RJ Luis Jr., the standout wing for St. John’s University, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while also entering the NCAA transfer portal, marking a pivotal moment in his basketball career. The 6’7”, 215-pound junior, who transferred to St. John’s from UMass in 2023, enjoyed a breakout season under Coach Rick Pitino, earning Big East Player of the Year and Tournament MVP honors. Luis averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while leading the Red Storm to a historic 31-5 record and their first Big East title in 25 years. His versatility as a three-level scorer and defensive anchor made him one of the most impactful players in college basketball this season.
Despite his success, Luis’s season ended on a controversial note during St. John’s second-round NCAA Tournament loss to Arkansas. He struggled offensively, shooting 3-for-17 from the field, and was benched for the final five minutes of the game—a decision Coach Pitino defended but sparked debate among fans and analysts. Ranked in the Top 75 in most NBA Draft rankings, Luis is expected to be highly sought after in the transfer portal if he chooses to return to college basketball, with potential NIL earnings projected at $1.5 million. Known for his defensive versatility and high motor, Luis still has areas for improvement, including refining his shooting mechanics and ball-handling skills. Whether he pursues an NBA career or continues his collegiate journey elsewhere, Luis’s next steps will be closely watched as he looks to build on his promising trajectory as a two-way player with significant upside.
RJ Luis Jr. – NBA Prospect Player Overview
RJ Luis Jr. is a 6’7″, 215-pound guard/forward last played at St. John’s, having transferred from Massachusetts. Known for his high energy and versatility, Luis is a capable three-level scorer with a solid mid-range jumper and growing three-point range. He excels at finishing through contact and posting up smaller defenders. His defensive versatility stands out, as he can guard multiple positions, make help-side reads, and disrupt passing lanes. However, his aggressive defense sometimes leads to foul trouble.
Despite his strengths, Luis has areas to improve, particularly in his shooting mechanics, ball-handling, and first-step explosiveness. If he refines these aspects, he has the potential to become a valuable two-way player in the NBA. (Draft analysis reflects includes from the perspective of Matt Babcock, a respected analyst).
Strengths:
- Defensive versatility: Can guard multiple positions.
- Positional size: Stands out at 6’7″ for defense and finishing.
- Scoring: Reliable mid-range and growing three-point shooting.
- High motor: Consistent effort on both ends of the court.
- Off-ball awareness: Strong at cutting and making defensive plays.
Concerns:
- Shooting mechanics: Needs more consistency in his jumper.
- Ball-handling: Needs improvement to create separation.
- Explosiveness: Lacks a quick first step.
- Defensive aggressiveness: Can overcommit, leading to fouls.
Questions:
- Can Luis improve his three-point shooting to reach his 3-and-D potential?
- Will he enhance his ball-handling and explosiveness to become more dynamic offensively?
- How will he adapt to NBA-level physicality and athleticism defensively?
Bottom Line: Luis combines energy, versatility, and a team-first mentality, making him a strong two-way prospect. With improvements in shooting, ball-handling, and explosiveness, he has the tools to contribute at the NBA level as a valuable role player.