Five-star center Xavier Young has committed to LSU and plans to reclassify into the 2027 class, he told ESPN on Saturday, giving Will Wade and the Tigers the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.
Young, who was a member of the class of 2028, chose LSU over a final five that also featured Tennessee, Maryland, Michigan and TCU. He took official visits in the last several weeks to each of his finalists besides TCU.
"During my visit, [Wade] sat down with me, went through my game, and told me I have a chance to be an NBA player. He believes in me that much," said Young, who added that he also met LSU women's coach Kim Mulkey. "The fans were so excited to see Coach Wade as he walked around campus and attended the football game. I was getting great vibes and high-fives from the fans at the LA Tech game. There's great support for the basketball program there."
Young, who only turned 16 in March, will have to spend at least two years in college before being eligible for the NBA draft.
"I put a lot of trust in Coach Wade," Young said. "He has a two-year plan to help me get to the league."
A 6-foot-9 center, Young will maintain his five-star status once he officially moves from the 2028 class into the SC Next 100 for the class of 2027. He helped lead the U.S. under-17 national team to the gold medal at the FIBA U17 Men's World Cup in Istanbul over the summer, averaging 7.6 points and 3.7 rebounds.
Young played for Texas Impact on the UAA circuit in the spring and summer, posting 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 61% from the field over 18 games.
He is efficient in his role as a low-post presence, looking to make and maintain contact with his defender and establish deep post position. Young is starting to sprinkle in flashes of a face-up game, beginning at the free throw line. His hand security is outstanding, as he rebounds the ball with two hands and can catch passes in tight spaces. He finishes with force and girth, and with surprising agility for his frame. Young's footwork for his age is impressive, but it will continue to need repetition so it becomes second nature. His rebounding can be impactful; he's an excellent screen-and-roll target; and he's very effective in dribble-handoff actions.
Young is LSU's third five-star prospect and fourth top-25 recruit in the 2027 class, joining top-15 guards Reese Alston and King Gibson and four-star forward Ahmad Hudson. Alston, the son of former NBA veteran and streetball legend Rafer Alston, committed to Wade and the Tigers on Thursday, while Gibson picked LSU earlier this month. Hudson, who led the Nike EYBL in rebounding and is the No. 1 tight end prospect in the country, has been in the fold since the spring.
"I'm excited and can't wait to play with King Gibson and Reese Alston, two of the best guards in the country," Young said.