St. John’s junior RJ Luis said Friday that he is enjoying the opportunity to prove himself in team workouts ahead of the 2025 NBA draft on June 25-26.
Luis was a consensus second-team All-American last season, averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.4 steals on 33.6% shooting from 3-point range. He was also named the Big East Player of the Year, becoming the third player in program history to win the award.
The 6-foot-6 guard entered the transfer portal following the season while also declaring for the draft. He opted to remain in the draft before the early entry withdrawal deadline, a decision that his head coach, Rick Pitino, completely backed.
“I had an amazing year, and I think I deserved to take the next step in my journey,” Luis said after working out with the Sacramento Kings, via Sean Cunningham of KCRA-TV. “The whole coaching staff and St. John’s were supportive of my decision. It is great to leave there being a member of St. John’s and not having to go to a different school or stuff like that.”
Luis registered 14 20-point games this past season, including a season-high 30 points and 10 rebounds on Jan. 11 in a win over Villanova. He was one of two players in the conference to rank in the top five in both scoring and rebounding.
The 22-year-old competed in the draft combine last month, averaging 14 points, six rebounds and four assists in two scrimmage games in Chicago, Illinois. He also registered the 11th-highest max vertical jump among all participants this year (38 inches).
Luis has visited 10 teams so far this draft cycle, including the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns. He is embracing the predraft process and looking forward to his remaining workouts.
“Everything is just really a blessing,” Luis said. “Coming from where I come from, being out of Miami, not a lot of guys come out of there, so it is truly a blessing to be able to get these workouts. … This is great. I’m blessed to be here.”