Cavs prospect Saliou Niang cleared to play at LSU

The Cavaliers will be able to follow Saliou Niang’s development much closer to home this season.

Niang has received NCAA clearance to play for LSU, according to Sportando⁠, with Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress confirming the news through the player’s representatives, Sead Galijasevic and Andrea Grossi.

Cleveland selected Niang with the No. 58 pick in the 2025 draft. After spending last season with Virtus Bologna in Italy, he’ll continue his development under LSU coach Will Wade while the Cavs retain his NBA draft rights.

That makes Niang a domestic draft-and-stash prospect, taking an unusual route through college basketball after being drafted and playing professionally overseas.

According to Sportando, the NCAA approved Niang for two seasons of eligibility, resolving the uncertainty surrounding his professional background.

The financial arrangements are substantial, too. Citing Quotidiano Sportivo, Sportando reports that Virtus Bologna will receive a $500,000 buyout and that Niang’s agreement with LSU is worth multiple millions of dollars.

For the Cavs, the move provides another setting in which to evaluate Niang before deciding when he might be ready for the NBA. His next stop is the SEC, with Cleveland continuing to hold his rights.