Recruit follows Smart from Texas to MU
Shaka Smart is bringing one of his Class of 2021 men's basketball recruits from Texas to Marquette.
And maybe more. Davenport (Iowa) Assumption guard Emarion Ellis has committed to play for the Golden Eagles, a source confirmed on Tuesday. Ellis' decision was first reported by Quad Cities TV station WHBF.
Ellis, a 6-foot-5 slasher, signed with Texas in November to play for Smart. But after MU hired Smart in late March, Ellis asked to be released from his national letter of intent with the Longhorns.
The spring signing period for basketball begins on Wednesday.
Brookfield Central's David Joplin, another player who uncommitted from Texas after Smart's departure, is set to announce his new commitment Wednesday morning. Joplin could also land at MU, although many schools have pursued the talented 6-7 forward.
Ellis averaged 17 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while leading Assumption to the Iowa Class 3A semifinals last season. He missed 11 games with a broken hand.
Ellis committed to Texas in July when he wasn't in the 247 Sports composite rankings, but he has risen to No. 105 among 2021 prospects.
Ellis joins MU's recruiting class of fellow guards Kameron Jones and Stevie Mitchell, who both signed with former MU coach Steve Wojciechowski but have affirmed their commitments to Smart.
Garcia enters draft
Dawson Garcia is ready to test the NBA draft waters. The talented freshman announced on Monday night he is putting his name into the draft but will maintain his college eligibility by not hiring an agent.
“I look forward to going through this process, gathering information, and making the best decision possible regarding my future,” Garcia said in a post on Instagram.
After the delayed start to the NBA season, the draft will be held on July 29. The draft combine, which was canceled last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be June 21-27.
The NBA's deadline for an early entry player to withdraw from the draft is July 19.
The NCAA usually sets its own date for players to withdraw from the draft and maintain their college eligibility.
Garcia had a strong freshman season with the Golden Eagles, leading the team in scoring along with sophomore guard D.J. Carton at 13 points per game. Garcia also averaged a team-high 6.6 rebounds.
Garcia had some strong games against good competition, posting a season-high 28 points at Villanova and 24 points and 11 rebounds against North Carolina's mammoth front line, but he also struggled at times with the physicality of the college game.