Rick Pitino is considering a change at center.
After Zuby Ejiofor's second straight dominant performance, Pitino could start in his place with Vince Iwchukw.
“Zubby didn't have any offensive rebounds, and that's what worries me,” Pitino said after St. John's 96-73 win over Quinnipiac at Carnesecca Arena. “We might have to start Vince because he didn't rebound two games in a row.”
November 9, 2024. Wendell Cruz Iman Image
In two games totaling 41 minutes, Ejiofor had just three rebounds.
The 7-foot-1 Iwchuk played well Saturday as well, recording six points, six rebounds and one block in 13 minutes.
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 a great player,” Pitino said of the USC transfer. “He runs well, he jumps well, but he didn't grow up playing basketball very much, so he doesn't have a very good feel for the game. Once he developed his feel for the game, how to catch and pass, how to play without a basketball… Once he learns how to move, how to set screens and jump out, he’s going to be great.”
As Iwuchukwu becomes more comfortable, Pitino plans to use Ejiofor at times as a power forward in big lineups.
But he's not at that point yet.
For now, Ejiofor could see his role change starting Wednesday against Wagner.
RJ Lewis has apologized for kicking the ball into the stands out of frustration during the season-opening win over Fordham.
“It was uncharacteristic and childish of me,” he said. “I let my emotions get the better of me. I didn't mean to be disrespectful to anyone, but…I can't act like that. It'll never happen again.”
Had it not been for Aaron Scott being sick, Pitino was planning to take Lewis off the bench.
The junior wing started and contributed to the victory with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
