Zuby Ejiofor improves NBA draft stock with solid…
CHICAGO — St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor is about to notice his dream of making the NBA.
He’s nearly sure to grow to be the Red Storm’s first draft decide in a decade — perhaps even a first-rounder after a solid efficiency in the NBA Draft Combine.
“It’s been a great experience,” Ejiofor said. “Having this opportunity is something I dreamed of for a long time and it’s literally right in front of my face.”
St. John’s hasn’t had a first-round decide since Maurice Harkless in 2012, or any draft decide since Sir’Dominic Pointer three years later. But Ejiofor has a shot — because he’s displaying that he can shoot.
The defensive-minded bruiser measured 6-foot-7 ½ barefoot and 245 kilos with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, long and cumbersome but short enough that he’s going to have to develop a jumper.
Apparently he’s been in Las Vegas since St. John’s season ended working on just that, and it’s paying off at the mix.
“I mean, a lot [of practice shots],” Ejiofor said of his daily Las Vegas routine. “It was like hundreds, thousands even: shots, 3-point shots, midrange, you name it, just trying to showcase a little bit more than I did in college.”
The consequence was clear.
Ejiofor shot 17-for-30 off the dribble and 12-for-25 in the 3-point star drill. He was 16-for-28 in a side-middle-side drill and 13-for-25 in spot-up capturing.
“I feel like it’s something I could’ve shown a little bit more in college. And then I had the opportunity to just come out here and just prove, not only to myself, but to everybody around that I could do it,” Ejiofor said. “And I had decent numbers. And I was pretty proud of it.”
Zuby Ejiofor participates in a professional lane drill at the NBA Draft Combine on May 11, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. NBAE via Getty Images
The numbers will buoy his stock.
Ejiofor said he met with six groups Wednesday, including the Cavaliers, Hornets, Mavericks, Nuggets and Thunder.
He will meet with the hometown Knicks and Nets Thursday.
Zuby Ejiofor takes half in a capturing drill at the NBA Draft Combine on May 11. David Banks-Imagn Images
The St. John’s senior isn’t taking part in the 5-on-5 scrimmages at the mix, with his agent feeling he’s slated to go between Nos. 25 and 35 in next month’s draft.
Ejiofor was mocked to go forty third to the Nets by Yahoo Sports and thirty first to the Knicks by Tankathon.
“New York, obviously it’s a special place. I’ve got to grow a whole lot in the city of New York. And obviously I have a lot of love over there. So, obviously it’d be pretty special to be in a familiar area,” Ejiofor said. “If the chance occurs, I’m more than excited to be there.
“It’d be a great experience. I spent my last three years in New York. I have a lot of love there in New York City. I’ve been away for a while, but I’m going back to New York on the 17th to walk for graduation. But, yeah, it will be a great experience if it happens. I’m going to be excited and my family is as well.”
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