The Floyd Street Tribune: An evaluation of Louisville's guard situation and more
Inside: An open question on how Louisville's staff assesses El Ellis. Plus, Kenny Payne's most interesting comments on the Field of 68 podcast; recruiting ramblings; and a little story time!
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One Small Thought: How does U of L’s staff view El Ellis?
If Louisville basketball recruiting chatter isn’t about Emoni Bates, it’s about guards. As in, the Cards only have one (El Ellis) on the 2022-23 roster and two other players — incoming freshman Devin Ree and returning-from-injury sophomore Mike James — who can moonlight as 2-guards. So, uh, who is going to help El Ellis handle the ball, run the offense, defend opposing guards and make plays for teammates?
We’re still trying to figure that question out. Tyrese Hunter was a possibility. Maybe he still is, but the winds seem to be blowing in different directions there. Maybe Isiaih Mosley from Missouri State is an option as a secondary handler and 2-guard. Or what about Malachi Smith, the combo guard from Chattanooga?
As they sort that out, Louisville has to answer a bigger question: What’s their evaluation of El Ellis? And how do the guards in the transfer portal fit as a backcourt partner with him?
Ellis offered his own assessment early into the offseason: “I’m a PG not an SG. Don’t let last year fool you.” And he is right: That’s where Ellis is at his best, with the ball in his hands, dictating terms on offense, scoring at all three levels. He was consistently Louisville’s biggest offensive threat last season, with 13 double-digit scoring performances.
So, what is Kenny Payne’s plan for Ellis? How does Louisville want to facilitate its offense? How do the Cards find ways to get Ellis in scoring situations while also harnessing his ability to collapse defenses and turn those moments into easy baskets for teammates? His junior college coaches lauded his playmaking ability, especially as a freshman, when he was asked to be more of a floor general than a scorer, take-over-a-game lead guard. As a sophomore, Ellis took on much of his team’s scoring responsibility. I’d say we say sophomore year Ellis more last season than freshman year Ellis.