TALLAHASSEE -- With the announcement of new hires, Florida State University men’s basketball is entering an exciting chapter under the leadership of their newly appointed head coach, Luke Loucks. On March 20, 2025, Loucks introduced two key assistants: Michael Fly and Gerald Gillion. Together, they are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the court, enhancing the program's future prospects.
Loucks, who took the reins after Leonard Hamilton's 23-year tenure, is keenly aware that he must assemble a competent staff swiftly, especially with the transfer portal opening on March 24. Historically, this period sees players announcing their intentions to transfer, which adds urgency to Loucks's recruiting efforts.
Michael Fly, a former student-athlete at Florida State, has a storied coaching career thus far. He began his coaching journey as a video coordinator while Loucks was still playing for FSU from 2008 to 2012. Fly further developed his skills at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), where he served as head coach and clinched a 56-60 record over four seasons. Notably, his last season there proved to be his best, guiding the Eagles to a 22-12 record and a Sweet 16 run during his time as an assistant under Andy Enfield.
Loucks is enthusiastic about Fly’s potential contributions, having said that he has been “relentlessly recruiting” for the Seminoles. Following his time at FGCU, Fly briefly worked with Dennis Gates at Missouri as the Director of Scouting and Analytics before his recent role as Associate Head Coach at Jacksonville University, where he helped lead the Dolphins to a respectable 19-13 finish this season.
The second hire, Gerald Gillion, is also steeped in Florida State tradition. A graduate of FSU, Gillion earned his Bachelor's Degree in Social Science in 2008. He brings over 12 years of collegiate coaching experience to the program, having served as a head coach at Chicago State University from 2021 to 2024, where he successfully improved the team's record each season—culminating in a 13-19 finish in his last season, the best Chicago State record in over 16 years. Prior to leading Chicago State, Gillion was the Associate Head Coach at Long Island University and an assistant at various institutions including South Florida and Tennessee Tech.
“I’m super excited about Gerald — a connector, a relationship builder,” Loucks remarked, emphasizing Gillion’s role in fostering connections with players and staff alike. As they build their staff and define their strategies, both new assistants will be critical in bridging the connection between the new coaching philosophy and existing player dynamics.
Loucks has expressed his intention to add even more talent to his staff, mentioning ongoing negotiations with potential candidates, including a teammate from his time at FSU, Deividas Dulkys, who is currently an NBA assistant coach. The coach acknowledged the challenge of forming a cohesive team while several current assistants, including Stan Jones, Kevin Nickelberry, and Jake Morton, see their contracts expire at the end of the month.
Notably, the departure of longtime strength and conditioning coach Michael Bradley is also shaping a transitional period, marking a significant shift in the program as it adapts to Loucks's vision. It’s clear that he appreciates the contributions of the exiting staff, saying, “I appreciate their efforts in helping coach Leonard Hamilton build the foundation for the program.”
With the transfer portal looming, players like Robert McCray V, who transformed his game at Jacksonville University after previously playing at Wake Forest, may become desirable prospects for Florida State. McCray finished this season as a two-time All-ASun selection, showcasing his caliber and potential to contribute significantly.
Florida State fans are undoubtedly hopeful that Loucks's leadership, combined with the experience and ties that Fly and Gillion bring, will foster a renewed enthusiasm and success on the court. As the basketball program makes these significant changes in leadership and staff, there is an air of optimism surrounding the future, both for incoming recruits and for current players who are eager to adapt to a new era of Seminole basketball.
Loucks continues to keep fans updated on his staff and player development strategies, underscoring that he wants a team that can not only teach and coach but also build personal relationships and recruit effectively. As Florida State steps into this new chapter, the coming weeks and months will be crucial in molding a competitive team capable of achieving success in the ACC and beyond.
