FSU basketball: Thomas Bassong changes mind, enters transfer portal

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 11: Thomas Bassong #3 of the Florida State Seminoles looks on during the second half of a game against the Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on November 11, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) | Getty Images Welcome to t

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After announcing his return to Florida State less than two weeks ago, forward Thomas Bassong instead will be entering the transfer portal.

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.

Bassong enters on the final day of the portal window, as the 21st marks the final day it’s open ahead of the 30th serving as the final day of the recruiting period.

He was a key retention for Florida State at the time, with the upcoming sophomore even holding a press

conference to discuss his decision to return to the Seminoles.

“It was always obvious [I was coming back],” he told local media. “I never thought about leaving. Coach Loucks is a good guy, a great coach, a great person. So I knew I was coming back.”

Bassong came to Tallahassee as a raw but talented prospect with versatility on both ends of the floor, thanks to his 6’8”, 203-pound frame and 7’3” wingspan. Over the course of the season, the Frenchman earned the coaching staff’s trust and became a mainstay in the starting lineup midway through the year. Bassong started 16 of FSU’s final 17 games, including the ACC tournament, helping the Seminoles finish the year 11-6 and turn the season around.

Florida State has been active in the portal, bringing in forward Sebastian Rancik (Colorado) and guards in Shon Abaev (Cincinnati), Kameron Taylor (UNC Asheville), Anthony Robinson II (Missouri) and his brother Amare Robinson (Tallahassee State College).

As far as departures, Bassong now joins forwards Shah Muhammed and Alier Maluk as well as guards Cam Miles, Xaixer Osceola and Maximo Garcia-Plata to the portal.