Zuby Ejiofor (Photo Courtesy: The Torch, Sebastian Zelaya)
Zuby Ejiofor was at the forefront of No. 18 St. John’s success during the final week of Big East conference play. The senior big man scored 23 in a comeback win over Georgetown before posting 21 in a close win at Seton Hall.
His efforts gave the Johnnies partial ownership of the Big East regular-season title, which became full ownership after Marquette upset No. 6 UConn.
Ejiofor was compensated by the Big East for his efforts when they announced the All-Conference team and All-Conference defensive team on Sunday. He joins Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell as the only members of the Red Storm to receive the prestigious honors.
Ejiofor exceeds expectations
Before the season began, the coaches voted Ejiofor the Big East Preseason Player of the Year. Lofty expectations were set for Rick Pitino’s homegrown superstar, and he exceeded all of them.
Ejiofor received First Team All-Conference honors alongside a spot on the defensive team next to his teammate, Mitchell. Michael Ajayi (Butler), Alex Karaban (UConn), Silas Demary Jr. (UConn), Tarris Reed Jr. (UConn), and Tre Carroll (Xavier) round out the All-Conference first team.
Ejiofor, Redd, and Demary are likely in the running for the Big East Player of the Year. Ejiofor is the frontrunner without a question, as he averaged 16.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game on 54.6 % shooting.
Hopkins lives up to the hype
Hopkins is no stranger to the Big East honor roll, earning First Team All-Conference honors in 2022-23. But joining St. John’s last spring marked a new chapter in his college career.
With a plethora of buzz surrounding his transfer, Hopkins lived up to it. The senior forward was included on the All-Conference second team next to Solo Ball (UConn), Jaylin Sellers (Providence), Budd Clark (Seton Hall), and Acaden Lewis (Villanova).
He could also be in contention for the Big East Player of the Year award after playing an integral role in St. John’s 13-game win streak. Hopkins averaged 13.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game on 44.1 % shooting.
Mitchell did it all
Mitchell was one of St. John’s lesser-known additions from the transfer portal. But that was to his benefit, as he fit perfectly in the starting five next to Ejiofor and Hopkins.
Even though his statistics don’t blow anyone away, he manages to make an excellent impression in every area of the court. Hence why he received All-Conference third-team honors and a spot on the All-Defensive team.
The third team includes Finley Bizjack (Butler), KJ Lewis (Georgetown), Nigel James Jr. (Marquette), Duke Brennan (Villanova), and Tyler Perkins (Villanova). The defensive team features Demary, Ejiofor, Clark, and Chase Ross (Marquette).
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