The 2026 NBA draft is still more than six months away, but St. John’s center Zuby Ejiofor is already being projected as a late first-round pick for the Washington Wizards in multiple mock drafts after
the conclusion of non-conference play.
Bleacher Report and NBA TV draft expert Jonathan Wasserman projects Ejiofor to be selected with the 30th overall pick by the Wizards in his latest mock draft published on Tuesday and gave him a pro comparison to Toronto Raptors center Jonathan Mogbo, another 6-foot-9 big man who was picked with the 31st overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft.
“Though out of the box positionally from an NBA standout, Zuby Ejiofor’s athleticism and motor at both ends may be strong enough for a play-finishing and defensive role,” Wasserman wrote in his report on Ejiofor, “His assist rate so far is more than double last year’s as well. Any signs of shooting improvement should lead to a serious spike in NBA interest.”
Ejiofor was also forecasted to be selected with the 30th pick by the Wizards by Sports Illustrated’s Derek Parker in his latest mock draft, who shared a similar analysis of Ejiofor’s ceiling, which hinges on his improvement as an outside scorer.
“Ejiofor is an interesting archetype, and will need to develop a few more perimeter skills to stick. But he could offer a solid compliment to [Alexandre] Sarr in Washington’s frontcourt.”
Some outlets aren’t as high on Ejiofor, but still project he will be one of the 60 players to be selected in this June’s draft. CBS Sports draft expert Adam Finkelstein lists Ejiofor as the 58th-best player in his 2026 NBA draft prospect rankings. Draft analysis outlet No Ceilings projects the Texas native to be selected with the 45th pick by the Brooklyn Nets in their latest mock draft released on December 10.
Through 12 games, Ejiofor is averaging 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a career-best 2.5 blocks per game. So far, he is also shooting 50.5% from the field, 23.5% from three, and 72.8% from the free-throw line. In his last outing against Harvard, Ejiofor posted 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals in an 85-59 win.
Ejiofor and the Red Storm return to action on the road against the Georgetown Hoyas (9-4, 1-1 Big East) on Wednesday, December 31, for a New Year’s Eve night battle in the Big East (8 p.m., FS1).
