St. John's Chris Ledlum declares for NBA Draft and pursues extra year of college eligibility
St. John's Red Storm guard Chris Ledlum looks on against the Villanova Wildcats in the second half of an NCAA Big East men's basketball game at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 24. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
St. John’s forward Chris Ledlum is pursuing two different routes to continue his basketball career. He announced in a social media post on Wednesday that he is declaring for the NBA Draft as well as pursuing a waiver from the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility.
Ledlum transferred from Harvard to the Red Storm for the 2023-24 season. The basis for his request for the extra year of college eligibility is that he did not play college basketball during the 2020-21 season because the Ivy League canceled it due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Representing St. John's this year has been an honor beyond words and the memories created here will forever hold a special place in my heart,” Ledlum said in his dispatch. “I would like to announce my decision to declare for the NBA Draft while also going through the NCAA waiver process to maintain eligibility.”
Ledlum, a Brooklyn product, started 30 games for the Red Storm this season and averaged 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds. He isn’t envisioned by experts as a draft pick, but many undrafted college players get workouts with NBA teams or invitations to play in the NBA’s summer league.
St. John’s team for the 2024-25 season is still taking shape. If Ledlum were granted the extra year of eligibility — by no means a guarantee — it’s unclear what sort of role he might have if he remains in the program.
“I obviously would have to keep all options open, but if I got another year I don’t see any reason I wouldn’t want to be here,” Ledlum told Newsday at a team appearance at the Applebee’s in Fresh Meadows, Queens, last week. “I love Coach (Rick) Pitino. And this is home. I’ve loved playing for St. John’s.”
Asked about taking a role with fewer minutes of playing time or even coming off the bench, Ledlum replied, “I would be willing to do whatever role I’m asked — the priority is winning.”
In Ledlum’s post on Wednesday he concluded by thanking teammates, coaches and the community by saying “your belief in me has fulfilled my passion and determination every step of the way.
“To my teammates: Thank you for pushing me to be my best every single day,” he wrote. “To coach Pitino and our coaching staff: Thank you for believing in my abilities and helping me grow on and off the court. And to the fans: Thank you for your endless cheers and encouragement.”
Roger Rubin returned to Newsday in 2018 to write about high schools, colleges and baseball following 20 years at the Daily News. A Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he has covered 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.