UMass transfer R.J. Luis is latest to join Rick Pitino at St. John’s
By ADAM ZAGORIA
UMass transfer R.J. Luis is the latest addition to Rick Pitino’s new team at St. John’s.
The 6-foot-7 freshman from Miami chose the Red Storm over Louisville and Texas A&M — and took visits to all three schools.
“I will be playing under Coach Rick Pitino at St John’s,” he told ZAGSBLOG.
“I’m a big versatile guard that can make plays on both sides of the ball.”
His name is @RjLuis21 #Flagship pic.twitter.com/NE3V54uN8B
— UMass Men's Basketball (@UMassMBB) January 31, 2023
Luis was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team after averaging 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds on 46% shooting and 36% from deep as a freshman.
“Late bloomer, going to be terrific,” one Big East assistant coach said.
“We need three players,” Pitino told ZAGSBLOG last week. “We need another guard, we need a big-time scoring guard, we need a power forward and we need a backup center. “Once we do that, it’ll be over.”
Pitino and his staff have now added seven transfers — Luis, Glenn Taylor (Oregon State), Nahiem Alleyne (UConn), Sean Conway (VMI), Daniss Jenkins (Iona), Cruz Davis (Iona) and Quinn Slazinski (Iona) — along incoming freshman guard Brady Dunlap.
St. John’s remains involved for Iona transfer Sadiku Ayo and Penn transfer Jordan Dingle, as well as five-star Class of 2023 wing Mackenzie Mgbako, who has visited St. John’s, Kansas and Indiana and will also see Louisville. One source said Mgbako had a “great visit” but it remains unclear where he’ll land.
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