Mims’ friends will be foes tonight FSU senior eager to see Bears again

It’s at his home court in Tallahassee, Fla., but Saturday’s nonconference basketball game against the University of Maine will feel a bit like a homecoming for Ralph Mims.

The Florida State University senior will have his first and only chance to play against some former teammates and opposing players in his four seasons with the Seminoles.

The former Brunswick High School star and three-time BDN All-Maine team pick can barely contain his eagerness to get to the Tucker Center court before today’s 7 p.m. game.

“[Brian] Andre, [Mark] Socoby and Junior [Bernal] – guys I played with and against – I haven’t seen them in so long,” said Mims. “I just can’t wait to see them.

“I wish we could have gotten a game up there so my friends could see me play.”

Mims, who talks to Brunswick basketball coach Todd Hanson every other week, played AAU basketball with all three current Maine starters.

“I’m excited to see how far they’ve come, especially Socoby,” said Mims, a native of Pensacola, Fla., who moved to Maine when his father Clint was stationed at Brunswick Naval Air Station. “When I first moved up to Maine, Junior was the second person and first player I met up there.”

It has been a trying (at times) four years for Mims at FSU, but the 6-foot-3 guard has taken every challenge in stride while establishing himself as a regular in the team rotation and an occasional starter. He admits it has been frustrating trying to earn more playing time.

“Of course. It’s very challenging and hard for any player coming into college ball after a great high school career, but now that I look back on it, it was a lesson and a learning process that’s kind of paying off for me because it’s strengthened me overall,” said the 22-year-old social sciences major.

Mims averaged 9.2 minutes, 2.8 points and 1.2 rebounds as a freshman while playing in 29 of 31 games. His sophomore year, he started seven games, averaging 19.4 minutes, 3.8 points and 1.5 rebounds. Last season, he averaged 4.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists – all career-highs.

In preparation for an expanded role this season, the 203-pound Mims concentrated on dropping 10 pounds to improve his quickness and stamina.

“I think it’s all helped me become a better player, student and man,” said Mims, who holds the school record for consecutive made free throws (33) and is fifth in school history with a career free throw percentage of 78.8. “I’ve had my struggles and battles, but you have to keep going out and fighting no matter what.

“I found out what kind of man I am under adversity. My confidence and my leadership are the things I’ve improved in since high school. It’s a whole different environment here.”

This season, Mims has played in all 10 games for the 8-2 Seminoles and started three. He’s averaging 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.5 assists per game.

“This has all made me stronger and made my confidence level go up while I learn more about the game and myself,” he said.

Mims has even found ways to be productive away from the game. Last week, he sang the National Anthem before the start of the nationally televised ACC-Big Ten Challenge game against Minnesota.

“My coach asked if I’d do it, he talked to some people and I did it,” said Mims, who also plays drums. “It wasn’t nerve-wracking at all. I just sang.”

It wasn’t the first solo for Mims, who began singing as a young child in church, but it was by far his largest audience.

“I’ve been singing all my life,” he said. “It wasn’t hard because God blessed me with a talent and I’m just trying to make the best of it.”

Will he do an encore?

“Most definitely. I will if they let me,” he said.

In the meantime, Mims hopes his play will make teammates, coaches and fans alike sing his praises.

Andrew Neff may be reached at aneff@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8205.