Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE
Following a weekend visit to Minnesota, 2013 guard Alvin Ellis rang in his decision.
Ellis announced his verbal commitment to the Golden Gophers and head coach Tubby Smith on Sunday, becoming the first pledge for Minnesota’s class of 2013.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Ellis had seen a recent surge in his recruitment over the last year, emerging as a legitimate high-major prospect. Prior to announcing in favor of the Gophers, Ellis had received offers from Kansas State and Big Ten rival, Northwestern. Butlerand Wichita State were also in the mix, among others.
An original native of Chicago, Illinois, Ellis currently attends De La Salle Institute (IL) where he is preparing for his senior season. Last year as a junior, Ellis averaged 16 points per game.
The combo guard visited Minnesota this past weekend along with his former high school teammate, Alex Foster. Foster, a 6-foot-8 forward, currently attends Seton Academy (IL). Both recruits were in attendance for the Gophers’ 17-0 football victory over Syracuse.
“Alvin really loved his visit, and he especially got along great with the guys on the team, guys like Austin Hollins,” De La Salle coach Tom White told TwinCities.com. “Those players remind him of the players we have here. The Gophers got themselves a really good all-around player. I can’t wait to see him play in the Big Ten next year.”
During his time on the AAU circuit, Ellis ran with the Meanstreets program.
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