Photo courtesy of Chris Talbot/Harvard University Athletics.
Whenever an undersized forward holds his own in the paint, it is imperative that he establishes dominance. Sometimes, it is like a David vs. Goliath battle where the smallest player tries to overcome the battle against the bigger player.
Chris Ledlum is living proof of that. The 6-foot-7 forward is very dominant in the paint and is known for his highlight-reel dunks, which are reminiscent of what DeAndre Jordan does in the NBA. During his time at St. Peter’s High School in Staten Island, he was a force in the CHSAA on both the basketball court and the football field.
Fast-forward to the present day, he is an incoming freshman at an elite, academic institution called Harvard University and plans to take the Ivy League by storm this season.
When asked what motivates him to be successful on the court, he replied, “Just my love for the game and my family.”
Ledlum originally hails from Brooklyn, but has also lived in Staten Island for a number of years. When asked about the basketball scene in that borough, he replied, “It’s not really big in Staten Island, you know, it’s just, it’s different from the city.”
As a junior, Ledlum was a force for St. Peter’s, as he averaged 20.3 points and nine rebounds per game and was named the Staten Island High School League Player of the Year. During his time with the New York Jayhawks, he was one of the team’s main targets on the Adidas circuit. Because of his play with the Jayhawks, he wound up with around 40 offers before his senior season.
As a senior, Ledlum decided to transfer to Northfield Mount Hermon School, a prep school in Northfield, Massachusetts that plays in the ultra-competitive NEPSAC (Northeast Prep Schools Athletic Conference).
When asked about making the transfer to the prep school route, Ledlum replied, “It was great, it was a lot different from home, but altogether, it definitely helped prepare me for college. It helped me so much, not only with basketball, but also with academics. It was a little bit more intense and it was definitely a good go-between.”
Last season, he averaged 25.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game and helped lead the Hoggers to a 32-6 record and a NEPSAC AAA championship. His performance earned him the Gatorade Player of the Year award for the state of Massachusetts.
When asked about what he’ll remember most about his time at NMH, he replied, “Just how intense everything was, just living there, it was a lot different than being home.”
This past summer, he got to play for the Tri-State Classic in the NY vs. NY tournament, which is a showcase in which teams representing the six Nike-sponsored tournaments throughout New York City. When asked about his experience, he replied, “I love it, it’s fun, it’s the summertime, just come out here and have fun.”
Last fall, he made his collegiate decision and chose to play for Harvard, which has a coach with a resume in Tommy Amaker, who has led the Crimson four NCAA Tournament appearances in 12 seasons at the helm.
When asked why he chose Harvard, he replied, “Yes, sir. Well, Harvard is, it’s the best of both worlds, you know, high academics and high-level basketball.”
Now that he is entering his freshman season with the Crimson, he will definitely give teams in the Ivy League plenty to deal with in the frontcourt with his rebounding, shot-blocking and ability to play above the rim. Plus, he will only get better as time goes on.
“I’m just going to give it my all, and [help Harvard] win some games,” said Ledlum.
davesjoint.net 