re: MBB Offseason '26 Transfer Portal / HS Tracker

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Arman Jovic, the international recruiting guy in Trilly’s discord, says Dessert is trending heavily LSU

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Last season, Kansas tried to bring him over, but backed out because they didn't think he could get eligible.

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Any real LSU fan knew Wade was cooking.

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You’re one of the only people on this website who continues to bring up McMahon. Let it go.

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As long as they still post on the board (especially in the taunting fashion they do), I’ll continue to call it out. Also it was a tongue in cheek comment. Lighten up, Francis.

"We've got 7 or 8 guys..."

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I think he said they're paying 7 or 8 guys, because those are the ones that will play. The backend of the roster isn't being paid (at least not substantially)

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Yeah basically what he said was the mistake he made at NC ST was he went out and said they paid 11 guys to play, but a few of them basically did nothing so it was just paid roster dead weight. Think he maybe even mentioned a guy they promised 7 figures to and didnt even really play.

Basically, they probably had a couple million bucks they could have used to pay even better players who would have played.

Really sounds like he's going to go pay maybe 9 guys this cycle who can give you quality minutes (need more than just 7 or 8, especially if injury or whatnot) then just take developmental("Free" or very low cost) guys beyond that who can "play in a pinch" as he put it.

Good interview. Rothstein is always great and you can tell Wade is comfortable enough with him to open up a bit more than he may be with others. The interview also provides some insight into Wade's plan, both from a roster building and staff building perspective.

My takeaways:

1. It sounds like the ability to get international players will be limited next year by the impending 5 for 5 rule change, so Wade (and some other coaches are trying to take advantage now). International guys are often far better coached than college underclassmen at or near the same age, and are more adaptable to a team game with several new players...which is kind of the norm in international basketball. I'm guess Wade believes if he can get those guys in he will have a core group ready to gel and compete almost immediately...which is what good teams have to do now in CBB.

2. The bulk of the money is going to be spent on 7-8 core players with some developmental lower cost players making up spots 9-13 on the team. That is what he said was the big change from last year. Given a coach will likely only have a rotation of 8-9 players anyway, it doesn't make a lot of sense to pay guys 9, 10, 11, etc big money when you probably won't get a big ROI from them.

3. Jones and Stansbury have a lot of experience as HCs...which will be invaluable...but the bigger reason they are on staff if their relationships. Jones locally (within Louisiana) with the local money people. Stansbury somewhat internationally.

In short, yes, we don't know a lot right now. But just because WE don't know what's going on doesn't mean Wade doesn't have a well thought out plan. In fact, thinking otherwise would be contrary to his entire career as a HC. While every coach is trying to do the same thing, it sounds like Wade is trying to build a roster to win big immediately next season

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If everything falls into place as he expects we’ll have a Top 15 roster in CWW’s opinion.

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Assuming Mo Dio, Graves, and Niang are in, that is a Top 15 frontcourt. Currently, the Guards linked to LSU are solid but could struggle in the SEC. Get Hampton to reclass, and that helps. Ugo or Curry at the point is serviceable, with Curry being the better option.

So, it could be:

Ugo
Hampton
Graves
Dio
Niang

Bench:
Bashir (Kansas wants him in the same role, but it appears he wants a starting spot)
International - Several names floating around
Burks
Freshman

That's 9 players, but it sounds like Wade wants to limit the number of guys on NIL

From reading tea leaves I think these 5 are very likely part of his "7 or 8":

Ugochukwu
Diobate
Dessert
Niang
Santos

Guessing Graves is "or 8" since that's still up in the air.

Obviously still need some guards. Maybe Curry? Total guess there. Jean Montero would be a big one, I hope we're in on him.

I have a feeling we're going to get Bagayako, but no real info there.

Bashir is weak defensively, not sure he fits, but seems like we're sniffing around. Could use a wing sniper.

I assume freshman other than Hampton would not be counted in his top 8. It's possible he'd rather Hampton wait until next season to graduate but not sure.

Sounds like we're going after Burks as well.

Similar to Bryson Warren