A New Chapter for the Tigers
LSU’s men’s basketball program has landed its first high‑school recruit since Will Wade assumed the head‑coaching position, confirming a verbal commitment from Jordan Bender, a 6‑foot‑8 forward who spent his senior year in St. Petersburg, Florida. Bender’s profile is relatively low‑key, as he does not appear on the major recruiting databases that typically spotlight incoming talent.
The commitment comes as part of a broader ten‑player class that the Tigers have assembled for the 2026‑27 season, a group that blends transfers, international prospects and a former NBA G‑League forward. In addition to Bender, the roster includes four transfers — Abdi Bashir, Divine Ugochukwu, Mo Dioubate and Austin Nunez — and four overseas players: Marcio Santos, Saliou Niang, Michael Ruzic and Brice Dessert.
Among the newcomers, RJ Luis stands out as the most high‑profile name. The former St. John’s star and Big East Player of the Year may file a legal challenge to claim an additional year of NCAA eligibility, a move that could reshape his eligibility timeline.
Another intriguing prospect is Ahmad Hudson, a five‑star tight end who is currently ranked as the top basketball player in Louisiana and a top‑30 national recruit. While Hudson is primarily known for football, he has indicated a willingness to join LSU in both sports, potentially adding a unique dual‑sport dimension to the squad.
Bender’s commitment was first reported by ESPN, underscoring the significance of the announcement within the college basketball community.