National Player of the Week in Men’s College Basketball: RJ Luis Jr.
For Week 14 of the college basketball season, RJ Luis Jr. from St. John’s has been recognized as the national player of the week. The Red Storm, currently ranked ninth, has achieved their highest placement in 25 years, and Luis has played a crucial role in their success. Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, the junior forward has helped lead St. John’s to two significant victories over ranked teams last week.
In a thrilling matchup against No. 18 Marquette, Luis contributed immensely with 17 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, and three blocked shots, aiding his team to a 70-64 triumph. He then followed up with an impressive performance against UConn, the two-time reigning national champion, where he scored six of his total 21 points in the crucial final moments, sealing the game with a decisive basket for a 68-62 victory.
Currently, Luis leads St. John’s in scoring, averaging 17.6 points per game, and he also contributes 6.8 rebounds per game to the team’s efforts.
Runner-Up: Trey Kaufman-Renn of Purdue
Trey Kaufman-Renn from Purdue earned recognition as a runner-up for the week. The 6-foot-9 junior had an exceptional performance, averaging 24.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across two wins. He demonstrated remarkable efficiency by shooting 60% from the field while also making 11 out of 12 free throw attempts. In the victories over Iowa and Southern California, Kaufman-Renn recorded 25 points and seven rebounds in a 90-81 win against Iowa, followed by another 25-point performance along with 10 rebounds in a 90-72 victory over the Trojans.
Honorable Mentions
The list of honorable mentions this week includes David N’Guessan from Kansas State, Elijah Mahi from Santa Clara, and Terrence Edwards Jr. from Louisville.
Keep an Eye On: Jaron Pierre Jr. of Jacksonville State
Another player to watch is Jaron Pierre Jr. from Jacksonville State. The 6-foot-5 senior has been a standout performer in Conference USA, showcasing his skills by averaging 21.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Recently, he delivered a remarkable performance against Middle Tennessee State, scoring 36 points with an outstanding shooting accuracy of 10 for 13 from beyond the arc, alongside five rebounds and four assists in a 77-63 victory. He continued his impressive streak with 28 points, four rebounds, and four assists in an 85-83 win over Western Kentucky.
With these performances, Jacksonville State finds itself atop Conference USA, holding a two-game lead over Liberty. They will face off against Sam Houston and Louisiana Tech in their upcoming games this week.
This week’s achievements and performances continue to highlight the competitive spirit and talent present in college basketball.