A Louisiana judge has granted a preliminary injunction that clears the way for RJ Luis to rejoin college basketball, allowing the former St. John’s standout to suit up for the LSU Tigers in the 2026‑27 season.
The ruling follows a complex off‑court journey that saw Luis go undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, sign a two‑way contract with the Utah Jazz and later be traded to the Boston Celtics, all of which raised questions about his eligibility under NCAA rules.
During his final season with the Redmen, Luis averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, earning second‑team All‑American honors and attracting interest from several programs.
Clearing the NCAA Hurdle
LSU coach Will Wade welcomed the decision, emphasizing the program’s ambition to compete at the highest level in the ACC and to develop championship‑ready talent. “We’re excited to add a player of RJ’s caliber to a roster that already boasts a strong foundation,” Wade said.
The Tigers’ 2026‑27 roster will now feature Luis alongside five other committed athletes, while the NCAA has indicated it may seek a stay to pause the injunction pending a full review.
Legal experts note that the injunction represents a rare instance where a court has intervened in collegiate eligibility disputes, potentially setting a precedent for future cases involving two‑way contracts and NCAA rules.
If the governing body chooses to appeal, the decision could reshape how the association handles athletes who straddle professional and collegiate competition.