When Florida State launched its coaching search to replace longtime head coach Leonard Hamilton, Luke Loucks wasn’t immediately sold on returning. A former Seminole point guard who helped lead Florida State to its first ACC title in 2012, Loucks had since built a steady career in the NBA, most recently as an assistant with the Sacramento Kings.
Despite his deep ties to the program, the idea of leading a rebuilding college team didn’t appeal to him at first.
Luke Loucks on What Changed His Mind About Leading Florida State Basketball
Luke Loucks didn’t initially have much interest in returning to college basketball, let alone taking over as head coach at his alma mater, Florida State.
“Honestly, I didn’t have a ton of interest of coaching in college,” Loucks admitted during a conversation with CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish. “I was just on a good path in the NBA. I enjoyed where I was going, I enjoyed who I worked with.”
At the time, Loucks was progressing quickly in the professional ranks and envisioned any potential head coaching opportunity as one that would come within the NBA.
However, that perspective began to shift midway through the ACC season when it became clear that longtime Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton would step down.
“There were some initial questions just if I would have any interest,” Loucks recalled. “But once coach Hamilton announced that this would be his final year… the more those conversations started, I looked at everything.”
Loucks emphasized the dual pull of family and career in his decision-making.
“You have your emotional side and your family side, and then you have your career side,” he said.
He and his wife took time to reflect on the opportunity, considering their future from every angle.
“We sat down, we prayed about it, we thought about it… is this something that we want to pursue?”
From a personal standpoint, the decision aligned naturally. Loucks’ wife swam at Florida State, both their families are based in Florida, and the couple, along with their three young children, saw a rare chance to settle.
“Since leaving Florida State, I’ve lived in five different countries and four different states,” he noted. “But we’ve never come back, other than vacation.”
Professionally, Loucks felt ready.
“Everything you do is to be a great assistant and support your head coach, but also you’re learning so that one day you’ll be ready,” he said.
Passionate about player development and learning alongside others, he saw value in forming a staff that could grow together. Though new to the college head coaching lifestyle, Loucks acknowledged the lifestyle shift compared to the NBA.
“You’re going to be on a plane half the month… away from your kids,” he said. “Now, I hang up the phone, and my kids are sitting there instead of me being in Salt Lake City or Brooklyn or Miami.”
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Ultimately, Loucks’ decision was rooted in a blend of personal ties, family priorities, and a genuine passion for mentoring players, all of which converged to make leading Florida State basketball the right next step in his career.
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