R.J. Luis Commits To LSU Amid Eligibility Battle

Former St. John's wing R.J. Luis has committed to LSU for the 2025-26 season but will likely face an eligibility challenge from the NCAA. Luis, a 6-foot-6 forward, previously played three seasons in college and signed an NBA contract, complicating his return to Division I basketball.

Luis began his college career at the University of Massachusetts, where he played two seasons before transferring to St. John's. During his time at St. John's, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game over 33 games. After two seasons with the Red Storm, Luis entered the 2025 NBA Draft as an Early Entry Candidate but went undrafted.

Following the draft, Luis signed a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz. The Jazz traded him to the Boston Celtics before the season began, who waived him and later re-signed him to an Exhibit 10 training camp contract. He played in three preseason games for Boston before being waived again. He was then waived by the Maine Celtics before the G League season started due to an injury.

The NCAA has a strict rule that players who sign NBA contracts are ineligible to return to college basketball. This rule was tested in a recent case involving Charles Bediako, a former University of Alabama player who also signed an NBA contract and was denied eligibility by the NCAA. Bediako's legal challenge was unsuccessful, setting a precedent that Luis is likely to face.

Luis's situation could have a major impact on LSU's roster. The Tigers are expected to compete in the SEC and have high hopes for the upcoming season. If Luis is approved for eligibility, he could provide a major scoring boost to a team that finished 12-19 in the 2024 season.

The NCAA will likely review Luis’s case in the coming weeks. A final decision is expected by late August, just before the start of the 2025-26 college basketball season. If denied, LSU will have to adjust its plans without Luis, who could instead pursue a professional career overseas.