When Will Wade returned to Baton Rouge for his second stint as LSU's head coach, he walked into a program in need of a full-scale rebuild. After the 2025-26 season left the roster completely empty, Wade has been methodically assembling a new squad from the ground up. Known for his previous success at LSU—where he led the Tigers to an SEC regular-season championship and three NCAA Tournament appearances from 2017 to 2022—Wade is now blending international talent with Power Five transfers to create a competitive team for his return season.
Currently, LSU has just four scholarship players on the roster, but Wade has been vocal about his aggressive strategy in the international market. The newcomers he's brought in bring a mix of experience, versatility, and proven production that should excite Tigers fans.
Leading the charge is Bashir, a six-foot-seven guard who arrives with the most collegiate success of any new addition. After spending his junior season at Kansas State, Bashir developed into a reliable starter before an injury sidelined him in January. In 18 games, he averaged 13.2 points while shooting an impressive 42.1% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc. Over his career—which also includes two seasons at Monmouth—Bashir has appeared in 84 games and scored in double figures in 50 of them.
Ugochukwu brings a unique blend of size and skill to the Tigers' backcourt. Now at his third school—having spent time at Miami and Michigan State—he's proven he can stretch the floor effectively. Last season with the Spartans, he shot 43% from three-point range while averaging 4.8 points and 1.5 rebounds in 21 games. His ability to handle point guard responsibilities as a distributor makes him a valuable asset for Wade's system.
Dioubate was the first player to commit to Wade's new-look Tigers, and he brings valuable SEC experience from stints at both Alabama and Kentucky. Last season with the Wildcats, he averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, showing the kind of consistent production that should translate well to LSU's lineup.
With these key additions and more likely on the way, Wade is building a roster that blends international prospects with proven Power Five talent. As the Tigers prepare for their return to the court, the foundation is being laid for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in Baton Rouge.