Zuby Ejiofor Shocks NBA Draft Combine: 7'2" Wingspan, 38" Vert Propel First-Round Buzz

Atlanta Hawks land Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23: what the high-motor big brings to Atlanta’s front court Atlanta’s front office wasted no time reshaping its interior defense on draft night, selecting St. John’s star Zuby Ejiofor with the 23rd pick. The 6-8, 245-pound forward-center skyrocketed up boards after a senior season in which he averaged 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.2 blocks while sweeping Big East Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Who is Zuby Ejiofor? • Four-star Kansas recruit who blossomed after transferring to St. John’s under Rick Pitino • Back-to-back NCAA Tournament runs, Big East Most Improved as a junior • Measured 7-2 wingspan, 8-11 standing reach at the combine, fueling Bam Adebayo/Al Horford comps Why the Hawks pounced Quin Snyder’s scheme demands switch-capable bigs who can quarterback the back line and keep the ball moving. Ejiofor checks every box: he slides with guards, erases shots from the weak side and posted a 15 percent assist rate, rare for a college center. Atlanta finished 26th in defensive rating last year; adding a paint communicator who averaged 4.4 offensive boards per 40 minutes should lift both its rebounding and transition attack. Draft-week buzz confirmed multiple suitors. The Lakers eyed Ejiofor at No. 25, citing his “hustle, defensive versatility and energetic style of play” as an ideal fit next to Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis. Knick fans also campaigned for him, underscoring how coveted his skill set became. Offensive upside still growing Ejiofor shot 31 percent from deep on two attempts per game as a senior—enough to hint at stretch potential but inconsistent under NBA range. Expect the Hawks to simplify his reads early: rim-run, hand-off, short-roll dime. If his corner three stabilizes, Atlanta suddenly owns a two-way connector who can close games beside Trae Young or soak up minutes when Onyeka Okongwu sits. What’s next • Summer League debut in Las Vegas (July 12) will showcase switch defense against pro pace • Training-camp battle with Bruno Fernando for backup five minutes • Projected Year-1 role: 15–18 minutes as energy big, with room to expand into small-ball lineups Bottom line Zuby Ejiofor brings the Hawks a rare combination of elite motor, positional versatility and untapped shooting upside. For a franchise hunting two-way toughness around its star backcourt, the pick is as much about identity as it is about upside—and it positions Atlanta to claw back toward the top half of the Eastern Conference defense rankings as soon as October.