R.J. Luis Jr., the Big East Player of the Year and catalyst for St. John’s resurgence, has opted to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft, turning down NIL deals reportedly worth up to $3 million.
Considered the top talent remaining in the transfer portal, Luis drew interest from North Carolina, Kansas, Ole Miss, Villanova, and Georgetown—programs now forced to pivot.
R.J. Luis Jr. Leaves Portal, Rejects $3M NIL to Stay in 2025 NBA Draft
Luis, the reigning Big East Player of the Year and breakout star for St. John’s, has made headlines by officially removing his name from the NCAA transfer portal and committing to remain in the 2025 NBA Draft. The decision, which stunned many, came despite reported NIL offers totaling as much as $3 million for one more year of eligibility.
CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander discussed Luis’ decision with Gary Parrish, reflecting on what was widely considered an amicable and expected move toward the pros.
“From the start, I was told this is the goal. This is the vision—we are going to pursue the NBA route,” Norlander said, noting that Luis’ exit from St. John’s was not the result of any rift with the coaching staff. “It was just they expected him to pursue a professional career.”
Luis, who averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, emerged as an elite two-way player in the Big East, elevating a St. John’s team that finished as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite a strong season, the Red Storm’s early exit left a bitter taste.
“He had such a good year, an unexpectedly great season, and it ended infamously,” said Norlander. “St. John’s fans won’t forget it.”
The most surprising aspect of Luis’ decision is his draft stock—or lack thereof. As Parrish bluntly put it, “R.J. Luis is not a projected top 40 NBA pick. Plenty believe he will not get selected at all.”
Still, Luis appears content with closing the college chapter of his career.
“You get a handful of these every year, where players say, ‘Listen, I’m just done with college,’” Norlander added. “Sometimes, two, three, four years down the road, it winds up working out for them.”
Skepticism also surrounds the widely reported NIL figures.
“How many high major schools had more than two and a half million on hand and wanted to give it to R.J. Luis?” Norlander questioned. “Was it one? Was it two? I don’t think it was four or five.”
Ultimately, Luis becomes one of the most high-profile players to remain in the draft without a clear first-round projection. While his path to the NBA remains uncertain, his commitment to turning pro is firm. As Norlander concluded,
“He is quite clearly the most accomplished and notable name of anyone to stick in the draft that didn’t have a first-round or borderline first-round grade.”
KEEP READING: Why College Basketball Players Keep Transfer Options Open After Declaring for the NBA Draft
The 6’7″ wing delivered a breakout campaign, averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while emerging as a strong two-way presence, significantly improving his defense and shot-making abilities throughout the season.
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