RJ Luis, the 2025 Big East Player of the Year, is heading back to college basketball … if he’s allowed. Despite forgoing his final year of college eligibility to enter the 2025 NBA Draft, where he was not selected, Luis reportedly signed with LSU on Tuesday, per On3.com.
Luis, 23, turned in a standout season at St. John’s in 2025, where he averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds as a junior. Following that performance, he declared for the NBA Draft.
Luis was not selected, though did sign a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz in June. Luis did not see time in an NBA game, and was eventually traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Georges Niang. Luis failed to impress enough to make the Celtics, however, and was cut from the team in October. Luis was supposed to join the team’s G-League affiliate, but underwent surgery instead, keeping him off the court.
That paved that way for Tuesday’s reported signing with LSU. Since Luis does not have college eligibility, it’s expected he’ll file a lawsuit in an attempt to get reinstated.
It’s unclear whether that tactic will work. Other players have challenged the NCAA and been allowed to return to college, but with mixed results. James Nnaji played 19 games with Baylor this season despite being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2023. Charles Bediako was allowed to play in five games with Alabama this season despite entering his name in the 2023 NBA Draft, where he went undrafted. Bediako, however, was eventually ruled ineligible after his temporary restraining order expired.
If he’s allowed to play, Luis would provide a significant boost to LSU, which went just 15-17 last season. Because of that record, LSU has not appeared on early top-25 projections. Luis’ addition likely wouldn’t propel the team to that level, but would certainly help as Will Wade tries to get off to a strong start in his second stint with LSU.
