BATON ROUGE — LSU forward Brandon Bass, who recently completed his first year at LSU and earned Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year honors, has announced that he will submit his name for early entry into the National Basketball Association, but will not sign with an agent to allow him to return to LSU for his sophomore season.
“I have decided to enter my name in the NBA draft, but not enter any agreement with an agent which will enable me to return to LSU for my sophomore year,” said Bass. “I just feel I need to see where I might be drafted because I owe it to myself and my family. If I am not a top 20 selection, I will certainly be back at LSU looking forward to winning the SEC and going deep in the NCAA Tournament.”
Bass started all 29 games a year ago for the Tigers, leading the league freshman in scoring and rebounding. He averaged 12.8 points per game and 7.4 rebounds and his rebound total was sixth overall in the SEC. He averaged 50.4 percent from the floor (121-of-240) and an impressive 78.3 percent from the free throw line with 56 blocks. He averaged a team high 34.9 minutes a contest.
“As I have said all along, whether it is Brandon or any previous or future LSU basketball player, I will support them in whatever decision they feel is best for them and their families. Brandon and I have visited on numerous occasions and he feels that is what he needs to do and I support him 100%,” said Brady.
The date that early entrants to the draft must withdraw is June 17. The NBA draft is June 24 at Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York City.