Florida Atlantic delivered one of the most improbable Final Four runs in college basketball history in 2023. Just a Lamon Butler buzzer-beater away from the national championship game, the Owls weren’t just a Cinderella story. They were a team filled with star power and talent that continues to shine today.
In the coming days, four members of that historic squad will be playing or coaching in the Sweet 16, beginning today. Here’s a look at the former Owls to watch:
Johnell Davis, Arkansas
You may remember Davis as the point guard for FAU’s 35-win team. Now, he’s leading the 10th-seeded Razorbacks on their own improbable run. Davis has been a key catalyst in Arkansas’ tournament victories over Kansas and St. John’s, playing a crucial role in their late-season push to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in John Calipari’s first season with the team.
Alijah Martin, Florida
During FAU’s Final Four run, Martin was a key perimeter threat (37.2% 3-point shooting) and a strong defensive presence. Now, he’s helping the Florida Gators chase a national title. After four seasons with the Owls, Martin has seamlessly transitioned to Florida, where he ranks second in scoring (14.6 points per game) behind Walter Clayton Jr.
Vladislav Goldin, Michigan
The 7-foot-1 center was a dominant force for FAU, especially in physical matchups like the one against Tennessee. After starting his career at Texas Tech, Goldin is now finishing it at Michigan. He and fellow 7-footer Danny Wolf form a formidable frontcourt duo, hoping to knock off top-seeded Auburn.
Dusty May, Michigan
No Cinderella Final Four team is complete without great coaching, and Florida Atlantic had just that in Dusty May. After leading the Owls to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2002, he guided them to the Final Four in 2023. May kept much of his core intact for another tournament appearance in 2024 before falling to Northwestern in the first round. This past offseason, he took over for Juwan Howard at Michigan, and now he’s looking to continue a strong first season with an upset over Auburn.
