RJ Luis Jr. Enters Transfer Portal
Following the entry of RJ Luis Jr., a standout second-team All-American from St. John’s University, into the transfer portal in late March, offers quickly flooded in. The 6’7″ junior was a highly sought-after player in the transfer market, reportedly receiving starting offers ranging from $3 million to $4 million from prestigious colleges including Kansas, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Indiana.
NIL Era Changes the Game
Since the NCAA permitted Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) four years ago, staying in college has become less of a financial risk for basketball prospects. Injuries could previously jeopardize a player’s future earnings. Now, athletes may earn lucrative sums through sponsorships and alumni funds, with a recent federal ruling allowing schools to compensate athletes directly, signaling a shift away from amateurism. For many players, returning to campus is now a wise financial move.
Making a Bold Decision
For Luis, who isn’t a top NBA prospect like Duke’s Cooper Flagg, opting to stay in the NBA draft was unexpected. Despite turning down lucrative transfer opportunities, he believes it’s his best path forward. “It’s not about the money,” Luis stated. “It’s about setting myself up for the future.”
Personal and Family Background
Luis, now 22, is determined to gamble on himself. “I’ve always exceeded expectations, so I’m betting on myself,” he insists. His father, Reggie Charles Luis, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of having a solid plan. RJ’s early life in Miami involved exploring various sports, but it wasn’t until after 10th grade that he committed to basketball, which led him to the Dominican Republic’s under-17 national team.
A Promising Yet Challenging Journey
After a successful freshman year at UMass, Luis transferred to St. John’s to play under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino. His sophomore season was marred by injuries, but he rebounded to lead St. John’s to considerable success in his junior year, earning the title of Big East Player of the Year.
Controversial Bench Decision
However, Luis’s season ended controversially with a second-round NCAA tournament loss to Arkansas, during which he was benched by Pitino despite a crucial free-throw play. While Pitino defended his decision as necessary for Luis’s mental state, the player’s disappointment was palpable. Luis remains focused on his future and aims to enter the NBA as a potential first-round pick.
Looking Ahead to the NBA Draft
With hopes of being the first Ecuadorian-American in the NBA, Luis has worked out with over a dozen teams, expressing confidence despite mixed predictions from mock draft boards. “I’m working on my three-point shot, but I believe my game suits the NBA,” he affirmed. To those doubting his decision to go pro now, Luis simply says, “Thank you for your support. Don’t worry about me.”
