RJ Luis, reflecting on his basketball journey, credited his time at UMass and the guidance of Coach Frank for laying the foundation of his defensive skills. He emphasized the importance of playing with pride and commitment to defense, which has been crucial in his development as a player.
Luis made the decision to transfer to St. John’s after realizing he wanted to further enhance his skillset in a more competitive environment, leading him to enter the transfer portal. His connection with Coach Rick Pitino, who recognized his potential, facilitated this transition. Despite a promising start in his sophomore year, Luis encountered a series of injuries that hindered his performance.
He suffered a broken hand during the preseason, which sidelined him for eight weeks. Upon his return, he faced additional setbacks with shin injuries, including a stress reaction in one leg and a stress fracture in the other. These physical challenges made it difficult for him to establish a consistent game rhythm, as he was unable to practice regularly.
After the season, Luis underwent a significant surgical procedure conducted by Dr. Martin J. O’Malley at HSS in New York, aimed at relieving his muscular issues. Post-surgery, he reported a remarkable improvement in his physical condition, attributing his successful junior year to being healthy and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to compete at a high level.
Luis’s story highlights the resilience required in sports and the importance of player health and recovery in achieving success. His journey serves as motivation for young athletes to persevere through tough times and focus on their development.