Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Hawks Select Zuby Ejiofor No. 23, Ending St. John's First‑Round Drought

The pick shows Atlanta values Ejiofor's length and two-way upside as it adds a developed college leader who will not stay in New York.

Image
St. John's Red Storm forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) reacts in the closing moments of the second half of the men's Big East Conference Tournament Championship against the Connecticut Huskies at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Zuby Ejiofor was taken by the Hawks with the 23rd pick in the NBA draft

Overview

  • The Atlanta Hawks used the No. 23 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft Tuesday night to select Zuby Ejiofor, making him St. John's first first‑rounder since 2012.
  • Ejiofor transferred from Kansas to St. John's and developed under coach Rick Pitino into a Consensus All‑American and the Big East Player of the Year.
  • Atlanta cited Ejiofor's motor, 7‑foot‑2 wingspan, defensive versatility and room to grow as reasons for taking him late in the first round.
  • The Hawks picked one slot before the New York Knicks were on the clock, keeping the New York native from joining the nearby franchise and adding local playoff intrigue.
  • A widely shared draft‑night clip captured Ejiofor's emotional reaction and Newsday reporting says the selection boosts St. John's recruiting profile and NIL appeal as the program builds on recent conference titles and a Sweet 16 run.