LSU Basketball: 16-year-old center reclassifies for 2027

Xavier Young chose LSU over four other power programs, committing to the Tigers on Saturday. The 6-foot-9 center will reclassify from the 2028 class into the 2027 group. This move gives head coach Will Wade the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation.

Young was originally a member of the class of 2028. He selected LSU from a final list that included Tennessee, Maryland, Michigan, and TCU. He visited three of those schools in the weeks leading up to his decision. He did not visit TCU.

The 16-year-old credited Wade for his choice. Young said Wade reviewed his game and told him he had a chance to play in the NBA. "He has a two-year plan to help me get to the league," Young stated. Young also met Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the LSU women's basketball team, during his visit.

Young highlighted the energy on campus during his trip. He watched Wade walk around the grounds and attend a football game. "The fans were so excited to see Coach Wade," Young recalled. He noted that he received high-fives and positive vibes from the crowd at the LA Tech game.

Young performed well on the international stage this summer. He helped the U.S. under-17 national team win a gold medal at the FIBA U17 Men's World Cup in Istanbul. He averaged 7.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in that tournament. On the domestic circuit, he played for the Texas Impact in the spring and summer. He posted 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting 61% from the field over 18 games.

Young joins a strong group of recruits for the 2027 season. He is the third five-star prospect to sign with the Tigers. He is the fourth top-25 recruit in the current class. Reese Alston and King Gibson, both top-15 guards, already committed to the program. Alston committed on Thursday, and Gibson signed earlier this month. Four-star forward Ahmad Hudson has been with the team since the spring.

Young is eager to team up with 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. Young will maintain his five-star status after officially moving into the SC Next 100 for the class of 2027.