Judge Clears Path For RJ Luis To Play At LSU As Attorney Puts Pressure On Will Wade

A Louisiana judge has cleared the way for LSU basketball player RJ Luis Jr. to potentially take the court next week, but his ongoing eligibility battle is far from over.

On Wednesday, East Baton Rouge Parish District Judge Ronald Johnson issued a temporary injunction preventing the SEC from penalizing LSU for playing Luis, who has been fighting to regain his college eligibility after signing professional contracts.

The order takes effect November 3, when LSU opens its season against New Orleans, and remains in place until November 13, when another hearing is scheduled.

However, LSU has not confirmed whether Luis will play, and his attorney, Tony Clayton Jr., is now putting pressure on head coach Will Wade.

Clayton told ESPN that he would seek to hold Wade in contempt of court if the LSU coach refuses to play Luis.

"We're going to use the long arm of the law to force Will Wade to play him," Clayton said.

Luis, the 2025 Big East Player of the Year at St. John's, went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft before signing professional contracts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics. He did not play in an NBA regular-season game.

The SEC has maintained that Luis is ineligible under its rules regarding former professional players.

Wednesday's ruling gives Luis a potential path to play in LSU's season opener, but his long-term eligibility remains uncertain heading into the November 13 hearing.

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