RJ Luis Jr. cleared by judge to play for LSU

A Louisiana judge has granted a preliminary injunction to RJ Luis Jr., clearing the former St. John’s standout to play for LSU during the 2026-27 basketball season. The ruling by East Baton Rouge Parish District Court Judge Ronald R. Johnson temporarily blocks the NCAA from enforcing eligibility rules that would prevent Luis from returning to college sports after signing professional contracts.

Luis, the 2025 Big East Player of the Year, previously signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz and was later traded to the Boston Celtics. However, he never played in a regular-season NBA game due to injuries. His legal team argued that the NCAA should afford American players the same exceptions granted to those playing in overseas professional leagues.

The NCAA and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey have opposed the move, arguing that allowing players with professional experience to return to college athletics undermines the integrity of the collegiate model and creates competitive disadvantages. This case is part of a broader series of legal challenges regarding NCAA eligibility standards.