2025 NBA Draft: RJ Luis Jr. Scouting Report

Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.

RJ Luis Jr.

Position: Guard/Forward

School: St. John's

Class: Junior

Height/Weight: 6'7", 215 lbs

Birthdate: November 27, 2002

Previous School: Massachusetts

High School: Mt. Zion Prep (MD)

Player Overview

RJ Luis Jr. is a high-energy wing with notable potential and versatility who impacts both ends of the court. After transferring to St. John’s, Luis has flourished under Coach Rick Pitino’s system, demonstrating significant strides in his game. Offensively, he’s a capable three-level scorer with a developing three-point shot and a reliable mid-range jumper. His ability to finish through contact in the paint and post up smaller defenders adds to his offensive arsenal.

Luis’s defensive versatility is his calling card. With positional size and quick reflexes, he can guard multiple positions effectively. He’s adept at making help-side reads, disrupting passing lanes, and timing blocks or steals. However, his aggressive approach to defense can sometimes lead to foul trouble.

While his energy and instincts are undeniable, Luis still has areas to improve. His shooting mechanics, particularly the loading motion in his jumper, need refinement for greater consistency. His ball-handling and first-step explosiveness also limit his ability to create separation against high-level defenders. If he continues to develop these areas, Luis has the potential to carve out a role as a valuable two-way contributor in the NBA.

Strengths

• Defensive Versatility: Can guard multiple positions effectively due to size, instincts, and quick reflexes.

• Positional Size: At 6'7", his frame allows him to excel as a versatile defender and finisher.

• Three-Level Scoring Potential: Reliable mid-range jumper, ability to finish through contact, and improving three-point shooting.

• High Motor: Plays with energy and contributes to winning plays on both ends of the court.

• Off-Ball Reads: Excels at finding opportunities to cut, post up, or disrupt plays on defense.

  
  

Concerns

• Shooting Mechanics: Slight loading motion in his jumper affects release speed and consistency.

• Ball-Handling: Needs to improve his handle to create separation and attack off the dribble.

• First-Step Explosiveness: Lacks the burst to beat defenders off the dribble consistently.

• Defensive Aggressiveness: Overcommits sometimes, leading to fouls and missed opportunities.

  
  

Questions

• Can Luis improve his three-point consistency to fulfill his 3-and-D potential?

• Will he refine his ball-handling and first step to become a more dynamic offensive player?

• How will he handle NBA-caliber physicality and athleticism defensively?

  
  

Bottom Line

RJ Luis Jr. combines energy, versatility, and a team-first mentality to impact the game consistently. His defensive prowess and developing offensive game make him a prospect with clear two-way upside. While his shooting mechanics, ball-handling, and explosiveness need refinement, Luis’s work ethic and versatility give him the tools to contribute as a valuable role player at the next level.