The Ellenson’s wearing great colors in a great venue! Looks like a great place for a regular family get-together for years to come!
Six-foot-9, 250lb forward Henry Ellenson, the younger brother of current Gophers freshman Wally, has emerged as a top 25 prospect in the country. GopherHole.com caught up with Ellenson after he helped lead Minnesota D1 16-and-under team to the title in their own tournament at Bloomington Jefferson. New Gopher head coach Richard Pitino was among several top coaches who watched Ellenson play.
Ellenson averaged 21.5 points per game as he helped lead the Warriors to a 20-5 record this past season, losing to Onalaska in the playoffs.
Gopher Hole: How pleased are you with how well you played this past weekend team-wise?
Henry Ellenson: It was a good weekend. I thought that we were really getting it together and really playing unselfish basketball.
Gopher Hole: You had a couple of easy wins and then a little tougher matchup. Is that ever tough going from fairly easy blowout wins to having to play a little bit harder?
Henry Ellenson: It is, but you just have to be ready for it and we responded well. It was a nice win.
Gopher Hole: There were a decent number of coaches watching you. Did you notice those names?
Henry Ellenson: Yes. I looked up a little bit. I saw Tom Crean, (Fred) Hoiberg, (Richard) Pitino this weekend, Creighton and Marquette with Buzz Williams.
Gopher Hole: Do you notice those coaches or is hard not to?
Henry Ellenson: I notice it, but during the game, I just play.
Gopher Hole: What is the latest on your recruitment right now?
Henry Ellenson: Indiana, I have been talking to a lot (the Hoosiers offered Monday), Michigan State and the other teams that have offered me are keeping on me.
Gopher Hole: Have you picked up any new offers since the start of July?
Henry Ellenson: I’m not sure. I think Arizona State did.
Gopher Hole: How many offers do you have right now?
Henry Ellenson: I think 12.
Gopher Hole: Have you thought about visiting some schools before high school starts?
Henry Ellenson: I think that I might go to some schools in the fall. We’ll see where I can get out to when I can.
Gopher Hole: How about this summer? You played in Las Vegas in the adidas Nations and in Colorado Springs for the USA trials. What were those experiences like?
Henry Ellenson: It was fun. Adidas Nations was a great opportunity. It was my first time that I had ever been there. It was really fun. I got to work some former NBA guys and some good coaches, so it was nice to learn some new things. Jared Sullinger’s dad was one of my coaches. It was nice.
Gopher Hole: What are you hearing from the Gophers right now?
Henry Ellenson: They are talking to me and showing their interest in me.
Gopher Hole: What is your relationship with Coach Pitino like?
Henry Ellenson: I talk to him a little bit. I have talked to him twice so far.
Gopher Hole: What has your brother said about the coaching change?
Henry Ellenson: He said that he likes the new atmosphere. It is a whole different thing. Everyone is more excited for the season and it is just more positive.
Gopher Hole: Does that make you more excited about Minnesota than before?
Henry Ellenson: Yes. I am glad that he is happy with it. I like the new up-tempo play.
Gopher Hole: Do you two talked about maybe trying to play in college together?
Henry Ellenson: A little bit, but not much.