Ex-Celtics Prospect Heads to LSU After NBA Stint as NCAA-NBA Loophole Continues Growing

While he decided to head back to the college basketball curriculum, whether he will actually suit up for the Tigers remains one of the most complicated eligibility questions in college basketball right now.

However, after that season at St. John’s, Luis declared for the NBA Draft and chose to remain in the draft past the NCAA withdrawal deadline. He eventually went undrafted but still signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. 

Though the team soon traded him to the Celtics, they later waived him. He then signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Maine Celtics, but injuries ultimately prevented him from ever playing a game there.

As things currently stand, that sequence is now at the center of the eligibility battle. The NCAA has consistently maintained that players who sign NBA contracts, including two-way deals, lose their college eligibility. 

Will Ex-Celtics Prospect Be Eligible By NCAA’s Rules 

Despite an unusual pathway in his career, RJ Luis Jr. still needs to go through a lengthy route to clear his eligibility. 

On an earlier occasion, NCAA president Charlie Baker publicly stated that stance during the Charles Bediako case earlier this year. The former Alabama center unsuccessfully attempted to regain eligibility after signing a two-way NBA contract.

Luis appears likely to pursue a similar legal route in hopes of returning to college basketball.

What makes this situation especially interesting is that LSU and head coach Will Wade seem fully willing to embrace the uncertainty. The Tigers have aggressively targeted players with complicated eligibility situations this offseason. The list also includes international guard Yam Madar, who has years of professional experience overseas.

From LSU’s perspective, the gamble makes sense. If the Miami native is eventually cleared, the Tigers could suddenly add a proven, high-level SEC-caliber wing to a roster that is already being rebuilt aggressively through the portal and international market.

At the same time, the broader issue remains how blurry the NCAA’s line between college and professional basketball has become.