Cleveland Cavaliers eye LSU college path for Saliou Niang

The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly planning a unique development path for Saliou Niang, the #58 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Following his time playing in Italy with Virtus Bologna, Niang may transition to playing college basketball at LSU.

Despite his professional experience in the EuroLeague and participation in the NBA Summer League, Niang has not yet signed an official NBA contract. The Cavaliers hold his exclusive NBA rights and do not expect him to join their active roster until the 2027-28 season.

This move leverages evolving NCAA eligibility rules to place Niang in a high-level collegiate system focused on player development. Insiders suggest that playing at LSU could allow Niang more ball-handling opportunities and a structured environment to refine his skills compared to the high-pressure professional leagues in Europe, while allowing the Cavaliers to monitor his progress against top-tier prospects.