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LSU hoops offers top-ranked player in Louisiana's 2026 class

On3 imageby: Matthew Brune05/23/25MatthewBrune_
Tyshawn Duncan LSU
Tyshawn Duncan LSU

LSU’s evaluation of the 2026 class continues as coaches are on the road in gyms across the country. Fortunately, the staff did not have to look too far for their most recent offer, extending an offer to Alexandria, Louisiana forward Tyshawn Duncan Friday afternoon.

Duncan is a 6-foot-8 forward who won a state title at Alexandria High School this year and is now beginning to draw attention on the national scene. On3 is the first to rank Duncan and has him as a four-star prospect, the No. 94 player in the country and the No. 1 player in the state of Louisiana for this class.

Duncan came on an unofficial visit in late September and has continued to work on his game to pick up this offer from Matt McMahon and his assistant coaches.

Last summer, On3’s Joe Tipton wrote this about Duncan in July at Peach Jam: “Tyshawn Duncan had a breakout game today for LivOn (LA). The 6-8, 16-year-old is incredibly active around the rim. He’s an ultra competitor, can really protect the rim, and plays with a toughness. He’s a bit limited now offensively, but don’t be surprised to see him add several offers this weekend.” 

The Tigers staff will continue to pursue top talent across the country, but the emergence of a quality player from Louisiana in this cycle gives them another option as they look to shore up the frontcourt for 2026.

LSU’s first commitment of 2026

LSU picked up its first commitment for the 2026 class as Marcus Vaughns announced his decision on Thursday evening, choosing the Tigers over playing professionally in Australia. The 6-foot-8 native Australian made an official visit to Baton Rouge in mid-February, where he left blown away by every part of what he saw.

He went back home needing to make a decision by this summer of whether he’d play college ball or play in the NBL in Australia and he has now made his choice.

“The visit was awesome,” Vaughns said in March. “It really blew me away. I already knew their facilities were top tier, but when I saw it, it really blew my mind. The coaching staff, the performance center, the academic centers, it’s all very nice and LSU is an amazing place.”

His relationship with associate head coach David Patrick was the driving force behind his visit and his recruitment to LSU as Patrick is extremely well regarded as a recruiter both in America and around the world and has relationships with people all over. It was a chance for Vaughns to see Patrick again, but also get to know the rest of the staff on this trip.

“I have a good relationship with coach McMahon considering the first time I met him was at the visit,” Vaughns said. “Coach David Patrick, I’ve known him basically my whole life, since I was like five years old. It was good to build a relationship with the rest of the staff as well.

“Coach Patrick has known my dad [for a long time]. When he was at TCU he would fly out to Australia pretty regularly and I met him at a practice and ever since then I see him everytime he flies out. Just recently he flew out to come watch one of my practices.”

Vaughns was selected for the Basketball without Borders in NBA All-Star Weekend and is viewed as one of the best international young prospects in the world. He has also played in the G League Showcase in 2024, further showing his talent level and potential for the next level.

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