LSU lands 5-star center Xavier Young for class of 2027 - ESPN

Five-star center Xavier Young has committed to LSU and plans to reclassify into the 2027 class, he told ESPN on Saturday, giving Will Wade and the Tigers the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.

Young, who was a member of the class of 2028, chose LSU over a final five that also featured Tennessee, Maryland, Michigan and TCU. He took official visits in the last several weeks to each of his finalists besides TCU.

«During my visit, [Wade] sat down with me, went through my game, and told me I have a chance to be an NBA player. He believes in me that much,» said Young, who added that he also met LSU women's coach Kim Mulkey. «The fans were so excited to see Coach Wade as he walked around campus and attended the football game. I was getting great vibes and high-fives from the fans at the LA Tech game. There's great support for the basketball program there.»

Young, who only turned 16 in March, will have to spend at least two years in college before being eligible for the NBA draft.

«I put a lot of trust in Coach Wade,» Young said. «He has a two-year plan to help me get to the league.»

A 6-foot-9 center, Young will maintain his five-star status once he officially moves from the 2028 class into the SC Next 100 for the class of 2027. He helped lead the U.S. under-17 national team to the gold medal at the FIBA U17 Men's World Cup in Istanbul over the summer, averaging 7.6 points and 3.7 rebounds.

Young played for Texas Impact on the UAA circuit in the spring and summer, posting 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 61% from the field over 18 games.

He is efficient in his role as a low-post presence, looking to make and maintain contact with his defender and establish deep post position. Young is starting to sprinkle in