March Madness 2025 may have had only one Cinderella run, but Arkansas made sure it was louder than any. Just days prior, the Big East tournament trophy had Rick Pitino admit his team was poised for championship. But a lot of things went wrong for the New York team in the second-round matchup. But the most to sting? RJ Luis looked lost on the court. This was a player Walter Berry had maneuvered his way through a jam-packed room to say, “I am so happy to finally meet you.” He was St. John’s hope. But there we were after the game, tensions brewing, future uncertain. 

With five minutes left in the game against Arkansas, RJ Luis was on the bench. He had just one foul, yet Pitino never put him back in. The team was only down two points at the time, raising questions around the decision. Pitino would have a vague answer to the press later, and social media would rage out on the star guard, forcing him to delete Instagram. 

A week later, reports confirmed Luis was entering the transfer portal while also declaring for the NBA Draft.

Pitino addressed the news on social media after Saturday morning: “I’ve said it all season, RJ will make a terrific pro. We all are rooting for him to make it!” It sounded supportive, but the situation was more complicated than that.

Luis had an incredible season. The 6’7” star averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He won Big East Player of the Year and led St. John’s to its first conference title since 2000. But his Red Storm career ended on the bench. When asked why Luis didn’t play in the final minutes, Pitino gave a cryptic response: “You already know the answer… You’re asking leading questions. You already know why he didn’t play.”

Luis struggled that night, shooting just 3-of-17 with nine points. But with the season on the line, Pitino kept him out, and St. John’s collapsed. CBS analyst Steve Lappas was stunned: “For him to be out—that’s mind-boggling. I don’t care if he’s 1-of-30. Who’s got a better chance of doing something in the last minute?”

After the loss, reports claimed Luis’ transfer decision was due to “coaching issues and lack of support from the fanbase.” That sparked debate. Some blasted Pitino for benching his best player in a crucial moment. Others, like radio host Mike Francesa, defended him, pointing to the program’s turnaround. St. John’s had made the NCAA Tournament only three times in 20 years before Pitino arrived.

Despite the drama, Luis’ future looks bright. He’s the No. 1 player in the transfer portal and has plenty of options. If he stays in the NBA Draft, his size and skill set make him an intriguing prospect. Whether in college or the pros, one thing is clear—RJ Luis has big potential.

Rick Pitino’s Star Player Hits the Portal: What’s Next for RJ Luis?

After a wild end to his junior season, RJ Luis Jr. is figuring out his next move. Going back to St. John’s isn’t completely off the table. Luis played his best basketball under Pitino, and if they work things out, staying put could make sense. But other schools are already in the mix. 

Luis is currently ranked No. 72 in ESPN’s NBA Draft rankings. That puts him on the edge of draft consideration, meaning he’ll have to weigh his options carefully. If he wants to return to college, he has until June 15 to withdraw from the draft. But he’s already expected to be one of the top players available in the portal. His potential earnings in college are another major factor. According to On3, Luis has a NIL valuation of $1.3 million, ranking No. 11 in all of college basketball. That number could rise significantly if he returns for one more season. 

Miami (FL) is a strong possibility, as Luis is a Miami native and played high school ball there. With new head coach Jai Lucas rebuilding the program, a strong NIL offer could bring him home. Louisville is another option. Luis nearly picked the Cardinals before, and Pat Kelsey has built a strong team through transfers. Texas A&M could also be in play, as they pursued Luis in 2023. If head coach Buzz Williams stays, they might take another shot at recruiting him.

Whether he takes another run in college or makes the jump to the NBA, he’s a player to watch closely.