The most skilled big man in college basketball right now plays in Tallahassee, Florida. While the Florida State Seminoles have experienced their share of ups and downs this season, Malique Ewin has emerged as a standout player, playing a pivotal role in some of the team’s biggest victories. As Ewin continues to develop, he has firmly established himself as one of the top players in the country.
The anticipation surrounding Ewin heading into this season was well-founded. Praised by both his teammates and coaching staff since transferring to Florida State, Ewin has showcased a unique combination of ball-handling, scoring, and playmaking that is unprecedented in the Seminoles’ basketball history for a big man. His versatility has set him apart as a dynamic force on both ends of the court.
Ewin’s journey to Florida State is an interesting one. He began his college career at Ole Miss before transferring to South Plains College, where he played at the JUCO level. During his year at South Plains, Ewin averaged 15 points and nine rebounds while shooting an impressive 62 percent from the field. His dominant play earned him NJCAA Player of the Year honors and helped his team win a conference championship, making him the #1 player in the junior college ranks.
Florida State took notice of Ewin’s success, and despite his time at a lower level of competition, the Seminoles saw the potential in his multi-dimensional skillset. Ewin made the leap back to Division I basketball, but the transition wasn’t without its challenges. One of his biggest obstacles was adjusting to the increased physicality of the game. In Florida State’s season opener against Northern Kentucky, Ewin was held scoreless. He also struggled in a loss to Florida, where the Gators’ defense effectively neutralized him.
The loss to Florida was particularly difficult for Ewin and the Seminoles, but it sparked a turning point. Florida State needed a stronger contribution from their starting center, and Ewin delivered. In the following game against Hofstra, Ewin bounced back with 13 points and 6 rebounds on 6-of-8 shooting, helping the Seminoles secure a 79-61 win. This performance marked the beginning of Ewin’s ascent, as he began to embrace the physical nature of Division I play while showing off his offensive and rebounding skills.
Ewin’s breakout continued through the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off, where he dominated in games against Temple and UMass. Averaging 16 points and 8 rebounds on 70 percent shooting, Ewin proved he could be a force against top-level competition. His strong performances led Florida State to an undefeated weekend and a four-game winning streak, solidifying his place as the team’s go-to player.
Despite some recent struggles for Florida State, Ewin has remained a consistent presence. In a high-scoring game against NC State, Ewin recorded 23 points and 9 rebounds, although foul trouble limited his playing time and ultimately contributed to a narrow loss. Moving forward, staying out of foul trouble will be critical for Ewin, as his impact on the floor is vital to Florida State’s success.
Currently, Ewin is averaging 12.2 points and 7 rebounds on 55 percent shooting. Although it took him some time to settle into his role, he is now one of the Seminoles’ most valuable players. As conference play begins, Ewin will face off against some of the top big men in the ACC, but if his performances so far this season are any indication, he will be ready for the challenge and continue to play a central role in Florida State’s pursuit of success.
