LSU basketball coach Will Wade reacts angrily to roster eligibility questions during Zoom media session
Will Wade answered inquiries about the eligibility of several prospective players after a fog-delayed flight prevented LSU's appearance at SEC media days, highlighting ongoing disputes with the conference.
LSU's men's basketball coach Will Wade participated in a Zoom media session on Tuesday after a fog-related delay grounded the team's flight to SEC media days in Baton Rouge. During the call, Wade responded sharply to questions about the eligibility status of several players expected to join the Tigers for the 2026–27 season.
When asked about RJ Luis Jr., a former St. John’s standout who signed with LSU in May but was declared ineligible by the SEC, Wade said the program will "follow all the SEC protocols with him" and confirmed that Luis has not been added to the roster.
Wade also addressed inquiries about EuroLeague professional Márcio Santos, stating that Santos would not join LSU and that the coach had not had any involvement with him since July. He described the question as a "gotcha" inquiry.
Regarding other prospects—including former NBA draft pick Saliou Niang, 24-year-old forward Gilad Levy, and former Illinois guard Skyy Clark—Wade said the team feels confident that those who are truly on the roster will become eligible, though no official roster listings have been released.
Wade concluded by expressing optimism about the information the program has gathered on potential players, while acknowledging that SEC policies could still affect the eligibility of certain athletes, such as Niang, who may be subject to league restrictions on players who previously declared for professional drafts.
The SEC continues legal proceedings against LSU over recruiting practices, and the university has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The outcome of these disputes may influence which players are ultimately cleared to compete for the Tigers.