2021 Recruiting: El Ellis JUCO update

[MDHuskFan]

Not a very strong correlation. JUCO competition varies by conference and even some great statistical performers don’t handle the transition well (for example Woldetensae). Ellis has impressive assist numbers to couple with his 40+ 3P% though, and is a much more athletic player than Woldetensae. I think Ellis can be an impact player like Cam Mack. That’s stats and offers are both impressive.

Thanks! Always know who to go to for the deep dive. Much appreciated

 

[Watchdog]

Rewatching his 6:41 long mixtape of his offense, it shows certain skills, but, it is never obvious that he knows he has teammates. From far away from the basket, time after time, he seems committed to his drive and his shot, regardless of the movement of the defense or other players. I don't know if that is a misimpression or if he's just decisive. If he hits a high % of 3's, and can finish successfully against D1 post players I suppose it's less important. In a couple instances guys are ahead of or with him on a break, have their hands raised as open, or are in a position for a better shot. There didn't seem to be a chance they were getting the ball. No obvious glances to his other guys. This isn't meant to be a negative, maybe he has 6 assists a game, or, maybe the offensive pressure is on him to do it all, like it was on Boat when he was a senior.

12 min tape has some good assists to their big man rolling to the basket. A la SNL, Nevermind.

Is that you Roseanne?

 

[Burnsbros23]

Juco kids need situations were they can come in and play right away. With Gaffney and Cole coming back this is a bit of a head scratcher. This kid is going to want a situation with big minutes. Maybe they want him and Cole together followed by him and Gaffney. I do Feel he’s a bit over hyped right now. His offer list is eye popping.

 

[KingAG]

Juco kids need situations were they can come in and play right away. With Gaffney and Cole coming back this is a bit of a head scratcher. This kid is going to want a situation with big minutes. Maybe they want him and Cole together followed by him and Gaffney. I do Feel he’s a bit over hyped right now. His offer list is eye popping.

Its really true that 2 people can watch the same thing and draw 2 different conclusions. I think this kid is a stud. Hurley is batting .1000 so far. Elite teams have elite talent off the bench. We're going to be on desperate need of another ball handler in 2021

 

[mauconnfan]

Its really true that 2 people can watch the same thing and draw 2 different conclusions. I think this kid is a stud. Hurley is batting .1000 so far. Elite teams have elite talent off the bench. We're going to be on desperate need of another ball handler in 2021

Yeah agree. There's so many things to think about regarding the landscape of college basketball also. Will a Brendan Adams graduate in 3 years and want a 30 minute gig elsewhere after sharing for 3 years? Will Gaff live up to potential or will he lose time with all the players involved in his year 2? These are not me speculating on transfers at all it's just the reality of what college hoops is now. Hopefully none of this happens and success breeds staying at Storrs. But certainly the staff needs to look for people who can play many positions for many reasons these days.

 

[JB75]

Let’s get him. I’m still not sold on gaffney.

 

[Mooch82]

Let’s get him. I’m still not sold on gaffney.

Big year for Gaffney. He obviously had the ankle injury which hampered him during the preseason and through the first few games. Once he started playing, I was impressed with his poise for a freshman and he flashed athleticism, but still seemed to play tentative and lacked aggression. Looking forward to his progress this year, but regardless it's necessary for us to add another piece in the backcourt to help push him and Cole.

 

[HuskyFich]

Let’s get him. I’m still not sold on gaffney.

 

[andy34]

Let’s get him. I’m still not sold on gaffney.

Yes to Ellis, but I think we're going to see a big season from Gaffney. Some freshman adjust to the college game by being too aggressive and making dumb mistakes (and then trying to reduce the mistakes). Others play it overly conservative and try to slowly incorporate more aggression over time. Gaffney was the latter. I think his athleticism and shooting ability will blossom next season

 

[HuskyFich]

Yes to Ellis, but I think we're going to see a big season from Gaffney. Some freshman adjust to the college game by being too aggressive and making dumb mistakes (and then trying to reduce the mistakes). Others play it overly conservative and try to slowly incorporate more aggression over time. Gaffney was the latter. I think his athleticism and shooting ability will blossom next season

People thought Kemba was an out of control maniac (I mean he was...) but still, If you look up the definition of smooth in the UConn dictionary, you'll see a picture of Jalen Gaffney

 

[UconnU]

Yes to Ellis, but I think we're going to see a big season from Gaffney. Some freshman adjust to the college game by being too aggressive and making dumb mistakes (and then trying to reduce the mistakes). Others play it overly conservative and try to slowly incorporate more aggression over time. Gaffney was the latter. I think his athleticism and shooting ability will blossom next season

I agree Gaffney is going to be much improved and obviously yes to Ellis. We’re going to need 2, maybe 3, guards in this class with Cole and Adams entering their senior years and Bouk gone.

 

[Drew]

 

[Get a Job]

lol

 

[Get a Job]

Its really true that 2 people can watch the same thing and draw 2 different conclusions. I think this kid is a stud. Hurley is batting .1000 so far. Elite teams have elite talent off the bench. We're going to be on desperate need of another ball handler in 2021

You really think he's riding the Mendoza line?

Edit: I was trying to poke fun at your mistake, and, in doing so, made myself look stupid. The Mendoza line is .200, so let me rephrase: You really think he's doing so poorly?

 

[UconnU]

lol

He’s also doing video interviews with random bloggers daily. Kid must be bored out of his mind.

 

[JB75]

View attachment 54254

We ll see lot of people here think gaff going to be a stud. Besides that amazing reverse layup he had and his pension for nailing free throws I was a little disappointed in his game given the amount of minutes he played this year. Hurley seems to see big things for him so obviously I’ll trust that but .....

 

[djct1999]

 

[Mr. Hand]

In his TCC bio, Ellis mentions his favorite TV show is Fairly Odd Parents. My 12 yo son approves.

 

[HuskyFich]

In his TCC bio, Ellis mentions his favorite TV show is Fairly Odd Parents. My 12 yo son approves.

I’m 28 and I approve

 

[pj]

We ll see lot of people here think gaff going to be a stud. Besides that amazing reverse layup he had and his pension for nailing free throws I was a little disappointed in his game given the amount of minutes he played this year. Hurley seems to see big things for him so obviously I’ll trust that but .....

When he played more, we won more. Sometimes it's hard to judge a point guard from afar. Hurley is better positioned.

 

[Storrs South]

 

[Hungryhusky99]

 

[Umami Zen]

Serious question for Yarders and Insiders.. With all of the recruiting activity surrounding El in the last 60-90 days..And with some significant BB schools showing interest.. Let's assume that El needs to solidify his academic resume to satisfy Admission Dept somewhere.. Do you think El may consider bypassing playing this JUCO season so that he can concentrate on academics(in the fall semester) and enroll in January somewhere once his grades are satisfactory??He could also be solidifying his academics this summer in online summer classes.Not necessarily to play in 2020 season BTW.. It seems like "reading the tea leaves" that there is a tremendous amount of interest in a JUCO athlete before his second season has even started.. I know he's a great ball player..Think there's some smoke that would suggest he may be ready/or capable of moving on with a four yr college decision.Thereby not "burning" a year of athletic eligibility.. Don't know family's financial situation to absorb the cost of a semester's worth of classes..

 

[andy34]

Serious question for Yarders and Insiders.. With all of the recruiting activity surrounding El in the last 60-90 days..And with some significant BB schools showing interest.. Let's assume that El needs to solidify his academic resume to satisfy Admission Dept somewhere.. Do you think El may consider bypassing playing this JUCO season so that he can concentrate on academics(in the fall semester) and enroll in January somewhere once his grades are satisfactory??He could also be solidifying his academics this summer in online summer classes.Not necessarily to play in 2020 season BTW.. It seems like "reading the tea leaves" that there is a tremendous amount of interest in a JUCO athlete before his second season has even started.. I know he's a great ball player..Think there's some smoke that would suggest he may be ready/or capable of moving on with a four yr college decision.

Can't say I'm totally up to speed on El's academics or the JUCO transfer process, but we're full up on scholarships. So for him to enroll in January, he'd have to pay his own way. I guess doing that for 1 semester is more likely than for a full year but it still strikes me as highly unlikely. I bet it's more that he's looking to wrap up his recruitment sooner rather than later.

 

[navery12]

Can't say I'm totally up to speed on El's academics or the JUCO transfer process, but we're full up on scholarships. So for him to enroll in January, he'd have to pay his own way. I guess doing that for 1 semester is more likely than for a full year but it still strikes me as highly unlikely. I bet it's more that he's looking to wrap up his recruitment sooner rather than later.

He mentioned in the past he wanted to commit at the end of the summer after the JUCO showcases. Not sure if anything has changed the past 2 months now without real visits and (possibly?) no showcase

 

[BlueMAB]

We ll see lot of people here think gaff going to be a stud. Besides that amazing reverse layup he had and his pension for nailing free throws I was a little disappointed in his game given the amount of minutes he played this year. Hurley seems to see big things for him so obviously I’ll trust that but .....

Excellent typo. The word you were looking for is "penchant"

Serious question for Yarders and Insiders.. Do you think El may consider bypassing playing this JUCO season so that he can concentrate on academics(in the fall semester) and enroll in January somewhere once his grades are satisfactory??

I doubt it. Let's be real, the academic requirements of a JuCo aren't particularly tough. We have no scholarships until next year, and he has to finish his academic requirements before enrolling or he isn't eligible.

He should commit to UConn, play JuCo this year, handle his business in the classroom, and then come in the following year to help bring us #5.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

 

[husky99]

Say last week. Staff feels like they lead and pushing hard

 

[BlueMAB]

Agree with you on playing in Storrs.. I understand we don't have a 2020 scholarship/spot for him.. My query was based on the possibility (not probability) that one of our competitors for El has a more flexible and creative Admissions Dept.. They may be able to find a way to not "burn" his third year of athletic eligibility while he's satisfying the academic piece..Ie..Allowing him to enroll as a student (only) before transitioning to being a scholarship athlete in a future semester or school year.. Would hate to see a Dan Hurley target get scooped up..

I think he's only played one year of JuCo with a second on the way. If I understand you correctly, your concern doesn't really matter. Athletes get 5 years to play 4 years. JuCo included. When you transfer from JuCo there's no requirement to sit out, but you have to complete your academic requirements before enrolling, or you are academically ineligible anyway.

He's not likely to be eligible for D1 this year (but I don't know that for sure). Based on his recruitment and schedule, it really seems as if he needs to graduate from JuCo before he can transfer and be immediately eligible.

He can transfer to a school this year (and sit) or he can play JuCo, but either way he'll use a year of eligibility.

He's probably better of getting his Associates Degree at JuCo; that should make transferring and confirming eligibility much easier.

When he's done at JuCo next year, assuming he graduates as expected, he'll have 3 years left to play 2.

Whether he plays or whether he enrolls as a student (with no connection to the basketball team) somewhere besides JuCo, he's going to use a year of eligibility this year. He's a registered student-athlete, he's gone/gong through the clearinghouse, he's not going to be able to just enroll at another school and not have it count against his eligibility regardless of how creative the school's admissions department is.

 

[navery12]

I think he's only played one year of JuCo with a second on the way. If I understand you correctly, your concern doesn't really matter. Athletes get 5 years to play 4 years. JuCo included. When you transfer from JuCo there's no requirement to sit out, but you have to complete your academic requirements before enrolling, or you are academically ineligible anyway.

He's not likely to be eligible for D1 this year (but I don't know that for sure). Based on his recruitment and schedule, it really seems as if he needs to graduate from JuCo before he can transfer and be immediately eligible.

He can transfer to a school this year (and sit) or he can play JuCo, but either way he'll use a year of eligibility.

He's probably better of getting his Associates Degree at JuCo; that should make transferring and confirming eligibility much easier.

When he's done at JuCo next year, assuming he graduates as expected, he'll have 3 years left to play 2.

But his scenario is he'd enroll at a school without playing JuCo this year and thus he'd have 3 years to play 3