Ellis Staying Home

Monta Ellis, the No. 6 player in the Rivals75 for the class of 2005, has made an early commitment to Mississippi State.

Coach Thomas Billups at Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi commented on the commitment of his 6-foot-2, 160-pound combo guard.

“He’s excited about going to Mississippi State,” said Coach Billups. “I think he’ll start immediately and have a huge impact. They got themselves a terrific player.”

Mississippi State has always been in the picture with Ellis, but his early commitment is a little surprising. Despite earlier claims that he wanted to play his college basketball outside the state of Mississippi and having listed Alabama, North Carolina, and Texas as his top three schools, Ellis abruptly decided to stay close to home and play for the Bulldogs.