On June 23 and 24, St. John’s University celebrated a historic milestone at the NBA draft as three of its players were selected, marking the first time in the modern draft era that the program had three draftees in the same year. Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Bryce Hopkins all heard their names called, ending a 14-year first-round drought for the Red Storm.

Ejiofor was chosen 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks, while Mitchell went 40th to the Boston Celtics and Hopkins 49th to the Denver Nuggets. Although none advanced to the Final Four, the trio’s selection was a significant achievement for the program, which had returned to national relevance under head coach Rick Pitino. The team reached the Sweet 16 in March for the first time in 27 years before narrowly falling to Duke.

Ejiofor, a three-year player and the lone returning starter on this recent roster, was widely regarded as one of St. John’s best players in recent memory. Mitchell and Hopkins, both one-year transfers, complemented Ejiofor in forming one of the country’s top frontcourts. The three developed a close bond during the season and the draft process, providing mutual support amid uncertainty about their NBA prospects.

Pitino’s influence was cited as a key factor in their development and success. Despite the roster turnover, Pitino’s leadership guided the Red Storm to consecutive Big East regular-season and tournament titles. Hopkins, who had transferred from Kentucky and Providence and was coming off a knee injury, credited Pitino for his development and readiness for the professional level. Associate head coach Steve Masiello described Pitino’s approach as laying out a clear plan tailored for each player’s path to the NBA.

All three players exceeded initial draft projections, bolstered by strong performances at the NBA combine and positive impressions in team meetings. Mitchell’s versatility was a highlight of the combine, while Hopkins gained attention with his showing at the G-League combine, leading to an invitation to the main event.

Beyond their individual accomplishments, Ejiofor, Mitchell, and Hopkins helped sustain a revived era for St. John’s basketball by reaching the Sweet 16 and raising the program’s profile nationally. Their impact extended off the court as well; during the draft process, they actively encouraged top transfer prospect Tounde Yessoufou of Baylor to join St. John’s. Yessoufou cited their positive experiences and Pitino’s influence as key in his decision to commit to the Red Storm after withdrawing from the draft.

As St. John’s continues to rebuild under Pitino, the success of these three players underscores the program’s upward trajectory and renewed prominence on the collegiate and professional basketball stages.