St. John's basketball forward Chris Ledlum enters transfer portal amid NCAA lawsuit

The Red Storm forward currently all his options available to him

St. John's basketball forward Chris Ledlum
St. John's basketball forward Chris Ledlum | Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

St. John's basketball forward Chris Ledlum is covering all his options as he awaits a decision on his pending lawsuit against the NCAA.

Ledlum entered the transfer portal on Wednesday afternoon, just hours before it will close for the year. Players must indicate whether or not they wish to enter the portal by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 1.

The decision comes just days after the NCAA denied his waiver for another season of eligibility after the Ivy League, which Ledlum played during his first three seasons of college, opted out of the 2020-21 season that was impacted by COVID-19.

Ledlum, along with Red Storm guard Jordan Dingle, are now taking the NCAA to court on the issue.

It leaves the 6-foot-6 forward with every possible scenario right now after he entered the 2024 NBA Draft saying, "I would like to announce my decision to declare for the NBA Draft while also going through the NCAA waiver process to maintain eligibility."

He could return to St. John's, go to another school, stay in the draft, or be done with his college career.

At the time of his draft announcement, Ledlum made no indications of entering the portal at that time. However, it comes in the midst of St. John's recruiting power forwards currently in the portal like Miami's Norchad Omeir and already adding North Texas wing Aaron Scott and USC center Vince Iwuchukwu.

St. John's forward Zuby Ejiofor is also expected to take on a larger role next season.

If Chris Ledlum were to return to St. John's, which is still a possibility pending on the waiver, his starting spot would not be guaranteed and could be looking at a role player position entering next season.

Ledlum started 30-of-31 games this season and averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest.

Jordan Dingle, who is not expected to enter the portal, would have a starting role with the Red Storm if victorious in court.

Chris Ledlum previously committed to Tennessee last offseason before requesting his release from his National Letter of Intent and landing with St. John's.