First year LSU basketball coach Will Wade continues to add pieces to his first full recruiting class. Make that extremely large pieces to his current recruiting class that’s rated No. 1 in the nation by a consensus of recruiting websites.
For the second time this week, Wade landed a five-star commitment, this time from one of nation’s top centers with a pledge Saturday from Xavier Young of Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff in Dallas.
The 6-foot-10, 210-pound Young, a native of Lewisville, Texas, chose LSU over Michigan, Maryland, Tennessee and TCU.
“It was the trust the whole coaching staff had in me,” Young said to 247Sports. “I know I’m coming in young, and still having their absolute trust stood out to me.”
Young joins the nation’s top-rated recruiting Class of 2027 that gained a commitment from point guard Reese Alston of Houston earlier this week. The Tigers also have pledges from combo guard King Gibson of Greensboro, N.C. and forward Ahmad Hudson of Ruston.
The NCAA’s early signing period for basketball begins Nov. 11.
Young, who had 18 scholarship offers by the time he was in seventh grade, saw that number grow to more than 40. He’s the nation’s No. 11 overall prospect and No. 4 center according to Rivals.
Following his play with the gold-medal winning United States’ U17 World Cup team, where he averaged 7.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 14 minutes, the 16-year-old Young reclassified into the Class of ’27.
“What led to the decision for me to reclassify up is how much development I can get in two years of college,” Young told 247. “Going against bigger and stronger competition every day will help me get ready for basketball beyond the collegiate level. The staff’s plan for me is to build around my weaknesses, such as developing a stronger perimeter game, while also using the two years I have with them to become a future lottery pick.”
Young, who is regarded for his touch around the rim and face-up game from the perimeter, has also proven to be a good defender because of his length.
He cut his list of 40 schools down to five to concentrate on with LSU making that list. After picking up an offer from the Tigers on July 24, he made an official visit on Sept. 11.
“The program should expect me to be a guy who shows up every day and gives his best effort no matter what the situation is,” Young said of LSU. “I am a great teammate and a good person to be around.”
