For the primary time ever, a former Florida Southwestern Buccaneer will play within the NBA. Keon Ellis, who donned the purple and aqua from 2018-2020, has made the Sacramento Kings’ opening night time roster.
“You could see the talent from the very first time he stepped on campus,” FSW Head Coach Eric Murphy stated.
That expertise was evident all through Ellis’ two seasons at FSW. He earned NJCAA Second Team All-American honors his sophomore yr. The guard then obtained a number of Division I presents.
“I went to JUCO and showcased what I could really do,” Ellis stated. “I think that opened up the eyes to be able to land me some high major offers and land me at Alabama.”
Ellis continued to enhance and switch heads throughout his two seasons in Tuscaloosa. During his senior yr, he was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team.
Ellis was projected to be drafted within the second spherical of the 2022 NBA draft, however he by no means heard his identify known as. So, the previous Buc signed a two-way contract with the Kings as an undrafted rookie free agent. The contract means Ellis shall be taking part in in each the NBA and the G League.
He will bounce up and down between the totally different ranges relying on what the Kings want. For opening night time on Wednesday, Ellis shall be on the NBA roster.
“I wouldn’t say I expected to,” Ellis stated. “It was always a dream. Every kid wants to play in the NBA. I told myself since I was in middle school that I wanted to.”
Ellis and the Kings open their season Wednesday night time towards the Portland Trailblazers. Many would assume it could be a nerve-racking night time, however to Keon, it’s simply one other recreation.
“I approach every game the same,” Ellis stated. “I don’t think I will have any different feelings towards it.”
Although it is probably not further particular for Ellis, it’s for Florida Southwestern. Wednesday is the primary time a former Buc will costume for an NBA recreation.
“It means a lot,” Murphy stated. “It gives us that credibility that we’re able to develop guys. This is a pathway to get into the NBA.”
From Southwest Florida to the NBA, Keon Ellis is making historical past for our native space.