The New Era Of LSU Basketball Explained by Will Wade Himself

In a recent podcast appearance, LSU men's basketball head coach Will Wade gave important insight about the upcoming season.

Jan 24, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; NC State Wolfpack head coach Will Wade reacts on the court against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

There's a new era of LSU basketball. And it isn't a wardrobe change from Kim Mulkey. It's for the men's team, and it all starts with the rehire of head coach Will Wade.

Upon his return to Baton Rouge, Wade started from the bottom, with zero players on the roster and a much-needed staff upgrade. Now, he has two recruits and an impressive coaching and recruiting staff by his side. And he's just getting started.

The Rehire

Mar 16, 2026; Dayton, OH, USA; NC State Wolfpack head coach Will Wade speaks with the media during a practice session ahead of the first four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Wade recently appeared on a podcast with college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, answering questions about his time with the Tigers so far.

When asked about taking the LSU job, Rothstein asked Wade if he would have still taken the job if LSU president Wade Rousse, with whom Wade worked at McNeese, and new Senior Deputy Athletic Director Heath Schroyer, with whom Wade worked at NC State, weren't there.

Wade said no, commenting on how important it is to have alignment with the administration.

"So you have that alignment, gives you an opportunity to do special things, do things that maybe haven't been done here in men's basketball in a long time," said Wade.

A long time, meaning, the last time Wade was the shot-caller. In 2017, he was hired as the men's coach and finished the season 10-21. By year two, the Tigers saw their first Sweet 16 appearance in over a decade, also being named regular-season SEC champs.

Coming back, he has that opportunity to take over and be successful again, this time with a new team.

The Roster Revamp

Mississippi State guard Dellquan Warren (6) shoots again LSU guard Jordan Sears (1) during a NCAA college basketball first round game at the men’s Southeastern Conference Tournament Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. | Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In forming that team, which is currently a little lonely with Kentucky transfer Mouhamed Dioubate and Márcio Santos from Brazil, Wade is taking a different approach.

"So we're going to lean a little heavier on the international route. Just those kids have a lot of experience," said Wade.

Santos, from Brazil, began that train as the only public international committee. But Wade hinted that he and his staff have more lined up and are still looking for additional overseas talent.

This tactic is essentially just Wade learning from his mistakes. He tells Rothstein that last year, at his former university, NC State, he paid 11 guys to play for him and only ended up using nine, leaving dead money on the roster.

"One thing I'm focusing on here is we're really going to pay seven or eight guys at LSU this year, and we'll fill out the back half of the roster with some guys who could help us in a pinch. But we want to put our resources into those main guys," said Wade.

We may not know who those "main guys" are yet, but he has a plan. It's not just financially smart; it's taking a different approach to a roster reload that can bring some true talent to the NCAA with the Tigers.

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