RJ Luis Jr., the electrifying talent from St. John’s Red Storm, has opted to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft, leaving behind his college eligibility and the promise of hefty Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. With the draft just around the corner, his decision raises a big question: What happens if the former Big East Player of the Year doesn’t get picked?
The High-Stakes Gamble: RJ Luis Jr.’s Bold NBA Pursuit
During his standout season at St. John’s, he put up 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and two assists per game, numbers that earned him the Big East Player of the Year title and a Second Team AP All-American nod.
Those stats were impressive, given a ticket to cashing in big through NIL opportunities, the game-changer that lets college athletes profit off their brand with endorsements and sponsorships. For a player of his caliber, deals could easily climb into the millions.
Yet, Luis Jr. walked away from that. “We understand the situation, we were offered a lot of money to go back to college,” Reggie Luis, his dad told reporters, hinting at the financial tug-of-war behind the scenes.
He’s banking on the NBA, a dream he’s chasing with full commitment. St. John’s coach Rick Pitino confirmed this focus, saying, “RJ is not thinking at all about going to college.” It’s a gutsy call, one that sets the stage for either a breakout success or a tough reality check.
NEWS: St. John’s RJ Luis will declare for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, and enter the NCAA transfer portal, his agent Sam Permut of Roc Nation told ESPN. Big East player of the year and tournament MVP. pic.twitter.com/dAWVemg3oN
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 29, 2025
What Happens Next: Exploring Options If He Goes Undrafted
The NBA isn’t a sure thing for Luis Jr. His showing at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine didn’t light the gym on fire: he shot 11 of 29 over two scrimmages and posted a -41 plus-minus, leaving scouts scratching their heads. His college shooting percentages, 43.9% in addition to the field and 33.6% from three, aren’t turning heads either.
Analysts like Kyle Boone of CBS Sports called him one of the combine’s “losers,” noting he didn’t stand out in a crowded draft class. Add to that his absence from most mock drafts, and the odds of hearing his name on draft night look slim.
KEEP READING: With No RJ Luis Jr., Can St. John’s Reload for Another Big East Title Run?
If he goes undrafted, the road doesn’t end; it just gets bumpier. One option is signing as an undrafted free agent with an NBA team. Plenty of players have turned this into gold. Ben Wallace became a defensive legend, John Starks lit up the Knicks, and modern stars like Fred VanVleet and Duncan Robinson prove it’s still possible.
As June nears, every workout, every scout’s glance, will shape his fate. One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just about one player. It’s about where basketball’s headed, and Luis Jr. is in the thick of it.
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