Brandon Bass

Bass with the Lakers in 2015
Personal information
Born	(1985-04-30) April 30, 1985 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
Nationality	American
Listed height	6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Listed weight	250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school	Capitol High School (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
College	LSU (2003–2005)
NBA draft	2005: 2nd round, 33rd overall pick
Selected by the New Orleans Hornets
Playing career	2005–2020
Position	Power forward
Career history
2005–2007	New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets
2006	→Tulsa 66ers
2007–2009	Dallas Mavericks
2009–2011	Orlando Magic
2011–2015	Boston Celtics
2015–2016	Los Angeles Lakers
2016–2017	Los Angeles Clippers
2017–2020	Liaoning Flying Leopards
Career highlights and awards
CBA Slam Dunk leader (2018) SEC Player of the Year (2005) SEC Rookie of the Year – Coaches (2004) Second-team Parade All-American (2003)
Stats  at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

Brandon Samuel Bass (born April 30, 1985) is an American former professional basketball player.

Early life

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]

High school career

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.

College career

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]

Professional career

Boston Celtics (2011–2015)

Bass with Boston in 2012

On December 12, 2011, Bass was traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Glen Davis and Von Wafer.^[11] In his first regular season game for the Celtics on December 25, 2011, he recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds in a 104–106 loss to the New York Knicks.^[12] On May 21, 2012, Bass tallied a playoff career-high 27 points to help the Celtics gain a 3–2 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers.^[13] The Celtics won that series, but were eliminated in the next round by the Miami Heat. In the 2011–12 season, Bass established his career-high points average to 12.5 and his rebounds to 6.2 that increased the Celtics' offense and defense.

On July 14, 2012, Bass re-signed with the Celtics.^[14]

In January 2015, Bass re-gained his starting spot and finished the season averaging 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.^[15]

National team career

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]

Personal life

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]

Career statistics

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brandon Bass.

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