Kansas and St. John’s are set to meet in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, a year after a first-round exit deprived fans of a clash between Bill Self and Rick Pitino.
The match also features Zuby Ejiofor, a former Jayhawk forward and now a star for St. John’s, adding a revenge storyline to the encounter.
Ejiofor’s Rise at St. John’s
Ejiofor, a 6-foot-9 forward, transferred to St. John’s after spending his freshman year at KU. Self said KU didn’t want Ejiofor to leave following the 2022-23 season. However, the arrival of Hunter Dickinson and the presence of Ernest Udeh Jr. influenced Ejiofor’s decision to depart.
Since then, he has 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’s Praise for Ejiofor
Self acknowledged Ejiofor’s significant development. He said that leading a team in four major categories demonstrates a player’s quality.
“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 Tournament Run
St. John’s earned the Big East regular-season and tournament titles. They received a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The Red Storm defeated Northern Iowa in their NCAA opener, 79-53.
KU is aiming to reach the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since their national title win in 2022.
St. John’s, meanwhile, hasn’t reached a Sweet 16 since 1999.
The Jayhawks and Red Storm will meet at Viejas Arena in San Diego.