On a Friday night under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, the college basketball world watched as No. 22 St. John’s didn’t just compete with No. 3 UConn—they dismantled their 18-game winning streak. At the center of that 81-72 upset was senior forward Zuby Ejiofor, a player who has officially turned the corner after a rocky start to the 2025-26 campaign.
The Statement Game
Ejiofor’s performance on February 6 was nothing short of a masterpiece. He dominated the Huskies with a stat line that showcased his evolution into a true “point-forward”: 21 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 7 assists. He also anchored the defense with 3 blocks and 2 steals.
This performance made him the only player in NCAA Division I this season to record at least 21 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals in a single game. Whether it was his efficiency from the floor (6-of-10 FG) or his poise at the charity stripe (8-of-10 FT), Ejiofor was the engine that powered Rick Pitino’s squad to their ninth straight victory.
Season at a Glance: Turning the Corner
Ejiofor’s “early season struggle” is now firmly in the rearview mirror. His consistency has surged, and he is currently the only high-major player in the country ranking in the top 10 of his conference in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks.
As of mid-February, Ejiofor is leading the Red Storm with a versatile season average of 16.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His defensive presence is equally impactful, as he anchors the paint with 2.0 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest. He has become a menace on the glass specifically, ranking 16th nationally with 3.7 offensive rebounds per game, which creates crucial second-chance opportunities for a St. John’s offense that is firing on all cylinders.
Where Does He Go From Here?
As the Red Storm move within striking distance of the top spot in the Big East, Ejiofor’s trajectory is pointing straight up:
• Big East Player of the Year Race: Originally named the Preseason Player of the Year, Ejiofor is finally playing at that elite level. If he continues this run through the gauntlet of the Big East schedule—including the February 25 rematch in Hartford—he is the frontrunner for the postseason award.
• NBA Draft Stock: NBA scouts are taking notice of his “energy big” profile. Standing 6’9″ with a 245-pound frame, his ability to switch onto guards and protect the rim is highly valued. His recent playmaking leap suggests a growing offensive ceiling that could see him climb into early second-round or late first-round projections.
• March Madness Anchor: For Rick Pitino, Ejiofor is the defensive linchpin. His ability to stay on the floor (averaging 30+ minutes lately) and avoid foul trouble will determine how deep the Red Storm can go in the tournament.
“I would not lose,” Ejiofor said after the UConn win. “That’s the mindset of the rest of my teammates.”
With that mentality and his current form, Zuby Ejiofor isn’t just turning a corner—he’s leading St. John’s toward a historic finish.
