The reigning Big East Player of the Year, RJ Luis, has announced that he will enter the transfer portal and declare for the NBA draft. This shocking news comes a week after St. John’s was upset by Arkansas in the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. During this defeat, Luis went 0/17 from the field and was benched for the game’s last five minutes. Many speculate that this decision from coach Rick Pitino was a major factor in Luis’s decision.
BREAKING: St. John’s star RJ Luis plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal and declare for the NBA Draft, per @DraftExpress https://t.co/JhJ83Gowmb pic.twitter.com/sWR5AAKprY
— On3 (@On3sports) March 29, 2025
RJ Luis Makes Shocking Announcement
Potential Suitors
It is a bit early to say who could be a few potential suitors for Luis. He was not very highly recruited out of high school. He went to Mt. Zion Prep in Lanham, MD, and was a 3-star recruit. He committed to UMass and played there for one season before transferring to St. John’s.
Luis is a Miami native, so a return home would not be out of the question. The Hurricanes will have a lot of playing time to offer next season. When he transferred the first time, he chose the Johnnies over Louisville and Texas A&M. These could be two possible options especially since Texas A&M still has head coach Buzz Williams, for now. However, more names will likely emerge in the coming days.
Draft Prospects
As far as the pro scene is concerned, Luis does not appear on many mock drafts. He is long and athletic but lacks some tools that are necessary for a wing player. He is a bad three-point shooter. He shot just under 34% from deep this season and has shot 31% for his career. However, his athleticism makes him a good defender, and he can guard multiple decisions. There is a good chance he will get a combine invite. If he impresses there, he may stay in the draft. However, it is expected he will stay in college for another season as he will likely get more money in college then he would from a second-round draft selection.
The post RJ Luis Makes Shocking Announcement appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.