SJU HC Rick Pitino Gives Updates on Ledlum, Luis for West Virginia

St. John’s HC Rick Pitino gave updates on forward Chris Ledlum and guard RJ Luis to the media on Wednesday. Pitino expects Ledlum (virus) to play against West Virginia on Friday. The Basketball Hall of Famer also expects Luis (hand) to start against the Mountaineers.

Pitino added that Ledlum has missed the last two days of practice and has lost nine pounds during his sickness. Ledlum has started in all six games for the Red Storm this season.

Rick Pitino says Chris Ledlum has missed the last 2 days of practice with a stomach virus. He has almost lost. 9 pounds because he couldn't eat

Pitino expects Ledlum to play against West Virginia, but might not start #SJUBB

— Kevin Connelly (@KevinConnelly24) November 29, 2023

Ledlum (6-foot-6) originally transferred to Tennessee this past offseason before committing to St. John’s. Ledlum’s commitment led to Quinn Slazinski hitting the transfer portal and coming to West Virginia. Ledlum is averaging 9.7 points and 8.0 rebounds on 38% shooting.

Luis (6-foot-7) dealt with a broken left hand early in the season. Luis, a transfer from UMass, made his season debut against Holy Cross on Sunday, scoring 14 points in 15 minutes. It appears that a possibility is Luis will be inserted into the starting lineup against WVU for Ledlum.

West Virginia will host St. John’s in the Big East-Big 12 Battle on Friday. This marks the first time since 2012 that Pitino will coach in Morgantown. The Mountaineers and Red Storm will tipoff at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.