LSU basketball has added one of the most intriguing players in college basketball, as former St. John’s star RJ Luis Jr. prepares to continue his college career with the Tigers under head coach Will Wade.
Luis’ road to Baton Rouge has been anything but conventional.
After winning Big East Player of the Year at St. John’s during the 2024-25 season, Luis entered the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-7 wing went undrafted before signing a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. He was later moved to the Boston Celtics organization, but an injury prevented him from appearing in an NBA regular-season or G League game.
That distinction eventually became central to his attempt to return to college basketball.
Luis committed to LSU while challenging the NCAA over his eligibility. His attorneys argued that although he had signed professional contracts and practiced in a professional environment, he had never actually played in an NBA or G League regular-season game.
East Baton Rouge Parish District Court Judge Ronald R. Johnson granted Luis a preliminary injunction, allowing him to move forward with LSU while his legal battle with the NCAA continues.
Now the basketball question becomes much more interesting:
What can RJ Luis bring to the Tigers?
The biggest thing Luis gives LSU is something every team in the SEC needs — a player who has already demonstrated that he can carry a significant offensive load.
During his Big East Player of the Year season at St. John’s, Luis averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He was also a consensus second-team All-American and helped lead the Red Storm to the Big East Tournament championship.
Those numbers show that LSU isn’t simply getting another experienced transfer. The Tigers are adding a player who has already been one of the better performers in major college basketball.
Luis should immediately become one of Wade’s primary offensive options.
His Ability to Attack the Basket Could Transform LSU’s Offense
Luis is at his best when he gets downhill. At 6-foot-7, he combines wing size with the ability to put the basketball on the floor and attack defenders. He can get into the lane, finish around the rim and use his size against smaller guards and wings. That could become particularly important late in games.
When LSU’s offense breaks down or opponents take away the first option, Wade can put the basketball in Luis’ hands and allow him to create. Having a veteran player capable of generating his own offense can make a major difference during the grind of an SEC schedule.
Luis can also force defenses to collapse toward the paint, potentially creating open opportunities for LSU’s perimeter shooters.
More Than Just a Scorer
Luis’ rebounding ability is another part of his game that shouldn’t be overlooked.
A wing averaging more than seven rebounds per game provides tremendous versatility. LSU can use Luis on the perimeter without sacrificing as much rebounding strength as it would with a traditional guard.
He can grab a defensive rebound and immediately help initiate transition offense rather than waiting for an outlet pass.
That combination of size, athleticism and rebounding gives Wade additional lineup possibilities.
LSU Can Use Him at Multiple Positions
One of Luis’ biggest advantages is his versatility.
Wade could use him primarily at small forward, but Luis has the physical tools to operate in several different lineup combinations.
LSU could play bigger with Luis alongside another long wing, or Wade could use a smaller lineup and move Luis into a power-forward role against certain opponents.
His presence creates matchup problems.
Smaller defenders may struggle with his size and physicality, while bigger forwards could have difficulty staying in front of him when he attacks off the dribble.
That flexibility should allow Wade to adjust his lineup depending on the opponent.
The Three-Point Shot Will Be Important
There is still an area where Luis can become more dangerous.
His perimeter shooting has not been the strongest part of his offensive game. If he can become a more consistent three-point threat, defending him becomes considerably more difficult.
Opponents would no longer be able to give him additional space in an attempt to prevent his drives.
Even a modest improvement from outside could open the floor for Luis and the rest of LSU’s offense.
Experience LSU Can’t Manufacture
Luis also brings something that can’t easily be taught: experience in meaningful games.
He has competed in the Big East, played under Rick Pitino at St. John’s, won conference Player of the Year honors and experienced the NCAA Tournament.
He has also spent time around NBA organizations. Although he never appeared in an NBA regular-season game, practicing and working in a professional environment potentially gives Luis another perspective on preparation and expectations.
That experience could be valuable for an LSU roster that Wade is putting together with numerous new pieces.
What RJ Luis Could Mean for LSU
Luis has the ability to become a centerpiece of LSU’s 2026-27 team.
Expect Wade to put him in situations where he can attack from the wing, operate in isolation, run the floor in transition and take advantage of mismatches.
His rebounding should help LSU finish defensive possessions, while his size gives the Tigers another option against the bigger and more athletic wings they will encounter throughout the SEC.
Most importantly, Luis gives LSU a proven scorer.
There will be nights when offensive systems aren’t producing easy baskets. Against the best teams in the SEC, LSU will need someone who can create something when a possession breaks down.
Luis has already demonstrated that ability at the college level.
After an unusual journey from St. John’s to the NBA and ultimately back to college basketball, RJ Luis now has an opportunity to write another chapter of his career in Baton Rouge.
If he can reproduce the production that made him Big East Player of the Year — while improving his outside shooting and fitting into Wade’s system — Luis could become one of LSU’s most important players during the 2026-27 season.
For the Tigers, his arrival provides more than another talented name on the roster.
It gives LSU a potential go-to player around whom Will Wade can build his offense.
