LSU’s men’s basketball coach Will Wade has sparked a fresh wave of debate by agreeing to terms with seasoned professional players, a move that pushes the boundaries of traditional college recruiting.
The centerpiece of the strategy is a reported $5 million contract for Israeli point guard Yam Madar, a EuroLeague veteran who was selected 47th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft and averaged 11.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists for Hapoel Tel Aviv last season.
LSU also added former St. John's star R.J. Luis, the 2024‑25 Big East Player of the Year, who entered the professional ranks after an undrafted stint with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics before being waived.
The NCAA’s eligibility rules bar players who have signed NBA contracts from competing in college, a precedent that makes it improbable for either Madar or Luis to be cleared for the Tigers.
A response to limited options
Faced with a thin pool of incoming talent and a sparse transfer portal, Wade has already secured four portal transfers this spring and currently sits at No. 40 in 247 Sports’ team rankings, underscoring the urgency of his roster overhaul.
The coach’s aggressive overtures have not been limited to domestic prospects; he is also pursuing 22‑year‑old Saliou Niang, who is currently competing in the Italian league, a move that echoes the controversial Charles Bediako episode at Alabama and reinforces Wade’s reputation as a provocateur in the sport.