6-8 Forward Ellis Myles Signs With U of L Basketball
July 19, 2000 | Men's Basketball
April 13, 2000
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Ellis Myles, a 6-8, 240-pound forward from Centennial High School in Compton, Calif., has signed a national letter-of-intent to continue his basketball playing career at the University of Louisville.
Myles averaged 24 points, 14.2 rebounds and three blocked shots as a senior last season for Coach Rod Palmer as Centennial posted a 27-6 record, advancing to the semifinals of the California Division III state championship.
"Ellis is a real banger that loves contact," said University of Louisville Head Basketball Coach Denny Crum. "His aggressiveness and wide body make him really tough to handle inside. He has good hands and can do a lot of things well. It's no secret that we need inside help and he certainly fills a need in that area."
Myles was a first-team all-state and All-California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section selection. He posted high games of 34 points and 22 rebounds as a senior. He has received notable acclaim from national recruiting services, rated 37th by The Recruiting Beat, 45th by Full Court Magazine, 65th by Basketball Phenoms and 29th in the west by FastBreak Recruiting.
As a junior, Myles averaged 16.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and three blocked shots for Compton High School, where he played three seasons for Palmer. Compton posted a 24-7 record his junior year. Four of his teammates at Compton signed with Division I schools, including Jeff Trepagnier (Southern California), Tito Mattox (Fresno State), David Hamilton (Auburn) and Deandre Moore (Vanderbilt).
"Ellis is a great 6-8 inside player with excellent post moves," said Palmer, who lettered two seasons at UCLA (1985-87). "He uses his body really well and has a knack of getting his shot off against anyone inside. He has great hands, is a good passer, can handle the ball in the open court and can shoot the three."
Myles chose Louisville over Connecticut, Iowa State, Southern California, Alabama and Memphis.
Myles is the third high school product to sign with the Cardinals this year. U of L had two prep stars sign in November including 6-7 Luke Whitehead of Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., and 6-7 Simeon Naydenov of the Bershire School in Miami, Fla.
