Justin Gainey shares how Chris Ledlum transfer impacts Tennessee

Chris Ledlum made the surprising decision last week to re-enter the transfer portal for the second time this year after being with the Tennessee for only a few months. The former Harvard wing had committed to the Volunteers in April.

“It was surprising, caught us all off guard,” Tennessee assistant coach Justin Gainey told the media Tuesday. “Something that we weren’t expecting obviously coming off of the knee surgery that he was going through so it kind of caught us off guard a little bit. How does it affect us? Obviously, he’s a great player. We wish him nothing but the best. I hope he finds what he’s looking for, finds happiness.”

Ledlum spent four years with the Crimson, playing in only three seasons as Harvard canceled its 2020-21 season due to COVID.

This past season, Ledlum made the All-Ivy first team after averaging 18.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 31.5 minutes per game.

Gainey said that while the Ledlum’s decision was surprising, the team is going to keep moving forward. He said there are players on the roster now who could be able to step up to the plate and fill the role.

“As far as it goes with us and our mentality, ever since I’ve been here, since coach been here, next man end up,” Gainey said. “We’re really excited about J.P. Estrella development where he’s going. Obviously Tobe (Awaka) has taken a major jump. (Josiah-Jordan James) is looking great, he’s healthy and probably the first healthy summer he’s had in a long time. We were just next man up moving forward, wish him the best.”

The decision to transfer was announced last Thursday, very soon after head coach Rick Barnes talked to the media about what Ledlum and fellow transfer Jordan Gainey were going to bring to the team.

Gainey is a guard from USC Upstate and was named to the All-Big South first team.

“Both of them understand how to play,” Barnes said. “Both of them have the ability to create their own shots. They both understand the game. Highly competitive. Highly competitive and have added to us. Both of them are still learning the system but in terms of what they’ve shown us from their work ethic, their attitude, their willingness to come right in and blend in with our team, our program has been great. But both of those guys are gonna add a lot to us.”