Rick Pitino is considering making a change at center.
After a second consecutive disappointing performance from Zuby Ejiofor, Pitino could replace him in the starting lineup with Vince Iwuchukwu.
“Zuby didn’t have an offensive rebound, which bothers me,” Pitino said after St. John’s rallied to a 96-73 win over Quinnipiac at Carnesecca Arena. “That’s two games in a row where he hasn’t rebounded, so we might have to go with Vince.”
November 9, 2024. Wendell Cruz Imagn Images
In two games totaling 41 minutes, Ejiofor has just three rebounds.
The 7-foot-1 Iwuchukwu was productive again Saturday, scoring six points, six rebounds and a block in 13 minutes.
The Ejiofor 6-9 had five blocks.
“I think Vince is going to be a great player. “There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to be great,” Pitino said of the transfer to USC. “He runs well, he jumps well, but he didn’t grow up playing a lot of basketball. basketball, so he doesn’t have a great feel for the game. Once he develops a feel for the game – how to catch and pass, how to move without the basketball, how to set a screen and get out – he is going to be great.
As Iwuchukwu becomes more comfortable, Pitino plans to sometimes use Ejiofor as a power forward in a big lineup.
But he’s not there yet.
For now, Ejiofor could see his role change on Wednesday against Wagner.
RJ Luis apologized for his actions in the season-opening win over Fordham when he threw the ball into the stands out of frustration.
“It was very unusual of me, it was childish,” he said. “I let my emotions get the better of me. I didn’t want to disrespect anyone… I can’t do plays like that. This won’t happen again. »
If Aaron Scott hadn’t been sick, Pitino planned to bring Luis off the bench.
The junior forward started and had 24 points and 13 rebounds in the win.
