[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2025 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

RJ Luis Jr.
Frame: 6’7”, 215 lbs
Position: Wing
Team: St. John’s Red Storm
Draft Age: 22
Stats via: Sports-Reference​

Offense

Luis operates best as an aggressive, downhill attacker who thrives on physicality and relentless energy. His ability to finish plays in transition, as a cutter, and off offensive rebounds highlights his hustle and athleticism. Luis effectively used his size and strength to score through contact and draw fouls at a high rate, often capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Additionally, his off-ball awareness makes him effective as a cutter, finding soft spots in defenses to score around the rim.

However, Luis’s perimeter shooting remains inconsistent, limiting his offensive impact. Although he converted 38.3 percent of his spot-up threes this season, his overall three-point shooting (33.6 percent) and career numbers (31.4 percent) indicate continued uncertainty. His shot mechanics are workable but need smoothing and consistency, as he often opts for less efficient midrange pull-ups rather than confidently taking open threes.

Luis must significantly improve his decision-making. He frequently forces difficult shots, especially in traffic, and struggles to effectively balance aggression with facilitating opportunities. This tendency leads to inefficiencies and turnovers, particularly against stronger defensive pressure and when forced into primary playmaking roles.

NBA coaches will initially utilize Luis as an energy wing focused on cutting, rebounding, and transition finishing. Improving his perimeter consistency and tightening decision-making could elevate him to a valuable complementary offensive option capable of reliably spacing the floor.

Defense

Defense is Luis’s standout skill and the foundation of his NBA value. With a long wingspan, quick hands, and strong anticipatory instincts, he disrupts offenses as a versatile, multi-positional defender. Luis thrives on the perimeter, effectively guarding multiple positions. His lateral quickness and physicality make him formidable in both on-ball and off-ball situations. His high defensive IQ allows him to read passing lanes and rotations effectively, contributing significantly to team defensive success.

Luis’s defensive motor and tenacity translate well at the point of attack, enabling him to challenge ball-handlers and consistently disrupt their rhythm. However, he sometimes struggles against quicker guards, relying heavily on his strength and anticipation rather than elite lateral burst. He occasionally commits unnecessary fouls due to aggressive closeouts and positional gambles.

At the NBA level, Luis will primarily serve as a versatile perimeter defender capable of guarding wings and some bigger guards. Teams employing switch-heavy defensive schemes will find him particularly valuable, leveraging his physicality and versatility.

Looking Ahead

Luis’s future in the NBA will significantly hinge on his shooting development. If he can become even a league-average shooter from three, he projects as a long-term rotational wing capable of significant minutes due to his defensive versatility and hustle. Without this improvement, his role shrinks to a defensive specialist whose offensive limitations may restrict playoff viability.

Teams drafting in the late first or early second round should target Luis as a potential high-value pick if they believe in their ability to refine his jumper. With moderate offensive improvement, Luis profiles as a reliable, energy-driven, 3-and-D wing contributing positively to winning environments.