LSU basketball is making serious moves this offseason, and the latest addition is sure to turn heads. Abdi Bashir Jr., a transfer guard from Kansas State, has committed to the Tigers, per On3’s Joe Tipton. Bashir Jr. brings a wealth of experience and scoring punch to Baton Rouge, marking his third program in four seasons. Ranked No. 125 in On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings, he's a proven commodity.
Bashir Jr. began his college career at Monmouth, where he played two seasons (2023-2025) before transferring to Kansas State for the 2025-26 campaign. Over 84 career games, including 50 starts, the Omaha native has averaged an impressive 13.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor makes him a dynamic backcourt threat.
He becomes LSU's third transfer portal pickup this cycle, joining former Kentucky forward Mouhamed Dioubate and former Michigan State guard Divine Ugochukwu. The Tigers also added international big man Márcio Santos, who previously played for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. With this infusion of talent, LSU is clearly building for an immediate impact.
Bashir Jr. will be a key piece for head coach Will Wade, who is back for his second tenure with the program. Wade replaced Matt McMahon after a tough 15-17 season for the Tigers, including a 3-15 mark in SEC play. Before returning to LSU, Wade spent one season at NC State, leading the Wolfpack to the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Prior to that, he had a dominant two-year stint at McNeese State, where he went 50-9 and guided the Cowboys to their second-ever Round of 32 appearance.
Wade's connection to LSU runs deep; he previously coached the Tigers from 2017 to 2022, leading them to three NCAA Tournaments. His return was fueled by rumors that persisted even during McMahon's tenure, especially after LSU missed the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year. Now, with a revamped roster and a coach eager to reclaim his legacy, the Tigers are poised to make noise in the SEC.