LSU men’s basketball opens preseason with back-to-back wins despite SEC legal drama, limited roster

LSU Men’s basketball forward junior Mo Dioubate (10) and guard 5th-year senior Donovan Dent (3) watch the videoboard Oct. 14, 2026, during LSU’s 85-81 win against UCF at the PMAC in Baton Rouge, La.

LSU men’s basketball looks to finish its exhibition schedule undefeated under head coach Will Wade in his second stint with the Tigers.

Wade was rehired as coach after previously coaching the team from 2017 to 2022. During his tenure, he led LSU to a 105-51 record, a 2019 SEC Regular-Season Championship and an NCAA tournament Sweet 16 appearance.

For the 2026 exhibition games, Wade has gone on a two-game winning streak to start the season. On Oct. 8, LSU defeated McNeese 63-60 on the road before securing an 85-81 victory over UCF at home on Oct. 14.

Despite starting the preseason 2-0, LSU has only won by a combined seven points.

Wade’s return to LSU has drawn immense scrutiny over his roster-building approach. He, along with LSU football head coach Lane Kiffin, has utilized the transfer portal and NIL to build competitive teams.

Several players Wade brought in were older, more experienced players who have played in professional leagues, including guards RJ Luis Jr., Donovan Dent, and Yam Madar.

Luis Jr. signed a two-way NBA contract. Dent entered the transfer portal after the deadline and after retiring from college basketball. Madar played professional basketball internationally for six years.

Although the team practices with 15 players, only 10 are eligible as of their exhibition against UCF.

Wade has been forced to navigate winning with a limited roster in preseason play.

With five players unable to compete, Wade has added three walk-ons –- freshman forward Jordan Benders, freshman guard Bradley Fife and senior guard Luke Stansbury.

Guard Jalen Cook, Luis Jr. and forward Marcio Santos were all deemed ineligible. Cook’s injunction was denied because he violated the NCAA’s two-time transfer rule. Santos declared for the 2023 NBA Draft and played in the NBA Summer League.

Centers Brice Dessert and Gilad Levy, along with forward Saliou Niang, are still ineligible. Dessert has played for professional clubs overseas. Niang was selected in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Wade expressed his frustration with the lack of rostered players. LSU is facing possible expulsion from the SEC. On Sept. 3, the SEC filed a lawsuit alleging the unethical recruitment of professional players, including Luis Jr.

LSU is working to close the lawsuit, and Wade denies any wrongdoing.

“I would love to update [the fans], but because all of my words are being used against [LSU], I’m not going to,” Wade said.

In both games, he has primarily relied on five players. Guard Abdi Bashir Jr., Dent, forward Mouhamed Dioubate, center Michael Ružić and guard Divine Ugochukwu played in the majority of both games.

Despite the lack of playing time outside of the starting five, the freshmen and transfer students Wade recruited have found success so far this season.

Bashir Jr. is a senior transfer from Kansas State. In the first exhibition game, Bashir shot 1-for-12, totaling 6 points. In the game versus UCF, he led the team with 26 points, making 10 of his 17 attempts.

Dent scored 12 points in the first game and 21 points versus UCF. Dioubate scored 16 points against McNeese, and 15 points along with the game-sealing steal and a layup versus the Knights.

The freshman Ružić had a double-double for both games, with 11 points and 16 rebounds in the first game and 15 points and 13 rebounds in the second.

Ugochukwu scored 18 points at McNeese but only 2 points against UCF.

Each player played over 35 minutes in both games, which could possibly lead to injury if it continues throughout the regular season.

The team looks to beat Florida State in Tallahassee on Oct. 24. The Seminoles are also undefeated this preseason, beating Auburn 82-71 on Oct. 14.

With the majority of Wade’s players not seeing the court during a game, it raises the question of whether these players will be physically prepared or even eligible to compete when the season officially begins on Nov. 3.

Despite the uncertainty of the remaining players’ eligibility status, Wade said his players will be ready to play.

“Most of the guys, all the guys that are on the bench have been practicing and doing everything,” Wade said. “I think they’ll be up to speed.”

The Tigers will open the season playing LSU New Orleans at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. If LSU beats Florida State, they will have great momentum heading into the regular season.

“It’s a great facility,” Wade said. “It’s a great place. When it’s packed, it’s awesome.”