Breaking News: Former LSU Head Coach Will Wade is pursuing an Ex LSU star in the Transfer Portal..

Former LSU head coach Will Wade is making headlines once again in the college basketball world, this time for reuniting with a familiar face. Now the head coach at McNeese State, Wade is bringing in former LSU standout Brandon Murray through the transfer portal—a move that has caught the attention of basketball fans and analysts alike.

Brandon Murray originally began his collegiate career under Wade at LSU during the 2021-22 season. As a freshman, Murray showed great promise, averaging solid numbers and quickly earning a reputation as one of the most dynamic young guards in the SEC. His performance that year earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, and it was clear that he had the potential to become a major player at the collegiate level.

After Wade was dismissed from LSU due to NCAA violations, Murray transferred to Georgetown in search of a fresh start and new opportunities. At Georgetown, he continued to impress with his athleticism and scoring ability, although the team as a whole struggled to find consistent success. After one season, he transferred again—this time to Ole Miss—where he hoped to solidify his role in a Power 5 program and further develop his game.

However, with another year of eligibility and a crowded backcourt at Ole Miss, Murray decided to enter the transfer portal once again. This time, the story took a full-circle turn. Will Wade, now coaching at McNeese State, saw the perfect opportunity to bring back a player he trusted and believed in. The two had maintained a positive relationship, and Wade’s pitch to Murray reportedly emphasized both their previous chemistry and the chance to take McNeese State to new heights.

Murray’s arrival at McNeese State is a big deal for a program that has already been making noise in the Southland Conference. Under Wade’s leadership, McNeese has become a rising force in mid-major basketball, and adding a player of Murray’s caliber only raises the bar further. With experience in multiple Power 5 conferences and a proven ability to perform under pressure, Murray brings leadership, scoring, and defensive versatility to a roster that is already well-coached and competitive.

This move is also a testament to Wade’s recruiting acumen. Even after his departure from LSU and the controversy surrounding his exit, Wade has remained a magnetic figure for high-level talent. His track record of player development and winning has clearly not gone unnoticed. Convincing a former top recruit to join a mid-major program is no small feat, and it shows just how much trust Murray has in Wade’s vision.

From a basketball standpoint, Murray fits seamlessly into Wade’s system. At LSU, he thrived in an up-tempo, aggressive scheme that allowed him to use his athleticism and scoring ability. At McNeese, he’ll likely have even more freedom and opportunity to be the centerpiece of the offense. His ability to create his own shot, attack the rim, and defend multiple positions gives McNeese a huge boost on both ends of the floor.

For Murray, this move also offers a fresh opportunity to showcase his talent and re-establish his trajectory as a pro prospect. With consistent minutes and a system built to highlight his strengths, he’ll be in a position to put up big numbers and draw attention from scouts at the next level. Playing under a coach who believes in him and knows how to get the best out of him could be the key to unlocking his full potential.

As for McNeese State, the combination of Wade’s coaching and Murray’s talent makes the Cowboys a team to watch in the upcoming season. The Southland Conference title is well within reach, and with the right mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, McNeese could find itself in the national spotlight come March.

In a transfer portal era where loyalty and relationships still matter, the reunion between Will Wade and Brandon Murray is a perfect example of how past connections can shape future success. Both coach and player are hungry to prove themselves, and together, they could make McNeese State one of the most exciting stories in college basketball next season.