St. John’s Star Luis Declares for NBA Draft and Transfer Portal: What This Means for His Future

St. John’s standout RJ Luis Jr. has decided to enter the NBA draft and the transfer portal, according to his agent, Sam Permut of Roc Nation. This move is raising eyebrows, especially since Luis is considered the Big East Player of the Year.

At 6-foot-7, Luis has impressed many during his breakout season, posting averages of 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His defensive skills and shooting have improved significantly, making him a key player for St. John’s. In his final games of the Big East season, he shined with performances like scoring 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds against Marquette and tallying 29 points with 10 rebounds in the Big East tournament championship against Creighton.

Luis not only secured the Player of the Year title but also earned MVP honors in the Big East tournament. In the NCAA tournament, however, his performance was not as strong. He scored 22 points and hit five three-pointers in the first round matchup against Omaha, but struggled in the next round against Arkansas. He shot just 3-for-17 from the field, marking only his second game of the season without double-digit points. Coach Rick Pitino opted to bench him in the closing moments of that game, which led to some speculation about the decision.

Originally from Miami, Luis had one year at UMass before transferring to St. John’s in 2023. During his first season with the Red Storm, he averaged 10.9 points and 4.6 rebounds.

As Luis explores his options for the future, NBA scouts are watching closely. Analysts predict that whether he stays in the draft or returns to college, he will bring a lot of attention. Recent data from the NCAA indicates that players who declare early often improve their draft stock, especially those who show promise like Luis. Experts note that teams are increasingly valuing potential and skill development, making youth and adaptability key factors in their selections.

This decision reflects a growing trend where young players are increasingly taking bold steps to pursue their professional dreams, influenced by the opportunities and challenges in the current sports landscape. As players like Luis navigate between college and the professional level, their choices will impact not just their futures but also the dynamics of college basketball and the NBA.

For more insights on the impact of early draft declarations, you can check the NCAA’s official reports.



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