Zuby Ejiofor Recognized as Preseason Player of the Year

Zuby Ejiofor has been named the Big East’s preseason player of the year, leading a strong frontcourt for St. John’s, which finished fifth last season.

Joining him are Dillon Mitchell and Bryce Hopkins, two exciting transfers from Cincinnati and Providence, respectively, bringing proven talent to the team.

Amidst all this, Ruben Play might seem overlooked, but he’s one of only four players returning from Johnny’s most successful season in 25 years.

However, Play’s development has been noteworthy. The 6-foot-11 forward from Portugal has shown significant improvement, catching the attention of manager Rick Pitino, who noted that both Play and former North Carolina player Ian Jackson have made remarkable strides since summer.

“His low post game has improved greatly. He started as someone who didn’t defend well, but now he can guard all five positions,” remarked Pitino. “He’s transformed himself into a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the court, moving away from the typical European style that often emphasizes scoring over defense.”

When asked about Play’s evolution into a solid defender, Pitino joked, “It’s scary how far he’s come.”

Play’s enhancements were evident in recent scrimmages open to the media, as well as during St. John’s exhibition victory over Towson. He appears more self-assured now, and his aggressive play style is evident.

“We focus on player development every day,” said Play. “If you put in the effort, you’ll see noticeable changes over time.” He added, “I believe the main difference between college basketball and European basketball is the level of physicality. I feel like I’ve adapted to it already, just like every European player does.”

Perhaps most importantly, Play’s skills align well with St. John’s playing style. He possesses remarkable athleticism for his height and can shift defensively, whether on the perimeter or at the rim.

Given the depth available up front, it will be intriguing to see how often Play gets on the court this season, being the fourth forward for the team.

During the game against Towson, Pitino wasn’t hesitant to field three bigs simultaneously, showcasing Hopkins, Play, and Mitchell together.

Play isn’t fixed on his role or minutes, believing that if he contributes positively, the playing time will follow.

“I feel I can significantly assist the team,” he mentioned. “I’m not too concerned about the future or my playing time because I trust that opportunities will come my way throughout the season. I’m just focused on staying prepared for when those chances arise.”

He gained confidence as last season progressed, leading to increased minutes. He delivered a pivotal 3-pointer in the regular season title game against Seton Hall and became a key player for Pitino. Despite the loss to Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament, he established himself as one of the standout players for the team.

Now, there’s optimism that Play is ready to elevate his game in his sophomore year.