RJ Lewis underwent surgery on both shins as he was not going to let his problematic shins affect his upcoming season.
St. John’s leading scorer is recovering well following surgery.
He has begun individual and non-contact workouts and doctors have told him he will be fully ready to practice in September.
Lewis tried custom-made insoles and shock therapy, but nothing worked.
He still suffered from pain in both shins, but after undergoing a procedure called a muscle compartment release, the symptoms went away.
“I’ve got new legs,” the 6-foot-7 wing, who averaged 10.9 points and 4.9 rebounds last year, joked at a Name Image Likeness event with St. John’s fans on Wednesday. “The pain’s gone. I’m just trying to get my rhythm back. I’m not jumping as hard yet. … Strength-wise, [good].”
Lewis’ first year as a Johnny was frustrating, missing most of the preseason with a broken left hand and then a shin injury, limiting him to just 23 games and barely taking part in practices.
He has certainly shown glimpses of his immense potential.
The Johnnies were up 10-4 when Lewis scored in double figures.
Zubby Ejiofor was one of St. John’s most improved players from the start of last season to the end.
The 6-foot-9 rising third-year is one of several potential starting centers along with USC transfer Vince Iwuchukwu and Portugal transfer Ruben Pley.
“That’s what I’m looking forward to,” Ejiofor said. “It’s going to be a little bit more competitive, which it really should be. I’ve got to assert my position and take my chances when I get them.”
Ejiofor is in an advantageous position having already been in the program for a year and performed well last year.
“It gave me more confidence,” he said. “I knew what the coaches wanted to do. [Rick] That’s what Pitino wants from me. I just did all the little things that were needed to win games.”
Kadary Richmond isn’t thinking too much about returning to Newark to face his former team, Seton Hall.
“I think it’s going to be the same game again,” said one of St. John’s’ two new point guards. “There might be some booing, but that’s just the way it is.”
