Who Is Akeem Ellis?

August 4, 1990, was a special day as Akeem Ellis was born. Growing up in New York, Ellis had the ambition to become a pro-basketball player. With him watching Allen Iverson and Lebron James play competitive basketball, Ellis developed a dream to become a pro-basketball player. Ellis had a goal he wanted to conquer as he believed in himself that one day he can accomplish this dream. As we know, Akeem Ellis has managed to complete his goal, which was to be a pro-basketball however, how did he manage to reach this level?

Akeem Ellis grew up in New York City in an overall, comfortable life. With having both parents around to push Ellis to his dreams, his passion would get stronger and stronger each day. He used that energy to practice and grind, which is what fueled him to one day accomplish his goals. Whether it was Ellis attending a school or eating dinner with his family, the real source of fuel that pumped him to become the player that we all know today was the sport of basketball. The idea that a game can impact someone's life the way it did to Ellis is remarkable considering that Ellis had almost a romantic relationship with basketball. His love for the game allowed him to gain focus as well as meaning to his life, considering how his journey has gone. Instead of playing games with his friends or watching T.V, Ellis would practice and work hard to reach his goal due to how much he loved basketball. Many of us try to find that emotional aspect in anything whether its a career or a hobby, however, similar to Akeem Ellis, once you do find that emotional aspect in anything that's where the conquering begins. Basketball is a unique career choice for anyone as it is risky to pursue; however, once that love for the game is found, the risk quickly disappears. Ellis had that profound love for the game of basketball which allowed him to believe that he can complete his dreams. Although Ellis had the ambition to become a great basketball player, what was his journey like before he joined the Edmonton Stingers?

Akeem Ellis attended John Jay high school in Cross River, New York where he would start his basketball journey. Coming out of high school, Akeem Ellis would attend Herkimer County Community College where he would play basketball in his freshman and sophomore years. With the contribution of 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, Ellis seemed to have all around talent across the board. During his childhood days, all that love and emotion that he had for the sport finally paid off for him as he was considered one of the top NCAA Division lll players in the entire country. The continuous push and desire that Ellis had for the game allowed him to be named Region lll Male Athlete of the year. Ellis had a terrific start to what he wanted to do; however, was not enough for him as he desired to go higher in the ranks. As a result of his ambition, Ellis decided to play NCAA Division l instead of Division lll. From 2010 to 2012, he attended Choppin State where he would represent the Eagles coming off the bench. During his time, he had his highs and lows throughout the seasons that he was there. Despite Ellis coming off the bench for the entirety of his time with the Eagles, his highlight game was, scoring a career-high 29 points off the bench against the Charlotte 49ers. Although Ellis had an unexpected Division l experience, the relationship that he had for basketball displayed enough love and passion for becoming a member of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in 2013.

Akeem Ellis as a member of the Herkimer County Community College

Akeem Ellis as a member of Coppin State

Once Akeem Ellis’s college career came to a close, a new door for Ellis opened as he was recruited by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers which was a team that was part of the NBA Development League. This was a massive milestone in Ellis’s career as this was his time to become a pro-basketball player finally; however, this was just the beginning. At the start of the season, Ellis was not supplied with enough minutes on the court yet that never stopped him from working hard. The fewer minutes Ellis received on the court, the more dedicated he was to the game. All that dedication and love that was pumped in his blood allowed him to score 27 points against the Tulsa 66ers. This incredible performance unleashed a spark in Akeem Ellis’s, which allowed him to be known as one of the best offensive on his team. Despite all the success and reputation, Ellis only managed to play less than 20 minutes while averaging 6.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1 assist with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. However, things would slowly change for Akeem Ellis as he decided to take his talents to Canada as he joined the NBL on December 18,2014.

Akeem Ellis as a member of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers was the closest Akeem Ellis was at touching the NBA which is something that any professional would have wanted. The emotional attachment that Ellis has for the game allowed him to push through it despite not reaching the ultimate goal. However, Ellis did accomplish his main objective, which was to play pro-basketball for a living and fortunately for him, he completed it. As a pro, many opportunities will open up despite the multiple doors that will close behind you. In Ellis’s case, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers was a door that closed for him, which led him to find an opened the door with the NBL. Ellis decided to join the Brampton A’s where he would embark his first ever debut as a Canadian athlete. His time with the Brampton A’s was relatively short as he decided to go elsewhere on August 28, 2015, where he would play in the British Basketball League (BBL).

Akeem Ellis as a member of the Brampton A’s.

During his time with the BBL as a member of the Cheshire Phoenix, Ellis's career was looking extraordinarily bright. With the averages of 17 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists the future of Akeem Ellis was looking promising as his name was well known across the BBL. The difference with this team compared to the previous teams he played for was, he was given a chance to display all the hard work by playing 37 minutes a game. This increase of minutes allowed Ellis to regain momentum, which is something he has not had since his early college days. His energy and love for basketball allowed him to continue his career as a pro, which was shown more and more as he got older. Many fans across the league noticed that Ellis is a spark plug that ignites the team's momentum in any given circumstance. He is a versatile player that can play multiple positions, which makes him more dangerous than many people think. With his gifted skill set and height of 6'6, his confidence towards the game grew stronger. Despite his incredible performance as a member of the Cheshire Phoenix, from 2016-2018, he would play for 3 other teams which were the Island Storm, the Union Tarbes Lourdes Pyrenees Basket, and the KW Titans. He would play fairly similar with all three teams which eventually caught the eyes of his current organization the Edmonton Stingers.

Akeem Ellis as a member of the Cheshire Phoenix

Akeem Ellis as a member of the KW Titans

Overall, Akeem Ellis has been on numerous teams since college. From joining the NBL to BBL, Ellis has played across the ocean to continue his passion. The inspirational factor that is displayed about Akeem Ellis’s career as a pro is, he never allowed any obstacle to get in the way of his dreams. Ellis kept on pushing and working hard to continue his healthy relationship with basketball. His love and dedication for the game were enough to fuel him throughout any circumstance that he was in. Whether it was him playing less than 20 minutes with the NBL or playing a career-high 37 minutes with the Cheshire Phoenix, the one consistent attribute that he always had was, how much he loves and respects the game of basketball. This resulted in him joining his current team as a member of the Edmonton Stingers of the CEBLeague. From what the fans can see, Ellis is a 6’6 player that can play multiple positions with a vast selection of skills which is entertaining to watch. Ellis can be a spark plug to any team and also be able to grab numerous rebounds per game which makes him a balanced player. As a starter for the Edmonton Stingers, his skill set is scarce yet useful for any team as he can do multiple things on the court. Despite his averages being reasonably low with the Stingers due to being absent for numerous games, Ellis will always be a player that has heart and dedication. When watching Ellis practice, he is constantly on the court, working hard at mastering his game to become a better player. Although Ellis has been absent for almost a month with the Stingers, the fans of Edmonton will know that they have a player on the roster that has love for the game as he has connected with basketball both mentally and emotionally. His passion for the game should be an example for all of us as a reminder to follow your dreams no matter what the circumstance or obstacle you face.

Akeem Ellis as a member of the Edmonton Stingers.