2026 NBA Draft: Zuby Ejiofor Scouting Report
- Babcock Hoops
- Nov 8
- 2 min read
Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Zuby Ejiofor
Position: Forward
College: St. John's
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6'9", 245 lbs
Birthdate: April 20, 2004
Previous College: Kansas
High School: Garland (Texas)
Player Overview
Zuby Ejiofor is an energy big man who brings force, toughness, and consistent activity around the basket. At 6’9” with a strong frame and good length, he makes his presence felt on the glass, as a rim protector, and as a play finisher. He thrives in simple, defined roles: rebounding, running the floor, defending the paint, and finishing plays created by guards. Ejiofor embraces contact, competes with a high motor, and does not need the ball to impact the game. While he is limited as a self-creator and perimeter threat, his defensive tools, physicality, and willingness to do the dirty work provide value.
"You have to love Ejiofor’s toughness, physicality, and his influence on winning. I’ll give him credit; he keeps getting better, too. I’m looking forward to seeing how far he can go in terms of maximizing his talent. Establishing further consistency as a shooter will be key." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Rebounding: Consistently active on both ends of the glass; pursues the ball outside his area and generates second-chance opportunities through effort and physicality.
Rim Protection: Strong frame and vertical pop allow him to challenge shots at the rim; rotates with urgency and is willing to absorb contact.
Play Finishing: Finishes through contact with power; effective as a cutter, dump-off target, and short-roll option who does not need plays run for him.
Post Defense: Holds his ground against bigger bodies; uses leverage, lower-body strength, and strong hands to disrupt post-ups.
Rim Running: Runs the floor hard, changes ends quickly, and puts pressure on defenses as an early-seal and transition finisher.
Motor and Toughness: Brings consistent competitiveness and edge; provides energy shifts and raises the overall physicality level of his team.
Concerns
Limited Self-Creation: Not a natural shot creator; relies on guards to generate his looks and can struggle when asked to score outside of his comfort zone.
Decision-Making: Passing out of short rolls and double teams can be inconsistent; tends to predetermine actions rather than make quick, reactive reads.
Shooting Range: Jumper remains underdeveloped; currently offers little spacing value beyond his presence as a threat around the rim.
Foul Discipline: Aggressive style leads to foul trouble at times; can over-commit on contests or swipe down late instead of verticality.
Perimeter Footwork: While mobile for his size, lateral discipline on switches can be hit or miss; vulnerable to quicker guards when he opens his stance too early.
Bottom Line
Ejiofor is an energy big with real defensive value, rebounding impact, and play-finishing ability. His toughness, motor, and physicality could provide him a pathway to contributing in a complementary role. His long-term ceiling will largely depend on how much he can expand his offensive versatility, whether through improved passing reads, added shooting range, or greater overall comfort with the ball. At minimum, he projects as a reliable, high-effort interior presence who brings winning traits to the table.
