Five-star guard Reese Alston announced his commitment to LSU on Thursday via CBS Sports HQ, choosing the Tigers over Louisville, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wichita State. Ranked as the No. 9 overall player in the 2027 recruiting cycle by 247Sports, Alston represents a major recruiting milestone for head coach Will Wade.
Reese Alston commits to LSU for 2027
Alston attends Second Baptist in Houston and becomes the third high school player to join LSU basketball recruiting for the 2027 class. His commitment pushes the Tigers to the No. 2-ranked recruiting class for the 2027 cycle.
He joins a growing class that already includes four-star combo guard King Gibson and Ahmad Hudson, who is also committed to the Tigers football team as a five-star tight end. Furthermore, Alston marks the very first five-star high school recruit that Wade has secured since returning to LSU.
Scouting report and playing style
According to the 247Sports Director of Scouting, Alston operates exceptionally well as an offensive engine.
"He's an offensive engine who both thrives and is most comfortable as the primary domino in his team's attack," the scouting report noted, highlighting his ability to "create offense for himself and his teammates." Additional strengths mentioned in the scouting report include:
- Adequate positional size and length
- Deceptive strength and balance through contact
- Good open floor speed with sneaky leaping ability
- Capability as an underrated on-ball defender
A shift in roster strategy under Will Wade
Securing multiple high school commitments early signals a distinct shift for Wade in building his roster for the 2027-28 season. Previously, Wade relied heavily on the transfer portal and international players to construct the roster heading into the 2026-27 season.
Wade has spoken openly about his unconventional roster construction, which includes several players currently fighting in court to secure a fifth year of eligibility.
College basketball recruiting context
Alston's announcement arrives during a busy week for elite prospect commitments across college basketball. Four-star forward Asa Montgomery recently committed to Duke, while five-star center Lewis Uvwo committed to Providence on Wednesday, establishing himself as the highest-ranked player in the upcoming recruiting cycle to commit so far.
Meanwhile, financial investments continue to shape the collegiate landscape. In a recent CBS Sports report examining the NIL arms race in college basketball, LSU was placed in Tier 3 with an estimated budget range between $15.1 million and $17.5 million. Other programs in this tier include Miami, Arizona, USC, Michigan State, and SEC competitors Missouri, Auburn, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Reese Alston?
Reese Alston is a five-star guard, the son of former NBA guard Rafer "Skip 2 My Lou" Alston, and the No. 9 overall player in the 2027 recruiting cycle by 247Sports.
What other schools did Reese Alston consider?
Before committing to LSU, Alston considered Louisville, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wichita State.
Who else is committed to LSU in the 2027 class?
Alston joins four-star combo guard King Gibson and Ahmad Hudson, a five-star tight end who is also committed to the LSU football team.