Pistons draft pick Henry Ellenson was almost a Michigan State Spartan – Detroit Free Press
Free Press columnist Drew Sharp and sports writer Vince Ellis break down the Pistons selection of Marquette power forward Henry Ellenson. Video by Michelle Fikany/Videolicious Videolicious
Ellenson was recruited hard by Tom Izzo at MSU; After the pick, Izzo texted Van Gundy ‘don’t screw it up’
Tom Izzo couldn’t get Henry Ellenson to the state of Michigan, but the Detroit Pistons could.
The No. 18 pick from Marquette was heavily recruited by Izzo at Michigan State and Kentucky, before opted to stay in state.
It turned out to be a good move for the 6-foot-11, 19-year-old, who averaged 17 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in the Big East, garnering rookie of the year honors.
While his defense will be a work in progress, Ellenson has the skills offensively to help at power forward or backup center.
It was those offensive traits that drew the attention of Izzo and eventually, the Pistons.
“Izzo was at the draft last night (Thursday) with his guys,’’ said Van Gundy. “He texted me and said it’s a great pick. He tried to recruit him hard. And then he said ‘I just talked to his parents, I told them you were a great coach, so now don’t screw it up.’ Henry said he said afterwards he said to him ‘well, we finally got you to the state.’ ’’
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Ellenson was a big-time recruit at Rice Lake (Wis.) High school, where he averaged 27.4 points and 12 rebounds as a senior, leading the team to the state championship game for the second straight season. He was rated as the fifth-best prospect in the nation by ESPN.com. A versatile athlete, he was the school’s MVP for track and field, participating in the high jump, triple jump and discus.
He said it was tough turning down Izzo.
“It was real close between Marquette and Michigan State,’’ said Ellenson. “I had a great time in East Lansing. My parents were with me and I just had a great visit there with Tom Izzo. I got to see the campus and got a real good feel for the school and the team. It was a real close decision for me to choose Marquette over Michigan State, but I enjoyed my time in Michigan very much.’’
Family and state ties won out.
“I had my brother (Wally) playing there at Marquette and that was huge for me,’’ he said. “I thought just playing for the home state in college would be nice.’’
It’ll be nice if Ellenson can use his size to be a solid stretch four (power forward), who can pull defenses away from Andre Drummond with mid-range jump shots and threes.
“He didn’t shoot a great percentage (28.8% from three on 30-for-104 shooting), but if you look at his stroke, it’s a really nice looking stroke,’’ said Van Gundy. “I think he’ll shoot the mid-range jumper right now and I do think eventually he’ll expand out and be able to make the NBA three.
“I think he will be able to stretch the floor. We’re happy about that too, obviously.’’
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The Detroit Pistons’ first-round pick, Henry Ellenson, talks with the media about coming to the young Pistons on June 24, 2016. By Perry A. Farrell, DFP.
Contact Perry A. Farrell: 313-222-2555 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @farrellperry.
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