Windermere Prep senior Brandon Bass Jr., the high-scoring son of former Orlando Magic power forward Brandon Bass, announced Thursday that he will sign to play college basketball for Florida State in November.
Brandon Jr. is listed as a 6-foot-4 southpaw shooting guard by recruiting channels, but may be a tad bit taller than that according to his high school. He’s a 4-star prospect and two-time All-Area player.
Bass said the NBA coaching experience that new FSU head coach Luke Loucks and his staff bring to Tallahassee was a key in making the Seminoles his choice.
“Ultimately, that’s where I want to go (NBA),” Bass said in a phone interview with the Sentinel. “FSU will help me a lot in my development. FSU recruited me hard early. Made me a priority. It’s been a cool process.”
Loucks, who played for four FSU NCAA Tournament teams (2008-12), was an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings (2022-25) after being on staff with the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.
Bass said his father, who played 12 NBA seasons with six teams, has been instrumental in his growth.
“My dad plays a huge role in my development as a person on and off the court. He taught me everything I know,” Brandon Jr. said.
Bass, listed as the nation’s No. 19 shooting guard in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, played in 11 varsity games as a Windermere Prep eighth grader, averaging 2.5 points. He averaged 17.4 as a freshman starter and pumped the numbers up to 20.6 as a sophomore and 20.7 last year. He averaged 7.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game for a 13-14 team last season.
Brandon has scored 1,803 career points to go with 496 rebounds, 135 assists, 119 steals and 43 blocked shots. He has made 255 three-point shots (38%) and 370 free throws (80%).
“I think he’s going to be a great fit at FSU,” said Lakers coach Brian Hoff – a former FSU player. “Luke’s system is shooting a lot of 3s and that’s one of the best things Brandon does really well.”
Hoff said the fact that Bass stayed at Windermere Prep in an era when so many top players jump ship says a lot about his character.
“Most kids can’t stay at the same school for four years and he’s been here since fourth grade,” Hoff said. “He’s just kind of kept his head down and trusted his process and our process at Windermere Prep. Believe me, he could have gone a lot of places.”
Brandon Bass was a rugged forward for two seasons with the Orlando Magic and with five other NBA teams. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel)
Varsity content editor Buddy Collings can be contacted by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com.
Originally Published: September 4, 2025 at 3:44 PM EDT