"He's A Warrior": Zuby Ejiofor Takes The Lead at St. John's

"The Red Storm recorded a 31-5 record, won an outright Big East regular season title for the first time since 1985, swept through the Big East Tournament to capture that trophy for the first time in 25 years, and entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed. The rebirth mobilized New York City and brought college basketball fans back to Madison Square Garden."

"Put aside the 14.7 scoring average and the 8.1 rebounds per game. As important as those numbers were, Ejiofor has earned respect through his hard work, his words, and his ability to provide direction for his team. "I can't tell you how many times it was - definitely over 10 times in huddles - where I was done talking and he just took over the huddle," Pitino said. "He said, 'Hey, we've been here before. We're down seven, it's four minutes to go in the game. We're going to win this game. Stay close, stay together, get our stops and we're winning this game.' ''"

"Ejiofor now embarks on his senior campaign as the only returning starter from last season. Even so, St. John's begins this chapter with an elite ranking and a talented supporting cast capable of keeping the Red Storm playing until Final Four weekend, and unlike last year, all eyes are now trained on Ejiofor, who was voted Big East Preseason Player of the Year after earning recognition last season as the conference's Most Improved Player."

St. John's transformed into a national contender, finishing 31-5, winning the Big East regular season title outright for the first time since 1985, capturing the Big East Tournament for the first time in 25 years, and earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The resurgence energized New York City and revitalized attendance at Madison Square Garden. Forward Zuby Ejiofor provided the on-floor leadership that galvanized the team, combining 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds with vocal direction and steady work ethic. Ejiofor returns as the lone starter and was voted Big East Preseason Player of the Year after being named Most Improved.

Read at Hoops HQ