Big East Player of the Year to remain in NBA Draft

St. John’s star RJ Luis has officially decided to keep his name in this year’s draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. The decision confirms a statement Luis made two weeks ago when he said he’s “all-in” for the draft.

The 6-foot-7 guard is coming off an outstanding season with the Red Storm, being named Big East Player of the Year and earning second-team All-America honors. He was also voted the Most Outstanding Player in this year’s Big East Tournament.

Luis averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 steals in 35 games while leading St. John’s to its first conference championship in 40 years. He shot 43.9% from the field and 33.6% from three-point range on 3.9 attempts per game.

Despite the accolades, Luis isn’t considered a sure thing to be drafted. He’s ranked 62nd on ESPN’s latest big board, although that could rise as some of the players ahead of him return to school.

Givony states that Luis would have been one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal if he had opted for another year of college. North Carolina, Kansas, Mississippi, Villanova and Georgetown were among the schools that have expressed interest.

There were some substantial NIL offers involved, Luis’ father told college basketball writer Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68.

“We understand the situation, we were offered a lot of money to go back to college,” Reggie Luis said. “But we have a plan and we’re going to stick with the plan.”

NCAA early entrants who want to maintain their college eligibility will have to withdraw from the draft by the end of the day on Wednesday.