For the first time since announcing his resignation, effective at season’s end, Leonard Hamilton publicly addressed his decision. He spoke with reporters following Florida State’s victory over Notre Dame Tuesday night, shedding light on his thought process and the future of the program.
Leonard Hamilton: ‘My decision is based on how I feel’
Hamilton emphasized that his choice to step down was not primarily influenced by the tumultuous changes in college basketball, such as the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and the transfer portal. Instead, he highlighted a more personal reason: the need for a new voice in the Florida State locker room. “There comes a time when it’s just time,” Hamilton stated. “I’m not gonna do like a lot of coaches – talk about the ills and what’s going on and all the challenges that we have. It’s just time.”
The veteran coach expressed a desire for Florida State basketball to embark on a new chapter, one that he believes is beneficial for both the program and himself. “It’s time for Florida State basketball to have a new voice, it’s time for what’s best for Florida State and also, thinking what’s best for me,” he said.
The changing college basketball landscape
Hamilton’s resignation comes amid a backdrop of significant changes in college basketball, particularly since the advent of the NIL era in 2021. He is not alone in this transition; multiple high-profile coaches have stepped down, including Tony Bennett from Virginia and Jim Larrañaga from Miami. These departures highlight a trend that has seen the likes of Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, and Jim Boeheim also exit the coaching ranks recently.
However, Hamilton was clear that the evolving landscape of college basketball wasn’t the driving force behind his resignation. “The atmosphere that we’re dealing with now is interesting,” he remarked. “But nothing I say to you is going to change it.” He expressed curiosity about how the current state of the game came to be, noting that he has more questions than answers regarding the ongoing transformation.
NIL lawsuit and its impact
Adding another layer to Hamilton’s situation is the ongoing NIL-related lawsuit involving six former players. They allege that Hamilton promised them $250,000 in NIL money, which they never received. This legal battle is still unfolding, and it casts a shadow over his final season as head coach.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton maintains that his decision to resign is rooted in personal reflection rather than external pressures. “For me to criticize it’s already done,” he stated. “For me to talk about how the challenge is, I’m sure they had a plan for us to follow to make it better.” His focus remains on the future of Florida State basketball and the direction it needs to take.
What’s next for Florida State basketball?
As Hamilton prepares to step away, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will take the reins next? Early names are already circulating as potential candidates to replace the long-time coach. The search for a new leader will undoubtedly be crucial for the program’s future, especially as it navigates the complexities of the current college basketball landscape.
Hamilton’s legacy at Florida State is significant, having built a competitive program that has seen success in the ACC and beyond. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for new possibilities. The next coach will need to adapt to the changing dynamics of college basketball while continuing to foster a winning culture.
Hamilton’s legacy and the future
As Hamilton reflects on his time at Florida State, he remains hopeful that his decision will ultimately benefit the program. He believes that change can be a catalyst for growth and improvement. “Hopefully, it’s the best for me,” he said, underscoring his commitment to the program’s success even as he steps away.
The transition period will be pivotal for Florida State basketball. With the right leadership, the program can continue to thrive amidst the challenges posed by NIL and the transfer portal. Hamilton’s departure may signal a new beginning, and fans are eager to see how the university will navigate this critical juncture.
In a world where college basketball is evolving rapidly, Hamilton’s insights and experiences will undoubtedly resonate. His passion for the game and his players has left an indelible mark on Florida State, and as the program moves forward, it will carry the lessons learned during his tenure. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: change is on the horizon, and Florida State basketball is ready to embrace it.
