Will Wade is back at LSU, a decade after he was banished from college basketball for multiple infractions that included a "strong ass offer" in pitching a recruit. His return embodies the chaos and uncertainty gripping the sport. Wade has several elite prospects, including 2025 Big East player of the year RJ Luis Jr., awaiting legal and NCAA clearance to compete this season. At one point this offseason, the Tigers had four players listed on their website. Against Mc Neese last week, seven were listed in the box score.
Wade is also challenging the NCAA's eligibility rules and openly asking who should be allowed to play college basketball. That question dictated this offseason, with answers coming through legal rulings, program budgets and the transfer portal. The best teams needed a great recruiting staff, a lot of money and the phone numbers of top lawyers in America.
Texas emerged as the best overall offseason winner. Sean Miller treated the summer like Black Friday. Marcus Spears Jr., the former No. 1 player in the 2027 class, reclassified up a year and joined the Longhorns. Miller also signed transfers Isaiah Johnson and David Punch and landed five-star recruit Austin Goosby. Texas looks like a national title contender despite losing first-round pick Dailyn Swain.
Illinois had the best returning group. Brad Underwood kept last year's Final Four nucleus intact while others added talent. David Mirkovic, who averaged 13.6 points per game, is expected to be a factor after recovering from a foot injury, and the Illini added top-25 recruit Quentin Coleman.
Tennessee assembled the strongest transfer class, led by Juke Harris (21.4 PPG at Wake Forest) and Terrence Hill Jr. Rick Barnes's retirement watch enters its fifth season.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing