LSU coach Will Wade has decided on RJ Luis’ future for 2026-27 and addresses other eligibility questions - NOLA.com
LSU basketball coach Will Wade confirmed that RJ Luis will not play for the team due to new SEC eligibility rules regarding players with professional contracts. The decision follows the SEC's crackdown on athletes who have signed with professional leagues.
Why it matters
This highlights the evolving intersection of professional sports contracts and collegiate eligibility, reflecting stricter enforcement of amateurism rules in the NIL era.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — RJ Luis’ status with LSU men's basketball is resolved.
LSU coach Will Wade said Luis, a former St. John’s star who signed an NBA contract in 2025, will not play at the school.
“We’re going to follow all the SEC protocols with him,” Wade said on a virtual call during SEC media day on Tuesday. “I think it’s been pretty clear what the SEC protocols are on all that. He didn’t travel with us to McNeese, and he hasn’t been rostered.”
LSU beat McNeese State 63-60 on Thursday in an exhibition at Townsley Law Arena.
CBS Sports reported on Aug. 26 that the SEC finalized extensive punishments to penalize a program if it signs a player who signed a pro contract (as well as not formally withdrawing from the draft) in professional leagues such as the NBA, WNBA and NFL.
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