FSU basketball: Thomas Bassong changes mind, enters transfer portal

TL;DR

Thomas Bassong, a forward for Florida State, has reversed his decision to return and entered the transfer portal on the final day of the window. He was previously seen as a key retention for the Seminoles after starting 16 of their last 17 games last season.

Key points

Thomas Bassong enters the transfer portal on the final day of the window
He was previously committed to returning to Florida State
Bassong started 16 of FSU's last 17 games last season
Florida State has seen multiple players enter the transfer portal
The team has also made several additions from the portal

Florida State Seminoles

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 the modern era of college athletics. 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 () and guards in (), Kameron Taylor (UNC Asheville), () 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.

Q&A

Why did Thomas Bassong enter the transfer portal after deciding to return to FSU?

Thomas Bassong changed his mind and entered the transfer portal despite initially announcing his return to Florida State, indicating a shift in his plans.

What impact does Thomas Bassong's transfer have on Florida State's basketball team?

Bassong's departure adds to the list of key players leaving the team, which may affect Florida State's roster depth and performance for the upcoming season.

Who are the other players that have entered the transfer portal from FSU basketball?

Alongside Thomas Bassong, players like Shah Muhammed, Alier Maluk, and Cam Miles have also entered the transfer portal.