The LSU Tigers are getting a boost as guard/forward Saliou Niang was cleared to play for them in this college basketball season. Niang's eligibility was in question, as he's one of several players seeking to play in NCAA games after being drafted by an NBA team.

Niang played for Virtus Bologna in Italy last season, after being drafted in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 6-foot-5 wing averaged 8.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in 76 games across all competitions.

The Cavs will retain Niang's NBA draft rights, even as he pursues playing college basketball.