It’s a surprise for the Johnnies faithful, but an outcome Rick Pitino, his staff, and RJ Luis Jr. mutually agreed upon – The Big East Player of the Year and star forward of the St. John’s Red Storm has entered the transfer portal and declared for the NBA Draft.
“We would not have that season we had without RJ, but I do think RJ should try and make the NBA,” Pitino told Zach Braziller of The Post. “He’s reached his potential with us. Now I think the NBA is his calling and we’re rooting for him to make the NBA.”
At this point, it’s unlikely that Luis will be taken in the first round of the draft in June. The 6-foot-7 junior averaged 17.5 points per game, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while being a force defensively, forcing 1.9 turnovers per game.
St. John’s managed to retain Zuby Ejiofor, who was an integral part of this team’s success. Along with Luis, Kadary Richmond has run out of years of eligibility, so two of the team’s top-three scorers will not be on next season’s roster.
Pitino has already made a splash in the transfer portal, as well as planning visits with others, landing Arizona State guard, Joson Sanon. The 6-foot-5 19-year-old is known for his shot-making ability. He averaged 11.9 points per game while shooting just shy of 37% from behind the arc.
St. John’s scheduled a meeting with Providence guard Bryce Hopkins. The senior averaged 15.8 points per game since the 2022-2023 season, after spending his first season at Kentucky. Hopkins broke out this season, averaging 17 points per game, 7.7 rebounds, and three assists.
If Pitino can land Hopkins, the St. John’s offense can take a giant leap in 2025-2026. This past season, while it was historic for the program, didn’t shoot efficiently. They struggled from three-point land and scored most of their points inside the arc and in the paint, as well as in transition.
If the Johnnies can make something as simple as 35% of their three-point attempts, they’ll set themselves up for a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament come March 2026.
