LSU signs former St. John’s star who played in 3 Celtics preseason games in 2025, reports say

A former Big East Player of the Year is attempting to stage a comeback to the college hardwood. RJ Luis, who has navigated stints at UMass, St. John’s, and the professional ranks, has reportedly signed with LSU, though the path to his debut remains legally complicated.

A Pro Career to Collegiate Return

The 6-foot-7 standout was a force for Rick Pitino at St. John’s during the 2024-25 season, earning Big East Player of the Year honors while averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest. Following that campaign, Luis pursued professional opportunities, initially signing with the Utah Jazz after going undrafted.

His professional journey included a brief stop with the Boston Celtics, where he played in three preseason games during the 2025-26 stretch. After being waived in October, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the G-League’s Maine Celtics but was sidelined due to injury.

The Eligibility Hurdle

According to reports, Luis has officially committed to the Tigers, yet he faces a tall order to gain NCAA clearance. His situation mirrors that of former Alabama center Charles Bediako, who saw his request for an injunction to gain eligibility denied by a Tuscaloosa judge earlier this year.

The NCAA has successfully defended its stance in several recent cases. Similar efforts to secure eligibility through the courts were thwarted for football players like Joey Aguilar of Tennessee and Chandler Morris of Virginia.

Building Momentum at LSU

Should Luis successfully clear the legal barriers, he would serve as a major weapon for an LSU program energized by the March re-hiring of head coach Will Wade. The Tigers have been active in the transfer portal, adding Austin Nunez (Texas-San Antonio), Abdi Bashir (Kansas State), Divine Ugochukwu (Michigan State), and former Alabama forward Mo Dioubate.