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It’s becoming more common for pros unhappy with the current trajectory of their careers to try to return to college and change the narrative around their potential/upside.
Amari Bailey (Charlotte Hornets/Greensboro Swarm, Long Island Nets, and Iowa Wolves, Thierry Dalan (NBA G League Ignite, Rip City Remix, and Delaware Blue Coats), and London Johnson (NBA G-League Ignite, Maine Celtics, and Cleveland Charge) are just a few examples of former NBA/G-League players who have gone all-in on that career path (it may not work out for Bailey, though, as he’s the only contributor of the bunch who’s logged NBA minutes.
According to a recent report from ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, a 23-year-old former Boston Celtics guard is trying to join in on the fun after a disappointing rookie NBA season.
“Former St. John's star RJ Luis, the 2025 Big East Player of the Year, has committed to LSU, sources told ESPN, although a long eligibility fight likely remains,” Borzello stated Tuesday. “After a terrific 2024-25 campaign for the Red Storm, Luis entered the transfer portal and entered the NBA draft.”
“He remained in the draft past the withdrawal deadline before going undrafted. Luis then signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz before being traded to the Boston Celtics in early August in exchange for Georges Niang and two future second-round picks.”
While it’s likely Luis wasn’t expecting to be a game-changing contributor with the Jazz or Celtics in Year 1, he probably hoped to appear in a few NBA contests throughout the season.
Ultimately, it didn’t happen, as Luis didn’t receive any action in the NBA or the G League as a rookie. Interestingly, that could be the deciding factor in whether the NCAA allows the former Big East Player of the Year to pick up where he left off at the collegiate level.
It’ll be fascinating to follow Luis’ journey as he attempts to become the next player to make a successful reverse career jump.
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