Finally healthy, RJ Luis can fulfill his tantalizing St. Johns potential

Last year, in RJ Luis Jr.’s words, was “terrible.” He arrived at St.John’s with big expectations after a solid freshman season at UMass.

But injuries — first a fractured hand during the preseason followed by nagging shin splints — hindered him.He rarely practiced and couldn’t take part in coach Rick Pitino’s renowned skill development sessions. One year and two shin surgeries later, the gifted 6-foot-7 wing is hoping to live up to the hype. “If I’m healthy, I feel like I’m going to be fine.

I’m going to do what I do, I’m going to play hard and I’m going to compete,” Luis said Monday after St.John’s practiced at the Garden as a team for the first time this year.

“My injuries are really what restricted me last year.I got that taken care of, so this year I should be good.” Luis is one of four key returners, along with Simeon Wilcher, Zuby Ejiofor and Brady Dunlap.

He showed glimpses of his immense potential last year.When Luis scored in double figures, St.

John’s was 10-4.But consistency eluded him.

It was difficult to play big minutes after rarely practicing.When Luis was on the court, he was frequently in pain. “It was bad.

That whole year was just a weird year for me,” said Luis, who averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 23 games for the Johnnies a year ago.“I didn’t practice, Coach would throw me in the game, talking about, ‘go guard the best player.’ I didn’t have any rhythm.

… I was playing through the pain the whole time.” That’s no longer the case.The surgeries, termed muscle compartment release, have relieved the discomfort.

He’s been practicing fully since the Johnnies returned to campus for the fall semester.He also has made adjustments to his shooting mechanics, eliminating the hitch in it, at Pitino’s suggestion.

It looked improved during Monday’s scrimmage, Luis scoring 14 points and hitting a pair of 3-pointers.Sign up for Starting Lineup for the biggest ...