Ellis heading to local SEC school

The South Carolina Gamecocks are tightening up the state borders on the hoops recruiting front. Dave Odom and his staff reeled in another Palmetto State prospect over the weekend.

Aaron Ellis, a 6-foot-9, 190-pound forward from Carolina Forrest High School in Myrtle Beach, verbally committed to the SEC school.

"I have been contemplating it for the last two weeks, weighing out the pros and cons and I decided that I wanted to play at USC," Ellis said.

"They were the first school to really recruit me. Coach Odom came out to a tournament I was playing in and ever since then, they stayed on me. All of the assistants came out to see me this year and that meant a lot. I knew that they wanted me because the made me feel that way. Plus, it being so close to home is nice too."

Ellis follows South Carolina native Chad Gray, the most recent in-state player to commit to USC. Gray is spending a prep year at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Nearby Augusta, Ga., (just 45 minutes away) has also been good to the SEC program. Odom and his staff have reeled in two players from the city. Dominique Archie inked with the Gamecocks in 2005 and is using a red shirt year this season. Austin Steed from nearby Augusta, Ga.

Ellis said his versatility and unselfish attitude should blend well with his new teammates.

"I consider myself an unselfish player that likes to pass first and shoot second," Ellis said. "I want to help the team win. I want to be a defensive presence and play hard. Coach Odom said he believes I can help out his system really well. (Odom's) system had a lot to do with me committing to them. I think I fit in with them pretty nice."

Myrtle Beach is where Ellis rests his head at night but he recently moved to the United State. He grew up in Germany, where his parents still reside and work for the armed forces. Ellis said he moved to the U.S. two years ago to live with his brother to earn a basketball scholarship.

Word spread quickly of his ability to shoot the three and play on the wing. Ellis said he also considered Clemson, Richmond, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Old Dominion and UNC Wilmington.

Ellis will suit up with Beach Ball Select on the AAU circuit this season. He is the first player to commit to South Carolina in the class of 2007.