Wholesome RJ Luis can fulfill his tantalizing St. John’s potential

Final yr, in RJ Luis Jr.’s phrases, was “horrible.” 

He arrived at St. John’s with large expectations after a strong freshman season at UMass. However accidents — first a fractured hand through the preseason adopted by nagging shin splints — hindered him.

He hardly ever practiced and couldn’t participate in coach Rick Pitino’s famend talent growth periods. 

One yr and two shin surgical procedures later, the gifted 6-foot-7 wing is hoping to reside as much as the hype. 

“If I’m wholesome, I really feel like I’m going to be high quality. I’m going to do what I do, I’m going to play laborious and I’m going to compete,” Luis stated Monday after St. John’s practiced on the Backyard as a workforce for the primary time this yr. “My accidents are actually what restricted me final yr. I bought that taken care of, so this yr I must be good.” 

Luis is certainly one of 4 key returners, together with Simeon Wilcher, Zuby Ejiofor and Brady Dunlap. He confirmed glimpses of his immense potential final yr.

When Luis scored in double figures, St. John’s was 10-4. However consistency eluded him.

It was troublesome to play large minutes after hardly ever practising. When Luis was on the court docket, he was incessantly in ache. 

“It was dangerous. That entire yr was only a bizarre yr for me,” stated Luis, who averaged 10.6 factors, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 23 video games for the Johnnies a yr in the past. “I didn’t observe, Coach would throw me within the sport, speaking about, ‘go guard the very best participant.’ I didn’t have any rhythm. … I used to be taking part in by the ache the entire time.” 

That’s now not the case. The surgical procedures, termed muscle compartment launch, have relieved the discomfort.

He’s been practising absolutely for the reason that Johnnies returned to campus for the autumn semester. He additionally has made changes to his capturing mechanics, eliminating the hitch in it, at Pitino’s suggestion.

It seemed improved throughout Monday’s scrimmage, Luis scoring 14 factors and hitting a pair of 3-pointers.

“I‘ve been engaged on it. I simply deal with holding the ball up, holding it in a single movement,” he stated. “It feels good, it appears good. I really feel comfy with it.” 

He could possibly be in for a giant yr. He’s wholesome, is accustomed to Pitino in his second season taking part in for the Corridor of Fame coach and can get to play with two pass-first level guards in transfers Kadary Richmond (Seton Corridor) and Deivon Smith (Utah).

Luis gained’t be requested to create as a lot. He has two teammates who’re adept at doing so. 

“I can profit loads,” Luis stated. “It advantages me, opens up my sport. It permits me to attain the ball loads simpler. These guys also can rating themselves. It’s actually about spacing and taking part in off of them.” 

Pitino raved about Luis’ potential, saying he doesn’t have one clear energy as a result of there are a number of of them.

He’s versatile, has improved his bounce shot and is a top quality passer, rebounder and defender. Most significantly, the junior is now not restricted bodily.

Luis is keen to see what it is going to be like with out worrying about his shins, which have been a nagging drawback for years. 

“It’s a giant distinction,” Pitino stated. “He’s been damage as a freshman, he’s been damage as a sophomore, and now he’s wholesome.” 

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The one participant who didn’t observe Monday was Smith. He’s coping with a shoulder harm. Pitino expects him to return later within the week and play in subsequent Thursday’s exhibition at Rutgers. … Pitino named three starters as of now: Seton Corridor switch Richmond, Ejiofor and Wilcher.