In today’s NIL-driven era of college basketball, betting on yourself has become both a badge of honor and a career gamble. No one embodies that razor’s edge more right now than RJ Luis Jr., the former St. John’s star who went from Big East Player of the Year to NBA free agent in a matter of months.

The Rise

Luis’s story was supposed to be one of redemption. After transferring to St. John’s, he became Rick Pitino’s go-to weapon—a long, confident scorer with a smooth mid-range game and the ability to dominate in isolation. He averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, helping the Red Storm capture their first Big East title in more than a decade.

By March, Luis was a national name. Scouts liked his scoring instincts, and his NIL value skyrocketed. In the new landscape of college basketball, he could have easily commanded $2–4 million had he stayed one more year. But instead, he made a bold choice: to leave early and declare for the NBA Draft.

The Turning Point

It all unraveled in one night.
During St. John’s second-round NCAA Tournament loss to Arkansas, Luis shot 3-for-17 and was benched with under five minutes remaining—a move that raised eyebrows everywhere. Rick Pitino defended the decision, telling reporters, “You already know why I did it—don’t ask leading questions.”

The optics were bad. For a player whose draft stock hinged on composure and big-moment execution, that benching became the image attached to his name. What could have been a defining March moment turned into a cautionary footnote.

The Leap

After going undrafted, Luis signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz—an encouraging start for a player still in development. A few weeks later, he was traded to the Boston Celtics, a move that briefly reignited hope. But before the preseason ended, Boston waived him, leaving Luis without a guaranteed roster spot or income.

His deal, like most two-ways, came with no guaranteed money—a far cry from the financial security he’d have enjoyed in college under NIL. For now, he’s a free agent, fighting for another shot through G League tryouts or training-camp invites.

The Money That Was on the Table

Had Luis stayed in school, he likely would’ve been one of the most sought-after transfers in the nation. With the transfer portal booming and brands eager to attach themselves to breakout stars, it’s not unrealistic to think he could have earned multi-million-dollar NIL deals—all while improving his stock in a system built around him.

Instead, he chose the pro route. That decision may eventually pay off, but it highlights a harsh reality: in 2025, the college game can be more lucrative—and safer—than the pros for many players outside the lottery range.

What Pitino Said

To Pitino’s credit, he publicly backed his star. “We wouldn’t have had the season we had without RJ. I think he can make it in the NBA,” Pitino told reporters in April.
Still, he later admitted that Luis could have “broken the bank” had he stayed. Pitino’s support sounded sincere, but even he knew the odds Luis was facing in a system where fringe NBA players often bounce between G League gyms and 10-day contracts.

What’s Next

Luis still has the tools—6’6”, long wingspan, elite scoring instincts—to make it somewhere. His path may lead through the G League, Summer League, or even overseas, where many American players rebuild their value. If he sharpens his decision-making and adds consistency to his jumper, he could still earn a roster spot in the NBA down the line.

But for now, it’s a reminder of how fine the line is between chasing a dream and securing your foundation.

The Bigger Picture

The RJ Luis story isn’t about failure—it’s about timing. The new college landscape rewards patience, not just talent. With NIL, top players can now develop, make money, and still prepare for the league without rushing into instability.

Luis bet on himself, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But his journey shows that in 2025, the smartest bet might be staying in the game long enough to let the game pay you first.