Ellis ready to play bigger role

Fred Ellis enjoyed every minute playing alongside all-everything Kevin Galloway, Sacramento High's (Calif.) unquestioned leader last year who will be suiting up for USC this upcoming season. Ellis, the Dragons' new star forward, was a bit overshadowed by his more high-profile teammate but there is absolutely no jealousy on his part.

"Kevin Galloway is the best player that I have ever played on the same team with," said Ellis. "He would do things sometimes that would make you say, 'Wow'."

But that was then. And this is now. Expect Sacramento High to be Ellis' team next year (with help from fast-rising guard Cervante Burrell and youngster Chase Tapley). Expect Ellis' numbers to go up dramatically as he becomes a household name among prep fans. With Galloway gone, the Dragons need Ellis to step up. And if this summer is any indication, he is certainly prepared to do so.

The 6-foot-7, 195 pound forward is currently the #7 ranked prospect in the Northern California class of 2007. Several colleges are interested in Ellis, including Vanderbilt, Columbia, Montana State, Bradley, UC Davis, Pennsylvania and Saint Mary's. Ellis' top three choices are Vanderbilt, Bradley, and Saint Mary's. He is not afraid to travel, as evidenced by the inclusion of Vanderbilt and Bradley, which are located in Tennessee and Illinois, respectively.

"I'm up for anything. It doesn't matter where I play," explains Ellis. "I like Vanderbilt because it would give me a good education. They are a top 20 school in the nation as far as education. They are also in the SEC, a good basketball conference."

While Ellis has yet to take any visits, official or unofficial, he has been offered a scholarship. "Bradley has offered me a scholarship," said Ellis. "Vanderbilt and Saint Mary's haven't offered anything yet. They are very interested though." If he maintains the quality of play he demonstrated this past offseason, several other offers are virtually assured.

Ellis likens himself to a Darius Myles or Josh Childress-type of player. "I like to think that I am a well-rounded, inside-out type of player," said Ellis.

While Galloway is the best player he says he has ever played with, Tre'Von Willis of Fresno's Washington Union gets the nod for best opponent ever. Willis is set to suit up for Memphis next season.

Ellis' club coach, Bruce Robinson of Spirit Got Game, had many nice things to say about Ellis. "Fred is a player that is always ready to play. He is a leader on the floor," said Robinson. "He plays with his heart and he makes his teammates play hard. Fred is a well-mannered guy who has a good head on his shoulders. It is a joy to coach someone who is as coachable as he is. Fred has a big heart and anytime I need help with my youth basketball organization I can count on him to assist with the younger kids."

Concerning Ellis' ability to compete at the next level, Robinson continues, "I personally think that Fred could play high D1 because he can play all positions on the floor. He plays from baseline to baseline."