Kansas and St. John’s are preparing to face off in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The game takes place a year after Kansas’s first-round exit prevented a 2025 postseason clash between Bill Self and Rick Pitino.
Ejiofor’s Development Under Pitino
A key element of St. John’s success is Zuby Ejiofor, a former Jayhawk. According to Self, Kansas did not want Ejiofor to leave following the 2022-23 season. Self said that Hunter Dickinson’s arrival via the transfer portal, alongside Ernest Udeh Jr., influenced Ejiofor’s decision to depart. Self called it “the right decision” for his player.
Ejiofor has since thrived, becoming the Big East player of the year and defensive player of the year in his senior season. He also received an All-American honourable mention. Ejiofor leads the Johnnies in points (16.3), rebounds (7.3), assists (3.5) and blocks (2.2) per game.
Self noted Ejiofor’s significant development. “I love Zuby,” Self said. “I’d say pleasantly surprised (by his development) when you’re talking about All-American and Big East player of the year. But not surprised at all that he’s a pro. Not surprised at all that he’s done extremely well. Rick was obviously a great fit for him.”
St. John’s Recent Success
St. John’s won both the Big East regular-season and tournament championships last year. They were a No. 2 seed, but were upset by Arkansas. This year, St. John’s earned those same titles with the same 18-2 league record, but with more nonleague blemishes.
Despite a strong run, St. John’s received a No. 5 seed. The Red Storm is currently on a strong run, avenging their loss to UConn in the Big East tournament final. They then defeated Northern Iowa with ease in their NCAA opener, 79-53.
Kansas Seeks Return to Sweet Sixteen
Kansas is aiming to reach the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since their national title win in 2022. The last time they reached the Sweet Sixteen was in 1999. St. John’s hasn’t reached a Sweet 16 since 1999, Mike Jarvis’ first and most successful season in charge.
The Jayhawks and Red Storm meet at Viejas Arena in San Diego on Sunday afternoon.
Self said that “when you lead a team that good in four major categories, you know you’re a good player.”