In a recent development, it has been reported that El Ellis, a transfer from Louisville and a second commitment from the NCAA transfer portal for the Arkansas basketball team, has decided to withdraw from the NBA Draft. This news was shared by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein via a tweet on Saturday afternoon. According to Rothstein, Ellis will be returning to school for the 2023-24 season. The 6-3 guard had committed to the Razorbacks on April 17 after spending two seasons with the Cardinals.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Ellis took to his Twitter account on Saturday, stating, “Razorback Nation, I’m Here.” This declaration reaffirms his commitment to the Arkansas basketball program, bringing a sense of excitement and anticipation among fans and the coaching staff.
Ellis joins a list of Arkansas players and transfer portal commits who had initially declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining their college eligibility. However, another transfer, Tramon Mark from Houston, withdrew from the draft on May 23. As for the remaining players, namely Jordan Walsh and Davonte Davis, the Razorbacks are still awaiting their decisions.
It is worth noting that players have until May 31 to withdraw from the draft if they wish to preserve their eligibility for the upcoming season. In Ellis’s case, he did not receive an invitation to either the G League Elite Camp or the NBA Draft Combine held in Chicago earlier this month. However, his talent and potential have been recognized, as On3.com ranks him as the 60th-best transfer this year.
During his time at Louisville, Ellis showcased his skills by averaging 13.2 points per game while shooting 40.5% from the field and 33.4% from beyond the arc. Prior to his stint at Louisville, he played two seasons at Tallahassee Community College in Florida, where he made history as the program’s first two-time All-American.
Ellis’s decision to return to Arkansas provides a boost to the team’s roster for the upcoming season. With his scoring ability and previous experience at the collegiate level, he is expected to make a significant impact on the Razorbacks’ offense. His decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft indicates his dedication to further developing his skills and contributing to the success of the Arkansas basketball program.
The return of Ellis adds depth and talent to an already promising Arkansas team, raising expectations for the upcoming season. Fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Ellis’s contributions on the court and how he will complement the existing players within the Razorbacks’ system. The coaching staff is likely to work closely with Ellis to maximize his potential and help him continue to grow as a player.
As the May 31 deadline approaches, fans and analysts will continue to monitor the decisions of Jordan Walsh and Davonte Davis, who are also contemplating their NBA Draft prospects. The outcome of their choices will further shape the landscape of the Arkansas basketball team and its aspirations for the upcoming season. Overall, the return of El Ellis to the Razorbacks reinforces the team’s commitment to success and heightens the anticipation for what lies ahead in the 2023-24 season.
