LaPhonso Ellis begins his coaching career on Coach Ryne Lightfoot’s staff this season. The East St. Louis, Illinois native has spent the last nine years as a college basketball analyst for ESPN.
Prior to ESPN, Ellis served as the color commentator on men’s basketball radio broadcasts for the University of Notre Dame, where he played collegiately. At Notre Dame, Ellis accumulated 1,505 points and 1,075 rebounds—third in program history. He is the only player in program history to lead the team in blocked shots in each of his four seasons and blocked a then-school record 200 shots. Ellis was named to the Notre Dame All-Century Team in 2004.
“LaPhonso brings a wealth of knowledge to our staff,” acknowledged Coach Lightfoot. “His experience with ESPN allows him to not only see a lot of college basketball, but also be allowed exclusive access to practices as well. His experience both as a player and as an analyst is something I look forward to having as a part of the program.”
Ellis was a standout high school basketball player for East St. Louis Lincoln High School, where he led them to two straight Class AA state championships and was named a Parade Magazine and McDonald’s All-American in 1988. In 2007, Ellis was named one of the “100 Legends of the IHSA Tournament” by the Illinois High School Association, recognizing his superior performance in his appearances in the tournament.
Ellis was the fifth overall selection of the 1992 NBA draft, picked by the Denver Nuggets. He was named to the 1992 NBA All-Rookie First Team. In his second year, Ellis helped Denver make history as the Nuggets became the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed, Seattle Supersonics, in the postseason. In 1996-97, Ellis led the Denver Nuggets in scoring with 21.9 points per game.
Ellis played 11 seasons in the NBA—six with Denver, two with Atlanta, one with Minnesota, and two with Miami—before retiring after the 2003 season.
