’m immensely proud to see him return as head coach to further the program’s legacy.”
With a season record of 17-14, including 8-12 in conference play, Florida State is seeded 11th for the ACC tournament, which commences on Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Athletic Director Michael Alford shared insights into the selection process, noting that the search considered both college coaches and seasoned assistants. Ultimately, Florida State opted against the financial implications of a potential buyout for a college coach, and Loucks emerged as the frontrunner, especially after Hamilton announced his retirement plans on February 3.
“Luke’s unique blend of qualities is a perfect fit for our program, and I am thrilled to start this new chapter under his leadership,” Alford expressed. “He has garnered a stellar reputation for his coaching across both professional and collegiate spheres, emerging as one of the promising talents in the field.”
