Ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv Player Marcius Santos Barred From NCAA Play

Marcius Santos, a former player for Maccabi Tel Aviv, will not be able to join the LSU Tigers in the NCAA basketball league as planned, despite having previously committed to the team. LSU coach Will Wade announced during a press conference that Santos is not part of the team's plans due to unspecified "restrictions" imposed by the league.

Wade indicated that the decision was made by the NCAA administration, stating, "You'll have to ask the league management" when questioned about the timing of the ruling. Santos was reportedly set to earn a substantial salary of $3 million gross per season in the United States, and his transfer was also expected to net Maccabi Tel Aviv $750,000.

Santos is not the only player facing potential exclusion from LSU. Salif Niang, a 22-year-old forward who played for Virtus Bologna and Anadolu Efes, and center Bryce Deser, both of whom had committed to LSU, have also not been officially announced, raising questions about their eligibility.

The situation leaves the future of the Brazilian national team center uncertain. The NCAA's decision marks a significant financial loss for Santos and a missed opportunity for both the player and Maccabi Tel Aviv.