Xavier Young Commits to LSU, Boosts Tigers to Top National Ranking

Xavier Young committed to LSU on Saturday, selecting the Tigers over Tennessee, Maryland, Michigan, and TCU. The move allows the 6-foot-9 center to reclassify from the 2028 class into the 2027 group. With Young's pledge, LSU holds the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.

Young, who turned 16 in March, spent the previous weeks visiting his final five schools. He toured all finalists except TCU. The player cited a direct conversation with head coach Will Wade during his visit as a deciding factor. Young noted that Wade analyzed his game and told him he had a chance to become an NBA player. The center also met with LSU women's coach Kim Mulkey. He observed strong fan support for the basketball program, noting high-fives and excitement during Wade's campus tour and attendance at a football game.

Young will have to spend at least two years in college before he becomes eligible for the NBA draft. He trusts Wade's two-year plan to prepare him for the professional league. "I put a lot of trust in Coach Wade," Young said. "He has a two-year plan to help me get to the league."

The center maintains his five-star status after moving to the SC Next 100 for the 2027 class. He earned a gold medal with the U.S. under-17 national team at the FIBA U17 Men's World Cup in Istanbul this summer. Young averaged 7.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in that tournament. On the UAA circuit, he played for Texas Impact in the spring and summer. He posted 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 61% from the field over 18 games.

Young is the third five-star prospect in LSU's 2027 class. He joins top-15 guards Reese Alston and King Gibson, as well as four-star forward Ahmad Hudson. Alston, the son of former NBA player Rafer Alston, committed to the Tigers on Thursday. Gibson chose LSU earlier this month. Hudson, who led the Nike EYBL in rebounding, has been committed since the spring. Hudson is also ranked as the No. 1 tight end prospect in the country.

Young expressed enthusiasm about joining his new teammates. "I'm excited and can't wait to play with King Gibson and Reese Alston, two of the best guards in the country," he said. The addition solidifies the depth of the program as it prepares for its next cycle of competition.