The Ellenson File

Name: Henry Ellenson

Measurables: 6’10”, 228 pounds, 7’1.5” wingspan

Ranking: #6 – Scout, #4 – ESPN, #17 – Rivals

High School: Rice Lake, WI

College: Marquette (Committed 10/9/14)

Henry Ellenson’s body went through a massive transformation throughout his junior year that turned the Wisconsin native into a five-star prospect. One year ago, Ellenson wrapped up a rather uninspiring weekend in Colorado Springs at the USA Developmental Camp. His three point shot fell short and he lacked the quickness to get by his defender off the dribble. Last weekend, Ellenson put together a dominant performance in the same gym complete with deep three’s, step back jumpers, and drives off the dribble. 

What Changed?

In the spring Ellenson made a conscious effort to get in the weight room while working on his speed and agility. As a result, Ellenson slimmed up and lost 15 pounds giving him the extra burst he previously lacked. Throughout AAU play on the Nike EYBL circuit Ellenson’s versatility caught defenders by surprise. Here was a 6’10” big man that was bringing the ball up the court, going through his legs, and taking defenders off the dribble. While preferring to play on the perimeter on the offensive end, Ellenson had no trouble going up against fellow post players using his strong upper body and long reach to keep them at bay. After going into the spring as a Top 60 player, Ellenson soon became a Top 10 player in the class of 2014. He had Hall of Fame coaches watching his every move in July, but in the end it was a coach without a win to his name who won him over.

With his rise up the rankings, Ellenson was offered scholarships by schools such as Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, and UCLA; however Marquette took precedence over the aforementioned schools. In April, when Steve Wojcieschowski took the job in Milwaukee he made Ellenson his top priority. After watching him in Sacramento, Wojo got Henry’s older brother Wally to transfer to Marquette after two uninspiring seasons at Minnesota. Wojo then wrapped up the summer by watching Henry’s every move in Vegas, Augusta, and Colorado Springs. On October 9, 2014, Marquette landed their biggest commitment since Doc Rivers in the 1980’s. 

The Henry Ellenson Book:

Strengths:

Ellenson’s versatility sets him apart from other players his size. He handles the ball like a point guard and can shoot it with range (despite what his percentages may say right now). He is a match-up problem on the wing with the ability to drive by less mobile defenders and finish at the rim with either hand. Ellenson is also comfortable taking a dribble or two towards the basket and creating space with a one dribble jump shot that he can hit out to the three point line. While he prefers to play on the wing, he can also bang down low when he needs and has a short right hook in his arsenal. As noted above, even with the weight loss Ellenson still possesses great upper body strength and a solid 7’2” reach which allows him to corral rebounds in the paint and hold his own on the defensive end.

After getting cut from the 16U USA team, Ellenson earned himself a spot on the 17U team this past summer and averaged 8.7 points in just 12 minutes giving him a ridiculous 36.4 PER according to DraftXpress.

Weaknesses:

Despite the weight loss, Ellenson still struggles with his vertical jump. A slow first jump and lack of air can often result in a blocked shot under the basket for Ellenson. He has improved over the past year, but still needs to work on his explosiveness. Also, he definitely has the tendency to fall in love with his perimeter game too much and can float outside of the arc when he could be posting up or battling down low (which he is capable of doing). During AAU play he often went long stretches without touching the paint on the offensive end. How will Wojo work the forwards unique skills into his offense? Ellenson has also shown his ability to shoot the ball in countless practices, scrimmages, and games however right now his percentages don’t match up with his ability. In the EYBL he only hit three’s at a 28.5% clip and he also went 0-6 in Dubai.

Looking Ahead:

Getting a commitment from Henry Ellenson was HUGE for Wojo. Within six months on the job, Marquette now has a Top five recruiting class with three players from the state of Wisconsin in Ellenson, his AAU point guard Nick Noskowiak and 6’10” Matt Heldt. He also has a talented shooting guard from Florida in Haanif Cheatham. Ellenson will start immediately for Marquette during the 2015-16 season and he has a strong possibility of being a one and done player. While the results on the floor remain to be seen things are trending in the right direction for Wojo and Marquette.

USA Basketball Camp: Day 1

Day 1 is in the books from the USA camp with one more to go on Sunday. 48 players took place in the two day USA Developmental Camp with 11 players from the class of 2015 mixed in with 37 freshmen and sophomores making their first appearance in a USA type setting.

Grown Man Strength:

Given the age gap between the seniors and younger kids it’s no surprise that the older guys dominated physically. Last year at this time, Rashad Vaughn (UNLV) and senior Eric Davis went up for a contested lay-up. The older Vaughn finished through contact and the younger Davis ended up on the floor saying “that’s some grown man strength right there.” This year it started out in a few simple half court 2 on 2 and 1 on 1 drills. Small forward Jaylen Brown and Scout.com’s No. 1 player man handled a few of the younger wings as he bulldozed his way to the rim. 7’0” center Stephen Zimmerman took advantage of the much younger EJ Montgomery for easy finishes in the post.

2015 Standouts:

Stephen Zimmerman, C, 7’0”, Bishop Gorman (NV)

In June of 2013, Zimmerman was the top ranked prospect in his class. After a subpar spring and summer on the AAU circuit he now sits at No. 14. That being said, Zimmerman is a completely different player than he was during his AAU days. It started with a MVP performance at the Nike Global Challenge in August and continued in both sessions at the USA camp. Looking looser on the court, Zimmerman got up and down with ease, made some viscous dunks and was comfortable hitting shots from all parts of the court. 

Zimmerman is set to kick off his official visits with a trip to Kansas next week. After visiting Lawerence he will be at Kentucky, UCLA, and Arizona. There is also a strong possibility of an unofficial visit to Notre Dame.

Henry Ellenson, F, 6’10, Rice Lake (WI)

It didn’t take long for Ellenson to get going. As soon as full-court drills began Ellenson became a primary ball handler for his team and scored three consecutive baskets on a tough drive and finish in the lane, a deep step back jump shot, and a fast break and one lay-up. Ellenson’s game usually got started from the perimeter where he has range to hit the three point shot, but given his ball-handling skills he was also mixing in step back jump shots with drives to the front of the rim. On the defensive side he mixed it up down low and used his lengthy wing span to contest shots in the paint. 

Ellenson has three schools left on his list: Marquette, Michigan State, and Kentucky. He’s taken officials to both Marquette and Michigan State and will be in Lexington, KY for their Big Blue Madness.

Caleb Swanigan, PF, 6’8”, Homestead (IN)

The best way to describe Swanigan is that of a junkyard dog. While usually a bit shorter than his opponents, Swanigan usually bullies them around down low for lay-ups. He made his mark this way at the 17U USA tryouts in July and continued to do so during Day 1 of the camp. He plays with a hard motor, has a strong upper body, and possesses nimble feet in the post. It didn’t matter if you were a young guy or a senior, Swanigan was looking to punish his defender with simple, but effective post moves. 

Luke Kennard, SG, 6’5”, Franklin (OH), Duke

The future Duke Blue Devil looked calm and under control throughout Day 1. He also caught fire from behind the arc in the evening and hit four three’s in one scrimmage. Kennard handled the ball and was also extremely aggressive on the boards. Throughout the drills and scrimmages Kennard played with a veteran’s poise and was one of the clear leaders of camp.

2017 / 2018 Standouts:

Michael Porter Jr. G/F, 6’7”, Father Tolton Catholic (MO), 2017

In the first day it might have been Porter that generated the most buzz amongst the younger kids. Standing 6’7”, Porter possesses a beautiful jump shot and he also has some sneaky athleticism. It was evident in the drills that Porter had a nice stroke. He got good elevation on his mid-range shots and knocked down shot after shot with an effortless stroke. While he isn’t going to blow by anyone from the perimeter just yet, he was getting the hoop during the 4 on 4 and 5 on 5 scrimmages. With long arms and a solid bounce, Porter Jr. put on a dunk show before the second stanza that was highly impressive. He is still coming into his lanky frame, but the talent is undeniable in the youngster from Missouri.

Jalek Felton, G, 6’4”, Mullins (SC), 2017

When you talk about elite athletes, Jalek’s name will always appear over the next few years. He’s known as a shooting guard but he displayed the best vision in camp threading several through the needle type passes in both sessions. As Raymond Felton’s nephew, Jalek has strong ball handling skills and blow by speed that can get him to the rim where he can easily finish. Felton also has range on his outside shot, but right now he is a fairly streaky shooter. He has the ability to knock down several in a row, but can also miss-fire badly on the next few. In his first USA camp experience, Felton shined brightly on Day 1.

Jarred Vanderbilt, SF, 6’7”, Victory Prep (TX), 2017

A Texas lefty, Vanderbilt made a strong impression on all observers early on. With sinewy strength, Vanderbilt was often slashing to the basket and finishing with dunks at the basket or soft shots over the defender’s outstretched hand. He has good quickness and awareness which allows him to get to the basket and he has the athletic ability to finish. 

Ira Lee, 6’8”, PF, Sierra Canyon (CA), 2017

Before the second session some of the players were joking around with Lee about his lack of “bounce.” While players such as Porter Jr. and Felton were throwing down crazy dunks, Lee was struggling to convert his. All the joking around stopped as play began as Lee went harder than every other player on the court. If there was a loose ball, Ira was grabbing it. He attacked both the offensive and defensive boards with an un-matched intensity and also scored a plethora of baskets inside the paint and on short face-up jump shots. He might not be the most athletic specimen at camp, but Lee certainly didn’t let anyone out play him.

EJ Montgomery Jr., F, 6’9”, Montverde Academy (FL), 2018

Billed as one of the top incoming freshman in the country, EJ Montgomery didn’t back down against his older competition. He gave up height and strength in the early going to Stephen Zimmerman, but Montgomery also had the chance to show some of his own skills off. Montgomery is currently a power forward, but he has some perimeter skills in a look-alike Tayshaun Prince body. He scored on several follow-up dunks throughout the scrimmages and also got his lefty jump shot going in the early morning hitting a deep jump shot from the wing followed by an in rhythm three. In high school, Montgomery will go up against some of the top competition in the country including daily match-ups with Ben Simmons which will only increase the skills he already possesses. 

The AAU Duo:

6’10” Wendell Carter Jr. and 6’10” Austin Wiley played on the same Southeast Elite 16U AAU squad this past year and both players and friends are taking part in the USA camp. While they are both starting their sophomore seasons schools from the Southeast have started to take notice. 

Carter hails from Georgia and noted that Georgia Tech came to his school last week and that Texas A&M and Mississippi State had also shown interest. His high school coach also told him that Duke was supposed to stop by next week.

Wiley is from Alabama and is just two hours from Auburn, the school both of his parents attended. He is currently receiving interest from Auburn, Memphis, Clemson, and North Carolina.

Team USA Scouting Report: Big Men

The 17U USA team kicks off World Championship play in Dubai beginning August 8. The 12 man team is  loaded with talented big men from the class of 2015 and Harry Giles in the class of 2016.

 

Diamond Stone – 6’10”, C, Dominican High, Milwaukee, WI (#1-Scout, #4-ESPN, #6-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'10"	250	7'3" *	2/10/1997	2015

USA (U16 Stats):

GP	GS	MPG	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
5	5	20	13.6	27	50	54%	0	0	0%	14	23	61%

RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
7.2	0.6	2	2.6	0.6

AAU (Under Armour Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	N/A	22	76	135	56%	11	35	31%	57	81	70%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	11.2	1.3	3.5	3.9	0.5

Strengths:

Last year Stone averaged 20 minutes a game to go with 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in USA play. The big man from Milwaukee takes high quality shots and dominated the Under Armour AAU circuit this past spring. Stone has slimmed down a bit over the years and has a solid frame for a future power forward. He is a true-back to the basket big that can step outside when needed. He prefers the jump hook in the post which he shoots with a soft touch. Stone also already sports a nice form and touch on his jump shot which allows him to convert at the free throw line and step out comfortably to 12-15 feet when the paint gets crowded. He also knocked in several three’s in AAU play but most likely won’t be shooting those in Dubai. With his strength and increased agility, Stone is a strong rebounder under the basket and can also run the floor on the break.

Weaknesses:

Explosiveness and a junkyard dog mentality. Stone is strong with a good center of balance, but he lacks the straight up and down explosiveness that will be required of him down the road. Last year during the USA developmental camp he had his struggles converting down low when guarded by bigger defenders such as Jahlil Okafor. As for his mentality, Stone sometimes lacks the toughness to dominate. He routinely put up double-doubles in AAU play but given his size and strength he should be leaving no doubt about his dominance. He got hurt towards the end of the July live period and was forced to sit out the initial part of the USA practices with a groin injury leaving his full health in question for the games in Dubai.

Ivan Rabb – 6’10”, PF, Bishop O’ Dowd, Oakland, CA (#3-Scout, #1-ESPN, #4-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'10"	209	7'1"	2/4/1997	2015

USA (U16 Stats):

GP	GS	MPG	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
5	3	18.4	12	26	42	62%	0	0	0%	8	12	67%

RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
9.8	1.4	2	2.6	1.2

AAU (Nike EYBL Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	26.4	14.6	123	205	60%	0	2	0%	75	108	69%
2013	N/A	11.9	82	157	52%	3	5	60%	47	88	53%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	9.2	1.6	2.9	1.4	0.6
2013	10.7	0.7	1.5	2.9	0.3

Strengths:

Using an NBA comparison I would compare Rabb to a younger Chris Bosh, although Rabb is a bit shorter at 6’10” and a 7’1” wing span. Last year Rabb started three games on the U16 team and led it in rebounding at 9.8 per game. Rabb is a lean big man that can often get pushed around down low due to his lack of weight, but on the offensive end he can finish with either hand. A natural righty, it isn’t uncommon to see Rabb hit shots with his left hand outside of the paint. He can handle the ball adequately and likes to sprint the floor on the break. Rabb can also hit a 12-15 foot jump shot, although his consistency remains a question. He grabbed (close) to double digit rebounds the past two years in the EYBL. There is also a strong possibility that he is not 100% healthy while in Dubai.

Weaknesses:

Due to his skinny frame, Rabb can get pushed around down low by stronger defenders. When he has a bigger defender on him, he should be able to use his quickness to his advantage, but is routinely cut off short on his drives. He needs to learn how to start and stay aggressive for an entire game as he sometimes plays more passively than one would like. Rabb also has a soft touch but needs to continue to work on his mid-range and face-up jump shots to make him a consistent scoring threat from outside of the post area.

Henry Ellenson – 6’10”, F, Rice Lake High, Rice Lake, WI (#7-Scout, #5-ESPN, #17-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'10"	231	7'2"	1/13/1997	2015

AAU (Nike EYBL Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	26.5	18	102	254	40%	20	70	29%	64	102	63%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	9.3	1.1	2.1	1.6	0.8

Strengths:

Ellenson was cut from the 16U USA team and didn’t do much to stand out last October during the developmental training camp. After an upper body transformation, where a bulky Ellenson lost 20 pounds getting leaner and quicker in the process, he is now one of the team’s top players. He has a very intriguing skill-set and is able to do a variety of things that his big men peers can’t do. He has good height (6’10”), great length (7’2” wing span), and with wide shoulders he is strong enough to handle his own in the post. Getting quicker during the spring turned Ellenson into more of a perimeter player than one might like, but he can score effectively in the post with either hand (short left or right jump hooks). During USA tryouts he was great in the pick and pop drills and is a weapon rolling into a 15-17 foot jump shot. He also has three point range and will most likely launch quite a few during his time in Dubai. Ellenson shot a poor percentage in EYBL (28.5%), but knocked down quite a few in North Augusta (his team did not make Peach Jam) and in the USA tryouts. In front of all the big name college coaches, Ellenson calmly drained a step back 3 from the wing as time expired on the shot clock and a hand in his face. Given his length Ellenson can also rebound (9.3 per game), but it is his ball-handling that sets him apart. He can handle the ball with both hands, bring the ball up the court, and break the press. Ellenson is still improving, but established himself as the most consistent big man in camp. He came into the spring ranked in the 50’s and 60’s in his class and came out as a top 10 player.

Weaknesses:

Despite the weight loss, Ellenson still struggles with his vertical jump. A slow first jump and lack of air can often result in a blocked shot under the basket. He has improved over the past year, but still needs to work on his explosiveness. Also, he can fall in love with his perimeter game too much and can float outside of the arc when he could be posting up or battling down low (which he is capable of doing).  

Harry Giles – 6’10”, PF, Wesleyan Christian Academy, Winston Salem, NC (#3-Scout, #5-ESPN, #2-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'10"	209	7'2"*	4/22/1998	2016

USA (U16 Stats):

GP	GS	MPG	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2	2	12	7	6	10	60%	0	0	0%	2	4	50%

RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
5.5	1.5	0.5	2	1.5

AAU (Nike EYBL Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	18.5	10	55	119	46%	2	6	33%	18	32	56%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	7.1	0.7	1.3	1.2	0.8

Strengths:

Giles is the best pro prospect on the USA team although he still has a way to go before being fully healthy again. After starting two games last year in the FIBA Americas, Giles tore his ACL and missed his entire sophomore season. He returned to the court in May and the beginning months were rough as he tried to return to the player he was as a freshman. After looking tepid during the first USA tryout, Giles suddenly started flashing the skill-set that made him the No. 1 player in his class. With a 7’2” wing span, Giles started throwing down vicious one and two hand dunks in traffic. Giles noted he is at about 90% right now and he is still lacking that quick first step; however he is able to play in isolation from 15 feet out or in the post. His jump shot is still a work in progress but he can hit off the dribble, from mid-range, and the three point line on occasion. With his length and athleticism, Giles resembles a player in the Chris Webber mode. While not the passer Webber was, his aura on the court is similar. It is going to take time for Giles to fully trust his knee, but when that time comes he could reclaim his top spot in the class of 2016. Oh yeah, he is also the youngest player on the team.

Weaknesses:

Getting healthy and working on the outside shot. Right now, Giles is still gaining confidence in his movements. An ACL tear takes time to come back from, but Giles is getting more confident as the days go by. Once his first step improves and he regains a little bit more of his athleticism Giles will be tough for any opposing big to guard. As noted above, Giles hit several outside jump shots in the tryouts although he miss-fired badly on a few as well. He has the range and touch to stretch the defense but needs to continue to hone his form and release going forward.

Caleb Swanigan – 6’8”, PF, Homestead High, Fort Wayne, IN (#12-Scout, #17-ESPN, #20-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'8"	269	7'1.5"	4/18/1997	2015

AAU (Nike EYBL Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	27.9	17.7	122	259	47%	5	19	26%	123	194	63%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	11.9	2.0	3.4	0.8	0.8

Strengths:

A late addition to the USA tryout roster, Swanigan quickly made a name for himself and earned a coveted spot on the 12 man team. The big man out of Indiana brings a toughness to Team USA and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. In the first four tryouts, Swanigan was often seen man handling taller big men down low. He did his best work on the offensive glass and after grabbing the board, Swanigan usually used his upper body mass to get the defender underneath the rim and effectively out of the play. He knows he is a beast down low and doesn’t stray from his bread and butter after leading the EYBL in rebounds with 11.9 per game. While not an outside scorer, Swanigan did show a nice touch and soft feet throughout the drill work in tryouts.

Weaknesses:

At 6’7” / 6’8”, Swanigan could stand to have another inch or two, although his 7’1.5” inch wing span sometimes makes up for that fact. While he dominated the boards and often scored on put-backs he also got blocked when going straight up a fair amount. When long defenders are in his face he has a hard time scoring without moving them out of the way. While it’s great that Swanigan knows his strengths he will need to improve his face-up ability and propensity to turn the ball over in the post going forward.

 Note * - Wing span taken from 2013.