Saliou Niang has reportedly made his decision! Following a strong personal season with Virtus Bologna in the Euroleague, which was his debut in the competition, the Italian prospect is expected to sign with an NCAA team next season. According to information from Alessandro Maggi, LSU and UNC are competing to secure his commitment, and regardless of the team, his salary is described as “astronomical.”
This move presents a significant opportunity for Niang to advance towards his ultimate dream of playing in the NBA. Drafted 58th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Niang was initially sent to Europe to continue his development. This developmental phase is now expected to conclude in the United States, where scouts will have more direct access to observe his performance. This past season, he averaged 7.1 points and 5 rebounds in the Euroleague, establishing himself as one of the most versatile defenders in the competition.
A Double-Digit Salary?
The increasing trend of players migrating to the NCAA is largely fueled by the league’s growing financial appeal. While the exact contract amount for Saliou Niang has not yet been disclosed, it is speculated that it could rival that of an NBA rookie contract. Some prospects have reportedly received offers approaching $10 million.
