Zuby Ejiofor took over late, ensuring St. John’s winning streak was extended to 10 games Monday night.
Ejiofor scored six of his 25 points in overtime, and also had seven rebounds, five assists and two steals in the 17th-ranked Johnnies’ 87-82 victory over the Musketeers.
Ejiofor is St. John’s leader in scoring, rebounds, assists and blocked shots.
The senior tri-captain is having an All-American-caliber campaign.
“He’s one of five players that brings it every day in practice, every day in individuals, every game, in my life,” coach Rick Pitino said. “I’ve had guys who work hard, but they have off days. They don’t bring it every day. He brings it every day, every game. Like Daniss Jenkins, like Mark Pope of Kentucky, like Billy Donovan at Providence. When you bring it every day, you get better and better and better.”
“I don’t know why he’s not being mentioned as a Player of the Year [candidate nationally],” the coach added.
Ejiofor was the Big East preseason Player of the Year, and is considered one of the favorites to win the award in March.
On Monday, the Pistons announced they have converted former St. John’s star Daniss Jenkins’ two-way deal into a standard NBA contract.
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It is reportedly a two-year deal worth $8 million.
The undrafted Jenkins has established himself as Detroit’s backup point guard in his second year as a pro.
“I think it’s great, he didn’t get discouraged when they didn’t come with [a new deal until now], and just kept working. I think he’ll have a long career as an NBA basketball player,” Pitino said. “Daniss came [to Iona University] as a JUCO player who didn’t really know how to play the game as a point guard. He just listened to every little thing, and made himself a great point guard. Then on top of that his intensity is amazing, his leadership is amazing.”
Sophomore guard Joson Sanon tweaked his ankle in the win, but Pitino expects him to be fine to play Saturday at Providence. … With 10 straight conference wins, St. John’s has equaled the program’s second-longest league win streak. The record is 14, set during the 1984-85 season.
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