By Sunday 
From Big East Breakout to Citi Field Spotlight, St. John’s Star Embraces the Moment
A Basketball Star, a Baseball Moment
The season may be over, but Zuby Ejiofor is still making headlines—and still listening to Rick Pitino.
On Wednesday evening at Citi Field, the 6-foot-9 St. John’s forward stepped out of his comfort zone and into the spotlight of a completely different sport, delivering the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Mets-Marlins series finale. The gesture was symbolic, yes—but it was also skillfully done.
Despite admitting he had “zero” baseball experience, Ejiofor’s pitch found its target—no bounce, no wild toss, just a clean strike into the mitt of Mets legend John Franco.
Pitino’s Pre-Pitch Pep Talk
Ejiofor’s secret weapon? A bit of old-school advice from his head coach.
“He gave me a little advice,” Zuby said with a smile, referring to Rick Pitino’s own first pitch experience last season. “He said not to bounce it.”
The message was simple, but effective. And Zuby listened.
Franco, also a St. John’s alum, stood at the plate awaiting the pitch, flanked by eight of Ejiofor’s Red Storm teammates. It was a lighthearted but proud moment—St. John’s basketball, on the Mets’ mound, with the support of legends both past and present.
Pitino’s NY Sports Love Story
Pitino, always full of stories and nostalgia, stood beside Ejiofor during a pregame press conference, donning a customized No. 41 jersey—an homage to the late Tom Seaver.
Born in New York and raised on Long Island, Pitino recounted his dual fandom of the Yankees and Mets, naming legends like Mickey Mantle and Tom Seaver with reverence. “Anything with ‘NY’ on it, I’m 100% behind it,” he said warmly.
And he couldn’t help but joke about the stakes. “If Zuby takes care of business and doesn’t hurt our superstar alumnus here, it’ll be a good start for the Mets, the hottest team in baseball.”
Safe to say, mission accomplished.
Zuby’s Meteoric Rise
Ejiofor’s first pitch may have been baseball-related, but it was made possible by his impact on the hardwood.
After transferring to St. John’s, the forward blossomed under Pitino’s guidance, earning first-team All-Big East honors and powering the Red Storm to their first conference title in 25 years. His athleticism, toughness, and growing confidence helped the team finish 31-5 and win an NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2000.
It’s no surprise the Mets invited him.
Looking Ahead with the Red Storm
As the baseball season heats up, Pitino is already eyeing another run with St. John’s. But he knows there’s work to do.
Though the team was dominant defensively—ranking second in the nation in defensive efficiency—they struggled to light it up offensively. “We need shooting as much as anything,” Pitino said plainly.
With the departure of Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. and the addition of former Providence standout Bryce Hopkins, the Red Storm are shifting. The goal? Becoming not just a conference power, but a national threat.
“You have to have a great offense,” Pitino stressed. “And we were not a great offensive basketball team this season.”
From Courts to Cheers
In the meantime, Zuby Ejiofor gave New York fans another reason to smile.
His delivery wasn’t just a pitch—it was a symbol of how far he’s come in just one season. From Arkansas transfer to New York fan favorite, he continues to rise, guided by mentorship, work ethic, and the wisdom of one unforgettable coach.
And on this spring evening at Citi Field, Zuby’s pitch landed—not just in Franco’s glove, but in the hearts of those watching.