Will Wade has yet to coach a game since returning to LSU, but the Tigers’ men’s basketball coach scored an important victory in court Monday.
Baton Rouge Judge Ronald Johnson ruled that former St. John’s star RJ Luis is eligible to play for LSU during the 2026-27 season, despite Luis having signed professional contracts with two NBA organizations.
Luis entered the 2025 NBA Draft after earning Big East Player of the Year honors at St. John’s. He went undrafted but signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. The Jazz later traded him to the Boston Celtics.
However, Luis never appeared in an NBA or G League game because of an injury.
That played a key role in Johnson’s decision to grant Luis a preliminary injunction in his lawsuit against the NCAA.
Johnson ruled that while Luis practiced as a professional, he never actually played in a professional game. For that reason and others, the judge determined Luis should be allowed to return to college basketball for another season.
Luis last played college basketball during the 2024-25 season, averaging 18 points and seven rebounds per game for St. John’s under coach Rick Pitino.
His return is a major addition for Wade and the Tigers.
The 6-foot-7 wing is an athletic, versatile player who attacks the basket, plays with energy and can defend multiple positions. He also gives LSU another proven scorer.
The NCAA is expected to appeal Johnson’s ruling, and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey quickly made it clear he is unhappy with the decision.
Sankey issued a statement shortly after the ruling:
“Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition.
“Allowing that to occur will blur the line between college and professional sports, create significant competitive equity concerns and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes.
“College sports are for college athletes. The current confusion around national eligibility standards emphasizes the need to advance the Protect College Sports Act.”
Sankey’s comments could have broader implications for LSU.
The Tigers are adding athletes who have signed professional contracts and participated in NFL or NBA training camps, only to return to college athletics.
For now, Johnson’s ruling allows Luis to play for LSU.
The bigger question is whether the SEC will act against schools that have players who have crossed the line into professional sports before returning to college competitions.
