Saliou Niang, the promising Italian basketball player, has reportedly made his decision to join the NCAA for the upcoming season. Following a strong personal performance with Virtus Bologna in his Euroleague debut, Niang is expected to make the move to American collegiate basketball. According to reports from Alessandro Maggi, both LSU and UNC are actively competing to secure his commitment. Regardless of the chosen institution, his salary is anticipated to be “astronomical.”
This move presents a significant opportunity for Niang to advance his ultimate dream of playing in the NBA. Drafted 58th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, he was initially sent to Europe to continue his development. This path is now set to conclude in the United States, where scouts will have more direct access to observe his skills. This past season, Niang averaged 7.1 points and 5 rebounds in the Euroleague, establishing himself as one of the league’s most versatile defenders.
A Potential Double-Digit Salary?
The increasing trend of players opting for the NCAA is significantly driven by the league’s growing financial appeal. While the exact contract amount for Saliou Niang has not yet been disclosed, it is speculated that his deal could be comparable to an NBA rookie contract. Some prospects have reportedly received offers in the range of $10 million.
