St. John's University Athletics
St. John’s Welcomes UMass Transfer RJ Luis
5/8/2023 11:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Rising sophomore averaged 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in 27 appearances last season for the Minutemen
QUEENS, N.Y. – The additions keep coming for St. John's men's basketball program, as head coach Rick Pitino received his latest commitment from former UMass standout RJ Luis. The 6-foot-7 guard from Miami officially signed with the Johnnies and will join the program for the 2023-24 campaign.
"RJ is a multidimensional player who can play three positions," said Pitino. "We are excited to have RJ in our program. He has an incredible desire to reach his potential and we will do everything possible to make that happen."
Luis comes to Queens after one season at UMass where he starred for the Minutemen. A 2023 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team selection, Luis averaged 11.5 points shooting 45.5 percent from the field in 27 appearances, including 10 starts. He also finished the year ranked second on the team with 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
As a freshman in 2022-23, Luis registered 17 double-digit scoring performances, including four 20-plus point outings and one 30-point effort. Luis erupted for a career-high 31 points to help lead UMass to a win over Duquesne on Jan. 28. He shot 7-for-11 from the field and sank 17-of-18 attempts at the free-throw line while also grabbing five rebounds. Luis finished the season strong as he scored double figures in 13 of his final 15 appearances. In his final five games, Luis averaged 16.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest.
Before arriving in Amherst, Luis starred at Mt. Zion Prep in Maryland where he averaged 18.6 points during the 2021-22 season. He posted five 20-point performances, including a season-high 26 points against Putnam Science Academy. Luis also averaged 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals per contest at Mt. Zion Prep.
Prior to his prep year at Mt. Zion Prep, Luis dominated high school ball at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. The First Team All-State 7A selection produced a stellar senior campaign, averaging 25.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Luis was also named First Team All-Dade at the conclusion of his senior season. As a junior in 2019-20, Luis posted 15.0 points and 9.0 rebounds to earn All-Dade Honorable Mention recognition.
"RJ is a multidimensional player who can play three positions," said Pitino. "We are excited to have RJ in our program. He has an incredible desire to reach his potential and we will do everything possible to make that happen."
Luis comes to Queens after one season at UMass where he starred for the Minutemen. A 2023 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team selection, Luis averaged 11.5 points shooting 45.5 percent from the field in 27 appearances, including 10 starts. He also finished the year ranked second on the team with 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
As a freshman in 2022-23, Luis registered 17 double-digit scoring performances, including four 20-plus point outings and one 30-point effort. Luis erupted for a career-high 31 points to help lead UMass to a win over Duquesne on Jan. 28. He shot 7-for-11 from the field and sank 17-of-18 attempts at the free-throw line while also grabbing five rebounds. Luis finished the season strong as he scored double figures in 13 of his final 15 appearances. In his final five games, Luis averaged 16.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest.
Before arriving in Amherst, Luis starred at Mt. Zion Prep in Maryland where he averaged 18.6 points during the 2021-22 season. He posted five 20-point performances, including a season-high 26 points against Putnam Science Academy. Luis also averaged 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals per contest at Mt. Zion Prep.
Prior to his prep year at Mt. Zion Prep, Luis dominated high school ball at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. The First Team All-State 7A selection produced a stellar senior campaign, averaging 25.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Luis was also named First Team All-Dade at the conclusion of his senior season. As a junior in 2019-20, Luis posted 15.0 points and 9.0 rebounds to earn All-Dade Honorable Mention recognition.
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