St. John’s search for a Zuby Ejiofor replacement continues. 

It lost out to Gonzaga for top center target Massamba Diop of Arizona State on Tuesday, according to sources. The two schools both hosted the 7-foot-1 Diop over the previous two weekends, and the Johnnies believed they were in a good position to land the freshman standout, but ultimately, Diop is headed out West.

They were really the only two schools that had a chance at Diop, once he decided to enter the transfer portal weeks ago. 

Now, the Johnnies will have to pivot, likely in the European market.