RJ Luis: A Rising Star Carving His Path to the NBA

RJ Luis

RJ Luis: A Rising Star Carving His Path to the NBA

When it comes to the journey of RJ Luis, you’ll find a tale that blends talent, determination, and academic excellence. RJ Luis began his ascent in high school, first making waves at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami before spending a prep year at Mt. Zion Prep Academy in Maryland. As a 3-star recruit and one of Florida’s top prospects, RJ Luis committed to UMass, where his collegiate adventure officially took off.

It was at UMass where RJ Luis truly announced himself to the basketball world. As a freshman in the 2022–23 season, RJ Luis averaged 11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting an impressive 45.5 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from beyond the arc—earning a place on the Atlantic 10 All-Freshman team. His performances alluded to a player ready for greater challenges—which came when RJ Luis transferred to St. John’s.

Once with the Red Storm, RJ Luis encountered early obstacles, notably a hand injury that limited his appearances in his first St. John’s season. Still, RJ Luis showed his resilience and potential.  By the following year, RJ Luis delivered a breakout campaign—averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, with shooting splits of roughly 44/34/75. Those efforts earned RJ Luis the Big East Player of the Year award and consensus Second-Team All-American honours.

On top of his on-court brilliance, RJ Luis also excelled in the classroom. With a GPA of 3.87 as a sports-management major, RJ Luis was named a BIG EAST Sport Excellence Award winner—recognising both his academic achievements and athletic leadership.  Combined, RJ Luis became the first St. John’s men’s basketball player since Villanova’s Collin Gillespie in 2022 to secure Big East Player of the Year, Tournament MVP, and the Excellence Award in the same season. 

As the 2025 NBA Draft approached, RJ Luis surprised some by opting to turn professional after his junior year. In a heartfelt farewell to the Johnnies Nation, RJ Luis reflected on overcoming shinsplints and leading St. John’s to both regular-season and tournament titles—a memory he aptly described as a dream come true at Madison Square Garden. 

Though RJ Luis went undrafted in June 2025, his journey didn’t stall. He secured a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, a testament to NBA franchises recognising his promise and versatility. Shortly thereafter, RJ Luis was traded to the Boston Celtics, along with an $8 million trade exception, in exchange for Georges Niang and two future second-round picks—highlighting the Celtics’ valuation of RJ Luis’ potential upside. 

Now under the spotlight in Boston—with a two-way contract running through the 2026–27 season—RJ Luis will split time between the Celtics and their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. Though his rookie earnings are modest (around US $559,782 for 2025–26, rising to approximately $571,978 in the following year), this setup offers RJ Luis a platform to develop while still holding NBA potential. 

What’s next for RJ Luis? Analysts see his size—standing 6 ft 7 in with a 215-lb frame—as a key asset, giving RJ Luis the versatility to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor. However, consistent perimeter shooting remains an area for improvement. But if RJ Luis can refine that aspect, there’s every reason to believe he could earn a rotational spot—or more—in Boston’s future.

Beyond box scores and contracts, RJ Luis stands out for his humility, work ethic, and academic discipline—drawing from a rich cultural background and steadfast family support that helped shape his path.  Whether he’s lighting up arenas or putting in quiet hours honing his craft, RJ Luis embodies the spirit of a modern athlete: humble, hungry, and poised for growth.

In summary, RJ Luis is more than a statistic or trade headline—he’s a story of steady progression, from Miami recruit to collegiate standout to NBA hopeful. His journey radiates inspiration: success rooted in perseverance, balance, and character. If ever there was a rising star with substance and story, RJ Luis stands tall, and the best of his career may still lie ahead.


Location: United States

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