After putting together a massive transfer portal class, the LSU Basketball program now has to turn the page as the 2026 recruiting cycle truly comes into focus. This summer, the AAU circuits pick back up, coaching staffs around the country go on the road to scout recruits while making their push for the players they zero in on.
The LSU Basketball program is one of the programs with a unique recruiting pipeline outside of the United States. The Tigers brought back former Assistant Coach David Patrick as an assistant last offseason which gave LSU ties to Australia once again. Along with GM Ronald Dupree who has ties from his days as an International scout, the Tigers will start to recruit in a unique way.
LSU goes back to Australia landing recruit Marcus Vaughns
On Thursday, the LSU Basketball program landed its first commitment of the 2026 recruiting cycle as the Tigers landed a commitment from Australian star Marcus Vaughs.
NEWS: Australian prospect Marcus Vaughns has committed to LSU, he told @On3Recruits.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) May 22, 2025
The 6-foot-8 small forward in the class of 2026 chose the Tigers over the NBL Next Stars program. https://t.co/ahC4KgthFG pic.twitter.com/pJeRtuIjHJ
By picking LSU, Marcus Vaughns will pass up playing in the Australian National Basketball League choosing to instead develop in the SEC which has become a powerhouse developing NBA talent.
This is another recruitment where LSU is able to win out thanks to David Patrick’s ties to Australia as a coach on their National Team. Patrick most famously helped LSU Ben Simmons and the Tigers can only hope Vaughns reaches the same level of stardom that Simmons reached.
Currently, Vaughs is unranked Nationally by any of the major recruiting services. At 6 foot 8, Vaughns certainly has the athletic ability and profile to play on the wing in the SEC. Vaughns will bring the ability to guard multiple positions along with the ability to finish at the rim while he’ll have another year to develop before his arrival in Baton Rouge.