Zuby Ejiofor Emerges as St. John's Star Player

Transfer from Kansas has blossomed into All-Big East talent under Coach Pitino

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Zuby Ejiofor, a transfer from Kansas, has developed into the best St. John's player this century under coach Rick Pitino. Originally seen as a backup to Joel Soriano, Ejiofor has become an All-Big East caliber player, the face of Pitino's tenure, and a defensive linchpin for the team.

Why it matters

Ejiofor's rise from a relatively unheralded transfer to an elite college player is a testament to Pitino's coaching and the program's ability to develop talent. His emergence as a star has been crucial to St. John's recent success and elevated the team's profile.

The details

When Ejiofor transferred to St. John's in 2023, he was expected to be a backup to Joel Soriano. However, the big man from Garland, Texas has blossomed into the best Johnnie player this century. Ejiofor is now a two-time All-Big East selection and is in contention for Big East Player of the Year and All-American honors.

  • Ejiofor transferred to St. John's in the spring of 2023.
  • Three years later, Ejiofor has developed into an elite college player.

The players

Zuby Ejiofor

A transfer from Kansas who has emerged as the best St. John's player this century under coach Rick Pitino.

Rick Pitino

The head coach of St. John's who convinced Ejiofor to transfer to the program.

Joel Soriano

The player Ejiofor was originally expected to back up when he transferred to St. John's.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody knew then it would be such a poignant moment for the program. Three years later, it has become clear that Pitino convincing Ejiofor and his father, Andy Philacheck, that St. John's was the right place for them was a grand slam of a recruiting win.”

— Zach Braziller, Author (nypost.com)

What’s next

By the end of this season, Ejiofor will at least be a two-time All-Big East selection, and potentially a Big East Player of the Year and All-American.

The takeaway

Ejiofor's transformation from a relatively unknown transfer to the best player at St. John's this century is a testament to the program's ability to develop talent under coach Rick Pitino. His emergence as a star has been crucial to the team's recent success and elevated the program's profile.