OMAHA, Neb. — Through the first two months of the season, Zuby Ejiofor established himself as perhaps St. John's best player.
He scores, defends and rebounds at an elite level. He has proven himself against quality big men such as Kansas State's Coleman Hawkins, New Mexico State's Nellie Jr. Joseph and Baylor University's Norchad Omie.
Creighton's leading 7-foot-1 center, Ryan Kalkbrenner.
“It's going to be really exciting,” the 6-foot-9 Ejiofor said ahead of the New Year's Eve showdown. “That's obviously going to be a challenge considering what kind of player he is as a player and as a defensive player. So what's going to be very helpful for me is working early and building his post touch. I think we should try to reject it as much as possible.”
Kalkbrenner is a master of defense. He never fouled out in 146 games and won the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award three times. Patrick Ewing (four times) and Alonzo Mourning (three times) are the only players to have won the award multiple times.
Check out the latest Big East standings and St. Louis. John's statistics
“I think Zuby has a different role in this game. There are very few people who can have a great night inside against him,” coach Rick Pitino said. “He doesn't allow too many points inside. He never fouls. It's a matter of Zuby doing other things to help other players.”
In two games against St. John's last year (11-2, 2-0), Kalkbrenner averaged 15 points, 9.5 rebounds and six blocks.
The teams split the two meetings, dropping a frustrating one-point game in Omaha, Nev., with the Johnnys nearly winning the game.
Kalkbrenner is having a strong season, averaging 17.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. He's also a threat from the 3-point line, shooting 37.5 percent on 1.3 attempts per game.
However, his strengths are as a rim protector and lob threat in the paint. He'll be the cornerstone of everything for Creighton (8-5, 1-1).
The same can be said about Ejiofor and St. John's. Johnnie's leader in rebounds (7.8) and blocks (2.2) and the nation's top offensive rebounder with 4.5 per game, he will have to change the way he plays somewhat against the bigger and longer Kalkbrenner. There may be.
“I think I’m going to use my quickness more,” Ejiofor said. “If you have an opportunity to take a mid-range jumper here and there, [I have to do it]because you know they play drop coverage. So I feel like knocking down shots with confidence and using my quickness will help me a lot. ”
