Florida State men’s basketball forward Thomas Bassong is entering the NCAA transfer portal, according to sources close to the program.
Bassong was initially set to, and wanted to return to the Seminoles program, as announced on social media and in a press conference with local media after his standout freshman season.
According to sources, after verbally agreeing to terms, which prompted the social media announcement of his return, the two sides couldn’t finalize an agreement on a signed new deal before the deadline to enter the portal, which is Tuesday, April 21.
While unlikely, Bassong could still return to the program if a deal is agreed to with him in the transfer portal, but he will now be able to listen to and negotiate with other schools.
Thomas Bassong 2025-26 season
He blossomed from a bench role into a key starter for Luke Loucks in his first season in charge of the program. Bassong averaged 5.9 points and 3.5 rebounds for the Seminoles, starting 17 games and making 33 total appearances for the program.
The Seminoles have brought in four transfers so far, including Cincinnati forward Shon Abaev, UNC-Ashville guard Kam Taylor, Missouri guard Anthony Robinson II, and Colorado forward Sebastian Rancik.
FSU also added Tallahassee State guard Amare Robinson, the brother of Anthony, to the roster, and will welcome the nation’s eighth-ranked recruiting class next season.
Bassong was expected to be a key piece for the Seminoles in his sophomore season, with his defensive versatility something often praised by the coaching staff. Now, the program will shift to the portal to find a replacement, and potentially another big man to add to the roster.
FSU basketball transfer commitments
Which players are leaving FSU men’s basketball?
Transfer portal departures
Eligibility expired
FSU basketball 2026 recruiting class
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU basketball’s Thomas Bassong changes course, set to enter transfer portal
Reporting by Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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