RJ Luis Transfer Portal: Kansas Is Top Destination But Auburn & UConn Are Still In The Hunt

RJ Luis Jr. is considered to be one of the best college basketball players ever to enter the transfer portal. Considered a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the former St. John’s standout is expected to return to the NCAA for his final season of eligibility, where he will be the most sought-after player remaining in the transfer portal. Luis has the potential to change the fortunes of nearly every program in the country, but which schools offer the best fit for a player looking to improve his NBA Draft stock? 

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RJ Luis Jr. has entered the transfer portal and the 2025 NBA Draft after a productive season at St. John’s.

A few weeks ago, Luis appeared on the Stephen A. Smith Show to discuss his future plans and what led his decision to leave the Red Storm. “I’m just hurt. Obviously, like I said, it wasn’t my best performance, but I think [he] could have done a better job of picking my head up,” Luis said on the show. “Just doing a better job of coaching me up, like how he’s done the whole year, and it just sucks, it hurts.”

Though he is fully focused on the NBA Draft, Luis might be better served by coming back to college for another season, especially since he will enter the draft process with a mid-to-late second-round grade. If he does return to college basketball, several of the nation’s top programs will be lining up to inquire about his services.

Kentucky, Auburn, and Texas have all expressed interest in the future NBA Draft pick but the Michigan Wolverines might the best fit for Luis Jr., who has made it clear that he wants to play for a player-friendly coach.

Which College Basketball Teams Are The Best Fit For RJ Luis Jr.?

After getting benched in the Sweet 16, rumors have circulated around RJ Luis Jr.’s future.  While the St. John’s star entered his name in the 2025 NBA Draft, he retained his college basketball eligibility and remains one of the top targets for programs looking for a take a leap forward next season.

One of the biggest factors in RJ Luis Jr.’s decision will be finding a more player-friendly coach after a rocky finish with Rick Pitino at St. John’s. That makes the culture and coaching style of his next stop even more important.

Among the programs pursuing him, Michigan stands out as a great fit under Dusty May, a coach known for empowering players and letting them play freely within a structured system. Two other terrific fits include Auburn and Texas, who are governed by a pair of coaches in Bruce Pearl and Sean Miller with a reputation for putting their players first.

Though Luis Jr. has apparently booked a visit at rival Michigan State, Michigan has emerged as a real contender to land him, especially if both Danny Wolf and Yaxel Lendeborg keep their names in the NBA Draft. The Wolverines have the pedigree, national exposure, and NIL money to get the deal done.

Below, we’ll break down the top landing spots for the former St. John’s star in the college basketball transfer portal.

1. Kansas
2. Auburn
3. Kentucky
4. UConn
5. Michigan

Kansas Emerging As A Real Possibility

Why It Makes Sense: Kansas is a storied program with a legacy of success, but the Jayhawks are facing a critical offseason. Head coach Bill Self will be tasked with reshaping a roster around top freshman recruit Darryn Peterson. Self recently revealed to The Athletic “We’re one guy away that can get you 14-15 points, and I think we’re close but not done yet.” RJ Luis certainly fits the mold of a player who could thrive as a two-way star under Self, who has established a reputation as a player’s coach.

High Usage Role: Peterson will likely be the star of the Jayhawks team as a freshman but there’s room to thrive alongside him in a high usage role. Luis could also use the season to prove to scouts that he’s coachable and willing to contribute on both ends alongside another star, which could help boost him NBA Draft stock. Kansas would give him the type of role and national spotlight needed to elevate his standing on draft boards, making this a snug fit for a player who wants to showcase his talents without sacrificing winning at the highest level.

Auburn

Player-Friendly Coach: Known as a player-friendly coach, head coach Bruce Pearl has built a winning culture centered around athletic, high-motor wings who excel in transition and play with intensity on both ends of the court. Auburn’s up-tempo offense and aggressive defensive schemes align well with RJ Luis Jr.’s skill set, making it a natural fit for the former St. John’s star.

Maximizing His NBA Potential: Auburn will lose several key contributors to graduation and the draft, opening the door for a player like Luis to step into a featured role right away. With the Tigers pushing to return to national prominence, Luis would have the chance to be the focal point of a team with real postseason ambitions. Pearl has also had success with getting wings drafted in the lottery with players like Isaac Okoro and Jabari Smith Jr. leaving as top-5 picks.

Kentucky Offers High-Profile Opportunity

Why Kentucky Makes Sense: Pope’s system emphasizes perimeter shooting and dynamic playmaking, which aligns well with Luis’s strengths. The opportunity to thrive in a new system while maintaining the prestige of playing at Kentucky is appealing.

NBA Exposure: Kentucky’s national spotlight gives Luis a chance to showcase his talents on the biggest stage, enhancing his professional prospects.

UConn Is A Perfect Fit For Luis’ Game

UConn Might Be The Right Landing Spot: Head coach Dan Hurley is among the nation’s best motivators and he has a soft spot for two-way players that fit Luis Jr.’s mold. The Huskies recently lost some firepower after top-30 recruit Darius Adams opted to decommit and take his talents to Maryland and the transfer portal haul hasn’t lived up to past classes. Silas Demary Jr. and Malachi Smith give the Huskies experience in the backcourt but UConn is still missing a proven go-to scorer and defender on the wing. That’s where Luis can step in and make a huge impact.

NBA Pipline: UConn has helped propel several transfers up NBA Draft boards over the last few seasons, including a few second-round picks who have carved out meaningful roles on NBA rosters. Currently projected to land in Round 2, Luis Jr. could follow in the footsteps of players like Cam Spencer and Andre Jackson Jr., who emerged as key contributors under Dan Hurley.

Could Michigan Be A Top Contender For Luis Jr.?

Why Michigan Is A Good Fit: Michigan is building a perennial Big Ten contender under new head coach Dusty May, who has a knack for getting the most out of his players. The Wolverines are looking to make another major splash in the transfer portal after landing Yaxel Lendeborg and RJ Luis Jr. fits the bill as a dynamic two-way player who could thrive in a featured role alongside another future NBA Draft pick.

High-Impact Opportunity: With several key departures, Michigan can offer Luis a star role from the jump. The Big Ten setting also provides physical, high-level competition that could help move him into first-round consideration. The Wolverines’ platform, combined with the promise of immediate impact, puts them firmly in the mix. If Lendeborg and Wolf keep their names in the draft, it will open up even more NIL money for the Wolverines and two spots in their starting rotation, leaving plenty of opportunity for Luis to thrive. Luis is also reportedly intrigued by the possibility of playing in the Big Ten, which should help bolster Michigan’s case as the perfect spot for his development.

Where Will RJ Luis Jr. Play Next?

Kansas, Auburn, and Kentucky have emerged as the most likely landing spots for RJ Luis Jr., each offering a blend of high-level competition, immediate playing time, and strong NBA pipelines.

Michigan and Texas remain in the hunt, but appear to be slightly behind the top trio.

With Luis Jr.’s NBA Draft decision just a few days away, the entire college basketball world will be watching to find out where he might land next.