LSU Basketball Secures Second Transfer Portal Commitment Under Will Wade

Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

LSU Basketball Secures Second Transfer Portal Commitment Under Will Wade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 7, 2026 1:35 PM ET

Will Wade is still settling in as the LSU Tigers' newest men's basketball coach. It was a shocking move when he left the NC State Wolfpack after just one season and an NCAA Tournament appearance to lead the Tigers.

Early into his tenure with LSU, Wade hasn't found much success with the transfer portal. The Tigers had 11 players depart during the 15-day window from April 7 to 21, which is the most of any SEC team. He and his staff have struggled to replace the lost talent.

They made just their second addition on Thursday. On3's Joe Tipton reported that LSU landed a commitment from former Michigan State Spartans guard Divine Ugochukwu.

Michigan State Spartans guard Divine Ugochukwu.Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Coming out of high school in the 2024 cycle, he committed to the Miami Hurricanes. However, after one season in Coral Gables, where he appeared in 28 games and made 16 starts, he transferred to Michigan State.

Ugochukwu was limited to just 22 games during the 2025-26 college basketball season after suffering a season-ending foot injury on Feb. 4. During his time healthy, he averaged 5.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He also shot 50.6% from the field and 44.2% from the three-point line.

With two more years of eligibility, he joins an LSU team that is undergoing a coaching change after going just 15-17 last season. The Tigers have not made an NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2021-22 season.

Ugochukwu is the second player Wade has landed in the portal, alongside former Kentucky Wildcats forward Mouhamed Dioubate. The group now ranks 78th in the nation and 15th in the SEC, according to On3.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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