NBA Comparison: KZ Okpala

Strengths: Well-rounded and physically strong wing prospect with solid two-way potential … Was the top player on a nationally competitive team and showcased leadership on both ends of the floor … Excellent athlete with a strong base, high-end body control, and vertical explosiveness … Possesses impressive speed in the open floor and can elevate quickly to finish plays above the rim … Utilizes spin moves effectively off the drive and can finish with either power or finesse,  whether through a strong dunk or a crafty lay-in … Very capable lob finisher and plays through contact in the air with impressive balance and strength … Shows nice touch around the basket and finishes well through traffic … Plays with poise off the bounce; keeps defenders guessing with a patient, controlled dribble and a convincing pump fake that creates openings … Capable passer with flashes of on-time reads, though assist numbers were modest (2.0 per game) … Physical and aggressive on the defensive end with a strong lower base and core; doesn’t shy away from physical matchups … Competes on the glass, especially on the defensive end, and can push in transition off rebounds … Long 6’10.5” wingspan and 8’7.5” standing reach help him defend up a position and impact plays off the ball … His 38” max vertical shows impressive leaping ability in space …

Weaknesses: Still developing as a consistent shooter … Shot mechanics are slightly rigid and slow, limiting his ability to get quick looks off in rhythm … Not yet a significant perimeter threat, and his overall offensive skill set remains a work in progress … Shooting splits were solid but unspectacular across the board: 44% FG, 34% 3P, 75% FT, slight improvement in each area would dramatically improve his long-term outlook … Does many things well but hasn’t yet shown standout dominance in any single area,  may struggle to carve out a niche if he doesn’t define a clear NBA skill … Not particularly polished as a shot creator and may be best suited as a slashing role player or 3-and-D wing at the next level … Has some questions to answer from scouts and NBA teams after a mysterious falling out with head coach Rick Pitino during St. John’s NCAA Tournament game, Luis was benched down the stretch (after shooting 3-of-17), raising concerns about coachability and decision-making under pressure … His role at the next level may hinge on whether he can embrace and thrive in a complementary, team-first role coming off the bench.

Notes: RJ Luis Jr. measured 6’5.75” barefoot, 210.0 lbs, with a 6’10.5” wingspan, 8’7.5” standing reach, a 31.5″ no-step vertical, and a 38.0″ maximum vertical at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine … Named 2024–25 Big East Player of the Year … Earned Consensus Second Team All-American honors and was named Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player … Became St. John’s first consensus All-American since Ron Artest in 1999 … Former three-star recruit out of Miami, Florida … Missed critical offseason development time due to recurring shin splints that required double shin surgery prior to his final collegiate season — “The pain is gone. Right now I’m just trying to get back into rhythm. My bounce isn’t all there yet. … As far as strength wise, I feel [good],” Luis said early in the year … Curiously, Rick Pitino noted before the season that he sent Luis clips of Joel Embiid’s jump shot, suggesting he wanted Luis to model his shooting form after the 76ers star … Had a notable falling out in the NCAA Tournament with head coach Rick Pitino, who benched Luis down the stretch (after a 3-for-17 shooting performance), raising questions about their relationship and how NBA teams will view the incident in pre-draft interviews.

Drew Wolin 5//31/25