LSU’s basketball program has added a new piece to its puzzle with the signing of RJ Luis Jr., a former G League prospect who earned All‑American honors at St. John’s and was crowned Big East Player of the Year in 2025.
The road to eligibility
After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Luis inked a two‑way contract with the Utah Jazz, was later traded to the Boston Celtics and signed an Exhibit 10 deal with their Maine affiliate. Though he never appeared in an NBA game, the experience has left him hungry for a fresh start.
College roots run deep. Luis began at UMass before transferring to St. John’s, where as a junior he posted 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 22 double‑digit scoring games and 14 outings with 20 points or more.
If the NCAA grants the extra year he is targeting, Luis will enter the 2026‑27 season as one of the SEC’s most anticipated talents, joining a roster that already features transfer guards Austin Nunez, Abdi Bashir Jr., Divine Ugochukwu and forward Mouhamed Dioubate.
The move underscores LSU’s aggressive recruitment strategy this offseason, marking the fifth addition to the squad. Head coach Will Wade, who has been rebuilding the program after a period of transition, expressed confidence that Luis’s skill set will elevate the team’s competitiveness.
Beyond the numbers, Luis brings a narrative of perseverance. From a standout high‑school career to a promising stint in the G League, his journey reflects the modern athlete’s blend of college brilliance and professional ambition.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, eager to see whether the Tigers can translate this infusion of talent into a deeper run in the SEC and beyond.