LSU made waves when they brought back Will Wade earlier this year to be their head men's basketball coach, and the oft-criticized coach hasn't taken long to draw national scrutiny to the program.
That spotlight is drawn to how he's chosen to build his new roster, largely targeting older players and international pros. The biggest controversy, though, comes in the commitment of RJ Luis, a former All-American with St. John's who went undrafted in 2025 but signed a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz. Zack Nagy, senior writer with Geaux247Sports, said it's all a sign of Wade's willingness and desire to push the boundaries as he aims to make good on his promise to immediately bring competitive men's basketball back to Baton Rouge.
“Will Wade is not slowing down here," Nagy said. "This is something where, again, he’s going overseas. He’s looking to get pros. He’s pushing all boundaries in order to make sure that this LSU program has an NCAA Tournament team this upcoming season.”
Hear the full interview with Zack Nagy in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.
Luis' situation will likely require some form of court decision prior to him stepping on a college court again. His situation is not dissimilar to that of Charles Bediako, who had also signed a two-way deal but returned to college for multiple games at Alabama last season before ultimately being ruled ineligible. Luis signed a two-way deal with the Jazz and was ultimately traded to the Celtics, but never appeared in a game.
Other players Wade is reportedly attempting to add to LSU's roster are 25-year-old point guard Yam Madar, who was drafted in 2020 by the Boston Celtics but never appeared in a game, well as Brice Dessert and Marcio Santos. Both players are 23 and have played professionally in the EuroLeague for multiple seasons. These cases will all build into what is a rapidly changing landscape in college sports, fueled by the transfer portal and NIL money.
“It's going to be fascinating to watch unfold," Nagy said. " ... These are guys that A. have to fulfill their contractual obligations with their pro clubs, and B. potentially have contract buyouts that LSU would have to work around as well."
If Wade does get his wish with a pro-laden roster, he'll have a bright spotlight on Baton Rouge as he attempts to turn around the Tigers program for a second time. The Tigers went 60-70 (17-55 SEC) in the four years under Matt McMahon that followed Wade's dismissal due to recruiting violations, finishing 14th or worse in the conference in three of those seasons.
