In a stunning move, the Seminoles lose one of the key players they kept.
Florida State men's basketball once scored a huge roster win in keeping Thomas Bassong.
But he's since reversed course, choosing to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal with the news confirmed Wednesday morning.
Noles247 reported that "the two parties had mutually agreed verbally to an initial contract for his return, but after further negotiations, they never came to a written agreement."
The era of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) has seen more written agreements seal the fate of signings including transfers. Per Noles247, Bassong's agency and the likes of head coach Luke Loucks and company never came up with a finalized contract.
This move rises as quite the stunner for a team that built momentum in the College Basketball Transfer Portal.
Bassong even rose as the top priority for FSU men's basketball and Loucks to retain going into the offseason. FSU managed to sway him the first time.
"The way we ended the season got me thinking about coming back directly and start where we left off," Bassong once told reporters following his return. "I never though about leaving."
He added how Loucks was a "great guy" to work with. Plus envisioned improving his game.
"I need to develop my shooting abilities," Bassong began. "I have a lot of work on the offensive side. I'm working with coach [Chris] Kent about my shooting."
Now he'll have to fine tune his game elsewhere.
The final day to submit paperwork in leaving for the portal is April 21 for CBB. Bassong managed to file his work in to enter.
Bassong appeared in all 33 games, making 17 starts for the Seminoles.
He emerged as a primary part of FSU's rotation in the back-half of the season, largely due to his defensive presence and versatility he presented to Loucks and a senior-heavy Seminoles team. He averaged 19.3 minutes per game.
Bassong dropped 5.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, while recording 21 steals and 13 blocks. He shot 48.6-percent from the field and 26.0-percent from 3-point land.
He previously averaged 15.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 15.6 minutes per game playing for OTE during the 2024-25 season for the Jelly Fam team. He also played Internationally for his native France.
Loucks ends up losing his first high school commit with this stunning move.
Granted, FSU helped make up immediately for Bassong's loss. Italy guard/forward Elisee Assui committed to FSU on Wednesday morning, around the same time the Bassong news leaked out.
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