Rick Pitino, the coach of St. John’s University, publicly criticized the Wooden Award Watch List following the omission of his player, Zuby Ejiofor, according to reports from Storm The Paint.
Pitino’s criticism centers on what he perceives as a significant oversight in recognizing Ejiofor’s contributions to the team. The coach did not specify the criteria used for selection to the Watch List, but his strong reaction indicates a belief that Ejiofor’s performance warranted inclusion. The Wooden Award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college basketball.
The controversy comes as the NCAA Tournament is underway, with player prop bets gaining attention. Action Network has highlighted Ejiofor, along with Braden Smith and Tarris Reed, as players to watch for prop betting opportunities during the tournament. The focus on these players suggests their anticipated impact on their respective teams’ performances.
ESPN recently published a ranking of the top 50 men’s college basketball players in March Madness, but Ejiofor did not appear on the list. This ranking further underscores the competitive landscape and the difficulty in gaining recognition among a field of highly talented athletes.
Beyond the immediate tournament and award considerations, the 2026 NBA Draft is also beginning to attract attention. Babcock Hoops has released a big board of top prospects, featuring Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer. While Ejiofor is not currently featured among the top prospects, his performance in the NCAA Tournament could potentially elevate his profile for professional scouts.
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