Florida State basketball staff goes viral for successful challenge
Michael Rubin, student director and lead video director for the men’s basketball team, became part of the March Madness Chaos this week after a proposed challenge to head coach Luke Lux resulted in an overturned decision in favor of the Seminoles.
Florida State Seminoles guard Martin Somerville (1) dribbles as California Golden Bears guard Nolan Dorsey (21) defends in the second half at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 11, 2026. (Bob Doonan/Imagine Images)
The ACC posted a video of Robin celebrating with another employee, which led to the moment going viral. Loucks can also be seen in the video walking up to Rubin to fist bump him after the successful challenge.
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“Go f**king,” one person wrote on X.
Another added: “Being convinced to tell your HC to challenge the play is brave enough…then it’s done right!!! That’s a confidence builder right there.”
Robin’s role this season stems from NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Committee.Who agreed to a new rule – the coach’s challenge – in June. According to the rule, coaches can challenge “out-of-bounds calls, basket tackles/goaltending, and whether the secondary defender is in the arc of the restricted area.”
Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Lux during the ACC men’s basketball tournament between the California Golden Bears and the Florida State Seminoles at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 11, 2026. (John Byrom/Sportswire Icon via Getty Images)
Teams must have a timeout to call for an immediate restart, and if the challenge is successful, they are allowed to do another video review challenge for the remainder of the game. This includes overtime. But if a team’s first review challenge is unsuccessful, they will not be allowed to challenge for the rest of the competition.
Florida State used Rubin and Assistant Director of Operations Ryan Schneider to take advantage of the new rule change. According to the team’s website, the pair sit behind Lux ”attentively studying every play of the game.”
Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen, 25, reacts during halftime at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 11, 2026. (Bob Doonan/Imagine Images)
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“These guys (Ryan and Michael) work their tails off every day,” Lux said earlier this month on Instagram. Team website. “They’re doing it because they love the game and they love the program. They’ve put in a lot of time and effort, and they’re in a tough situation. It’s a really tough job because I’m pushing them hard and asking them if I should challenge or not. They have to make a split-second decision that could win or lose you the game.”
Robin is in his third season as team manager and is a third-year sports management major. Before Florida State’s quarterfinal game Against Duke On Thursday night, Robin received a parting message on X after his viral moment.
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“Moving forward – grateful for every moment.”
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