Ellenson to hire agent and enter NBA draft, won’t return to MU

The time for debating Henry Ellenson’s future at Marquette is over.

On Tuesday evening, Ellenson officially announced that he will leave Marquette after one season, hire an agent and declare for the NBA draft. Ellenson revealed his decision via an Instagram post that included a caption explaining his decision.

“I, officially announce that I will be entering the NBA Draft, and hiring an Agent,” Ellenson wrote. “This has been my dream ever since I fell in love with the game growing up in Rice Lake. Without the love and support of my Mom, Dad, brothers-Wally and Ellwood, and sister, Ella, this opportunity would not be possible. to thank Coach

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Wojo and the rest of the coaching staff at Marquette for the help they have given me to grow as a player and as a person.

“I would also like to thank President Dr. Lovell, Athletic Director, Dr. Scholl, Academic Advisors, Adrienne, Katie, and Meryl, Strength Coach Todd, Trainer Yoder, and the office personnel and managers for all their support. In addition, I want to thank my teammates for their trust and friendship we have built over this last year as a brotherhood; I know these bonds will last a lifetime. Furthermore, I would like to thank the fans for their unwavering support for the team throughout the season. Lastly, I will like to thank my entire family for continuing to inspire me to do great things, and letting me know there are no limits to what I can do.”

Ellenson, a 6-foot-11 forward, is projected to be a lottery pick in the June draft, with many outlets listing him as a potential top-10 selection. If Ellenson is taken in the lottery, he would be Marquette’s second lottery pick. The only other was Dwyane Wade, who was selected fifth overall by the Miami Heat in 2003.

First-round picks receive guaranteed contracts for the first two seasons with team options and scheduled salary bumps for years three and four.

In his one season at Marquette, Ellenson set eight single-season freshman records, including points and rebounds. He averaged 17.0 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, with the latter being the top mark in the Big East. Ellenson was also a consensus freshman AllAmerican and the Big East freshman of the year, as well as the first freshman named to the all-Big East first team since Carmelo Anthony in 2003.

“Henry was one of not only the top freshmen in the country this season, he was one of the best players regardless of class,” Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski said in a news release. “As great as he was all season long for our program, his best basketball is still ahead of him and we wish him nothing but the best as he begins the next phase of his career.

“He will always be a member of the Marquette basketball family and we look forward to cheering him on in the NBA.”