Prospect Watch: E.J. Bellinger (2019)
Class of 2019 shooting guard E.J. Bellinger of Fort Zumwalt South is a prototype scoring threat who is a threat to get buckets from the moment he enters the gymnasium.
The 6’4″ shooting guard has been a scorer for the Bulldogs since entering the program as a freshman two seasons ago. In his first year, he provided instant offense off the bench. As a sophomore last season, Bellinger became the top scoring option for the Bulldogs.
An excellent jump shooter with good athleticism and a versatile skill set, Bellinger is starting to receive Division I interest from schools such as Southeast Missouri State, SIU-Edwardsville, Abeline Christian and Western Illinois.
“I try to see what the defense is doing to me and take what they give me,” Bellinger said. “I try not to do too much.”
As a sophomore, Bellinger broke out as he averaged 18.6 points and 6.3 rebounds a game while shooting 43 percent from the field and 79 percent from the free throw line. He also averaged nearly two steals a game. He also enjoyed some big scoring nights, including 32 points against Westminster in the Troy Tournament and 29 points against Fort Zumwalt West in the St. Dominic Christmas Tournament.
Bellinger has spending the summer grassroots season playing with the Gateway Basketball Club 16U, which competed in the Adidas Uprising Series Gauntlet during the spring. This weekend, Bellinger and his Gateway team will be playing in the Adidas Invitational in Noblesville, IN in the 17U division.
“There was a lot of great competition in the Gauntlet,” Bellinger said. “It’s was good because it makes you play harder and it also makes high school ball a little bit easier.”
One area that Bellinger has improved upon during the past year is his overall athleticism. He has become quite an explosive athlete who can really make some nice plays in the open court. He has delivered more than his share of slam dunks in the transition game.
“It has made things a little bit easier for me,” said Bellinger of his improved athleticism. “I can get to where I want to go a little quicker.”