Seminole Great to Mentor Rising Stars on Path From College to the Pros
In a move that has both alumni and current players buzzing, Florida State basketball legend Bob Sura is officially returning to Tallahassee—not to play, but to mentor the next wave of Seminole stars chasing NBA dreams.
FSU announced Monday that Sura, a 1995 first-round NBA draft pick and one of the greatest players in program history, will serve as a special NBA Transition Advisor for the men’s basketball team during the 2025–26 season. In this newly created role, Sura will work directly with draft-eligible players, offering firsthand insight on professional preparation, decision-making, branding, and the mental transition from college basketball to life in the league.
For a generation of Seminole fans, Sura remains one of the most electric athletes ever to wear the Garnet and Gold. During his time at FSU, he became the program’s all-time leading scorer at the time, and his swagger, hustle, and highlight-reel dunks helped catapult the Seminoles onto the national stage in the early ‘90s.
“I’ve been where these guys want to go,” Sura said in the official announcement. “I know the pressure, the noise, the expectations. My job is to help them stay grounded, make smart decisions, and approach this transition with confidence.”
The idea was reportedly born during a casual phone call between Sura and head coach Leonard Hamilton, who saw an opportunity to connect the program’s decorated past with its promising future.
“Bob represents what’s possible,” said Hamilton. “He played 11 years in the NBA, built a legacy here at FSU, and never lost touch with who he was. Bringing him back is about more than nostalgia—it’s about impact.”
Sura’s role will also include post-practice mentoring sessions, film reviews, and offseason development advising for current players navigating NBA Combine evaluations or transfer portal decisions.
While many former stars opt for TV gigs or distant consulting roles, Sura says his heart never really left Tallahassee.
“This is home,” he said. “If I can help one guy make the right choice, protect his future, or just be ready for that next level—then it’s all worth it.”
With Bob Sura back in the building, one thing is clear: the bridge from FSU to the NBA just got stronger.
