LeRon Ellis

Infobox NBA Player
name= LeRon Ellis


caption =
position = Power Forward, Center
nickname =
height_ft = 6
height_in = 11
weight_lb = 225
nationality = American
birth_date = birth date and age|1969|4|28
birth_place = Los Angeles, California
highschool = Parkrose, Mater Dei
college = Kentucky, Syracuse
draft = 22nd overall
draft_year = 1991
draft_team = Los Angeles Clippers
career_start = 1991
career_end = 2002
former_teams = Los Angeles Clippers (1991–1992)
CB Valladolid (1992–1993)
Columbus Horizon (1993)
Hyundai Desio (1993)
Charlotte Hornets (1993–1994)
FC Barcelona Bàsquet (1994–1995)
Miami Heat (1995)
Connecticut Skyhawks (1996)
Quad City Thunder (1996–1997)
Beijing Olympians (1999–2000, 2001–2002)
Quilmes Mar del Plata (2000–2001)
awards =

LeRon Perry Ellis (born April 28 1969) is an American professional basketball player and former NBA athlete. Ellis was considered to be one of the top high school basketball players in the nation while playing for a top-ranked Southern California prep school squad. cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Crenshaw Beats Mater Dei to Gain State Final, 59-57 | pages = C1, C15 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1986-03-16 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58542763.html?dids=58542763:58542763&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+16%2C+1986&author=SCOTT+HOWARD-COOPER&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Crenshaw+Beats+Mater+Dei+to+Gain+State+Final%2C+59-57&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-27 ] He experienced a somewhat above average college basketball career at the University of Kentucky and Syracuse University before being drafted into the NBA. Ellis suffered several unsuccessful stints in the NBA over three non-consecutive seasons but spent the majority of his professional basketball career playing overseas.

Early life

LeRon Ellis was born to LeRoy Sr. and Lucille Ellis in Los Angeles, California. His father, LeRoy Ellis, is a 14-year NBA veteran and member of the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers championship team.cite news | last = Kresal | first = Steve | title = Ellis Adjusts to His Role in Mater Dei's Tradition | page = OC B7 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1986-03-12 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58536696.html?dids=58536696:58536696&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+12%2C+1986&author=STEVE+KRESAL&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Orange+County+Player+of+the+Week+Ellis+Adjusts+to+His+Role+in+Mater+Dei's+Tradition&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-21 ] Ellis is from an athletic family; his father was an NBA journeyman, his elder sister Lisa Ellis played women's basketball for California State University, Long Beach and the University of Kentucky and his elder brother LeRoy Jr. played NCAA Division I men’s basketball for the University of the Pacific. It was through LeRoy Jr. that LeRon Ellis first developed an interest in sports.cite news | last = Hamilton | first = Tom | title = LeRon Ellis Passes Over USC, Announces That He'll Play Basketball at Kentucky | page = C10 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1986-09-16 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58029655.html?dids=58029655:58029655&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+16%2C+1986&author=TOM+HAMILTON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=LeRon+Ellis+Passes+Over+USC%2C+Announces+That+He'll+Play+Basketball+at+Kentucky&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-21 ]

LeRon Ellis' father LeRoy traversed the country with the NBA during the first eight years of his life. The Ellises eventually relocated to Portland, Oregon after LeRoy Sr. retired from basketball. In Portland LeRon Ellis attended Parkrose High School for his freshman and sophomore years. The young student excelled in athletics, playing both basketball and water polo for his school.cite web | last = Tuleya | first = Ray J. | title = 1984 Boys Oregon HS Water Polo Championship | url=http://tuleya.com/hspolo/state1984.html | accessdate = 2008-05-27 ] cite news | last = DiGiovannia | first = Mike | title = Bob Erbst: Katella's New Hero | page = OC B7 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1985-11-27 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/64577487.html?dids=64577487:64577487&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Nov+27%2C+1985&author=MIKE+DiGIOVANNA&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Bob+Erbst%3A+Katella's+New+Hero&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-21 ] In 1985 LeRoy decided to begin a new career in the tire store industry. LeRoy Ellis Sr. packed his bags and returned to Southern California where he operated a tire store in Orange County. LeRon decided to join his father even though the rest of the family were planning to move at a later time. The two settled in the city of Anaheim and LeRon Ellis transferred to Mater Dei High School, a nearby private Catholic school with a reputable athletics program. Ellis completed the rest of high school at Mater Dei and enrolled at the University of Kentucky with a basketball scholarship.

High school career

Freshman and sophomore years

LeRon Ellis began his athletic accomplishments at an early age. He helped lead the Parkrose High School boy's basketball team to the Oregon state semi-finals during his freshman year. Ellis was also selected as part of the 1984 Oregon Boys' High School Water Polo All-Tourney Second Team and his school's water polo team placed third in the Oregon state water polo championship tournament. LeRon Ellis left behind his feats in Portland after two years with Parkrose High for a new start in Southern California. Ellis moved back to California with his father and the two settled in Orange County, where he caught the eye of Gary McKnight, the boys' basketball coach for the nearby Mater Dei High School. [cite news | last = Arellano | first = Gustavo | title = McKnight Fall | page = | work = Orange County Weekly | date = 2007-01-25 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/64578276.html?dids=64578276:64578276&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Nov+29%2C+1985&author=MIKE+KENNEDY&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Southern+Section+Basketball+Preview+Ocean+View+Should+Have+View+From+Top+Despite+Its+Problems&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-29 ] McKnight coached one of the state's best basketball squads at the time, leading the Mater Dei Monarchs to an undefeated 29-0 and the CIF Southern Section 5-A title in 1984-85. [cite news | last = Florence | first = Mal | title = Morrison, USC's Renaissance Man, Has Some Young Up-and-Comers | page = C1 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1985-11-21 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/64575243.html?dids=64575243:64575243&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Nov+21%2C+1985&author=MAL+FLORENCE&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=COLLEGE+BASKETBALL+COACHES%2C+PLAYERS%2C+TEAMS%2C+TRENDS+TO+WATCH+IN+THE+1985-86+SEASON+THE+QUESTION+OF+WHO+IS+NO.+1+IN+L.A..+Morrison%2C+USC's+Renaissance+Man%2C+Has+Some+Young+Up-and-Comers&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-07-01 ] However the team was without its All-American star player, Tom Lewis, who recently graduated. Thus the Monarchs were in need of someone exceptional to fill in Lewis' big shoes for the upcoming 1985-86 season. Eventually McKnight was successfully at convincing the young Portland transplant to attend Mater Dei and in September 1985 LeRon Ellis officially transferred to the private Catholic school.

Junior year

Ellis excelled with the Monarchs and soon became one of the team's cornerstone players in the center position. He demonstrated both dominant offensive and defensive performances on the court, excellent shot blocking skills and was noted for being considerably quick and agile for his age. [cite news | last = Kennedy | first = Mike | title = Ocean View Should Have View From Top Despite Its Problems | page = C33 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1986-11-29 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/64578276.html?dids=64578276:64578276&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Nov+29%2C+1985&author=MIKE+KENNEDY&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Southern+Section+Basketball+Preview+Ocean+View+Should+Have+View+From+Top+Despite+Its+Problems&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-29 ] The Mater Dei Monarchs posted another impressive record of 30-1 during the 1985-86 season and established a 59-game winning streak (second-longest in CIF history) over the past two seasons. Their spectacular season was followed by another CIF Southern Section 5-A tournament title in March 1986, making the Monarchs back to back champions. LeRon Ellis scored a then career-high of 30 points in the tournament, was named the tournament's MVP and was selected as the Los Angeles Times' Player of the Week. However Mater Dei fell short in a close overtime game to Crenshaw High School in the CIF Division I state final game later that month.

During the 1986 summer off-season Ellis received a number of recruitment offers from the nation's top NCAA basketball programs.cite news | last = Hamilton | first = Tom | title = LeRon Ellis Passes Over USC, Announces That He'll Play Basketball at Kentucky | page = C10 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1986-09-16 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58029655.html?dids=58029655:58029655&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+16%2C+1986&author=TOM+HAMILTON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=LeRon+Ellis+Passes+Over+USC%2C+Announces+That+He'll+Play+Basketball+at+Kentucky&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-21 ] Ellis eventually narrowed his choices down to St. John's, Georgetown University, the University of Southern California and the University of Kentucky. Many though the high school star would make USC his home since his father was recently hired there as a part-time assistant basketball coach that same summer. Former Laker player and coach Pat Riley helped recruit Ellis to Kentucky onbehalf of Wildcat's coach Eddie Sutton.cite news | last = Greenberg | first = Don | title = Riley has three words to say to Kentucky job: No, no, no | page = C9 | work = Orange County Register | publisher = Orange County Register | date = 1989-03-26 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-08 ] Riley, a former teammate of Ellis' father, spoke highly of the University of Kentucky's basketball program to his parents. Many thought the high school star would make USC his home since his father was recently hired there as a part-time assistant basketball coach that same summer. However on September 15, 1986, LeRon Ellis announced he would sign with Kentucky. Ellis had a lot to look forward to by the start of his senior year; he was rated as one of the top 20 high school basketball players in the nation, he was the star player for the number two ranked boys high school basketball team in the county and he had just secured a scholarship to join the ranks of the prestigious Kentucky Wildcats basketball team for the following year.

enior year

LeRon Ellis began the season helping his team make it to the 1986 King Cotton Tournament finals.cite news | last = DiGiovannia | first = Mike | title = Mater Dei Loses to Nation's No.1 Team | page = C1 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-01-04 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58199804.html?dids=58199804:58199804&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+04%2C+1987&author=MIKE+DiGIOVANNA&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Mater+Dei+Loses+to+Nation's+No.1+Team&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-29 ] The Monarchs went on to play what would become one of their most fabled basketball seasons in the school's history. Ellis and company replicated their previous 30-1 record during the 1986-87 season and bagged their third straight CIF Southern Section 5-A title.cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Mater Dei Gains Third Straight Title | page = C1 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-03-08 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58258467.html?dids=58258467:58258467&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+08%2C+1987&author=SCOTT+HOWARD-COOPER&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Mater+Dei+Gains+Third+Straight+Title&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-28 ] Mater Dei preceded to the state CIF State Championship tournament, ousting the top-ranked Fairfax High School in the semi-finals. [cite news | last = Hamilton | first = Tom | title = Ellis Leads Mater Dei to Oakland No. 1 Fairfax Falls From Unbeaten Ranks in Regional Title Game | page = C1 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-03-15 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58264463.html?dids=58264463:58264463&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+15%2C+1987&author=TOM+HAMILTON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Ellis+Leads+Mater+Dei+to+Oakland+No.+1+Fairfax+Falls+From+Unbeaten+Ranks+in+Regional+Title+Game&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-28 ] The Monarchs completed their memorable season in style by defeating Ygnacio Valley High School in the finals and clinching the school's first CIF Division I state title. LeRon Ellis won a series of prestigious awards that season while averaging 22.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and a 54% field goal shooting percentage.cite news | last = Hamilton | first = Tom | title = THE TIMES' ALL-COUNTY BASKETBALL TEAM: Talented Cast Is Led by a Pair of Big Men Ready for Big Time | page = C10 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-03-18 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58266650.html?dids=58266650:58266650&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+18%2C+1987&author=TOM+HAMILTON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=THE+TIMES'+ALL-COUNTY+BASKETBALL+TEAM+Talented+Cast+Is+Led+by+a+Pair+of+Big+Men+Ready+for+Big+Time&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-31 ] cite news | last = Osterman | first = David | title = Ellis adds to a long honor roll | page = | work = Orange County Register | date = 1987-03-19 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OC&p_theme=oc&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF3C0C5388E44F&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-06-03 ] By the end of the season LeRon Ellis was considered to be one of the nation's top high school basketball players and the Mater Dei basketball team was ranked number one in the county by USA Today. [cite news | last = DiGiovannia | first = Mike | title = Brian Williams Fights His Battles Above the Rim Tall Tale to Unfold When St. Monica Meets Mater Dei in a 5-A Semifinal Tonight | page = C8 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-03-04 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58029655.html?dids=58029655:58029655&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+16%2C+1986&author=TOM+HAMILTON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=LeRon+Ellis+Passes+Over+USC%2C+Announces+That+He'll+Play+Basketball+at+Kentucky&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-28 ]

LeRon Ellis also displayed outstanding athletic skills off the basketball court while at Mater Dei. He returned to water polo during his senior year and led the team in scoring. Ellis was also a member of the Mater Dei track & field team and participated in the high jump and triple jump, where his 46-9.5 mark in the latter was placed in the top 25 all-time Orange County boys' track & field triple jump record. [cite web | last = Chadez | first = Don | title = Orange County All-Time Boys Track & Field Marks | url=http://www.flashresults.com/flashwest/lists/ochs-b.htm | accessdate = 2008-05-27 | publisher = Flash Results, Inc.] LeRon Ellis was even involved in several non-athletic school activities, including participating in several theater productions with the Mater Dei drama club and winning first prize in the school's bake-off.

College career

University of Kentucky

Freshman year

Ellis spent the summer of 1987 playing in the U.S. Olympic Festival basketball games for the West team before entering the NCAA. At Kentucky he was a highly regarded incoming freshman that Wildcats head coach Eddie Sutton considered to be the next Sam Bowie. [cite news | last = Moffit | first = David | title = Southern Sidelines | page = | work = United Press International | date = 1987-02-17 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-02 ] LeRon Ellis played a secondary role, mostly coming off the bench, behind center Robert Lock and power forward Winston Bennett during his freshman season. [cite news | last = Abair | first = Chuck | title = LeRon Ellis' future is now: Freshman from Mater Dei part of Kentucky's tradition | page = | work = Orange County Register | date = 1988-03-24 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OC&p_theme=oc&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF3CAA122C2D72&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-06-04 ] However Ellis did manage to break into the starting lineup several times, making his debut as a starter on January 31, 1988 against Notre Dame where he enjoyed a then-career high of 14 points and five steals. [cite news | last = Tipton | first = Jerry | title = Ellis Jump-Starts Kentucky Past Irish 78-69: Freshman Scores 14 Points, Gets Five Steals in First Start | page = C1 | work = Lexington Herald-Leader | date = 1988-02-01 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LH&s_site=kentucky&p_multi=LH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB73A62AC8087AA&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-07-02 ] LeRon Ellis averaged 4.3 points per game and 13.8 minutes per game, while starting in 12 of 28 games during the 1987-88 season.cite news | last = Malloy | first = Brian | title = Troubles At Kentucky Basketball Probe May Leave Kentucky Fried | page = | work = United Press International | date = 1988-11-23 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-02 ] cite web | last = Scott | first = Jon | title = Statistics for 1987-88 | url=http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/Statistics/stat1987-88.html | accessdate = 2008-07-02 | publisher = bigbluehistory.net: Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Page] All-American and All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) basketball star Rex Chapman led Kentucky that season to their 37th SEC title with a 27-6 record. cite web | last = Scott | first = Jon | title = Kentucky Teams of the Past | url=http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/Statistics/teamslist.html | accessdate = 2008-07-03 | publisher = bigbluehistory.net: Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Page] The Wildcats were ranked as the 6th college basketball team in the nation by the Associated Press and UPI and secured the number two Southeast Conference seed in the 1988 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. Kentucky's talents led the team to the tournament's Sweet Sixteen, where they suffered a defeat against Villanova.

ophomore year

LeRon Ellis made local headlines at the start of his sophomore year when became the first African American inducted into the University of Kentucky's Kappa Alpha fraternity. [cite news | last = Gregory | first = Eric | title = Frat Cat LeRon Ellis Becomes 1st Black to Pledge Kappa Alpha at UK | page = B1 | work = Lexington Herald-Leader | date = 1988-09-09 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LH&s_site=kentucky&p_multi=LH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB73AEC85BF1027&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-06-04 ] Ellis was also the center of attention on the court as many of Kentucky's high-profile basketball players were unable to play in the 1988-89 season. Offensive and defensive stars Ed Davender, Robert Lock and Winston Bennett graduated from school; the Wildcats' MVP Rex Chapman left school early to enter the 1988 NBA Draft; sophomore standout Eric Manuel was suspended for the entire season from playing basketball and potential franchise recruit Shawn Kemp was transferred out of the university before the start of the season.cite news | last = Drum | first = Keith | title = Commentary | page = | work = United Press International | date = 1988-11-16 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-06 ] Kentucky's basketball program was essentially put into the hands of the unexperienced sophomore LeRon Ellis and freshman Chris Mills. The two underclassmen struggled to fill the talent vacuum on the court and even prior to the season many had predicted rough times ahead for the Wildcats' 1988-89 season.

Ellis led Kentucky in points that season while starting in the power forward and center positions. The talented sophomore would experience his best offensive season in his entire collegiate career, averaging a career high of 16 points per game and a 51.9% field goal percentage, including noteworthy defensive numbers with 5.5 rebounds per game as well as 1.1 blocks per game. cite web | last = Armstrong Jr. | first = James C. | title = LeRon Ellis, Syracuse | url=http://www.sportsstats.com/jazzyj/greats/91/ellis.htm | accessdate = 2008-07-14 | publisher = SportsStats] Ellis' best single game outing (and arguably the highlight of his Kentucky tenure) was his performance against Northwestern University where he set a career-high as a Wildcat with 37 points in one game while netting 14 of 17 field goalscite news | last = Tipton | first = Jerry | title = Northwestern St. Shocks UK 85-82: Cats Lose Home Opener Despite 37 Points by Ellis | page = C1 | work = Lexington Herald-Leader | date = 1988-12-08 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LH&s_site=kentucky&p_multi=LH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB73B19AC702CF1&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-07-14 ] The feat placed him in the record books then as the second most points scored by a Kentucky sophomore in a single game. The Wildcats' star was honored for his outstanding performance at the University of Kentucky's annual awards banquet where he received the "Most Points" and "Most Sacrifice" awards. [cite news | last = | first = | title = UK Basketball Players Get Awards | page = D2 | work = The Associated Press | publisher = Lexington Herald-Leader | date = 1989-04-22 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LH&s_site=kentucky&p_multi=LH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB73B5ECF4F0902&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-07-08 ] However Ellis was not without his own shortcomings, being considered inconsistent on offense and weak on defense.cite news | last = Wojciechowski | first = Gene | title = Ellis Feels the Heat as Kentucky Goes Cold | page = C7 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1988-09-09 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/66382635.html?dids=66382635:66382635&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+07%2C+1989&author=GENE+WOJCIECHOWSKI&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Ellis+Feels+the+Heat+as+Kentucky+Goes+Cold&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-06-04 ] One his personal lows came on January 25, 1989 in a match up against Auburn University when Ellis and Auburn's Matt Geiger engaged in a scuffle over a loose ball.cite news | last = Tipton | first = Jerry | title = Ellis, Geiger Get Probation for Scuffling | page = D3 | work = Lexington Herald-Leader | date = 1989-01-28 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LH&s_site=kentucky&p_multi=LH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB73B2A8F484F51&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-07-07 ] The two were ejected for fighting and in lieu of a suspension were both placed on probation for the remainder of the season by CEC commissioner Harvey Schiller. In the end, Ellis was unable to lift Kentucky out of their battered season that was marred by poor performances on the court and an ongoing NCAA investigation into the school's basketball program off the court. The Wildcats finished with a loosing record of 13-19, the lowest full season finish in the school's history since 1927.

To add injury to insult, the NCAA announced at the end of the season that its investigation into the University of Kentucky's basketball program had found the school responsible of violating NCAA recruitment policies.cite news | last = Rhoden | first = William C. | title = Kentucky's Basketball Program And 2 Players Heavily Penalized | page = | work = The New York Times | date = 1989-05-20 | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE0DC133EF933A15756C0A96F948260 | accessdate = 2008-07-14 ] Consequently the Wildcats were reprimanded with a three-year probation and LeRon Ellis shortly thereafter announced that he would no longer be attending Kentucky.cite news | last = Waters | first = Mike | title = Ellis Won't Return to Kentucky | page = C1 | work = The Post-Standard | date = 1989-05-23 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-14 ] Ellis again was courted by some of the nation's top college basketball programs upon making his announcement. He traveled across the country visiting UCLA, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and Syracuse University during the 1989 summer. [cite news | last = Ditota | first = Donna | title = Ellis Completes 1st-Round Visit of Whirlwind Recruiting Tour | page = E3 | work = The Post-Standard | date = 1989-06-04 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-14 ] Ellis was keenly interested in transferring to UNLV but had a sudden change of heart after discovering that their basketball program was under NCAA investigation and could possibly face sanctions similar to the University of Kentucky.cite news | last = Ramsey | first = David | title = NCAA's Probe of Vegas Steered Ellis to SU | page = C1 | work = The Post-Standard | date = 1989-09-13 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-14 ] Though unaware at the time, LeRon Ellis could have potentially been a member of the 1990 UNLV Runnin' Rebels NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship team had he decided to enroll at UNLV in 1989. LeRon Ellis eventually announced on July 17, 1989 that he would transfer to Syracuse. Ellis was allowed to play in the upcoming 1989-90 season and would not have to sit out a season as a redshirt transfer because the University of Kentucky was placed on probation.

Professional basketball career

LeRon Ellis played his final two college seasons at Syracuse University. He was selected 22nd overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers and went on to play three NBA seasons for the Clippers, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. His best year as a pro came during the 1993-94 season as a member of the Hornets, when he appeared in 50 games and averaged 4.4 ppg.

Awards and achievements

*CIF Southern Section 5-A Tournament MVP (1986)
*Los Angeles Times Player of the Week (March 10–16, 1986)
*Cal-Hi Sports All-State Basketball Team (1986) [cite news | last = Hamilton | first = Tom | title = Shriners Try to Corner Market for All-Star Football Game | page = F14B | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1986-04-28 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58596260.html?dids=58596260:58596260&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Apr+28%2C+1986&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Orange+County+Prep+Review+%2F+Tom+Hamilton+Shriners+Try+to+Corner+Market+for+All-Star+Football+Game&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-27 ]
*Street & Smith's Preseason All-American Second Team (1986) [cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = No Place Like Home for Landress | page = C10 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1986-10-28 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58071239.html?dids=58071239:58071239&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Oct+28%2C+1986&author=SCOTT+HOWARD-COOPER&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=The+Preps+%2F+Scott+Howard-Cooper+No+Place+Like+Home+for+Landress&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-29 ]
*King Cotton All-Tournament Team (1987)
*Angelus League MVP (1987) [cite news | last = | first = | title = Ellis Named MVP of Angelus League | page = C8 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-03-24 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58247645.html?dids=58247645:58247645&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Feb+24%2C+1987&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Ellis+Named+MVP+of+Angelus+League&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-29 ]
*Dapper Dan Roundball Classic: U.S. West (1987) [cite news | last = | first = | title = Roundball Classic, Rosters | page = | work = Associated Press | date = 1987-03-31 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-02 ]
*CIF Southern Section 5-A Player of the Year (1987)cite news | last = Hamilton | first = Tom | title = LeRon Ellis Passes Over USC, Announces That He'll Play Basketball at Kentucky | page = C10 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1986-09-16 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58029655.html?dids=58029655:58029655&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+16%2C+1986&author=TOM+HAMILTON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=LeRon+Ellis+Passes+Over+USC%2C+Announces+That+He'll+Play+Basketball+at+Kentucky&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-21 ]
*Gatorade Player of the Year: Pacific Region (1987) [ cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = This Cinderella Story Is Brought to Saugus by Way of Hollywood | page = C7 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-03-11 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58260622.html?dids=58260622:58260622&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+11%2C+1987&author=SCOTT+HOWARD-COOPER&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=The+Preps+%2F+Scott+Howard-Cooper+This+Cinderella+Story+Is+Brought+to+Saugus+by+Way+of+Hollywood&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-05-28 ]
*Los Angeles Times' All-County Basketball Team (1987)
*Orange County Register's All-County Team (1987) [cite news | last = | first = | title = The Register's All-County Team | page = C8 | work = Orange County Register | date = 1987-03-18 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OC&p_theme=oc&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF3C0BF5EE0750&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-05-31 ]
*Circle of Champions Pacific Regional Player of the Year (1987)
*Hoop Scoop Senior Class of 1987 First Team [cite web | last = Francis | first = Clark | title = Hoop Scoop's Final Ranking of the Nation's Top 100 Seniors: Class of 1987 | url=http://www.hoopscooponline.com/members/top100classof1987.html | accessdate = 2008-06-09 | publisher = The HOOP SCOOP, Inc.]
*Los Angeles Times' Player of the Year (1987) [cite news | last = Hamilton | first = Tom | title = Three-Pointer Kit Does a Booming Business | page = C15 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-04-13 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58285996.html?dids=58285996:58285996&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Apr+13%2C+1987&author=Tom+Hamilton&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Orange+County+Prep+Review+Three-Pointer+Kit+Does+a+Booming+Business&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-06-09 ]
*Basketball Weekly All-American Third Team (1987) [cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Even Those Who Are Perfect Sometimes Have to Lose | page = C8 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-04-14 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58286429.html?dids=58286429:58286429&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Apr+14%2C+1987&author=Scott+Howard-Cooper&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=The+Preps+Even+Those+Who+Are+Perfect+Sometimes+Have+to+Lose&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-06-09 ]
*USA Today's All-USA High School Basketball Team (1987) [cite news | last = | first = | title = USA Today's All-USA High School Basketball Team | page = | work = UPI | date = 1987-04-15 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-02 ]
*Parade Magazine All-American First Team (1987)
*McDonald's Derby Festival Classic (1987) [cite news | last = Norwood | first = Robyn | title = For Jeff Wood, Baseball Is Just the Icing | page = C16 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-04-20 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58291681.html?dids=58291681:58291681&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Apr+20%2C+1987&author=Robyn+Norwood&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Orange+County+Prep+Review+For+Jeff+Wood%2C+Baseball+Is+Just+the+Icing&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-06-09 ]
*Cal-Hi Player of the Year (1987) [cite news | last = Osterman | first = David | title = Ellis is named Player of Year by prep magazine | page = | work = Orange County Register | date = 1987-04-10 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OC&p_theme=oc&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF3C14A8C5ADEB&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-06-09 ]
*Orange County Athletic Directors Association Athlete of the Year (1987) [cite news | last = Rezell | first = John | title = Prep week in review | page = | work = Orange County Register | date = 1987-06-01 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OC&p_theme=oc&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF3C2699E41E28&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-06-09 ]
*Amateur Athletic Foundation Top Prep Boy's Athlete (1987)cite news | last = | first = | title = Mater Dei's Ellis awarded top boys honor | page = | work = Orange County Register | date = 1987-06-30 | url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OC&p_theme=oc&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF3C30F4AE7CFC&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | accessdate = 2008-06-09 ]
*U.S. Olympic Festival West Team (1987)cite news | last = Norwood | first = Robyn | title = Ellis Finds Festival Foe in His Future Coach Mater Dei Star Plays for West Basketball Team; Sutton Coaches South | page = C15 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 1987-07-19 | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58409138.html?dids=58409138:58409138&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jul+19%2C+1987&author=ROBYN+NORWOOD&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Ellis+Finds+Festival+Foe+in+His+Future+Coach+Mater+Dei+Star+Plays+for+West+Basketball+Team%3B+Sutton+Coaches+South&pqatl=google | accessdate = 2008-06-09 ]
*R. William Jones Cup U.S. Team (1988) [cite news | last = | first = | title = Jones Cup Roster | page = | work = Associated Press | date = 1988-06-30 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-06 ]
*The United Press International All-SEC Second Team (1989) [cite news | last = | first = | title = The 1989 United Press International All-Southeastern Conference College Basketball Team | page = | work = United Press International | date = 1989-02-28 | url = | accessdate = 2008-07-06 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.databasebasketball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=ELLISLE02 LeRon Ellis statistics] , "databasebasketball.com"
* [http://www.orangehoops.org/LEllis.htm OrangeHoops Profile on LeRon Ellis]