The LSU Tigers reportedly offered Fenerbahçe Beko star Tarik Biberović $7 million to come to Baton Rouge, but have seemingly been turned down.
It has been known that the LSU Tigers will lean on some international talent for Will Wade's first roster since his return to Baton Rouge. They're making some massive swings, but not all have been successful.
EuroLeague reporter Buğra Uzar reported on Sunday that the Tigers had offered Fenerbahçe Beko star Tarik Biberović a whopping $7 million to join the team, but ultimately decided to stay where he is with the Turkish basketball club.
Biberović won a EuroLeague championship with Fenerbahçe last season, so he has opted to stay with the proven winning organization and will use that to make his jump to the NBA rather than opting for the NCAA route.
This is a very new development in college basketball, so there's really no telling what would be better for him. Just a few years ago, it would have been wild to see an established international talent jumping ship and going to the NCAA despite already being 25. It's becoming far more normal.
Biberović was actually already selected by an NBA team, with the No. 56 overall pick in the second round of the 2023 draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Should he go to the NBA after this season, the Grizzlies would hold his rights.
The Zenica native has been with Fenerbahçe since 2018 and has developed into a very solid player. Most recently, over 23 games in the BSL, Biberović averaged 12.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 50.7/50.4/86.4 shooting splits. He shot above 50% from three on 5.3 attempts per game, which is absurd efficiency.
It's clear to see why LSU would be interested in his talents and invest so heavily in him, but alas it looks as though they will miss out on this pursuit.