Julius Ellerbe Bonafide Talent on the Verge of Stardom

We had our first opportunity to intently study the game of 6’5 Julius Ellerbe and its clear the talent is off the charts; he is a natural small forward because his skill level and ability to stroke the outside shot with a quick release. He has size and strength and when locked in killer instinct. 

This long and lean forward has the ability to stuff the stat sheet all day long. He can rebound and go coast to coast or lead the break where he makes good decisions at time but at others he takes chances and seems to be driven by the highlight play verses the easy play but my goodness, when he is want to he can passes like a seasoned next level guard. 

We watched him sprint the wing or middle in transition where he can finish above the rim or shoot the three. He is a true triple threat player (pass, dribble and shoot). From the wing he can drive both ways and does a great job of moving the defense with a ball fake before he starts a drive. We like the lift on and smoothness of his pull up jumper - he elevates over defenders displaying his high release and excellent follow through. He shoots the three off the catch without hesitation with great shot preparation. 

At times we saw some very unselfish play but also a tendency to force the issues unnecessarily he can easily deliver passes on the money with either hand from the perimeter or from the post as he is willing to play back to the basket basketball and often draws a second defender. When Ellerbe was in the post he likes to fake middle and quick spin on the right block or shoot a hook to the middle. On the left block he loves the turn shot to the middle over his left shoulder. 

Defensively he uses his length and timing to block and alter shots. He is a fun and exciting player to watch. The sky is the limit for this kid all he has to do is work in the most important part of his game at this point and that the game between the ears; mastery of that aspect puts him in rare air and his Top 20 All-Star selection in the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp is testament of his immense talent.  We will be monitoring this player very closely.