By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Louisiana State University completed a massive boost for the 2026–27 NCAA season, signing 23-year-old French center Brice Dessert from Turkish EuroLeague powerhouse Anadolu Efes, as reported by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein on Thursday evening.
The promising big is heading to Baton Rouge to play under Will Wade, with the Istanbul outfit earning a 750,000 euros buyout and keeping his European rights.
Standing 6-foot-11 with a staggering 7-foot-4 wingspan, Dessert brings five years of elite European professional experience to LSU. He bypassed the traditional American high school circuit, sharpening his skills at the prestigious Pole France INSEP academy before professional stints with Rouen Metropole, ADA Blois, and SIG Strasbourg.
Following a breakout 2024–25 season with Strasbourg, he penned a multi-year deal with Efes, where he registered 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game on a lethal 80.6% shooting mark in the Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi, alongside 17 high-intensity EuroLeague appearances with 5.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per contest.
Dessert also boasts an impressive international resume, having secured a silver medal at the FIBA U16 European Championship 2019 and another silver at the FIBA U19 World Cup 2021 alongside Victor Wembanyama. Having already been cleared by the NCAA last season, the physical rim-runner, elite screen setter, and post defender is primed to make an immediate impact in the paint.
Dessert’s commitment further solidifies an aggressive overseas recruiting haul for the Tigers, joining two previous EuroLeague commitments, 23-year-old seasoned center Marcio Santos and 22-year-old forward Saliou Niang.
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