Will Wade returns to Lake Charles for LSU-McNeese exhibition

LSU men's basketball head coach Will Wade is returning to Lake Charles for an exhibition game against McNeese State. The matchup features Wade against the program he previously helped build into a mid-major force.

McNeese State, led by head coach Bill Armstrong, enters the game with a roster that includes sophomore guard Larry Johnson, who holds the school record for points by a freshman. The Cowboys are working to replace key transfers such as Tyshawn Archie and Garwey Dual.

LSU is currently managing roster uncertainty regarding player eligibility. While only four players were officially listed on the roster recently, Wade expressed confidence that the team will be fully eligible under SEC guidelines by their regular-season opener on November 3 against LSU New Orleans. During a recent appearance at the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, Wade also joked that he is no longer the most controversial coach on campus, referencing football coach Lane Kiffin.