The Florida State men's basketball team welcomed LSU to the Tucker Center on Saturday for the last exhibition game of the season. Fans got quite the first look at a Fort Lauderdale native who could be a big part of the 2026-27 team.
The game was highlighted by Cincinnati transfer Shon Abaev, who filled up the stat sheet with an impressive outing. The lefty Abaev drained five 3-pointers with a few step-backs and a few in transition where the talented sophomore could really step into his shot. Abaev also incorporated catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and 3-pointers coming off screens.
Abaev's night helped the Seminoles come away victorious over the Tigers 89-87 in a game that was very tight down the stretch.
“Shon was incredible tonight with his shot making and playing with the ball, especially when Ant (Anthony Robinson) went out,” FSU coach Luke Loucks said. “He’s just got a great ability to put the ball in the hoop and facilitate, which I think that’s the next jump, his defense and facilitation can really be a key for us this year.”
Abaev finished with a team-high 26 points and went 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Abaev also added five assists and two steals to complete a solid performance during the last exhibition game.
Cincinnati transfer Shon Abaev made five 3-pointers and added five assists. (photo by Mike Ewen)
Abaev has the size at 6-foot-8 to get his shot over smaller defenders if he stays on his toes and gets good lift on his shot. The more playing time and games progress when the season starts will only see Abaev grow even more confident in his shot.
“I trusted myself and my confidence just knowing the work I put in all these years and just knowing the value I have as a player to this team and just knowing my team and hitting shots, and I did that.” Abaev said.
Abaev is essentially playing the role of former Florida State standout LaJae Jones, who was drafted in the second round by Golden State. Both are similar in size but Abaev is skinnier, quicker and could be a better shooter with time.
The potential is there for Abaev, who was a McDonald's All-American coming out of high school. His freshman season at Cincinnati did not go as planned and he looks to have found a home with the Seminoles to showcase his developing skills into possibly an NBA career.
After a pair of exhibition wins over Auburn and LSU, the Seminoles will begin the regular season on Nov. 2 when they travel to Tampa for a neutral site game against Florida A&M at 8:30 p.m. (ESPNU).
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