LSU’s basketball program is set to welcome a new face this season as coach Will Wade announced the addition of Donovan Dent, a point guard who transferred from UCLA.
Dent, a senior who previously starred at New Mexico and earned AP Honorable Mention All‑American honors as a junior, brings a blend of scoring and playmaking that could reshape the Tigers’ backcourt.
The eligibility saga surrounding Dent took a decisive turn when a temporary restraining order granted him an extra year of NCAA eligibility, meaning he will be eligible for the 2026‑27 campaign.
In his final season with the Bruins, Dent posted averages of 13.3 points, 7.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game, numbers that have attracted attention from several programs.
Wade highlighted the strategic value of Dent’s experience, noting that the guard’s familiarity with high‑pressure environments will complement the existing roster.
Exhibition Game Set for October 8
The Tigers will test the new lineup in an exhibition matchup against McNeese State on October 8, a game that will serve as a final tune‑up before the regular‑season opener.
That opener is scheduled for November 3 against LSU‑New Orleans, a non‑conference fixture that promises to be a showcase for the revamped squad.
Beyond Dent, LSU has secured six transfer portal additions — Skyy Clark, Mo Dioubate, Abdi Bashri, Divine Ugochukwu and Austin Nunez — while also holding four unsigned international commitments: Saliou Niang, Marcio Santos, Brice Dessert and Michael Ruzic.
The mix of domestic transfers and overseas talent reflects a broader strategy aimed at depth and versatility as the program looks to climb the SEC rankings.
With the regular season looming, the coaching staff is focused on integrating these pieces quickly, hoping the chemistry forged in practice will translate into wins when the first whistle blows.