RJ Luis has been steadily making his mark, first in college basketball and now on the NBA stage. Blending athleticism and instinct, his game reflects the persistence of a young player hungry for growth and recognition.
Behind his performance lies a story shaped by family and hard work. Now the shooting guard for the Boston Celtics, he combines the values instilled at home with the dedication that carried him to the biggest platform.
From early breakout moments in college to his first steps as a pro, he has shown flashes of the kind of player who can shift the momentum of a game. His path, still in its early chapters, promises much more to come.
How old is RJ Luis?
Born on November 27, 2002, RJ Luis Jr. is currently 22 years old, embarking on his rookie year in the NBA after a standout collegiate career at UMass and St. John’s. At just 22, he stands as one of the rising talents making the jump to pro hoops.
RJ Luis Jr. #12 of the St John’s Red Storm practices ahead of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Amica Mutual Pavillion on March 19, 2025. (Source: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
How tall is RJ Luis?
RJ Luis checks in at 6 ft 7 inches (201 cm) and weighs 215 lbs, a length and build that allows him to play both shooting guard and small forward with versatility. That frame—and the wingspan that comes with it—makes him a mismatch for most college defenders and sets expectations high for his pro debut.
RJ Luis’s love life
Despite growing media interest, RJ Luis Jr. has kept his romantic life firmly out of the spotlight. Public focus is squarely on his ascent from under‑recruited high school player to NBA hopeful, with no confirmed partner details as of mid‑2025. His narrative stays centered on career and family rather than personal relationships.
RJ Luis’s family
Rooted in a bilingual household in Miami, RJ Luis Jr. is the son of Reggie Luis Charles, a 6‑foot‑7 Dominican‑Ecuadorian former pro player, and Verónica “Verito” Luis, whose Ecuadorian heritage and athletic background shaped his early years.
Their combined athletic DNA and cultural richness created an environment centered on discipline, faith, and bilingual identity. That foundation helped Luis embrace both his Dominican and Ecuadorian roots while mastering the American basketball system.
Family has supported every step: from surgeries to slumps to triumphant Big East wins, their belief fueled his rise from under‑recruited prospect to conference player of the year.
RJ Luis’s college stats
In his freshman year at UMass (2022–23), RJ Luis posted 11.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.3 APG and shot 45.5% from the field, earning Atlantic 10 All‑Rookie honors in 27 games.
A transfer to St. John’s propelled his breakout junior season: across 35 games, he averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals, shooting 43.9% overall and 33.6% from three-point range.
He emerged as the prime scorer in Big East play, delivered nine double-doubles, and became one of only two players ranking top-six in both scoring and rebounding in the conference.
What is RJ Luis’s jersey number?
Wearing number 12 at St. John’s, RJ Luis quickly made it his signature—associated with leadership and clutch scoring throughout the 2024–25 title run. That number became familiar to Red Storm fans as he led the team to its first outright Big East regular season title since 1985 and dominant postseason performances.
RJ Luis Jr. #12 of the St. John’s Red Storm dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Source: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Originally undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, he signed with the Utah Jazz as a rookie free agent, beginning his professional career with their G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. However, as of August 2025, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Boston Celtics traded for him, signaling a new chapter and fresh opportunity in his journey.
RJ Luis’s career highlights
- Big East Player of the Year (2025): He captured one of the most prestigious awards in college basketball by leading St. John’s to the Big East regular-season and tournament titles. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility set him apart as the conference’s most valuable player.
- Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player: In the 2025 Big East Tournament final, he exploded for 29 points, guiding his team to victory and earning the tournament MVP. This performance underscored his ability to deliver under pressure on the biggest stages.
- Consensus Second-Team All-American: Recognized nationally for his outstanding season, he earned consensus second-team All-American honors, placing him among the elite players in the country and marking a historic achievement for St. John’s.
- NBA Signing as Undrafted Rookie: Despite not being selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, he signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, showcasing his perseverance and talent to earn a spot in the professional ranks.
- Trade to Boston Celtics (2025): In August 2025, he was traded to the Boston Celtics, a move reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. This trade represents a fresh opportunity for him to prove himself and continue his growth at the highest level.
- Versatility and Two-Way Potential: He is valued for his ability to play both shooting guard and small forward, combining size, athleticism, and basketball IQ. His two-way contract reflects the league’s belief in his potential to contribute on both ends of the court.