The LSU Tigers battle elite programs for Saliou Niang, a versatile, athletic former NBA draft pick. Will Wade eyes a defensive powerhouse for his inaugural roster.
Will Wade has been busy behind the scenes trying to put together his first LSU Tigers roster since being rehired. There is only one public commit, but the Tigers have been putting in some work on other options.
LSU just got tied to a top-end international target, Saliou Niang. European basketball reporter Andrea Calzoni shared on Wednesday that the Tigers, Arizona Wildcats, Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels are "interested" in signing Niang.
This would be a controversial add by some, but certainly in line with the new way of thinking around the nation. It's at least good to see LSU in the mix and fighting for some of the top players that college basketball blue bloods are looking to sign. Wade was seemingly promised more NIL budget for basketball, this is the type of addition that would prove that they are taking it seriously.
Niang, 21, was a second round pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025 NBA draft. Instead of going to the league, he decided to go respected Italian team Virtus Bologna instead. He won the Most Improved Player that season.
The small forward isn't much of a shooter, but he can get baskets if he needs and is an active defender. A team with both him and Mo Dioubate on the floor together would be an absolute headache for opposing offenses. That would give the Tigers another extremely versatile defender with athletic upside. It's an interesting identity that Wade seems to be going for in year one.