Rick Pitino is contemplating making a change at middle.
After a second straight underwhelming efficiency by Zuby Ejiofor, Pitino might exchange him within the beginning lineup with Vince Iwuchukwu.
“Zuby didn’t have an offensive rebound, which is disturbing to me,” Pitino mentioned after St. John’s rallied for a 96-73 win over Quinnipiac at Carnesecca Area. “That’s two video games in a row the place he didn’t rebound, so we might need to go together with Vince.”
Nov. 9, 2024. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Pictures
In two video games totaling 41 minutes, Ejiofor has simply three rebounds.
The 7-foot-1 Iwuchukwu was productive once more on Saturday, notching six factors, six rebounds and a block in 13 minutes.
The 6-9 Ejiofor did have 5 blocks.
“I feel Vince goes to be an excellent participant. There’s not a doubt in my thoughts he’s going to be nice,” Pitino mentioned of the USC switch. “He runs nicely, he jumps nicely, however he hasn’t grown up enjoying a whole lot of basketball, so he doesn’t have an excellent really feel for the sport. As soon as he develops the texture for the sport — learn how to catch and go, learn how to transfer with out the basketball, learn how to set a display and come out — he’s going to be nice.”
As Iwuchukwu will get extra comfy, Pitino plans to make use of Ejiofor at energy ahead in a giant lineup at instances.
However he isn’t at that time but.
For now, Ejiofor might see his function change beginning on Wednesday in opposition to Wagner.
RJ Luis apologized for his actions from the season-opening win over Fordham when he kicked the ball into the stands out of frustration.
“That was very uncharacteristic of me, that was being infantile,” he mentioned. “I let my feelings get the perfect of me. I didn’t imply any disrespect to anyone … I can’t do performs like that. That’s not going to occur once more.”
Had Aaron Scott not been sick, Pitino was planning to convey Luis off the bench.
The junior wing began and had 24 factors and 13 rebounds within the win.
