Considered one of the top prospects in the world after amassing an undefeated high school record, Bassett has committed to wrestling for the Virginia Tech Hokies beginning in 2026.
He is currently signed to the Featherweight division of Real American Freestyle (RAF), where he is scheduled to debut at RAF 03.
Early life
Bowen William Bassett was born on January 5, 2007, in Windber, Pennsylvania, son of nurse Karissa (née Hamilton) and educator William Bassett.[1][2]
He grew up idolizing Spencer Lee, and cites him as his inspiration for taking up wrestling.[3]
Critics have attributed Bassett's success to reclassification, as he was held back a year in school, making him older and more physically mature than his competition.[6] His father, William Bassett, was banned from coaching for two years by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association after he violated their recruiting policies as coach of Bishop McCort.[7] As part of sanctions against the school, Bishop McCort and its wrestlers were barred from competing for a state championship during Bassett's freshman year.[7]
College career
Prior to his senior year of high school, Bassett committed to wrestling for the Virginia Tech Hokies beginning in 2026.[8] His adopted brother, Melvin Miller, has committed to joining the Hokies in 2027.[9][10] Their younger brother, Keegan Bassett, graduates in 2028 and has not yet committed to a college.[11]
Bassett originally announced that he would be joining the Iowa Hawkeyes, but later decommitted.[12] Bassett also turned down a NIL sponsorship deal from Chael Sonnen worth $1 million.[13]
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