Our Director of Scouting, @jdogbo , sits down with French prospect Thomas Bassong for an exclusive interview. Now playing at Mississippi State, Bassong reflects on his basketball journey through Florida State, Overtime Elite, and Žalgiris Kaunas.
In this interview, Thomas discusses:
• Growing up in Paris
• His basketball development in France
• Competing in the French Championship
• His move to Žalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania
• Basketball culture in Lithuania
• Learning the fundamentals of European basketball
• His experience with Overtime Elite
• The differences between European and American basketball
• His individual success at OTE
• His freshman season at Florida State
• Adjusting to ACC basketball
• Becoming a starter in the ACC
• His position, versatility, and NBA projection
• His strengths as a player
• Areas he continues to improve
• Why he chose Mississippi State
• His relationship with the Mississippi State coaching staff
• Goals for next season
• Motivation heading into March Madness
• His NBA Draft aspirations
FSU freshman PF Thomas Bassong has committed to Mississippi State
The 6’8 200 PF averaged 5.9ppg & 3.5rpg in 19.3 minutes per game
Appeared in 33 games & made 17 starts as a True Freshman at FSU this past season
@guabsom Has officially committed to Mississippi State Bulldogs men’s basketball of the Southeastern Conference 🏀
A strong addition for Mississippi State and another sign the SEC just keeps getting deeper and more competitive.
#HailState#SEC#CollegeBasketball#Recruiting
Florida State forward Thomas Bassong has entered the transfer portal,
@chris_hummer and I have learned for @CBSSports.
The 6-foot-8, 200-pounder made 17 starts as a freshman at FSU this past season. Previously announced he’d be remaining at FSU but now in the portal.
🇫🇷 Thomas Bassong — Freshman | 6’8” Wing | 7’3” Wingspan
Team: Florida State Seminoles
Opponent: Georgia Tech
📅 February 28, 2026
🏀 Final: Florida State 80 – 71 Georgia Tech
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📊 Full Official Box Score
•Minutes: 27
•Points: 14
•Field Goals: 6/8 — 75.0%
•3PT: 1/1 — 100%
•Free Throws: 1/4 — 25.0%
•Offensive Rebounds: 5
•Defensive Rebounds: 7
•Total Rebounds: 12
•Assists: 1
•Steals: 1
•Blocks: 0
•Turnovers: 1
•Personal Fouls: 3
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🧠 Complete Game Evaluation
The 6’8 French freshman wing with a 7’3 wingspan delivered a high-impact double-double in ACC play, combining efficiency with physical dominance on the glass.
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🔥 Offensive Efficiency
•14 points on 75% shooting
•Perfect from three (1/1)
•Strong finisher inside the arc
•Efficient shot selection
•Free-throw shooting (1/4) is the clear area for improvement
He played within the offense and converted high-percentage opportunities without forcing shots.
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🏀 Rebounding Dominance
•12 total rebounds
•5 offensive boards — major second-chance impact
•7 defensive rebounds — controlled possessions
His length and activity level were decisive in winning the rebounding battle.@Be_BasketFr@defaut_zero