FSU freshman earns ACC rookie of the week honors

Marcis Ponder’s impressive start to his Florida State basketball career has already earned him conference recognition. The freshman center was named the ACC Rookie of the Week on Monday after recording double-doubles in each of FSU’s first two games, helping the Seminoles open the 2026-27 season 2-0. Ponder averaged 12.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while making eight of his 10 field-goal attempts in victories over Florida A&M and Troy. The 7-foot, 285-pound freshman immediately made an impact in his collegiate debut, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds in FSU’s 113-69 win over FAMU. He became the first Florida State freshman since Chris Singleton in 2008 to record a double-double in his first college game. Ponder followed that performance with 10 points and 10 rebounds in a 91-68 home-opening victory over Troy. He helped Florida State dominate the glass, with the Seminoles outrebounding the Trojans 46-21. Through the opening week, Ponder was the only ACC player to post double-doubles in each of his first two games. His production has provided an early glimpse of why Luke Loucks spoke so highly of the freshman throughout the offseason. The competition now takes a significant jump. Ponder and Florida State will host No. 1 Florida on Tuesday, matching the freshman against one of the strongest front-courts in college basketball and giving him his biggest test yet. Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions .