South Carolina basketball commitment Eli Ellis has been in New York this weekend competing at the Under Armour Next Elite 24 Camp. 24 of the world's best high school prospects (from multiple classes) were invited to the event, and it is the future Gamecock who has stood out in workouts.
On Friday, Ellis won the 3-point contest and then beat everyone else in the classic knockout battle. In other words, Ellis shot the ball better than all the other players in New York for the showcase.
The North Carolina product also played well in 5-on-5 action. Called "one of the biggest winners" of the weekend by basketball scouting outlet Greenlight Media, Ellis was one of the top players during the practice portions of the camp, as well. He scored at will and set his teammates up for opportunities to put the ball through the hoop.
Ellis' shooting ability is one of the best parts of his game as he has seemingly never-ending range and a confident stroke from anywhere on the floor. However, he is capable of scoring from all three levels and has a much better finishing touch than one might expect for a smaller guard who doesn't possess elite athleticism. He also is a good passer and crafty ballhandler, allowing him to be his team's lead guard.
Ellis is no stranger to playing well on big stages. As a junior last season, he was the MVP of the Overtime Elite league and became its all-time leading scorer. Next season, he will have a future Gamecock teammate playing with him as athletic power forward Hayden Assemian is transferring to play on his YNG Dreamerz squad.
Ellis and Assemian are joined as class of 2025 South Carolina basketball commitments by versatile forward EJ Walker, and the three-man class currently is ranked in the top-10 nationally by most recruiting services.