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.

Day 1 of the Under 20 Champs

Ryan Broekhoff - my player of the day (POD) from the u/20 national champs.

I attended three of the four men's games today and they were all pretty much blow outs. The closest game of the day was the night cap which saw Western Australia take on South Australia. (all boxscores here)

What I learnt from this game is there is no second coming of Brett Maher in the near future for South Aussies and Rick Majerus will have Cody Ellis playing in a higher gear.

As this is the first time I have seen most of these kids play I will just comment on a few of the individuals that played through out the games.

Ryan Broekhoff: The star of the day. This Valparaiso bound guard has a genuine stroke from deep and he showed it from the minute he entered the building today.

He finished with 29pts on 11-14 shooting including 3-4 from deep.

I'm sure this guy may have been able to play at a bigger school but he would have only become a spot up shooter. By going to Valpo he will be able to work on becoming an all round player.

Jason Cadee (NSW): This kid has basketball in his blood. Both parents have played at the highest level in this country, so you know the kid has savvy.

He has the ability to work the pick and roll to perfection as he has the ability to knock down the three or make the pass to the big man rolling. I have yet to see any other kid who can run the pick and roll and look confident in pulling the trigger from deep.

I'll keep you up to date on how Cadee handles himself against the better opposition as the week progresses.

Shane Harris-Tunks (NSW): This big man will be attending Colorado next year where he will join fellow Aussie Nate Tomlinson in the Big 12 Conference.

Today was not much of a gauge as Oceania is getting used to playing at this level. Harris-Tunks needs to active on the glass if his team is to give this championship a shake.

Brock Motum: This Washington St signee looked effective without breaking a real sweat today. His 26pts and 8rebs came at an efficient clip (11/11 fg's).

I'm sure what has the Cougars coaching staff salivating is the trouble this 206cm power forward can create on the defensive end. His wing span looks a healthy one and at the top of a press he can cause trouble for many a point guard.

Rumour has it Motum has tied both mine and Steve Nash's free throw challenge. Only trouble is we need evidence big fella, otherwise it is just a rumour!

Mitchell Young: I know it is only one game, but I like what I saw and I'm sure St Mary's and Randy Bennett will love him to.

This rock solid power forward is not fancy, but just has a knack of getting the job done. His 20pts and 9rebs is just 20 minutes support my argument well.

I will get a better read on his ability when Queensland and Victoria go at it.

Jorden Page: Another Aussie joining AIS II aka St Mary's. I can see where he will fit in with the Gaels fast paced offense. When Page gets it, he is gone.

I'm sure Bennett will harness a little of Page's game as he had 4 to's and 1 assist against an ACT defense that did not scare my 4yo son.

He has speed and you cannot teach that, but he will need to work on his ability to control the tempo for his team better.

Matthew Dellavedova: While I'm on my St Mary's run, I will comment on Dellavedova.

He plays composed and under control all the time and coaches love that. He has a good feel for the game and always found the open man whether in transition or in a half court set.

It will surprise me if this kid does not have a solid college career. I will watch with interest during the tournament to see how his jump shot looks.

Cody Ellis: St Louis bound Ellis had a lazy 21pts and 12 rebs and 7to's today. I never witnessed him getting out of a jog and he hit the big baskets when his team needed a little buffer. Enjoy this while you can Cody.

Rick Majerus, the guy you are going to play for, will have you running to class let alone at practice.

Ellis has a great feel for the game and at times played a power point role when South Australia went to a half court press. But at times he was very loose with the ball which reflects in his 7 to's.

My message to him would be, you need to snap out of this and play at a higher intensity level all the time otherise you will be spending a lot of extra time with Mr Majerus.

I need to see Ellis up against some legit size and competition to make an honest evaluation though.

Matt Hodgson: The Southern Utah bound Queenslander will become a monster on the boards. Listed a 6-10" and a wing span to match he will become quite an intimidator on defense.

When the Maroons went to a zone today and he stretch out those wings it seemed like the keyway was armed.

Solid pick up by the small Utah School.

Liam McInerny: This workman like 6-7" power forward will be attending Stetson next year.

Not as talented as Young but in a similar mold. He has a nose for the ball around the basket and has no trouble finishing. Seems to play well within himself, something that coaches love about these types of players.

Let me know if there is anyone else you would like me to scout. I will be heading out there next on Thursday. Until then I have my own game against the Perth Wildcats to worry about.