St. John’s Red Storm Faces Off-Court Challenge as Zuby Ejiofor’s Role in the Offense Diminishes

ATLANTA — As the St. John’s Red Storm continues their successful run, securing three consecutive victories, a pressing issue has emerged that could affect their future performance: the star forward Zuby Ejiofor is not receiving enough touches in the offense.

Offensive Struggle: Zuby Ejiofor’s Underutilization

In a recent post-game analysis, Coach Rick Pitino pointed out a concerning trend from their latest win over DePaul, where Ejiofor’s contributions were not maximized. With an average of just seven field goal attempts over the last three games, it’s clear that the guards are not effectively utilizing his scoring potential.

“I pointed this out: There were seven times in the last game that the guards should’ve passed the ball to Zuby in the low post and did not do it,” Pitino highlighted in an interview on WFAN. He compared the current situation to last season, noting the difference in playmaking from former players like Kadary Richmond and RJ Luis Jr., who consistently looked to set up Ejiofor when he was in favorable positions.

Key Points on Ejiofor’s Performance:

• Field Goal Attempts: Averaging just 7 attempts this season, a decrease from 8.6 last year.
• Free-Throw Opportunities: Increased frequency at the line, showing he’s drawing fouls.
• Assists: Ejiofor leads the team with 2.8 assists per game, indicating his willingness to share the ball when necessary.

Rising Star: Joson Sanon

In addition to addressing Ejiofor’s requisite touches, Pitino has praised the significant improvements made by sophomore guard Joson Sanon. Transitioning from a weak defender to becoming a key contributor on the boards, Sanon is proving to be a versatile player for the Red Storm.

“Joson is without question the most improved basketball player [on our team],” Pitino remarked, emphasizing Sanon’s growth both offensively and defensively.

Sanon’s Standout Stats:

• Recent Performance: Recorded a spectacular 15 points and nine rebounds against DePaul.
• Season Average: Currently averaging 10.6 points per game.
• Shooting Efficiency: Excelling from beyond the arc, with a shooting percentage of 43.2% on 3.7 attempts per game.

Looking Ahead: The Return of Jayden Quaintance

Also on the horizon is Kentucky center Jayden Quaintance, expected to make his debut this Saturday after recovering from ACL surgery. An elite rim protector, Quaintance could provide much-needed defensive presence, although he will have limitations on his playing time initially.

What to Expect from Quaintance:

• Intended Role: An elite defensive anchor who can change the dynamics of the game.
• Condition Update: Coming off ACL surgery and should be monitored closely regarding his minutes on the court.

Conclusion

As the St. John’s Red Storm prepares for the challenges ahead, maximizing Zuby Ejiofor’s involvement in the offense and integrating new talents like Joson Sanon and Jayden Quaintance will be pivotal for their success.

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This article delves deep into the key dynamics of the St. John’s basketball team and the importance of strategic player usage. To follow more discussions about the Red Storm, head over to this resource for updates and analyses.