St. John's Ejiofor Leads NCAA Tournament Charge

0:00On March 21st, St. John's fifth-seated red storm team kicks off their NCAA tournament, hopes Friday night in San Diego, facing number 12 Northern. Iowa, in an East region opener. The Johnny's bring strong front court size and recent Big E's tournament success, aiming for a deep run under coach Rick Patino. A huge factor will be Zubi Egeo 4, stepping up as their leader. The 6-foot-9 Ford earned Big E's player of the year and defensive player of the year honors, topping the team with 16.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. Last year, they faltered when key scorers struggled, but Egeo 4 is shown even in defeat. The team has short up defensive rebounding since early season losses to teams like Alabama and Kentucky. They led the Big E's to that category during conference play thanks to a 3-forward lineup with Dylan Mitchell and Bryce Hopkins alongside. Egeo 4. Hopkins has emerged as a key piece lately,

1:01averaging 15 points and 8.3 rebounds in the Big E's tournament while hitting big shots. From beyond the arc, St. John sits around 33% for the season, so guards like Ozea Sellers, Joe Sonsanon, and Ian Jackson need to deliver. They've shown late improvement which could open up the floor against tougher defenses ahead. If Egeo 4 anchors the pain, Hopkins keeps rising, and those 3 star falling, St. John's match of Egeo front could carry them past Northern. Iowa and further into March Madness.