The return of Will Wade to Baton Rouge has brought a fresh wave of energy to the program gutted with departures after a shift in coaching. Using the transfer portal and leaning heavily on international recruiting, Wade has started to rebuild the LSU roster.
Here’s a full look at LSU basketball’s recruiting class and latest roster additions under Wade heading into the 2026 season.
LSU Basketball Commits
Mouhamed Dioubate: Kentucky transfer forward
One of Will Wade’s first major additions via the transfer portal was Dioubate. He will anchor the frontcourt amid the rebuild. Dioubate averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season for Kentucky.
With Kentucky and previously at Alabama, Dioubate has the necessary SEC experience that will help him shine in Baton Rouge.
Márcio Santos: International addition from Brazil
Wade has also gone overseas with his recruitment, adding Brazilian forward Márcio Santos to the roster. Santos has experience with Maccabi Tel Aviv. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged nearly seven points per game there.
Divine Ugochukwu: Michigan State transfer guard
Wade has also retooled the backcourt with the addition of former Michigan State guard Divine Ugochukwu. The sophomore guard averaged over five points per game before a season-ending foot injury last season.
After significant roster turnover, Wade needed someone to handle the ball and that could very well be Ugochukwu.
Abdi Bashir Jr.:Kansas State transfer guard
Another major recruiting win for LSU comes in the form of former Kansas State guard Abdi Bashir Jr. He is experienced and averaged over 12 points per game last season on 42.1% shooting.
He spent the first two seasons of his college career with the Monmouth Hawks. He transferred to Kansas State ahead of last season and will now play for his third program in four years.
RJ Luis: St. John’s transfer
It’s hard to say if it will even be an addition to LSU, given there are concerns around Luis’ eligibility. The former St. John’s standout and 2025 Big East Player of the Year signed a two-way NBA contract following the 2025 draft cycle.
In the current period, he will need a waiver from the NCAA to return to college.
Wade, who has the experience of taking LSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances before, is hoping to reignite the same type of energy. Given the task of navigating through roster challenges, Wade has done a fine job in making LSU a hotstop for commitments.
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