Kansas basketball fans happy for Perry Ellis
By Stan Unruh
Perry Ellis is one of the most beloved young men to play for Kansas basketball and coach Bill Self. We celebrate his new agreement to play professional basketball in Australia.
Kansas basketball fans love Perry Ellis. Many of us have been aware of his basketball ability since he started wowing crowds at high school games in Wichita and in tournaments across Kansas.
I remember the national attention when every big-name college coach in the country showed up for one of Perry’s high school games. Obviously, Bill Self was in the front row.
Pitino, Coach K, Calipari, Boeheim, Roy and a dozen or more others. Whoever was coaching in Manhattan showed up too.
Some thought he’d go to that school in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In my mind, there was never much doubt Perry would play basketball for Kansas.
When Perry wasn’t playing in high school games, it seemed he was always sitting behind the Kansas basketball bench.
It was great to see a Kansas high school star play for the Jayhawks.
We got him! Prized former NCAA @KUHoops star PERRY ELLIS @PElliz signs with the #SydneyKings. Click here for more https://t.co/5gPlspp5k4 pic.twitter.com/i4M49XVLzh
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) May 19, 2017
His breakout game against Iowa State in the Big 12-tournament was one of my favorite.
A little video we put together on new #SydneyKings star recruit Perry Ellis @PElliz. The 2017-18 season is looking very promising! @NBL pic.twitter.com/lmWduClo6B
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) May 19, 2017
I felt terrible when he had to play injured against Wichita State in the NCAA tournament.
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I try not to think about his final game in a Kansas basketball uniform.
In my opinion, he should be on an NBA roster. It makes no sense to me.
It will be somewhat more difficult to keep track of him now. I’m very happy he signed to play professional basketball in Australia.
There is still a chance for him to play in the NBA, according to the media release from the Sydney Kings.
"Ellis will participate in a full summer schedule in the United States before joining his new teammates in Sydney – unless an NBA contract is offered as a result of his summer performances."
Whether in the NBA or Australia, we all want the best for Perry Ellis.