LSU Bolsters Basketball Roster with Transfers

LSU announced Thursday that four graduate transfers have enrolled for the upcoming season: guard Abdi Bashir Jr. from Kansas State, forward Mouhamed Dioubate from Kentucky, guard-forward Austin Nunez from UTSA, and guard-forward Divine Ugochukwu from Michigan State. They are on campus as coach Will Wade prepares for his season back after a stint at NC State.

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Wade’s tenure at LSU follows a one-year stint at NC State, where he won an ACC title. NC State announced a probe into legal claims about LSU’s recruitment of Wade, adding compliance concerns.

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Bashir posted 13.2 points per game and shot 44.4% from three in 18 games at Kansas State. Dioubate averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 21.6 minutes at Kentucky. Nunez logged 9.8 points, 2.8 assists and 2.0 turnovers at UTSA; Ugochukwu contributed 5.1 points and 1.5 assists in 16.1 minutes at Michigan State.

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LSU is courting six players—Yam Madar (Israel, 25), Brice Dessert (France, 23), Marcio Santos (Brazil, 23), Saliou Niang (Italy, 22), Michael Ruzic (Croatia, 19) and RJ Luis (23)—who need NCAA waivers. Luis, a St. John’s star who declared for 2025 NBA draft, signed a contract with Utah Jazz, was traded to Boston Celtics, and never appeared in an NBA or G League game.

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The four transfers average 9.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 turnovers per game; Bashir’s 44.4% three-point rate is highlighted as a perimeter strength.

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Wade said Bashir’s elite shooting, Dioubate’s physical competitiveness and decision-making, Nunez’s two-ended experience, and Ugochukwu’s guard versatility meet LSU’s needs. He added the international prospects could deepen the roster if waivers are granted.

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NC State’s probe questions the legality of Wade’s departure and LSU’s recruitment tactics, raising compliance concerns.

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While transfer statistics are consistent, international players who will secure waivers are unclear, and Bashir’s reported 2025 transfer date conflicts with his 2024 season performance.

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• “Abdi Bashir will be a good addition to our LSU basketball program because of his elite shooting ability.” — Will Wade, head coach

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• “He is a physical competitor who has an ability to make good decisions at the right time.” — Will Wade

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• “Has great experience running a team on both ends of the floor at a high level, and brings valuable situational awareness to our program.” — Will Wade

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• “Will be an important part of our perimeter moving forward.” — Will Wade

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The Tigers aim to integrate the transfers for the upcoming season as LSU seeks NCAA clearance for its international prospects.

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