BREAKING: Projected starting center Luke McEldon takes leave of absence from NUMBB

Nov 16, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers forward Luke McEldon (21) drives to the basket against Cincinnati Bearcats center Moustapha Thiam (52) in the second half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Northwestern men’s basketball’s Luke McEldon, a fourth-year transfer forward from Mount Saint Mary’s, is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the program, the team announced via X at 5:45 p.m. on Monday.The 6-foot-10 McEldon was projected to be Northwestern’s starter in its 2026-27 season opener Monday night against Binghamton. His leave of absence was announced just over an hour before the start of the season.“Luke has our full support and we look forward to his return,” said Northwestern men’s basketball in its X post announcing McEldon’s absence.The senior started in both of Northwestern’s two exhibition matchups, playing 13 minutes in each game. Against Illinois State, he was effective defensively, notching two blocks and two rebounds. However, he struggled on offense, committing four turnovers and scoring just two points on 1-for-1 shooting. A week later, against Iowa State, he didn’t take a shot from the field, while logging two boards and a turnover.Last year with Mount Saint Mary’s, the London native appeared in 30 games, starting 29. He played 25.9 minutes per game, while posting per game averages of 11.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.6 blocks.Prior to his time with the Mountaineers, McEldon played two seasons at Santa Clara, but did not get a lot of playing time.With McEldon out for the ’Cats, it’s unknown who will be Chris Collins’ starting center in the season opener. First-year Symon Ghai (7-foot-3), Columbia transfer Ryan Soulis (6-foot-10) and Drake junior transfer Okie Federiko (6-foot-9) are the other big forwards on Northwestern’s depth chart.