Tre Carroll has emerged as a familiar face for Florida Atlantic, quickly becoming a fan favorite after a significant roster turnover in the offseason. His consistent contributions off the bench have played a valuable role in the team’s competitive start to the season.
Carroll’s impactful play on both ends of the court has aided the Owls’ strong start to the season. The redshirt junior forward has made his mark with dominant rebounding and electrifying slam dunks, showcasing his talent and energy.
A native of Port Charlotte, Florida, Carroll was raised in an athletic family, where he developed a strong mentality that he continues to uphold at Florida Atlantic.
“You never know what’s going to be taken away. That’s why you gotta get to work each day,” Carroll said. “My goal is to win each day.”
Following coach Dusty May’s departure to Michigan, only four players and one coach remained from the 2023-24 roster. After discussing it with his family, fiancé and new coach John Jakus, Carroll decided to remain at FAU.
“Jakus told me he wanted me to stay,” Carroll said. “He really knows basketball, but he really cares about his guys. Honestly, it’s not even about basketball, it’s about family.”
Since then, he has played exceptional basketball. Carroll focuses on finding ways to improve the team on and off the court. Carroll has a strong desire to ensure the team is winning each day.
“Everyone is a key player in this program, and anyone can go off for 15-20 points,” Carroll said.
Carroll’s uplifting mindset has led him to have a competitive start this season. The Owls are 5-5 with victories over Liberty and Oklahoma State. They have lost their five games by an average of five points per contest, with close losses to UCF, Charleston, Seton Hall and FGCU.
Carroll is no stranger to success, having been part of a winning culture while at FAU. He aims to build on the success of the past two seasons, during which the Owls made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a Final Four run in 2023.
Coming off the bench, Carroll brings contagious energy that helps unite the team.
“Not everyone can play Division I basketball. I am really blessed to be here and live out a dream,” he said.
Playing under Jakus, Carroll has become a more confident and grounded basketball player. He has adapted to a new rhythm of play that has accelerated his game to the next level.
“Jakus has instilled confidence in me, and he installs that in every one of his players because he believes this is a players’ program,” Carroll said. “I am really grateful I can be coached under him.”
By maintaining a composed attitude throughout the transfer portal process, Jakus and the new players have become like family to Carroll.
“I didn’t know any of these guys months ago, and now I call them my brothers,” he said.
The redshirt junior forward had one of his best performances in FAU’s previous game against FIU. Carroll led the Owls with 24 points and added five rebounds in an 88-77 road victory, snapping a three-game losing streak.
The Owls will try to build on the victory over FIU when they host Jacksonville at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
[…] continued to uphold his momentum, leading the way in the second half. Carroll contributed 17 points, making 6 of 9 from the floor […]