Former Chipola Star Signs with Storm
Former Chipola basketball star Jamarcus Ellis has been added to the training camp roster for the Island Storm of the National Basketball League of Canada.
Former Chipola basketball star Jamarcus Ellis has been added to the training camp roster for the Island Storm of the National Basketball League of Canada, pending FIBA clearance.
Ellis, a 6'5, 195 lbs small forward from Chicago, brings a wealth of experience and accolades to the Island Storm franchise. Before his days in Marianna, FL, Ellis was a standout star at Westinghouse High School and was named Chicago's 2004 Public League High School Player of the Year, while leading Westinghouse to city championships in 2002 and 2004.
At Chipola, Ellis was named the 2007 NJCAA Player of the Year in leading the Indians to a 33-3 record and a 2nd place finish in the NJCAA National Tournament. In his sophomore season, Ellis averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, before being named 1st Team NJCAA All-American.
After Chipola, Ellis transferred to Indiana University where he started all 32 games for the Hoosiers in his first season, averaging 6.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
Storm Head Coach Joe Salerno calls Ellis a rare find.
"Jamarcus Ellis is a talent that only comes around every so often. He was a tremendous find for us while we were in Chicago this summer. He has an off-the-charts IQ for the game, with all the physical attributes to go along with it. I think Jamarcus could be a big-time impact player in the NBL, and he is now ready to really start his professional career."
Ellis was drafted in the 3rd round (44th overall) of the 2009 NBA D-League Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers but suffered a knee injury early in the pre-season.