Talented 7-Footer Leaving FSU Basketball

Sophomore forward Alier Maluk to enter NCAA transfer portal after limited playing time

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors like orange, blue, and green, conceptually representing the challenges Florida State faces in replacing a key frontcourt player.The departure of a talented 7-footer leaves Florida State with a frontcourt hole to fill as they look to build on their first season under a new coach.Houston Today

Despite desperately needing a center, Florida State couldn't make it work with sophomore forward Alier Maluk, who is now expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The 7-footer from New York showed flashes as a true freshman but struggled to earn consistent minutes this past season, playing just 33% of the minutes he did the previous year.

Why it matters

Florida State is looking to build on a solid first season under new head coach Luke Loucks, but the departure of Maluk leaves a hole in the frontcourt that the Seminoles will need to address through the transfer portal or recruiting. The team desperately needs quality center play after relying on an undersized Alex Steen this past year.

The details

Maluk, who reclassified to join FSU a year early in Leonard Hamilton's final season, appeared in just 22 games this past season, starting three, for an average of only 6.3 minutes per game. That's a steep drop from his freshman campaign, where he played a more significant role. His best game of the season came against Mississippi Valley State, where he produced 7 points and 7 rebounds.

  • Maluk is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal in April 2026.

The players

Alier Maluk

A 7-foot sophomore forward who struggled to earn consistent minutes at Florida State this past season after showing promise as a true freshman.

Luke Loucks

The new head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, who is looking to build on a solid first season and address holes in the frontcourt.

Leonard Hamilton

The former head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, who Maluk joined a year early in his final season.

Alex Steen

An undersized forward who was forced to play significant minutes at center for Florida State this past season due to a lack of quality options in the middle.

Marcis Ponder

A 4-star center recruit who Florida State has signed and is hoping can provide an upgrade at the position.

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What’s next

Florida State will look to address the hole in their frontcourt through the transfer portal or additional recruiting, with the signing of 4-star center Marcis Ponder a good start.

The takeaway

The departure of Alier Maluk leaves Florida State with a significant need at the center position, which the team will have to address in order to build on their solid first season under new head coach Luke Loucks.