Will Wade Addresses LSU's Unusual Roster Situation: 'We're Going For It'

By Staff Reporter•Sep 23, 20261:51 pm•

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

LSU men's basketball coach Will Wade spoke to reporters Wednesday and addressed the Tigers' unusual roster situation heading into the 2026-27 season.

According to Glen West, Wade confirmed that LSU has a full 15-man roster, with every player signed and participating in practice. However, the Tigers have not released their complete roster due to ongoing eligibility matters.

quote:
"We've got a full roster. We've got 15 guys practicing. I can't get into it for a variety of reasons. I know there's been some frustration from how we've done this but we're always going to protect our kids."

Wade said he could release the roster today if he wanted to, but doing so would not be in the best interest of several players. While some eligibility issues could affect LSU's exhibition games, Wade expects the players to be eligible by the regular-season opener.

West also reported that Wade indicated LSU is still working through the eligibility process involving a player he is not permitted to discuss, whom West identified as RJ Luis.

Wade acknowledged that LSU's approach to building this year's roster is unconventional, but believes it gives the Tigers an opportunity to compete for a championship immediately.

quote:
“Like I told our guys, we're going to be unconventional. We're going to be unapologetic about it. This is who we are. This is what we're doing. This is the path that we charted. We're going to go down it, and that's fine."

"When you do stuff that's unconventional, they're waiting for you to fail. Everybody's waiting for us to fail. That's fine. If we fail, I own it. I own it.

"But I felt this is the best way to try to deliver a championship team for LSU from the jump that gives us the best chance to jumpstart our program. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong."

Wade described the current roster-building approach as a "one-year deal" and expressed confidence in the team's chemistry.

quote:
"I feel really good about where we are. Our guys are coming together, I feel really good about the people in the building."

Wade also compared point guard Donovan Dent to former LSU standout Tremont Waters and said Saliou Niang will remind LSU fans of Tari Eason. He added that Niang, Brice Dessert, and Michael Ruzic each bring something different to the team, particularly their physicality.