LSU Basketball: Reese Alston Commitment Boosts 2027 Class

Reese Alston committed to LSU on Thursday, selecting the Tigers over Louisville, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wichita State. The five-star guard, ranked No. 9 overall in the 247Sports 2027 class, is the son of former NBA player Rafer Alston. He is the third player to sign with LSU for the upcoming season, following four-star guard King Gibson and five-star tight end Ahmad Hudson.

Alston's commitment immediately elevates LSU to the No. 2 ranked recruiting class for the 2027 cycle. This marks the first five-star high school recruit that head coach Will Wade has secured since his return to the program. The addition of three high school players this cycle indicates a strategic shift in how Wade is constructing the roster for the 2026-27 season. Previously, the program relied heavily on the transfer portal and international players to fill its lineup.

Scouting reports describe Alston as an offensive engine who thrives as the primary creator for his team. The 247Sports Director of Scouting noted that Alston can consistently create offense for himself and his teammates. His skill set includes adequate size, deceptive strength, good open floor speed, and leaping ability. He is also recognized as an underrated on-ball defender who can guard the length of the floor.

Alston is a product of Houston Second Baptist. His decision places him in a group of top-20 ranked players who have announced their commitments this week. Other recent commitments include five-star centers who became the highest-ranked players to sign in the upcoming cycle. Alston's arrival provides a solid foundation for the 2027-28 roster, which will feature several players fighting in court for a fifth year of eligibility.

The program currently sits in Tier 3 of the budget range, which spans from $15.1 million to $17.5 million. LSU shares this financial tier with Miami, Arizona, USC, Michigan State, and several SEC rivals including Missouri, Auburn, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and South Carolina. The new recruiting class will join a roster that is currently undergoing legal battles regarding player eligibility.

Wade's decision to focus on high school talent represents a distinct change from the previous year's approach. The 2026-27 season saw a heavy reliance on transfers and international signees. By locking in Alston, Gibson, and Hudson, the staff has secured key pieces early in the 2027 cycle. The presence of Hudson as both a basketball recruit and a football tight end adds depth to the program's multi-sport recruitment efforts.