LSU secures basketball commitment from 5 star big man Naz Reid

New LSU men’s coach Will Wade continues to assemble talent and commitments that certainly looks to make the Tigers a major force in college basketball in the upcoming seasons.

After putting together an outstanding team for the 2017-’18 campaign, Wade is is constructing a solid, if not spectacular, recruiting class for next season.

Already in tow is 4 star PG Javonte Smart for next year’s class.

Elite prep big man Naz Reid pledged to the Tigers, giving LSU a verbal from the 18th rated player in the country along with the 32nd best overall, Scotlandville guard Ja’Vonte Smart.

As it stands, LSU has a top 10 recruiting class.

Reid, a 6-foot-10, 240 pounder out of Roselle Catholic High in New Jersey, considered offers from UCLA, Arizona, Villanova, Iowa, California, Alabama, Seton Hall, St. John’s, Louisville, Kansas and Maryland. His final decision came down to Arizona and LSU. Although the Wildcats sit in the the top spot in recruiting nationwide, Reid was drawn to LSU’s family atmosphere.

It also helped that Reid’s girlfriend, Raven Farley, is a member of the LSU women’s basketball team.

Reid is a dominating rebounder who can run the floor. Able to step out on the perimeter, he hits 34.6 percent from behind arc on the prep level. He is a superb pick and roll option who can cross-over dribble and drive and play above the rim. Reid possesses good touch from around the basket.

His recruitment began to shape up in the Tigers’ favor after Reid canceled a recruiting trip planned to Arizona for Sept. 8.

Wade has also added Brain Merritt as the program’s new coordinator for basketball operations. Merritt arrives after having served as the Director of Scouting and Recruiting for John Lucas Enterprises.