RJ Luis Jr. Declares for NBA Draft and Enters Transfer Portal: A Bold Move for St. John’s Star
In a move that has sent ripples through the college basketball world, St. John’s standout RJ Luis Jr. has announced his decision to declare for the NBA draft while also entering the transfer portal. This announcement was made public by his agent, Sam Permut of Roc Nation, who spoke to ESPN on Saturday. The news has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and analysts alike, as Luis is not only a key player for St. John’s but also the reigning Big East Player of the Year.
Currently ranked No. 72 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings, Luis is a hot commodity. If he chooses to remain in college, he would undoubtedly be the most sought-after player in the transfer portal. Standing at 6-foot-7, the small forward has had a remarkable season, averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His development as a defender and shotmaker has been particularly noteworthy, making him a versatile asset on the court.
One of the highlights of Luis’s season was his performance during the Big East season’s final stretch. He delivered a stellar 28 points and 11 rebounds in the regular-season finale against Marquette and followed it up with 29 points and 10 rebounds in the Big East tournament championship game against Creighton. These performances earned him not only the Big East Player of the Year title but also the Big East tournament MVP honors.
However, the NCAA tournament presented a mixed bag for Luis. He started strong, scoring 22 points and making five 3-pointers in the first round against Omaha. But in the second round, he struggled against Arkansas, shooting just 3-for-17 from the field and failing to reach double figures in scoring for only the second time this season. This led to St. John’s coach Rick Pitino benching him for the final 4:56 of the 75-66 loss. Pitino’s post-game comments were terse: “He played 30 minutes. I played other people. You’re asking leading questions, so don’t ask me any questions. You already know why he didn’t play.”
Originally from Miami, Luis began his college career with a season at UMass before transferring to St. John’s in 2023. During his first season with the Red Storm, he averaged 10.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His journey from UMass to St. John’s and now potentially to the NBA or another college team is a testament to his growth and ambition.
- Key Achievements:
- Big East Player of the Year
- Big East tournament MVP
- Ranked No. 72 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings
- Season Highlights:
- 28 points and 11 rebounds against Marquette
- 29 points and 10 rebounds in Big East tournament championship
As the basketball community waits to see where Luis will land, his decision to explore both the NBA draft and the transfer portal reflects a strategic approach to his career. Whether he takes his talents to the professional level or chooses to continue his college career elsewhere, RJ Luis Jr. is a name to watch.
Originally Written by: Jonathan Givony,Jeff Borzello
