Alvin Ellis III: Down To His Last Few Arrows
2/23/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Jazzy Teen, MSU Athletic Communications
A young team combined with a string of injuries has resulted in a unique situation for Michigan State's basketball program this season. Through the adversity, one particular player has stepped up in a big way to ensure his last year wearing the Green and White will be one that counts.
"He's got what we lack â€" he's got some toughness," said Coach Tom Izzo of senior guard Alvin Ellis III, following MSU's conference opening overtime victory at Minnesota. "I'm happy for him, I'm actually proud of him. He took a challenge, he responded, and that's kind of what you hope guys will do.
That toughness of Ellis has proved to be vital in the performance of this year's Spartan squad. Arguably playing the best basketball of his collegiate career, Ellis has focused on leading the team by example in the little time he has left in college basketball.
"I've been trying to show them how we do things around here. Us older guys have been through it all. The seniors taught me when I was a freshman and I'm trying to do the same from the things I've seen and experienced," explained Ellis. "I have to be a part of the senior leadership on this team and bring that toughness every day."
The 6'4 guard began a consistent performance in the first half of the season, contributing a handful of points and minutes off the bench.
In the Big Ten opener, that ‘this is it' mentality many in their last year may realize too late, came shooting through.
Like a bow-and-arrow.
Ellis came off the bench to contribute a career-high 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 36 minutes in the 75-74 overtime victory over the Golden Gophers. Ellis even sealed victory by sinking two free throws with seconds left.
"It's my senior year. The last year, the last go around, and I know that everything counts. I've been through it all and played with all the seniors who played before me," explained Ellis. "I knew what it meant to them, and I'm trying to get that to the younger guys too."
Since the stellar performance against Minnesota in late December, Ellis has continued to play at a high level during Big Ten play, ranking among the team's leading scorers.
What is more impressive than his performance on paper, is the lack of attention he gives to the statistics.
"I don't really pay attention to stats, at all. I just know that I have to be out there to do the little things, to be a leader," said Ellis.
The road to get this point has taken some twists and turns. The Chicago-area native out of De La Salle High School, originally signed with the Golden Gophers four years ago, but was granted a release when coach Tubby Smith was fired.
"I got a call from Coach Izz shortly after, and I was very interested in the school," explained Ellis.
After finding his home at Michigan State, he never looked back. If you would have told him then that he would see time as a power forward by his senior year, the natural-born guard wouldn't have believed it.
"I would have never thought that, it's crazy. One of our coaches told me at the beginning of the season I may be seeing some forward down the road, and now I actually am playing some four," said Ellis.
His versatility has proved himself even more valuable, as a switch from guard to forward in certain sets has been quite common this season. The transition has been easier than expected says Ellis, due to the increased time he sets aside to study all positions and plays.
While seeing Ellis at the four may present a new image to fans, one view hasn't gone away.
The bow-and-arrow celebration after a made 3-pointer has become Ellis' signature.
"It's from an NBA player named Wesley Matthews - I saw him do it some years ago. I don't know if he still does it, but that's where I got it from and I just kept doing it after that," laughed Ellis.
How does Coach Izzo feel about the signature move, though?
"As long as we get back on defense and don't miss a stop or something like that, he doesn't mind too much," said Ellis with a smile.
Entering the stretch run of Big Ten play, Ellis is starting to feel the reality of his final year coming to a close.
"Someone told me the other day how many we have left. It's crazy because we only have seven games or something like that, only a few home games left at that. It feels totally unreal," said Ellis.
He credits the Spartan program, and close relationship with his family for the transformation he's undergone the past four years.
"From freshman to senior year, I've grown a lot through this program. The maturity level and decision making, things like that. That's what Michigan State basketball does a great job of," explained Ellis.
"My family, and parents, they are always in my corner. I always talk to them about things, what I'm going through, tough times â€" anything over the past four years."
While the end is closing in, much work is yet to be done. Ellis hasn't forgotten the feeling of Indianapolis during the Final Four his sophomore year, one of his favorite Spartan basketball memories.
"Winning out these next few games we have left is important. We're young of course, and every one of us still have a lot of learning to do, but we're trying to pick that up," said Ellis. "We're a young and talented team, with a bright future ahead of us."
Ellis graduates in May with a degree in sociology. With hopes to push his basketball career as far as it takes him, he attributes MSU basketball to much of who he is today.
"All the connections we made going through this program and all the places we've been, that when it's time for this basketball thing to be over, those connections and experiences become an important part of who we are," said Ellis.
The versatility, toughness, and notorious bow-and-arrow will stick around long after number 3 hangs up the Spartan uniform for good.
"I want to be remembered as a tough player who stuck it out. Someone who went to fight every night on the court, and just a tough player all around."
