Florida State basketball fans were treated to a spectacular performance as Malique Ewin made a triumphant return, dropping 26 points in a dominant showing against SMU. After being sidelined due to injury, Ewin wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s a key player for the Seminoles. His comeback was nothing short of electric, raising the question: Did his time away from the court actually make him better?
A Return Worth the Hype
Ewin’s absence left a noticeable gap in Florida State’s rotation. Without his presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor, the Seminoles struggled with consistency, particularly in their offensive sets. His return, however, was a game-changer. From the opening tip, he played with energy and aggression, knocking down shots, grabbing rebounds, and setting the tone for the team.
The highlight of the night came in the second half when Ewin drained a deep three-pointer, turning to the crowd with a look that said, Yeah, I’m back. His confidence was infectious, and his teammates fed off his energy.
Did Time Off Improve His Game?
Sometimes, being away from the game can actually help a player reset, refine their skills, and return stronger than before. For Ewin, the time off may have given him the chance to study the game from a different perspective, work on his conditioning, and improve certain aspects of his game without the pressure of competing every night. His footwork looked sharper, his shot selection was more disciplined, and his defensive awareness seemed more polished.
The injury, though unfortunate, might have inadvertently given Ewin the break he needed to come back even better. Whether it was more time watching film, extra shooting reps, or just the hunger to get back on the court, his return suggests that absence really does make the heart—and the jump shot—grow fonder.
What This Means for the Seminoles
With Ewin back in the lineup, Florida State suddenly looks like a much more dangerous team. His ability to score inside and outside gives the Seminoles a much-needed offensive boost. If he continues playing at this level, he could be the X-factor Florida State needs heading into tournament play.
For now, Seminole fans can celebrate the fact that their star is back—and based on his performance, he might just be better than ever.
