Will Wade back to old ways with controversial signing

LSU Tigers head coach Will Wade is at it again. On Tuesday, ESPN college basketball insider Jeff Borzello reported that former St. John's (NY) Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. has committed to play for LSU, although his status for the 2026-27 season is very much up in the air. Last year, the 2025 Big East Player of the Year declared for the NBA Draft only to go undrafted and later sign a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, who traded him to the Boston Celtics. As Borzello notes, he was waived by the Celtics — then by their G League affiliate — without playing for either, a distinction unlikely to move the NCAA as it attempts to assert some control over college athletics. The institution has balked at allowing players who previously signed with an NBA team to return, including winning a judgment against former Alabama Crimson Tide center Charles Bediako earlier this year.  Bediako, however, played in 46 G League games from 2023-25, something that may work in Luis' favor as he argues for reinstatement. For Wade, it's a wholly unsurprising development, one that shows his willingness to bend NCAA rules, consequences be damned. Former NBA player and St. John's star RJ Luis Jr. has committed to LSU, sources told Jeff Borzello.RJ averaged 18.2 PPG and 7.2 RPG for the Johnnies during the 2024-25 season.Career journey:• 2022-23: Played for UMass.• 2023: Transferred to St. John’s.• 2025: Won Big… pic.twitter.com/ZF9oDZlmcS Wade, in his second stint as LSU head coach, originally departed the university in controversy in 2022 following a prolonged NCAA investigation over recruiting violations. With schools allowed to pay players directly following the landmark House v. NCAA settlement, Wade's "strong-a— offers" are no longer taboo, but he's still testing how far the NCAA's reach extends. After going through the NBA Draft process, it seems obvious from the outside that Luis, who averaged 18.2 points per game as a junior in 2024-25, missed his opportunity to return to the collegiate ranks. As Borzello notes, NCAA president Charlie Baker "and the NCAA have previously drawn a line in the sand regarding eligibility for players who signed NBA contracts." But Wade will always push the envelope, especially if it's toward a prospect and full of cash. With LSU also pursuing former 2020 draft pick Yam Madar, 25, out of Israel, the program seems unafraid of putting itself within the NCAA's crosshairs, instead embracing the forthcoming head-on collision. Based on how well things turned out for Wade the last time he faced NCAA scrutiny, he may be the only one left unscathed. Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!