RJ Luis, a former St. John's standout who was named Big East Player of the Year in 2024‑25, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking a preliminary injunction that would grant him a fifth year of eligibility for the 2026‑27 college basketball season.
The case is slated for a hearing on Monday, August 24, in the East Baton Rouge Parish Court, where a judge will decide whether to issue the injunction while the broader lawsuit proceeds.
On May 19, Luis announced his commitment to the LSU Tigers and coach Will Wade, citing the opportunity to extend his collegiate career as the legal battle unfolds.
His basketball résumé includes a stint at St. John's, a declaration for the 2024 NBA Draft, a two‑way contract with the Utah Jazz, brief periods with the Boston Celtics and their G‑League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, and multiple waivers after injury setbacks.
A recent federal court ruling has opened the door for athletes from the class of 2022 to claim a fifth year of eligibility in 2026‑27, a decision that Luis is leveraging to challenge the NCAA’s longstanding eligibility restrictions.
Currently, Luis is training with the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge, working to regain full health after a series of injuries that have limited his professional appearances.
Legal Precedent and Future Implications
The outcome of Luis’s lawsuit could set a national precedent, influencing eligibility rules for countless student‑athletes and potentially reshaping the landscape of college sports.