Elliott Eliason is playing in his fifth season at the University of Minnesota, playing center for the men’s basketball team. The 6’11 Chadron, NE native led the Golden Gophers in rebounds and blocks last year.
Eliason has a history of injury. He played only 452 minutes in the 2012-13 season; he almost doubled that number last year, although he was injured during the postseason last year as well. He and his fellow fifth year big man, Mo Walker, will need to stay healthy to provide the Gophers with the post presence necessary to seriously compete in Big Ten play.
He is enrolled in the Carlson School of Management, majoring in Entrepreneurial Management. GopherHole’s Sam Utterberg caught up with Eliason.
Sam Utterberg: How does this year feel different than past years?
Elliott Eliason: Every year feels different in its own little way, in some ways it’s the same you know. We go through the same practices and routines. Last year is I guess more sentimental which is kind of a weird thing. I guess I’m just excited, these guys are working hard every day and that’s something to be proud of so far, gotta keep focusing on that.
Sam Utterberg: So are you and Mo like the oldest guys on the team?
Elliott Eliason: Mo is older so he’s the oldest guy on the team I think. I don’t know how old DeAndre is, he might be the oldest guy. BK might be the oldest guy, we don’t even know where he comes from, he might be 28 for all we know. We’re the old guys.
Sam Utterberg: How are you and Mo working together down in the post?
Elliott Eliason: It’s been great. That’s the thing that’s been awesome about practice, is we get to challenge each other every day. If you wanna do good that’s where you wanna be, you don’t want to just roll over somebody, you want someone that will make you better at the end of the day. I love it, I think he loves it.
Sam Utterberg: What do you think you’ve improved most during offseason?
Elliott Eliason: I mean I’ve just been trying to focus on the team. Like I said, I don’t know if it’s me getting sentimental but I just care about this team and I want us to do great things. I said before, rising tide lifts all boats, really looking forward to working with these guys more this year. Take it day by day, do what we can.
Sam Utterberg: How are classes going?
Elliott Eliason: I mean I’ve got one of my degrees, just need one more class for the other one. I’m on a little bit of a senior slide, taking it a little easy. You know, I go bowling a couple times a week, taking a coaching class and stuff.
Sam Utterberg: Coaching classes?
Elliott Eliason: Yeah it’s pretty enjoyable, basketball coaching then track and field. I don’t know how good I am at track and field coaching.
Sam Utterberg: What do you do in track and field?
Elliott Eliason: I just learn all the different sports, kind of excited to show how good I am at that.