Prospect Spotlight: Austin Ellis (2018)

<span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Austin Ellis</strong> sat out his 16U season, electing to make improvements to his game on his own rather than with a grassroots squad.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">But the 6-foot-2 shooting guard says next summer he’s looking to get back into the grassroots grind. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"> “I definitely want to get back into AAU, I’ve just gotta find a trustworthy team,” said the Taylor County junior. “Now that coach Maze (Stallworth) is here, he’s the head coach of Team Manimal, so I might have to get on with them.” </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Some exposure on the 17U circuit could do him some good. Right now his recruitment is slow. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">“I haven’t heard from much of anybody yet,” said Ellis. "The last I heard was from Miami of Ohio, but I’ve been in the gym a lot and that’s definitely my goal this year is to get more interest.” </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Kentucky’s 21st-ranked 2018, Ellis says he’s been working plenty of late to improve his game, and his body. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’ve been working on catching and shooting, and kind of creating my own shot off the dribble, and then coming off screens and picking and popping. We have two guards that can really dish the ball off, so I’ll always need to be ready to shoot and get my shot off,” said Ellis. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">“During the offseason I was outside constantly on the track, and lifting weights and conditioning the gym. And I’ve toned my chest area, and I’m not as weak as I used to be.”</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">His personal goal for his junior season? </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’ve been in the gym a lot, and I really want to pick up my first offer as a junior,” said Ellis, who mentioned his role this season with the Cardinals.  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is going to be my third year on the varsity team. And my role this year is to push the younger players, but still listen to the seniors. And I want to lift up my teammates and not be negative, and just help my team win in every way possible.”</span> &nbsp; &nbsp;