Zuby Ejiofor’s raw reaction to getting picked will give Hawks fans chills

The Atlanta Hawks added a blend of toughness, production, and emotion Tuesday night by selecting Zuby Ejiofor with the No. 23 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Ejiofor entered draft night after a standout season at St. John’s, where he became one of the nation’s most complete frontcourt players. He earned Consensus All-American honors, won Big East Player of the Year, and turned his physical style into a first-round profile.

His path made the moment resonate beyond the selection itself. Ejiofor began his college career at Kansas before developing under Rick Pitino into a defensive anchor and reliable offensive presence. That growth helped push him into Atlanta’s plans late in the first round.

Rumble In The Garden shared the emotional moment on X, formerly Twitter, after former St. John’s center Vince Iwuchukwu captured the big man hearing his name called.

“Former St. John’s center Vince Iwuchukwu captured his past teammate Zuby Ejiofor’s reaction to getting selected by the Hawks in the NBA draft
(h/t @chimapaaa on IG) #sjubb”

Former St. John’s center Vince Iwuchukwu captured his past teammate Zuby Ejiofor’s reaction to getting selected by the Hawks in the NBA draft

(h/t @chimapaaa on IG) #sjubb pic.twitter.com/y2KhEevAUD

— Rumble In The Garden (@rumbleSBN) June 24, 2026

The clip gave Hawks fans a direct look at the human side of draft night. Ejiofor absorbed the moment in real time as years of work have carried him to this point.

The Hawks targeted the four-year collegiate star because of his motor, defensive versatility, and 7-foot-2 wingspan. He averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 blocks last season, giving the Hawks a prospect with two-way value and room to grow.

The pick also ended a long St. John’s drought. Ejiofor became the program’s first NBA Draft selection since 2015 and its first first-rounder since 2012.

For Atlanta, the appeal goes beyond depth. Ejiofor brings effort, length, and physicality, but his reaction also showed humility and pride before he ever stepped onto an NBA floor.

This combination can build an immediate connection with Hawks fans right from the start.

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