Brandon Bass

Bass was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the oldest of three siblings; he has a brother, Chris, and sister, Dashia. Bass is the son of Charles Joseph and Aretha Bass. Bass was raised by his mother until her death. When he was 10 years old, he witnessed his mother die from a heart attack. Bass and his siblings subsequently moved in with their father but due to not feeling comfortable at their father's home, Bass and his siblings moved in with their aunt, Estelle.[1] While at his aunt's house, Bass was living with his siblings and five of his aunt's children. It wasn't until he was 13 years old that Bass began playing basketball competitively.[2]

Bass attended Capitol High School in Baton Rouge where he began gaining recognition for his play. By his senior year in 2002–03, he was ranked the seventh best power forward in the nation, the 11th best overall player in the nation, and the third best player in the Southeast by Rivals.com.

While in high school, Bass had a GPA of 2.7 with an ACT score of 17. He graduated as a part of the class of 2003. He received interest from Connecticut, LSU, Mississippi St., Cincinnati, Kentucky, Miami (FL), and USC to join their basketball programs. Of those schools, Bass received offers from Connecticut, LSU, Mississippi St, and USC, ultimately deciding on attending LSU.

Bass also received many honors while in high school, being named a part of the Parade All-American team, EA Sports Roundball Classic Roster, and the McDonald's All-America Game.[3] Bass finished the McDonald's All-America Game with 14 points and 3 assists.[4] While on the McDonald's All-American Team, Bass played alongside the likes of future NBA superstars such as LeBron James and Chris Paul.

Bass joined the Louisiana State Fighting Tigers basketball team in 2003 and played for them until 2005. In his first year at LSU, Bass played 29 games, starting in all of them. As a freshman, Bass averaged 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, in 34.9 minutes per game. In his second season, Bass played and started in 30 games, averaging 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 33.6 minutes per game.

Bass received numerous honors while playing at LSU. In 2004, he was named a part of the SEC All-Freshman Team and was also named the SEC Freshman of the Year. In 2005, Bass was named a part of the SEC All-Tournament Team, First Team All-SEC (Coaches), SEC Player of the Year (Associated Press), and the SEC Player of the Year (Coaches).

Bass' career-high in points in college was 30 points in a game against Louisiana-Lafayette on November 21, 2004. He achieved his college career-high in rebounds with 17 against Mississippi State on February 16, 2005. He achieved his career-high in blocks with six on two separate occasions with his last one being in Houston on December 21, 2004. His career-high in minutes was 45, which came against Ohio State on January 15, 2005.[5]

Bass left LSU after his sophomore year, choosing instead to declare for the 2005 NBA draft. He ended his college career with career averages of 15.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 34.3 minutes per game. He started and played in a total of 59 games.[4]

In February 2021, Bass was selected to the 14-player roster for the final round of the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup qualification.[23] On 19 February he scored 12 points in a 93–77 victory over Bahamas.[24]

Bass' younger brother, Chris, played college basketball for Louisiana State as well.[25] An avid hip-hop fan, Bass has been writing rap songs since he was 11 and recording them since he was 16. The main topic he chooses to address in his music is his upbringing and overall life.[26] Bass is married to Melissa Prejean. The couple has one son, Brandon Jr., and one daughter, Bella.[1]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brandon Bass.

• Career statistics and player information from NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com