St. John's basketball: Chris Ledlum's status still unknown against Butler

It's the first game of the new calendar year for the St. John's basketball team but there is a major injury concern before the Johnnies take the floor on Tuesday night (8:30 p.m. ET, FoxSports1) against Butler (10-3, 1-1 Big East)

The status of forward Chris Ledlum is unknown after he missed Saturday’s victory against Hofstra with an ankle sprain.

Ledlum suffered the injury midway through the second half in the Red Storm's loss against UConn on December 23, but was able to return and finish the game.

There was no walking boot or major brace on the right ankle of the Harvard transfer as the rest of the team went through warmups. Chris Ledlum did take the floor for a workout after the game and expressed optimism that he would be able to play against the Bulldogs.

Rick Pitino, however, did not have the same amount of optimism saying he "didn't think" his starting power forward would be available.

"It doesn't look that way to me," Pitino added about the potential for Ledlum to play "We just have to make the best of it."

"We're just going to have to go without him."

Saturday was the first game Chris Ledlum has missed this season and is averaging 10.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on 40.2-percent shooting from the floor and 36.1-percent from 3-point range.

St. John's (9-4, 1-1 Big East) has been out-rebounded in both of its Big East games this season.

Sophomore RJ Luis, despite only playing two games this season due to a broken hand and shin splints, made his first start of the season with the absence of Ledlum and would be in position to start again if the Red Storm have to play shorthanded.