Márcio Santos Signs Two-Year Deal With Baskonia After LSU Move Falls Through

Brazilian forward-center Márcio Santos is officially returning to European basketball after his expected move to LSU did not materialize.

The 23-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Kosner Baskonia, keeping him with the Spanish club through 2028. The move puts Santos back in the EuroLeague, where he already has experience competing at one of the highest levels of professional basketball outside the NBA. 

From LSU to Spain

Santos had been expected to join LSU for the 2026–27 college basketball season after committing to play for head coach Will Wade. However, questions surrounding his NCAA/SEC eligibility prevented the move from being completed.

CBS Sports reported on September 29 that LSU had recruited Santos and hoped to get him cleared, but he ultimately signed professionally with Baskonia instead. His situation comes as LSU continues working through eligibility questions involving several international recruits with previous professional experience. 

Instead of waiting on the college eligibility process, Santos will continue his professional career in Spain.

Already Proven in Professional Basketball

Santos isn't new to the professional game.

The 2.04-meter (approximately 6'8") Brazilian developed with Franca in Brazil, competing in the NBB and Basketball Champions League Americas before making the move to Europe. He later played for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany before joining Maccabi Tel Aviv. 

Last season, Santos made his EuroLeague debut with Maccabi, averaging 6.9 points per game. He has also represented the senior Brazilian national team, averaging 8.5 points and 6 rebounds during recent FIBA qualifying windows. 

Why Baskonia Wanted Him

Baskonia had a clear need in its frontcourt.

The Spanish club had undergone several changes inside, including the departure of Khalifa Diop and the end of its short-lived agreement with veteran NBA center Alex Len. Santos now joins the rotation as a physical and energetic frontcourt option for head coach Paolo Galbiati. 

At 23, Santos also gives Baskonia something valuable: a player who is still developing but already understands professional basketball in Brazil and Europe.

A Different Path Than College Basketball

Santos' story also reflects the increasingly complicated relationship between international professional basketball and NCAA recruiting.

He appeared headed toward one of college basketball's biggest conferences with LSU. Instead, he will remain a professional and compete against some of Europe's top clubs.

For Santos, the destination changes — but the level of competition remains extremely high.

Márcio Santos is officially headed to Spain, signing with Baskonia through 2028 and continuing his career on the EuroLeague stage. 

Scoutz News | Basketball