Head coach Luke Loucks and his coaching staff lands a top 100 talent, who happens to be a local get.
Florida State basketball hit a dud against the Miami Hurricanes on Tuesday. But recreated momentum two days after -- thanks to a huge recruiting win.
Head coach Luke Loucks and his coaching staff pulled off one more Class of 2026 victory Thursday: Landing top 100 guard Martay Barnes.
The 6-foot-2 guard Barnes ranked as the nation's No. 90 overall talent for the '26 class by 247Sports. He's a local talent who stars for The Academy of Central Florida in Orlando.
Barnes revealed his reason behind choosing FSU with Travis Branham of Noles247.
"It feels like home," Barnes began. "It was a major decision, for sure. It's a historic state, a powerhouse building, and it's just lovely having my family around me."
Loucks and the staff handed Barnes a family vibe, as Barnes described.
"The way they brought us in, I felt a real vibe, and I fit the culture around there. It felt like the best fit for me," Barnes said.
He even felt the "red carpet" treatment when he and his family visited for an official visit.
"Right when we got into the building at 10 0'clock at night, they had the red carpet out for me in the arena with the Jumbotron down," Barnes said about his visit. "You could feel the love from the moment you walked into the building. I knew it right then and there."
Which other school was in final contention for Barnes?
The Auburn Tigers were in the mix late. But Barnes spurns the Southeastern Conference power for the Seminoles.
Barnes originally was supposed to graduate in the 2027 class. But he opted to reclassify early and will comprise the 2026 crew.
"Honestly, they told me they want me to come here and be myself and do what I do best on the court, and that will translate," Barnes said.
He's the fifth member of the '26 class and will join football/basketball recruit Jasen Lopez as well.
Barnes heads over to a guard-heavy attack that Loucks likes to roll with. And the new Seminole fired off this message after his commitment.
"I am bringing everything," Barnes said. "I am coming in there to give it my all, my whole ability, everything. I am ready to come out there and give it my best ability and do everything they need me to do."
FSU remains in the race to land a higher seed in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament at 14-14 overall as well as attempting to improve its March Madness chances.
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