Three St. John’s stars go pro after signing NBA contracts following draft

St. John’s best season in 25 years didn’t result in a draft pick, but shortly after it was over, three of the Red Storm’s former stars — Kadary Richmond, RJ Luis and Aaron Scott — agreed to pro contracts. 

Luis, the Big East Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Player of the Big East Tournament, agreed to a two-way contract with the Jazz, according to a source.

Richmond came to terms on a deal with the Wizards, while Scott agreed to attend summer league with the Celtics, according to sources.

Deivon Smith still was waiting to decide on his next step. 

It was somewhat of a surprise that Luis, who was projected by some to be a mid-second-round pick, didn’t get chosen in the two-day NBA Draft.

He had a sensational junior year, averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds.

Multiple scouts felt he would wind up with a two-way deal but told The Post there were questions about his 3-point shot and decision-making. 

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

When Luis declared for the draft in March, he also entered the transfer portal.

The Miami native opted to stay in the draft, although he could’ve really cashed in by transferring.

Top transfers this spring were getting upward of, and in some cases above, $2 million.

This past season, an NBA two-way contract paid just south of $560,000.

Luis and coach Rick Pitino had agreed it was best for both sides to go their separate ways when the Johnnies’ season ended with a loss to Arkansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. 

“The money in the NBA is night and day compared to college. It wasn’t a hard decision,” Luis, who had 18 NBA workouts, said prior to the draft. “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.”