Ellis: One of 2005s Best

Many people feel that Monta Ellis might be the best guard in the class of 2005. Certainly Thomas Billups, his coach at Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi, considers the 6-foot-2, 160-pound Ellis the best guard, if not the best player, in the country.

“Well, Monta was ranked by one service as the best sophomore in the country last year, and I would agree with that,” said Coach Billups. “He is the best player in the state of Mississippi, period. No doubt about it. I know Al Jefferson is tough, but he can’t do the things that Monta can do. He is a great rebounder, second on the team. He can play the one, the two, the three. We can put him on the blocks, and I have never seen a 6'7 or 6'8 player stop him.”

Ellis is hearing from numerous schools as well as receiving offers from numerous schools, but right now he his solely focused on winning a state championship.

“So many schools are after him,” said Coach Billups. “North Carolina, Kentucky, Duke, Alabama, Mississippi State, and LSU are some of them. They have all offered him, but he is not concerned with college right now. We are just focusing on winning a state championship.”

Coming off a 51 point performance in his last outing, Ellis hopes to keep his hot hand when he faces Oak Hill Academy this Saturday in the Marshall County Hoopfest.

“I have no doubt about him,” said Coach Billups. “He’ll be ready to play.”

Coach Billups finished his interview with RivalsHoops.com with even more praise for Ellis.

“I have coached some real good players in my time, and none are better than Monta. He is at the top of the list.”