Get To Know: Elliot Whitney

<p><strong>Sioux Falls, SD</strong> - In this article, we will be looking at one of the better shooters in all of the Dakotas. Elliot was lethal from beyond the arc all spring and summer for the Pentagon Schooler 16U National Team. Whitney is also a great shooter from the charity stripe, you will not find anyone better. Elliot is a smart player that knows how to space the floor and react to the defense. His shot is pure from all over the court, especially from deep-range. He broke the sophomore 3-point shooting record at Sioux Falls Lincoln last season. Whitney is not only a 3-point sniper, he is a great teammate as well. Look for Elliot to be shooting the lights out in Sioux Falls all winter long!</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"] 6’0 SG || Sioux Falls Lincoln || Pentagon Schoolers 16U National ||</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/whitneyshoot-crop-1125x739-1628396293.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1261445" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/whitneyshoot-crop-1125x739-1628396293-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Pentagon Schoolers coach, Buster Vincent comments on Whitney</strong></span></p> <p><em>"Elliot continues to get better with all facets of the game every time he steps on the floor. His ability to shoot the ball at a high rate has helped our Schooler team keep the floor spaced for our dribble-drive motion while he keeps a defender attached to him from deep.</em></p> <p><em>Elliot is a true shooter who is always ready to catch and shoot. His game will really help SF Lincoln this year with their inside-out game with 7ft JT Rock and 6ft shooter [player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"].</em></p> <p><em>Elliot has been a joy to coach for the last two years and is willing to sacrifice personal attention for the betterment of his team.</em></p> <p><em>I am really looking forward to watching Elliot continue growing his success on the basketball court his Jr and Senior seasons."</em></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021 AAU STATS</span></strong></p> <p>10.2 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.5 SPG</p> <p>43.1 FG%, 39.9 3-FG%, 90.8 FT%</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/elliotwhitney-crop-1859x1221-1618414469.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1168917" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/elliotwhitney-crop-1859x1221-1618414469-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Sioux Falls Lincoln head coach, Jeff Halseth comments on Whitney </strong></span></p> <p><em>"Elliott Whitney is a player that has spent a lot of time on his game. He is an outstanding perimeter shooter and has developed his ball-handling that allows him to attack the basket when he can. Elliott has an excellent opportunity to be a starter for us this year."</em></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FULL INTERVIEW</strong></span></p> <p><strong>PHD: What type of player is [player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"] and what are your strengths?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]:</strong> I am a smart player who tries to make the right play to help his team. I think of myself as a skilled guard who can score and help my teammates score.</p> <p><strong>PHD: You play high school ball at Sioux Falls Lincoln, what are the expectations for the team going into the school year?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>I expect that we will compete and be a team that some people may have overlooked.</p> <p><strong>PHD: You hoop with the Pentagon Schoolers in AAU ball, how did the season go?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>The season was fun as always. We got to play a bunch of talented teams and compete in every tournament. I love playing with my Schooler guys not only because of their skill level but because they also share my competitiveness and a desire to get better. It’s always fun to play with the best.</p> <p><strong>PHD: What is your best memory from basketball to this point in your career?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>I have many great memories of basketball. One that comes to mind is a game-winner last year in a sophomore game. Our team had to really come together to win that game and seeing them all cheer was a real moment for me. </p> <p><strong>PHD: Who is the best high school basketball team in Sioux Falls?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>Sioux Falls Lincoln…next question.</p> <p><strong>PHD: Who do you try to emulate/copy your game after?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>I watch a lot of NBA so I try to pick up some things from a bunch of different guys. I like Trae Young because he can get his teammates involved at any time, like in the playoffs. So if I had to choose anyone I’d say, Trae Young.</p> <p><strong>PHD: What are your long-term goals within the game of basketball?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>I want to play at the highest collegiate level I can and maybe coach when my playing days are over.</p> <p><strong>PHD: Who is the best basketball player in the world right now?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>It’s got to be Giannis – he just led his team to a ring.</p> <p><strong>PHD: Who is your favorite college basketball team and why?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>Michigan State because my Dad went to college there and they are always at the top. Coach Izzo is the GOAT.</p> <p><strong>PHD: What do you do for fun outside of hoops?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>Outside of basketball, I’m usually hanging with friends, watching movies with my family, or watching basketball. I’ve started to golf more, but I’ve got some work to do.</p> <p><strong>PHD: The best basketball gym you have ever played in, where is it and why is it the best?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>The best basketball gym is Woodlake (GreatLife). It’s where I grew up playing and I have countless memories of pickup games there. My Sioux Falls guys know what I’m talking about.</p> <p><strong>PHD: How do you react when a referee makes a call that you disagree with?</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"]: </strong>I react by not letting my immediate emotions get the best of me. Basketball is a game of mental toughness, and you can’t let that stuff get in the way. Sometimes that’s easier said than done.</p> <p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hECvLFJ768M</p>