St. John’s basketball: Rick Pitino says Chris Ledlum makes “complete roster”

The St. John’s basketball roster could be complete according to head coach Rick Pitino. 

Chris Ledlum was a late addition to the St. John’s basketball team but his presence could send the Johnnies to new heights.

Ledlum, a Harvard transfer, originally committed to Tennessee over the Red Storm and Indiana this spring but realized that being so far from his home in New York was not the best decision for him shortly into his time in Knoxville.

The 6-foot-6 forward reentered the transfer portal in mid-July and committed to St. John’s and head coach Rick Pitino shortly after.

Ledlum’s decision became official on Wednesday afternoon when the program announced his signing and Pitino is thrilled at his latest addition.

ALSO READ: VJ Edgecombe includes Johnnies in Top-10

“He gives us another experienced front court player,” the Hall of Famer said in a press release.

“We were a little thin at that spot and this reinforces what we need to have a complete roster.”

St. John’s, in addition to retaining star center Joel Soriano from last season’s team, only brought in Kansas transfer Zuby Ejiofor to bolster its front court but the addition of Ledlum should give the Red Storm a starting power forward on opening night.

St. John’s basketball ready to roll under Rick Pitino

The Brooklyn native averaged  18.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game in his final season with the Crimson and shot 47.3-percent from the field.

He was also an unanimous selection to the First Team All-Ivy League.

St. John’s also added the Ivy League Player of the Year, Jordan Dingle, in the transfer portal this offseason.

ALSO READ: Rival coach says Rick Pitino is best in country

Ledlum has arrived on campus and quickly joined offseason workouts with the team as he progresses back to full health after undergoing meniscus surgery on July 9, according to Tennessee’s On3 site VolQuest.

The Johnnies are expected to be a team contending towards the top of the Big East Conference this year and returning to the NCAA Tournament.