Zuby Ejiofor improves NBA draft stock with solid shooting combine

CHICAGO — St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor is about to realize his dream of making the NBA.

He’s almost certain to become the Red Storm’s first draft pick in a decade — maybe even a first-rounder after a solid performance in the NBA Draft Combine.

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“It’s been a great experience,” Ejiofor said. “Having this opportunity is something I dreamed of for a long time and it’s literally right in front of my face.”

St. John’s hasn’t had a first-round pick since Maurice Harkless in 2012, or any draft pick since Sir’Dominic Pointer three years later. But Ejiofor has a shot — because he’s showing that he can shoot.

The defensive-minded bruiser measured 6-foot-7 ½ barefoot and 245 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, long and bulky but short enough that he’s going to have to develop a jumper.

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Apparently he’s been in Las Vegas since St. John’s season ended working on just that, and it’s paying off at the combine.

“I mean, a lot [of practice shots],” Ejiofor said of his daily Las Vegas regimen. “It was like hundreds, thousands even: shots, 3-point shots, midrange, you name it, just trying to showcase a little bit more than I did in college.”

The result was clear.

Ejiofor shot 17-for-30 off the dribble and 12-for-25 in the 3-point star drill. He was 16-for-28 in a side-middle-side drill and 13-for-25 in spot-up shooting.

“I feel like it’s something I could’ve shown a little bit more in college. And then I had the opportunity to just come out here and just prove, not only to myself, but to everybody around that I could do it,” Ejiofor said. “And I had decent numbers. And I was pretty proud of it.”

Zuby Ejiofor participates in a pro lane drill at the NBA Draft Combine on May 11, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. NBAE via Getty Images

The numbers will buoy his stock.

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Ejiofor said he met with six teams Wednesday, including the Cavaliers, Hornets, Mavericks,…

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Publish date : 2026-05-14 06:18:00

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