News

Dec 16, 2023

El Ellis looking to make most of opportunity with Arkansas

Louisville transfer El Ellis showed off quite the skill set as a scorer last season, but he did so on a team that finished 4-28. Now at Arkansas, Ellis looks forward to showcasing his ability on a

Louisville transfer El Ellis showed off quite the skill set as a scorer last season, but he did so on a team that finished 4-28. Now at Arkansas, Ellis looks forward to showcasing his ability on a bigger stage while being surrounded by more talent in a much better situation.

Ellis, who began his career at Tallahassee Community College before playing at Louisville under two different coaches, is no stranger to adapting to different circumstances. Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman has noticed Ellis begin to find his stride with the Razorbacks recently throughout summer workouts.

“El Ellis was really quiet, was doing what he should do as an individual,” Musselman said. “I don’t know if I’ve seen a player change so quickly in his leadership, his verbal command of the floor. Been really cool to see in a very short period of time. And then other guys.”

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After entering the portal in the spring, Ellis knew exactly what kind of situation he was looking for in his final collegiate season, and it didn’t take long for him to decide Arkansas was the right fit.

“It’s a blessing to be able to be at a program like this,” Ellis said. “I knew as soon as I entered the portal and this staff called, I knew I wanted to be here. I wanted to be somewhere I could showcase my abilities at a high level and be around really great players like I am, be around a staff that’s going to push me to my limits each and every day. I just felt like it was really important to find a program like this, and it feels like home.”

The Durham (N.C.) native averaged 17.7 points per game a year ago, along with 4.4 assists for the Cardinals. The Razorbacks have had success with bigger point guards in recent years like Anthony Black, Jalen Tate and Jimmy Whitt, but the 6-foot-3 Ellis brings a different dimension to the lineup as a lead guard.

“Those guys were freaks from a length and size standpoint,” Musselman said. “So, we're a little bit different this year when El is out there and when Layden (Blocker) is out there. But we're also a little bit different because they have a little bit more traditional point guard mentality of some things we want as well.

“El has been traditionally a scoring guard who has played the point. We're going to want him to continue to score but also be a little more of a facilitator than maybe what he has been able to show last year.”

The Hogs will hold their final practice of the summer this afternoon. The full 2023-24 schedule has not been released, but it was recently announced that Arkansas would host Purdue in a charity exhibition at Bud Walton Arena on October 28th.