Viral video of Mike Francesca’s story about Zuby Ejiofor and KU baffled viewers
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Francesca claimed Zuby Ejiofor left Kansas because of Joel Embiid, a factual error.
- Video of the remark exceeded one million views and prompted widespread online mockery.
- Francesca corrected record on X, saying he meant Hunter Dickinson, and accepted ribbing.
If the Kansas men’s basketball team wins its first game of the NCAA Tournament, it could set up an interesting meeting against St. John’s.
The Red Storm’s leading scorer and rebounder is Zuby Ejiofor, who transferred after playing for the Jayhawks in 2022-‘23.
Ejiofor’s time in Lawrence is important to note because of a comment by longtime sports-talk radio host Mike Francesca.
While talking about St. John’s basketball on his podcast, Francesca said Ejiofor had left the Jayhawks because he was behind Joel Embiid.
“They score on the break, they score off the turnover, and they score off the offensive rebound, and then Zuby sometimes will get a little thing going,” Francesca said.. “Zuby can look really bad offensively, and he can look really sweet offensively. It’s gonna be interesting to see what happens, especially against Kansas.
“Remember, he left Kansas, but that’s a long time ago, and he left Kansas because of Embiid. And Embiid is a different player than Zuby. I mean, Embiid, when he’s healthy, he is a guy who score 50 points in the NBA. He’s a big-time talent. That’s no big deal if Embiid was over him. I mean, that happens, and he came and he found a home and had one of the great careers in the history of St John’s, which is about him and about (Rick) Pitino developing him. They did a great job that way.”
Embiid was the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft not long after Ejiofor celebrated his 10th birthday.
Something doesn’t add up, right? That video had more than 1 million views and fans had some funny reactions.
Francesca later admitted the mistake and said he deserved the good-natured ribbing.
“Didn’t realize I said Zoobie left Kansas because of Embiid,” Francesca wrote on X. “Would have been difficult since he turned 32 yesterday. Meant Hunter Dickinson. Graciously accept the rip. Deserve it.”
This story was originally published March 18, 2026 at 9:18 AM.
