Former St. John’s Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. has committed to play for the LSU Tigers, coached by Will Wade, in the 2026-27 college basketball season. Unfortunately for the Miami, Florida native, he is currently experiencing complications regarding his eligibility. At the moment, Luis is not eligible to return to play college basketball due to the NCAA’s governing body voiding his amateur status.
Luis signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz after he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 2025 Big East Conference Player of the Year was then traded to the Boston Celtics and immediately assigned to the franchise’s G League team, the Maine Celtics. Given this, the NCAA has been strictly enforcing the rule that any player who has signed an NBA contract, of any kind, is deemed ineligible.
The argument Luis may make in his case is that he did not actually log any minutes during the NBA regular season. Besides suiting up for the Maine Celtics, Luis only played for the Boston-based franchise in the preseason. Still, the NCAA is unlikely to grant him a waiver, given his NBA experience. The 23-year-old will likely file a lawsuit with his legal team in the hopes of regaining eligibility.
NCAA president Charlie Baker previously made it clear that players who have signed an NBA contract are barred
In a December article by Jeff Borzello for ESPN, NCAA president Charlie Baker made it clear that players who intend to play college basketball and have previously signed NBA contracts are ineligible to do so. According to Baker, the NCAA’s governing body stands firm on this, especially amid the rising trend of professional players playing in college. RJ Luis Jr. now has a steep hill to climb legally with the LSU Tigers.
“The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract (including a two-way contract). As schools are increasingly recruiting individuals with international league experience, the NCAA is exercising discretion in applying the actual and necessary expenses bylaw to ensure that prospective student-athletes with experience in American basketball leagues are not at a disadvantage compared to their international counterparts,” Baker was quoted as saying.
“Rules have long permitted schools to enroll and play individuals with no prior collegiate experience midyear.” he continued.
Read More:
LSU Basketball Commits: Full Recruiting Class and Latest Additions in Will Wade’s Squad For 2026
Will Wade’s LSU Lash Out $5 Million for 25YO Guard from 2020 NBA Draft
RJ Luis Jr. Turned Down NIL Millions – What Happens If He Goes Undrafted?
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