LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade is facing criticism for reportedly signing a player who previously signed an NBA contract. Former St. John’s star and Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz after going undrafted. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says there’s a good chance the NCAA will say Luis is ineligible, but LSU can challenge that ruling in court.
“One of the things that they’re going to push with a judge or with whoever they talk to, to try and get a ruling, is the fact that he has not played,” Guilbeau noted.
NCAA President Charlie Baker has previously said the NCAA will not grant eligibility to any athlete who has signed an NBA contract, including a two-way contract.
National college basketball reporter Jeff Goodman said on his “Field of 68” podcast that Wade is making a mockery out of college basketball. Goodman also said in post on X that one Top 20 college basketball coach said Wade is screwing it up for everyone. Guilbeau doesn’t blame Wade for trying to stretch the rules.
“If you try to follow the rules, you lose. So why follow them? What, there’s a gentlemen’s agreement among the other coaches not to go after this kid, and that’s why they’re mad at Wade?” Guilbeau asked.
Wade is putting together a roster of mostly older players and some of them have played professionally in Europe, which is currently allowed under NCAA rules. What makes the Luis situation different is that he signed to play professional basketball in America after leaving St. John’s following his junior season, but Guilbeau doesn’t blame Wade for trying.
“Will’s only got 5 players, man (laughs). He’s not being picky about the rules,” Guilbeau said.