RJ Davis: NBA Draft Choice & NIL Money
- The 6-foot-7 junior guard had entered the draft in march while also putting his name in the transfer portal.
- Luis's final college game saw him struggle, shooting 3 for 17 in an NCAA tournament loss to Arkansas.
- "I don’t think it’s necessarily a risk," Luis said from Charlotte, before a workout with the Hornets.
RJ Luis Jr. is making a bold move, foregoing millions in potential NIL money from top college programs to chase his NBA dream. The St. JohnS standout, a 6-foot-7 guard, is betting on himself in the upcoming NBA draft, even after a challenging final college game and being benched by his coach. Luis turned down offers in the $3-4 million range to pursue his goal of becoming the first Ecuadorian-American player in the NBA. News Directory 3 has the scoop. Despite some mock drafts not projecting his selection,Luis remains confident. He has worked out for numerous NBA teams, believing his game suits the league’s style. His message to doubters? He’s ready to prove them wrong. Discover what’s next for Luis as the draft approaches.
RJ Luis Jr. Forgoes Lucrative College Offers, Bets on NBA Draft
Despite offers from top college basketball programs, St. John’s standout RJ Luis Jr. is staying in the NBA draft. The 6-foot-7 junior guard had entered the draft in march while also putting his name in the transfer portal. This move surprised many, as he turned down reported Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in the $3 million to $4 million range from schools like Kansas, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Indiana.
Luis’s final college game saw him struggle, shooting 3 for 17 in an NCAA tournament loss to Arkansas. Coach Rick Pitino’s decision to bench him late in the game further fueled questions. Some mock drafts don’t project Luis being drafted at all. Yet, Luis remains confident in his decision.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily a risk,” Luis said from Charlotte, before a workout with the Hornets. “If I do what I have to do in the NBA, then I can make even way more money than that.So it’s not even about the money…it’s just trying to set myself up for the future.”
Luis has worked out for a dozen teams,including the Golden State warriors,Phoenix Suns,Oklahoma City Thunder,Detroit Pistons,and Orlando Magic. He hopes to become the first Ecuadorian-American player in the NBA.
Asked if being benched by Pitino hurt his draft prospects, Luis paused before answering. “I mean,it probably just brought up those ‘what ifs.’ Not necessarily hurt, just trying to figure out, like, what did he do to get put in that position?”
pitino has publicly praised Luis’ potential. “He’s going to be a great pro,” Pitino said in June.
Luis believes he is worthy of a first-round selection, adding, “My game is more applicable to the NBA. Just the spacing and the speed of the game.”
His message to NBA general managers who pass on him: “they’re missing out, and they’re going to have to face me one day.” To fans questioning his decision, he says, “Thank you for all the support. do not worry about me.”
What’s next
The NBA draft is scheduled for June 25 and 26. Luis aims to defy expectations and prove his worth in the league.