RJ Luis in conversation for Big East Player of the Year honors
RJ Luis is playing his way into consideration for Big East Player of the Year honors.
The dynamic 6-foot-7 wing was named the league’s Player of the Week after leading ninth-ranked St. John’s to victories over No. 18 Marquette and Connecticut.
The front-runners are Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner and Marquette guard Kam Jones, but the best player on the best team typically wins the award, and St. John’s sits all alone atop the conference.
The most recent St. John’s player to win the award was Walter Berry in 1986.
“I’m just blessed to be in that conversation,” Luis said over Zoom on Tuesday, as St. John’s prepared to face Villanova on Wednesday. “As long as we keep winning, I feel like we’ll see what happens. But I’m definitely excited because I know I’m in contention for it, so that’s something I’m definitely trying to go for. But especially, I’m just trying to win the regular-season conference championship, the Big East title and go dancing in March.”
In conference play, Luis is fourth in scoring (18.3) and rebounding (7.2), ninth in offensive rebounds per game (2.2), 11th in free-throw percentage (73.6), and 12th in field goal percentage (43.4).
He has also emerged as a strong defender who can guard several different positions.
Luis has taken a major leap this year after injuries sidetracked him last season, when he was rarely able to practice.
Last spring, he underwent surgery to repair shin splints in both legs.
“I think I put in a lot of work. I’m finally healthy. The shins aren’t bothering me,” he said. “After the wins and our success, the thing I’m most happy about is, every day I wake up, I touch my shins and they don’t hurt. They feel really good.”
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A few weeks ago, coach Rick Pitino said he expected Luis to go pro after this season.
Pitino has taken a step back from that somewhat, saying Luis will test the waters and see where he stands.
St. John’s leading scorer isn’t thinking about the future at the moment.
“My main focus right now is college, representing the St. John’s that I have on the front of my chest, trying to put on for New York City,” Luis said. “Once the season ends, we’ll get to that.”
Senior point guard Deivon Smith missed practice for a second consecutive day with a sore neck and is doubtful to play against Villanova, according to Pitino.
Smith has also been dealing with a bruised right shoulder he suffered in the first Villanova contest on Jan. 11.
This would be the fourth game he has missed since the initial injury. Smith hurt his neck in practice on Sunday.
Assistant coach Van Macon’s health is improving and he could return to the bench soon, he told The Post. Macon recently had a heart procedure.
