The Seminoles head coach dove deeper into why his team opted to end the season.
Florida State basketball left an opening for the National Invitational Tournament Sunday.
The Seminoles, 18-15 overall with three victories against March Madness qualifiers, chose not to participate in the NIT Sunday night.
That tourney was the most likeliest destination for the Noles. The CBI (College Basketball Invitational) canceled its 2026 tournament. FSU also didn't have a strong enough resume to land inside the field of 68, even as a play-in.
Loucks posted a tweet about the final Selection Sunday pairings including dropping a bold take. However, he delivered a more lengthy message via a school release on why FSU chose to skip the NIT.
"We have tremendous respect for the National Invitational Tournament and the role it has played in college basketball for many years," Loucks began in the release. "When we were asked previously about the possibility of an NIT invitation, I meant it when I said Florida State would welcome the opportunity to compete.
"After our loss to Duke on Thursday night, I felt strongly that the players who carried this season – especially our seniors – deserved a voice in that decision. After everything they invested this year, it was important to me that they had ownership of how this season concluded," Loucks continued.
However, he cites a player vote by the six-man senior class as to why FSU is bypassing the NIT.
"Our team ultimately chose not to participate, and I respect that decision," Loucks said. "This group battled through adversity, exceeded every expectation and played some of the best basketball in the country over the final month of the season."
Loucks added he became impressed by how his team buckled down and found solutions amid the early losses.
"Their character, courage and competitiveness were on full display in our one-point game against the nation's top-ranked team," Loucks said in referring to the Duke loss, which likely would've boosted their March Madness resume had they won. "While the result was heartbreaking, the fight and unity they showed in that moment is a powerful reflection of who they became as a team."
Loucks ended by sharing his praise for the senior class -- as Robert McCray V, Lajae Jones and Chauncey Wiggins will move on.
"For our seniors, that performance is a fitting final memory of a season defined by resilience, growth and pride in wearing Florida State across their chest," Loucks said.
Looking ahead, FSU will spark NCAA Tournament chatter for the 2026-27 season.
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