Basketball Preview: Notre Dame Looks to Rebound Against Florida State
As the 2025 basketball season rolls on, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish face a critical matchup against the Florida State Seminoles, hoping to bounce back from recent struggles. After a series of challenging games, the Irish are looking to find their rhythm and regain momentum in their ACC campaign. With the Seminoles also in a transitional phase, this game could provide a crucial opportunity for Notre Dame to reassert themselves in the conference standings.
In this preview, we’ll dive deep into both teams, analyze key players, break down the tactical elements, and make a prediction for what could be a defining contest for both sides. 
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Team at the Crossroads
Recent Form and Struggles
Notre Dame’s season has had its ups and downs, but the Irish have shown the ability to compete at a high level, even in their losses. The team has been grappling with some inconsistency, particularly in their defense and scoring output. After a strong start to the season, their recent games have exposed several flaws in their system. Their offensive efficiency, which was once their strength, has slipped in recent weeks, leading to tough losses to ranked opponents.
Defensively, while the Irish have had moments of brilliance, they have struggled against high-scoring teams that are able to exploit the gaps in their zone defense. They need to tighten up their rotations and make sure they are contesting shots more effectively.
Still, there are reasons for optimism. The Irish have some strong individual performers, and if they can clean up their mistakes, they remain a dangerous team in the ACC.
Key Players for Notre Dame
- Trey Wertz (Guard)
Trey Wertz is the focal point of Notre Dame’s offense. Known for his scoring ability and leadership, Wertz has shown that he can take over games when needed. The graduate student has averaged double digits in points and provides a steady presence in the backcourt. Against Florida State, his ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others will be vital in breaking down the Seminoles’ defense. - J.J. Starling (Guard)
The freshman guard has been a breakout star for the Irish this season. His athleticism and natural scoring ability make him a constant threat on the floor. Starling has shown the potential to be a game-changer, and against Florida State, he’ll need to bring his best to help Notre Dame find offensive rhythm. If Starling can continue his development and perform under pressure, it could be the difference-maker for the Irish. - Nate Laszewski (Forward)
As the team’s top frontcourt player, Laszewski’s experience and versatility are crucial to Notre Dame’s success. He can stretch the floor with his shooting while also being a force on the boards. His ability to score in multiple ways—whether inside or from beyond the arc—gives Notre Dame a unique weapon. Against Florida State’s length and athleticism, Laszewski will need to play smart and efficient basketball. - Dane Goodwin (Guard/Forward)
Dane Goodwin is another experienced player who has proven he can score in a variety of ways. Goodwin’s ability to hit the mid-range jumper and stretch the floor will be vital in opening up opportunities for his teammates. He’s also a solid defender and a player who can step up in clutch moments. Goodwin will be expected to lead in all phases of the game against a tough Seminoles team.
Florida State Seminoles: Rebuilding, but Dangerous
The Seminoles’ Current State
Florida State is in a rebuilding phase under head coach Leonard Hamilton, after losing several key players from past successful seasons. The Seminoles have struggled with consistency, but their young talent has shown flashes of brilliance. While they are not the powerhouse they once were, Florida State remains a difficult team to play against, particularly because of their physicality and depth.
Their season has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by close losses and some impressive wins against top-tier opponents. Florida State has struggled with offensive efficiency at times but has remained competitive thanks to their length, depth, and defensive acumen. They are a team that thrives on turnovers and creating chaos, using their size to overwhelm smaller, less athletic teams.
Key Players for Florida State
- Matthew Cleveland (Guard)
Cleveland is Florida State’s most dynamic player. Known for his versatility, he has been the Seminoles’ primary offensive weapon, capable of scoring from all over the floor. Cleveland’s combination of size, speed, and shooting ability makes him a tough matchup for any defender, and Notre Dame will need to contain him to have a chance at victory. - Naheem McLeod (Center)
Standing at 7’4”, McLeod is one of the most imposing figures in college basketball. He dominates the paint on both ends of the floor, blocking shots and finishing at the rim. His presence in the post will be a challenge for Notre Dame’s big men, and his ability to alter shots will play a significant role in Florida State’s defensive strategy. If McLeod can stay out of foul trouble and control the boards, he’ll be a game-changer. - Jalen Warley (Guard)
Warley is another key player for the Seminoles, providing steady playmaking in the backcourt. He’s an excellent passer and has a good feel for the game, often setting up teammates for easy buckets. Warley’s ability to facilitate the offense while also contributing as a scorer will be important against a Notre Dame defense that has struggled with ball movement at times. - Balsa Koprivica (Forward)
Koprivica is a strong, physical forward who provides a solid presence in the post. While not as flashy as some of Florida State’s other players, he does the dirty work inside and provides leadership. His ability to rebound, set screens, and finish at the rim will be critical against Notre Dame’s smaller lineup.
Tactical Breakdown: Keys to the Game
Notre Dame’s Offensive Strategy
The Irish’s best chance for success lies in their ability to execute on offense. They need to focus on ball movement, spacing, and shot selection to counter Florida State’s size and length. Notre Dame has shown they can excel in half-court sets, but against Florida State, they may need to push the tempo at times to take advantage of the Seminoles’ transition defense.
Key to their success will be the performance of Trey Wertz and J.J. Starling. If these two can break down the Seminoles’ defense and create open shots for themselves and their teammates, it will force Florida State to adjust their defensive game plan. Additionally, Notre Dame needs to hit outside shots to stretch the floor and open up driving lanes. If they can knock down three-pointers consistently, it will force Florida State to scramble defensively.
Florida State’s Defensive Strategy
Florida State’s defense will be critical to their chances of victory. The Seminoles excel in creating turnovers, and Notre Dame’s ball security will be a key issue in this matchup. Florida State will likely employ a full-court press and aggressive man-to-man defense to disrupt the Irish’s offensive flow.
Florida State also has an advantage in terms of size, and they’ll look to exploit this by dominating the boards and blocking shots in the paint. McLeod’s presence inside will force Notre Dame to alter their shot selection, and it’s important that the Irish are efficient with their shot attempts, particularly from the mid-range.
Battle of the Bench
While Notre Dame relies heavily on their starting five, Florida State’s depth gives them an advantage in terms of fresh legs. The Seminoles have several players who can come off the bench and contribute, whether it’s scoring, defense, or rebounding. If Florida State’s bench players can outplay Notre Dame’s reserves, it will put even more pressure on the Irish to perform at a high level.
Prediction: Notre Dame vs. Florida State
This matchup is set to be a close, competitive game, but Florida State’s depth and size advantage give them the upper hand. If Notre Dame can execute their offense and avoid turnovers, they have the talent to pull off an upset. However, Florida State’s defense and ability to control the game with their length and physicality will likely prove to be too much.
Final Score Prediction: Florida State 75, Notre Dame 69
A Crucial Game for Notre Dame’s NCAA Hopes
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will need to come out with intensity, discipline, and a sharp focus to overcome the challenges that Florida State presents. While they have the talent to win, Notre Dame’s ability to execute under pressure and limit their mistakes will be the deciding factor. If they can neutralize Florida State’s athleticism and capitalize on their offensive opportunities, the Irish will have a chance to secure a much-needed victory in the ACC.
Ultimately, this game could prove to be a turning point in Notre Dame’s season, either propelling them forward or leaving them with more questions as they navigate the rest of their conference schedule.
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