St. John’s star RJ Luis has made a significant decision about his future after his controversial benching during the team’s NCAA Tournament loss to Arkansas.
Luis is declaring for the NBA Draft, but retaining his college eligibility and entering the transfer portal, according to his agent Sam Permut. The move suggests Luis plans to leave St. John’s no matter what.
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
Luis is not considered a top draft prospect, so it may be more likely that he transfers. The junior guard won Big East Player of the Year honors this season by averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 assists per game for the Red Storm.
However, his year may be best remembered for how it ended. Luis shot 3-for-17 in the season-ending second-round loss to Arkansas, and coach Rick Pitino benched him for the final five minutes of the game. That decision was a major point of contention after the game, and Luis’ decision to enter the portal will spark speculation that it did not sit well with him.
If he does play another season in college, Luis immediately becomes the best available player in the transfer portal, and will likely have his choice of landing spots. He has one season of eligibility available, having spent one year at UMass before his last two seasons with St. John’s.
