Anthony Masinton-Bonner elects not to play at Missouri State

FORT COLLINS, Colo.— Missouri State announced Monday that Anthony Masinton-Bonner has decided to retire from basketball and will not play for the Bears in 2019-20. Masinton-Bonner later posted a message on Twitter, explaining his decision to give up the game.

In three seasons at Colorado State, Masinton-Bonner averaged 7.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 22.1 minutes per game. Last season, the veteran point guard finished the year, averaging 11.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 26.3 minutes per game.

In a January loss to Fresno State last year, Masinton-Bonner recorded his single-game career-high with 26 points. However, injuries plagued the second half of his season and Masinton-Bonner elected to sit out of the 2019 Mountain West Tournament.

Following the season, Masinton-Bonner unsurprisingly announced that he intended to join Missouri State as a graduate transfer. Jase Herl, who previously served as CSU’s interim head coach in 2017-18, is entering his second season as an assistant with the Bears and would have been reunited with his former point guard.

In a screenshot message, Masinton-Bonner posted the following statement:

“Basketball. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for everything the sport has brought into my life. Memories forever, friendships forever, wins & losses, life discipline, toughness, life lessons, the list is endless. All my life, I only ever saw myself being a basketball player. Like many other college athletes, I struggled with a lot of stress and anxiety throughout my college career. I also found it hard at times to find my own personal meaning and purpose. There were dark moments and light moments, but it was a time where I learned a lot about myself. In that time I figured out that there is more to me than just hoops, and my passion and energy can go towards other things as well. I also figured out, I simply did not enjoy or love playing the game anymore, which is tough to wrap your mind around when all you’ve ever done is play basketball. It was a long and strenuous process on my mind for years, but I came out a smarter, more experienced, and wiser person. I am grateful for receiving a degree from CSU, which could not have happened without basketball. I am lucky to have been around a super special group of players, coaches, people, etc., at Missouri State this summer. By no means does my decision have anything to do with anything at Missouri State, they are going to have a special year with a great group of guys. I’m making a personal decision for myself and my own future, and I couldn’t feel more sure about it. We only live once, so I am going to live my life unapologetically, the way I believe is best for me. Some might not understand, some may not agree, and that’s fine! That’s why it’s MY VISION and MY LIFE. I’m excited for life’s new journeys and paths for me. Lastly, I want to give a special thanks to my pops, Victory Williams, and Mike Lewis for pushing me mentally and physically through this game all my life, I would not be the man I am today or basketball player I was without those two. Thank you, basketball and thank you, everyone, who made my ride so special!”