Draft Profile: Henry Ellenson

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Henry Ellenson was one of the most feared big men in the Big East last season, averaging a conference-best 9.7 rebounds per game and notching the third-most points (17.0 per game). He was a double-double machine, recording 18 such efforts in 33 games – the third-highest tally among collegiate freshmen. Ellenson was named Big East Freshman of the Year and was the first freshman to earn a nod to the All-Big East First Team since Carmelo Anthony in 2003.

Possessions Scouted from 2015-16 Season:
OFFENSE: 19.7 percent of possessions
DEFENSE: 20.3 percent of possessions

Henry Ellenson isn’t the sexy player many look for in the lottery, but the guy is rock solid… at least on offense. Ellenson is a true big man who can extend to 20-plus feet with his jumper. He’ll eventually be a respectable 3-point threat in the NBA. He has a quick release, soft hands and excels in the midrange (especially with turnarounds), making him a premier pick-and-pop threat. He showcases good patience in the post and has soft touch around the rim. However, he rarely gains deep post position. Ellenson has a high basketball IQ and sees the floor well but sometimes gets himself into trouble when he puts the ball on the floor, particularly going to his left. He is more athletic than he looks until someone makes contact with him; he is easily knocked off balance and tumbles to the floor in such situations. He is also not a great screen setter and struggles at the rim due to limited leaping ability. He will be a defensive liability in the NBA. His ability to start and stop, or change directions when moving at full speed, is very limited, and that’s a major concern against NBA athletes. He is a decent post defender who plays with leverage and times contests well, but stronger players move him around easily. Ellenson is a solid rebounder who fights hard for loose balls and always gives effort on the glass. He will be a valuable offensive player as a skilled big who can see the floor and rebound, but his team will need to cover up his defensive deficiencies.

Henry Ellenson was born on Jan. 13, 1997 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin to John and Holly Ellenson. John played two years of college ball at Marquette University, where two of his sons, Wally and Henry, would eventually play as well. Wally, currently a senior at Marquette, is also a member of the university’s track and field team, and is ranked as one of the top high jumpers in the nation. Henry was also a high jumper in high school, though his true talents showed face on the basketball court. He attended Rice Lake High School and established himself as one of the top players in the state of Wisconsin. Ellenson averaged more than 27.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game during both his junior and senior seasons. Following his junior campaign, he won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship. As a senior, Ellenson earned Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year honors and also was named co-Wisconsin Mr. Basketball, along with fellow potential lottery pick Diamond Stone. He was selected to participate in the McDonald’s All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic, but was unable to play because of a broken hand. Ellenson continued his family legacy by committing to Marquette, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman. The forward notched 21 points and 16 rebounds during his collegiate debut on Nov. 13. A week and a half later, Ellenson led the Golden Eagles to a Legends Classic title, ousting No. 22 LSU and Arizona State during the two-game tournament, while averaging 17.0 PPG and 11.0 RPG. He scored a career-high 32 points to go along with 10 rebounds and six blocks during a win against Butler on Jan. 30. Throughout the campaign, Ellenson was named Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Week twice, Big East Freshman of the Week eight times and earned Big East Freshman of the Year honors. He led the conference in rebounds (9.7 per game), finished third in points (17.0 per game) – both Marquette freshman records – and tallied 18 double-doubles in 33 contests. Ellenson declared for the NBA draft on April 5. He could potentially become the second lottery selection in Marquette history, joining Dwyane Wade.