RJ Luis Transfer Portal Destinations: Auburn & Texas Among Top Schools; Michigan Is Best Fit

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 and his representatives have already reportedly booked visits with at least 10 teams. One of the most sought-after prospects available, 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? 

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. Michigan
2. Auburn
3. Kentucky
4. Texas
5. Kansas

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.

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.

Texas

Miller Gives Texas A Shot: Sean Miller has shown a strong ability to recruit top talent and develop players for the next level. The Longhorns are in need of a go-to scorer on the wing, and Luis could provide exactly that. Texas also has strong NIL backing, which may play a role in attracting a high-profile player like Luis.

Pro-Level Environment: Playing in the Big 12 offers a consistent level of elite competition and exposure. Texas provides a professional-style infrastructure that includes NBA-caliber facilities, training staff, and development resources—everything Luis needs to elevate his draft stock and compete at the highest level.

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 that’s losing significant firepower and Luis is hoping to improve his NBA Draft stock, making it a perfect fit for everyone involved.

High Usage Role: The departures of Hunter Dickinson and Zeke Mayo—Kansas’ top two scorers—leave a major void on offense. Their exits open up a unique opportunity for a high-usage offensive player like Luis to step in and make an immediate impact from Day 1. Kansas would give him the type of role and national spotlight needed to elevate his NBA Draft stock.

Other Potential Landing Spots For RJ Luis Jr.

According to Rob Reinhart, here are the schools that have already booked Luis for a visit:

• Arizona
• Auburn
• Iowa State
• Texas
• Georgetown
• Ole Miss
• Kentucky
• Providence
• Michigan State
• Houston

Here are some other potential landing spots for the former St. John’s wing.

Arkansas

Why It Is A Possibility: John Calipari’s system favors versatile wings who can create offense and defend multiple positions. Luis’s skill set fits well into that mold, making Arkansas an appealing option.

NBA Development: Calipari’s history of sending players to the NBA could be a deciding factor for Luis, who wants to enhance his draft stock.

Nebraska

Why It’s a Possibility: Nebraska has emerged as a strong program under Fred Hoiberg. The Cornhuskers have made waves in the Big Ten with a system that emphasizes versatility and scoring. With 20 ppg scorer Brice Williams graduating, Luis could step into a key role right away and instantly benefit from Hoiberg’s NBA-style offense.

NBA Pipeline: Hoiberg’s NBA experience and development track record could help Luis refine his game for the next level, while Nebraska’s growing presence in the Big Ten provides national exposure.

Oregon

Why It’s a Possibility: The Ducks have quietly become a transfer portal powerhouse under Dana Altman, consistently attracting high-level talent. Luis would benefit from Oregon’s system, which allows wings to thrive in transition and in half-court sets.

NBA Pipeline: Oregon’s recent success in sending players to the NBA could appeal to Luis, who is looking to boost his draft stock. The program’s player-friendly style and exposure in the Big Ten offer a solid platform for Luis’s NBA aspirations.

Miami

Why It’s a Possibility: Miami offers the comfort of returning to his hometown, where he could play in front of family and friends under new head coach Jai Lucas. The Hurricanes’ competitive ACC environment and system could also appeal to Luis.

Where Will RJ Luis Jr. Play Next?

Michigan, 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.

Texas and Arkansas remain in the hunt, but appear to be slightly behind the top trio. Meanwhile, other programs like Miami and Oregon continue to monitor the situation and could still make a late push once Luis officially announces his intentions.

Luis is expected to take his time with the decision as he weighs his draft stock against the potential benefits of another season in college basketball.