College Prospects - Cody Ellis

***A Grand Final Edition of "The OT" is ready for your ears. Enjoy!***

I'm hoping Cody Ellis keeps it to three turnovers per game - Rick Majerus

Now that my oncourt duties are complete for another season I can get back to a blogging project I have put on hold over the last week.

As promised I'm going to give a scouting report on each of the kids who played at the recent U/20 Men's National Championships and will be taking their games over to the USA to compete at the NCAA (college) level in the near future.


First up:

Cody Ellis (PF 202cm) -signed @ St Loius Billekins

There is no doubting that Ellis has talent but he is going to test Billekins Coach Rick Majerus's patience's.

Ellis who averaged 17pts and 7 rebs per contest through the six game tournament should have had better looking stats. I believe Ellis has the ability to own this tournament (a double double at the least) but he was prepared to just see himself float through.

The disappointing aspect for me was his extremely high turnover rate. He tallied 27 over 6 games. This will have Majerus pulling out what hair he has left.

What I like about Ellis' game is he has the ability to stretch the defense with his offensive skill set. Although he shot only 28% from down town during this tourney, his stroke looks much better than this.

I have been told he has a solid low post game, although it was not on display during the week. Ellis settled for the mid range game or facing up on his opponent. He was often much bigger and more skillful than his opponent so he could face up and use his skill.

Billiken fans will be happy to know that his highest score of 23 came against the eventual champs Queensland, whose frontline is littered with fellow Aussies joining the Division 1 ranks.

Some of the Billekin forums have questioned whether Ellis can play on the perimeter? I will say no from what I witnessed. His speed on the perimeter would be exposed.

He has a good feel and understanding of the game but this should not surprise anyone as his family has hoops running through their blood.

Although I was not happy with the "too cool for school" attitude displayed by Ellis he has the potential to help Majerus and the Billekins improve their program.

This kid did have programs such as Wake Forest chasing his signature.

If Ellis buys into Majerus' system and what he is about, his game will grow and prosper as Andrew Bogut's did at Utah. If he doesn't, his talent will go to waste just like fellow countryman Ben Melmeth.

News

- The South Dragons are already working the refs for the upcoming Finals series.

- Are the Tigers and Dragons finally turning it into a fierce rivalry?

- Goorjian still talking about the great job he has done.

- Wollongong Hawks last ditch effort. Also check out this site to help them survive.

- "The Bear" wants to hibernate in New Zealand again.

- "Australian champs Sydney Spirit test mettle of Yeng Guiao’s RP five."

This is one of the best researched articles I have ever read. If you are looking for a laugh, please read carefully so you do not miss one of the untrue facts. The title of the article is just the start, it gets better.

- Sean Marks interview, thanks to Jeff at Inside Hoops.