Loucks updates FSU injuries, staff changes and Steen eligibility battle

Florida State's coach detailed recovery timetables, promotions on his bench and his frustration with Alex Steen's eligibility denial after the team's opening fall practice.

Florida State opened fall practice, and afterward head coach Luke Loucks gave reporters a rundown of his roster's health. Sebastian Rankic has put summer tendonitis behind him and is at full strength. Marcis Ponder left the session with a shoulder stinger that Loucks characterized as minor, with the athletic trainer estimating about 30 minutes of recovery. Shon Abaev, who tweaked a wrist, had negative X-rays and should return between a couple of days and two weeks.

Two players remain on the mend from ACL injuries. AJ Swinton's recovery is trending well, while Colin Paul has repeatedly stalled in his attempts to increase his workload, reaching only 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 so far. Loucks said he will stay patient with Paul and prioritize getting him fully healthy before clearing him for 5-on-5 play.

The offseason also reshaped the staff. Chris Kent became head coach of the Austin Spurs, San Antonio's G League affiliate; Perin Foot joined North Alabama as an assistant; Jabril Durham moved to FIU; and Ryan Shnider took an assistant role at Eckerd College. Internally, Loucks elevated Kyle Washington and Justin Lindner to full-time assistants, predicting both will eventually lead their own programs.

Much of the press conference focused on Alex Steen's eligibility. Loucks voiced frustration with what he views as inconsistent rulings, noting that several programs on FSU's schedule, including Miami, Florida, Houston, Syracuse, Wake Forest and Louisville, have similar cases and that a number have already been cleared. He stressed that Steen is not costing any current Seminole a roster spot or revenue share, since the money was distributed before the five-for-five eligibility rule took effect and unused funds remain available. According to Loucks, Steen was initially rattled by the denial but will decide on the appeal himself, with the filing expected this week.

Loucks also praised the freshman trio of Martay Barnes, Brandon Bass Jr. and Elisee Assui, citing their toughness and work ethic despite needing development. Senior guard Anthony Robinson II, a Tallahassee native who arrived from Missouri, said the group has bonded quickly and that his two NCAA Tournament appearances will inform his leadership in his final season.