February 14, 2008

Chris Nee
Warchant.com

Last Wednesday, Florida State (14-10, 3-6 ACC) broke a three-game losing streak with a big road win defeating in-state rival Miami. Despite leaving Coral Gables with a victory, the 'Noles were dealt a big blow when senior guard Isaiah Swann suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.

Florida State will begin the first of the final seven ACC regular season matchups against Wake Forest (14-8, 4-5 ACC) tonight. Without Swann in the lineup, Leonard Hamilton will turn to freshman swingman Jordan Demercy to replace many of his minutes.

"I realize that when Isaiah went down that somebody will have to step up and that somebody is me," Demercy said. "It is not something I cannot handle. It is actually something I am looking forward to, having the opportunity. Now I just want to show what I can do."

Demercy will not be the only option. Don't be surprised if a pair of walk-ons, Brian Hoff and Ben O'Donnell, see additional minutes. But ultimately Demercy's athleticism should make him the primary option off the bench.

So far this season, Demercy hasn't been much of a factor on offense averaging just one point and one rebound a game. However, he believes he learned a valuable lesson during the first two-thirds of the season and that those lessons will now pay dividends.

"I was uncomfortable on the offensive end earlier this season," Demercy said. "Now I feel more comfortable and as though I can play the way I am supposed to play. I feel like I am not only out there for defense any longer but also to be an offensive threat."

As with a lot of freshmen, the freshman from Norcross, Georgia admits that the transition from high school to college level basketball has been 'kind of crazy'.

"The first couple games I was really nervous. Then I started relaxing but when we got into the ACC it was entirely different," Demercy said. "For me it is just about molding myself into my game and getting comfortable on the floor.

"Playing at Norcross we play a national schedule against great teams so you would think you were playing fast. It didn't compare to the college game."

With some big shoes to fill and a lot of pressure to deal with, a couple of senior leaders sat Demercy down this week to explain his role for the stretch run.

"Jason Rich and Ralph Mims both sat me down and told me not to try to do too much but instead just to play my game," Demercy said. "They told me do what I can do best, things like run the floor, get rebounds, work on getting easy shots, and bringing it on defense. They told me do whatever it takes but don't try to shoulder everything myself, they don't need me to do too much, they just need me to do what I can do and help contribute."

For the second time this season, Leonard Hamilton's team will have to overcome an injury, and whether he's ready or not, Demercy's will have to grow up quickly.

"Some people adjust faster than others but I feel like I have made that adjustment now," he said. "The time has come."

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