NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of Kansas of last decade
By Joey Loose
2. Perry Ellis – Kansas
It felt like a lifetime, but Ellis spent just four seasons starring at Kansas. A 6’8 forward originally from Wichita, he was a McDonald’s All-American and highly-touted recruit lured by Bill Self to stay in his home state with the Jayhawks. By the time his career was over, he had certainly earned his place in Jayhawks lore.
Ellis made solid contributions as a freshman before blossoming into a full-time starter and star. In each of his next two seasons, he averaged at least 13 points and 6 rebounds per game before running that total to 16.9 points per game as a senior. He played in 11 NCAA Tournament games during his career and had numerous standout performances, including a 27-point game against Maryland in the Sweet Sixteen as a senior.
Twice named to the All-Big 12 First Team and twice to the All-Big 12 Tournament team, Ellis made himself known on these Jayhawks, finishing his career among the conference’s all-time leading scorers and rebounders. He was also named a Second Team All-American after a stellar senior season, helping lead those Jayhawks to the Elite Eight. Ellis never got a shot in the NBA but has bounced around in professional basketball since leaving Kansas six years ago.