St. John's defensive force, Zuby Ejiofor, dominates the Big East. Could his all-around game boost the Kings' struggling frontcourt next season?
While the Sacramento Kings (19-57) are tanking for a chance at the No. 1 pick in this summer's NBA draft, St. John's forward Zuby Ejiofor is one talent they could shoot for with one of their second-round picks.
The Kings have two Round 2 selections, one of their own and the other from the Charlotte Hornets via a trade. Ejiofor is mocked as a mid-to-late second-round draft pick by The Sporting News' Stephen Noh.
St. John's big man could add to Sacramento's front-court depth with the potential departures of forwards Precious Achiuwa and Doug McDermott, and center Drew Eubanks in free agency.
Ejiofor had a tremendous season for the Red Storm, averaging 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals. The 6-foot-9 forward said he's worked tirelessly with coach Rick Pitino to become one of the top players in the Big East.
"Seeing my transition from my sophomore year as a scared little kid in the bright lights of (Madison Square Garden) and just trusting the work of Coach Pitino, and seeing me now, the Player of the Year," Ejiofor said during Big East Awards' media availability.
Ejiofor's development earned him All-Big East first team honors and a spot on the Big East All-Defensive Team as well as Big East Player of the Year, Big East Defensive Player of the Year and Big East Tournament MVP.
Defense is Ejiofor's calling card, an area in need of improvement for the Kings' front court. Sacramento is ranked 21st in blocks per game (4.4) and 20th in steals (8), and Achiuwa is the team's best rim protector with 0.7 blocks.
Ejiofor fills the stat sheet on the defensive end with his steals and blocks. He averaged three blocks in the NCAA Tournament and 5.3 blocks in the Big East Tournament.
On offense, he showcased the ability to pass the ball and find open teammates in multiple situations. Ejiofor can pass to cutting teammates and operate in the short roll.
Ejiofor's playmaking is another skill he developed under Pitino's tutelage, and it started with trusting his teammates.
"He opened up his blinders," Pitino told reporters at the Big East Awards' press conference. "He didn't see just what he was looking at -- he saw the court. To do that, you've got to trust your teammates, that they're going to be there."
Ejiofor's skill set is something the Kings should target during the second round of the NBA draft in the upcoming months if they don't retain McDermott, Achiuwa or Eubanks.
Adding St. John's Defensive Player of the Year to a young front court of Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell could be the foundation of a solid young core, paired with whoever Sacramento drafts with their lottery pick.
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