Cavs Draft Pick Niang Chooses College Route Over NBA
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CLEVELAND — Cavaliers draft-and-stash prospect Saliou Niang plans to suit up for a Division I program next season instead of joining the NBA, according to a report.
North Carolina and LSU are vying for the 21-year-old forward, Sportando’s Alessandro Maggi reported. Niang, currently under contract with Virtus Bologna, will depart the Italian club after it receives a severance payment that clears the way for his move to the college ranks.
Selected 58th overall by Cleveland in last year’s draft, the 6-foot-6 Niang appeared in 38 EuroLeague games this season, averaging 7.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He also logged three games in the 2025 NBA Summer League, posting 7.7 points, 6.7 boards and 1.3 assists in 22.5 minutes per contest.
Niang’s decision keeps his NBA rights with the Cavaliers while providing him an opportunity to develop against NCAA competition before any potential jump to Cleveland’s roster.
Source: HoopsRumors
