When Hornets forward and former LSU Tiger Brandon Bass returned to LSU on Tuesday night to play the Miami Heat, coach John Brady called Bass for tickets. After all, it was Brady who coached Bass to last season’s Southeastern Conference Player of the Year honors.
“I called him and told him I needed some tickets,” Brady said jokingly. “I let him know I’d been carrying him for two years. I never heard from him.”
Bass, who was drafted by the Hornets in the second round of this year’s NBA Draft, returned to campus Tuesday in the Hornets 111-91 win. Bass scored four points in just more than 10 minutes of play.
Making the transition from college to the NBA is hard work, Bass said.
“I’ve been trying to get more comfortable with being at the next level,” Bass said. “It’s emotionally and physically draining, so I’m just trying to adjust.”
In two seasons at LSU, Bass averaged 17.3 points and 9.1 rebounds, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2003. One season later, Bass left school to enter the draft.
Brady said Bass understands that he has a long road ahead of him.
“He knows that he came out early, so he needs to be patient,” Brady said. “But the Hornets like his work ethic and what he’s doing.”
Bass is not the only LSU player to leave early. Former LSU forward Stromile Swift also left after his sophomore season.
“I just wish some of those guys would have come back for their junior year,” Brady said. “Hopefully, we have some guys in the program now who will come back for one extra year because it does help them.”
Brady said one more year at LSU could have greatly benefited the 6-foot-7 forward from Baton Rouge.
“I think if he had stayed another year, he would have had a quicker transition,” Brady said. “But he decided he wanted to take that chance, and I think he’ll eventually make it.”
After reaching the postseason in consecutive seasons, Bass said toughness is the best tool he learned at LSU.
Brady said toughness is what can make or break a player.
“Toughness is also part of the talent quotient,” Brady said. “It’s not all about running and jumping and being quick. If you don’t have toughness to go along with that, you’ll never become the player you need to be.”
Practice has been Bass’ life the past few weeks as he fought for a roster spot during the Hornets preseason.
Bass said he will continue to work hard in practice.
“Everyday I’m going hard at practice,” Bass said. “I come in early and stay late, so hopefully that will help me get over the hump.”
Aside from the intense practices and hectic schedule of an NBA player, there’s something else that Bass has had a problem getting acclimated to, involving taking on the role of a first-year player.
“Rookies are rookies,” Bass said. “And veterans are veterans – it’s not equal.”
Contact Jeff Sentell at [email protected]