Florida State forward Thomas Bassong is entering the NCAA transfer portal after failing to finalize a new deal with the Seminoles. He had initially planned to return to the program following a strong freshman season.
Key points
Thomas Bassong is entering the NCAA transfer portal
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 new deal before the deadline to enter the portal, which is Tuesday, April 21.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) fights through contact. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Thomas Bassong (3) knocks a defender to the ground while driving the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Q&A
Why is Thomas Bassong entering the NCAA transfer portal?
Thomas Bassong is entering the NCAA transfer portal because he and Florida State could not finalize a new deal before the deadline.
What was Thomas Bassong's initial plan regarding his college basketball career?
Thomas Bassong initially planned to return to the Florida State Seminoles after a standout freshman season.
When is the deadline for entering the NCAA transfer portal?
The deadline for entering the NCAA transfer portal is Tuesday, April 21.
What impact could Thomas Bassong's transfer have on Florida State basketball?
Thomas Bassong's transfer could impact Florida State basketball by affecting their roster depth and future performance following his strong freshman season.
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Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) shoots for three. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) drives the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Chauncey Wiggins (7) shoots for three. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots for three. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Maximo Garcia-Plata Nieto (0) shoots for three. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Shahid Muhammad (4) dunks the ball. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Shahid Muhammad (4) and Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) celebrate a shot. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) drives the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) shoots for two while surrounded by defenders. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots for two. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots from inside the paint. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Cam Miles (2) is blocked by Southern Methodist University Mustangs forward B.J. Davis-Ray (9). The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Cam Miles (2) tries to shoot but is blocked by Southern Methodist University Mustangs forward B.J. Davis-Ray (9). The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Cam Miles (2) shoots for two . The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Martin Somerville (1) tries to shoot from inside the paint but is surrounded by defenders. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) gets blocked. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks reacts to a call. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Thomas Bassong (3) knocks a defender to the ground while driving the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Chauncey Wiggins (7) looks to make his next move. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks signals to a player from the sideline. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) fights through contact. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Chauncey Wiggins (7) dunks the ball. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots for two. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) celebrates a dunk. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) talks to his teammates before a free throw. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Sweat flies Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen’s head as he dunks the ball. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Sweat flies off the body of Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) after dunking the ball. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) looks for an opportunity to shoot. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) drives the ball to the hoot. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) shoots for two while surrounded by defenders. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots from inside the paint. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Cam Miles (2) drives the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Martin Somerville (1) tries to shoot from inside the paint but is surrounded by defenders. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots for two. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks argues with a referee about a call made. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks signals to his players from the sideline. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Lajae Jones (10) shoots for two. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) fights through contact. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) fights through contact. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Thomas Bassong (3) knocks a defender to the ground while driving the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) shoots for three. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) drives the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Chauncey Wiggins (7) shoots for three. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots for three. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Maximo Garcia-Plata Nieto (0) shoots for three. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Shahid Muhammad (4) dunks the ball. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Shahid Muhammad (4) and Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) celebrate a shot. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) drives the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) shoots for two while surrounded by defenders. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots for two. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots from inside the paint. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Cam Miles (2) is blocked by Southern Methodist University Mustangs forward B.J. Davis-Ray (9). The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Cam Miles (2) tries to shoot but is blocked by Southern Methodist University Mustangs forward B.J. Davis-Ray (9). The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Cam Miles (2) shoots for two . The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Martin Somerville (1) tries to shoot from inside the paint but is surrounded by defenders. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) gets blocked. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks reacts to a call. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Thomas Bassong (3) knocks a defender to the ground while driving the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Chauncey Wiggins (7) looks to make his next move. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks signals to a player from the sideline. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) fights through contact. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Chauncey Wiggins (7) dunks the ball. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots for two. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) celebrates a dunk. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) talks to his teammates before a free throw. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Sweat flies Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen’s head as he dunks the ball. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Sweat flies off the body of Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) after dunking the ball. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles forward Alex Steen (25) looks for an opportunity to shoot. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) drives the ball to the hoot. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Kobe Magee (5) shoots for two while surrounded by defenders. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots from inside the paint. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Cam Miles (2) drives the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Martin Somerville (1) tries to shoot from inside the paint but is surrounded by defenders. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Robert McCray V. (6) shoots for two. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks argues with a referee about a call made. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks signals to his players from the sideline. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Lajae Jones (10) shoots for two. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
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.
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.
Florida State Seminoles guard Thomas Bassong (3) knocks a defender to the ground while driving the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Florida State Seminoles guard Thomas Bassong (3) knocks a defender to the ground while driving the ball to the hoop. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
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.
