St. John’s entered the new season with a wave of momentum, and the Big East preseason honors confirmed just how highly the Red Storm are regarded around the conference. No program collected more recognition in the preseason awards, highlighting the growing belief that this could be a special year in Queens.
For the first time since 1991, St. John’s was selected by league coaches to finish at the top of the Big East standings. That vote alone reflected the program’s resurgence, but the individual accolades that followed made an even stronger statement about the team’s depth and star power.
Leading the way was senior center Zuby Ejiofor, who was named the Big East Preseason Player of the Year. The honor marked the first time since 2018 that a St. John’s player received the award, placing Ejiofor among elite company in school history. In addition to being voted the league’s top preseason player, Ejiofor earned a spot on the All-Big East First Team, reinforcing his status as one of the most dominant frontcourt players in college basketball.
St. John’s placed a total of five players on the preseason All-Big East teams, a feat that had never been accomplished before in conference history. Alongside Ejiofor on the first team was Bryce Hopkins, giving the Red Storm two of the league’s most respected players at the top level. Freshman standout Ian Jackson was selected to the second team, while Joson Sanon and Dillon Mitchell were named to the third team. The widespread recognition underscored the balance and versatility of a roster that blends experience with high-upside talent.
Ejiofor’s journey to this point has been defined by steady growth and resilience. The senior from Garland, Texas has developed into one of the nation’s premier centers, combining physicality, rebounding, and improved scoring touch. Last season, he averaged 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, while leading the country in offensive rebounds. His impact was felt on both ends of the floor as St. John’s captured its first Big East tournament championship in 25 years and secured its first outright regular-season conference title in four decades.
Those achievements did not come easily, and Ejiofor has been open about how much he has evolved since arriving on campus. He credits his development to hard work, maturity, and the guidance of head coach Rick Pitino. Now serving as team captain, Ejiofor has embraced a leadership role, aiming to set the tone for a group with championship expectations.
St. John’s will have a chance to showcase its progress in a high-profile preseason matchup against Michigan. The game, scheduled for Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, will serve as a final test before the regular season begins. For Ejiofor and the Red Storm, it is another opportunity to prove that the preseason praise was not just recognition of past success, but a sign of what lies ahead.