2025 NBA second-round draft pick Saliou Niang will be playing in the US this season after spending last year with Italian club Virtus Bologna. But the Senegal native won’t be playing in the NBA; instead, he is heading to college, though the destination is still in question.
“Virtus Bologna has already been informed and will receive a severance payment (to be agreed upon); the player will pursue his NBA dream directly from the US,” Sportando’s Alessandro Luigi Maggi tweeted earlier today. “The only thing left to decide is which university.”
2025 NBA Second Round Draft Pick Heading To College with a $5 Million NIL Offer on the Table, Who Is in the Running?
Niang was selected with the 58th pick in last June’s draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Cavaliers chose not to sign the 6-6 wing, and he ultimately signed with Italian club Virtus Bologna. He averaged 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting an efficient 63.2% from the field. He produced 24 double-figure scoring games and four double-doubles.
Niang is an athletic, versatile forward known for his high-motor and elite defensive instincts. Niang has shown steady improvement offensively as a scorer, shooter, and playmaker while playing professionally in Italy. The 21-year-old is an explosive jumper, off one or two feet, and a physical finisher around the rim with a soft touch.
Niang excels in transition and possesses a quick first step when attacking closeouts. Niang has also demonstrated improvement as a cutter. However, it is on the defensive end where he has made a name for himself.
Niang can guard 1-4 positions. Niang is an outstanding point-of-attack defender due to his elite lateral agility and active hands, which lead to steals or deflections. He is also an outstanding rebounder.
Niang still has areas of his game that need improvement. Now that he will be in college, the Cavaliers, who retain his draft rights, will be able to monitor his progress more closely. His biggest current weakness is shooting range and consistency. He also works on his ability to create his shot, limiting turnovers, and adding muscle.
Saliou Niang Deciding Between LSU, Arizona, and UNC?
Born in Dakar, Senegal, on May 14, 2004, Niang moved to Italy at the age of 2. Niang started his basketball career as a youth with Fortitudo Bologna, making his pro debut with the club in May 2022. He moved to the Italian club Trento in 2023, spending two years there before being drafted by the Cavaliers in 2025.
Niang played for Cleveland’s 2025 Summer League squad, where he demonstrated his potential. In three games in Vegas, Niang averaged 7.9 points and 6.7 rebounds in 22.5 minutes with shooting splits of 41.2/20.0/ 88.9.
So, the big question is where will Niang play this fall?
The Arizona Wildcats, North Carolina Tar Heels, and the LSU Tigers are among the college programs involved in his recruitment. However, the Tigers appear to be the favorites. According to the Italian website Virgilio Sport, LSU has offered him around $5 million in NIL money.
It has been a long time since LSU basketball has been nationally relevant. The biggest news the Tigers have made recently is the firing of coach Will Wade in 2022, and the former coach’s rehiring late last month. The Tigers fired Matt McMahon, who went 60-70 in his four seasons in Baton Rouge, and paid NC State $4 million for Wade’s buyout.
Wade has been very successful everywhere he has been. The 43-year-old coach owns a 266-119 career record in 12 collegiate seasons, including posting a 105-51 mark in five seasons with the Tigers. He led LSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances and an SEC regular-season title in his previous stint in Baton Rouge.
However, Wade has a lot of work to do with his roster. Kentucky transfer Mouhamed Diabate is currently the only player on the Tigers’ 2026 roster. The Tigers saw 11 players enter the transfer portal.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
