St. John’s Basketball Pros Transition to Professional Contracts After Successful Season

Despite a stellar season that marked the best for St. John’s in 25 years, none of the Red Storm players were selected in the NBA Draft. However, a promising future awaits three former stars as they embark on their professional basketball careers.

Key Players Sign Pro Contracts

Following the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament, three standout players — Kadary Richmond, RJ Luis, and Aaron Scott — have secured contracts to take their talents to professional leagues.

• RJ Luis: Recognized as the Big East Player of the Year and named Most Outstanding Player at the Big East Tournament, Luis has agreed to a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. He averaged an impressive 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds last season.

• Kadary Richmond: Richmond has signed a deal with the Washington Wizards, marking his transition to the NBA.

• Aaron Scott: Scott is set to participate in the summer league with the Boston Celtics, looking to make his mark in the professional ranks.

While Deivon Smith is still weighing his options, the departure of these players highlights a significant chapter in St. John’s basketball history.

A Surprising NBA Draft Outcome

Despite being projected to potentially land in the mid-second round of the NBA Draft, Luis’s name did not appear on the list of selections. This unexpected turn of events raises questions about his shooting consistency and decision-making skills.

An anonymous NBA scout noted the challenges ahead for Luis:

“It’s a tough thing, but he’s got to go from a star on his team to a role player. Tough transition, so he’s probably going to have to get some G-League reps and go from there. Be a consistent shooter.”

The Decision to Enter the Draft

Luis made a pivotal decision by declaring for the draft in March while also exploring the transfer portal. Despite lucrative offers expected to exceed $2 million for top transfers, he chose to remain in the draft.

Luis previously expressed the pros and cons of this choice:

“The money in the NBA is night and day compared to college. It wasn’t a hard decision. My goal was to do the same thing at St. John’s my sophomore year, but injuries held me back. I think I had an amazing year this year. [This was] ultimately the end goal, to play in the NBA and stick there.”

The Financial Landscape

For aspiring NBA players, the financial incentives can vary significantly. While an NBA two-way contract offers approximately $560,000, many college players considering professional careers must weigh the financial stability of the collegiate system against the potential earnings in the NBA.

Looking Ahead

With Luis, Richmond, and Scott moving on to their professional endeavors, the future looks bright for these young athletes. Their performances during their time at St. John’s have paved the way for new opportunities. Meanwhile, the basketball community watches closely to see how these talented players adjust to the rapid pace and competitive nature of the professional arena.

Conclusion

As St. John’s continues to nurture talent, the transitions of these players remind us of the pathways that can lead to professional sports. With proper guidance and perseverance, these athletes can carve out successful careers in basketball, leaving a lasting legacy at St. John’s University. For more insights on college basketball and player transitions, check out NCAA.com and ESPN for the latest updates.