The rich are getting richer

Yet another talent is also headed to Merritt College -- this being 6-foot-4 Deion Ellis of McClymonds High. Make that Deion Ellis of Mack and the Oakland Athletic League (OAL) Player of the Year based on 21 points, 11 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in the 2013-14 season. He also garnered multiple other honors. for his production.

Insert insightful leader in there too as Ellis, when asked about his best skills, said, "a very good team player, a defense first player and with an inside-outside game."

A self-described late bloomer, Ellis enjoyed an invitational introduction to hoops in the eighth grade -- "the coach wanted me to try out for basketball so I did."

However, there were no immediate mixtapes posted on the 'net nor any 'hallelujahs' from any of the various recruiting service analysts.

"My first two years [in high school] were as a hustle man playing the five because I was the tallest."

But Ellis was another who was aided by participating in club basketball because he rotated between positions and developed versatility. "I played small forward, power forward, wing, the 1-5. It was highly beneficial."

He added, "Now my skills are better and I'm much more versatile -- not just a post player. I'm also a lot more focused."

He also got the chance to play for his stepfather this season when Brandon Brooks was dismissed. Edgar Jackson, the junior McClymonds varsity coach, stepped up to lead the top team and the Warriors finished 23-9 overall, 10-0 in league.

Looking to major in kinesiology with the idea of becoming a trainer "if basketball doesn't work out for me," entering the coaching profession and putting on camps also interests Ellis.

So why his choice of Merritt? "Coach Keenan [McMiller] was there watching me from day one while other coaches didn't look at me and it felt like a family [at Merritt].

Plus, "I played with and against both Denzel Bellott and Leo Smith. We won the 2014 OAL championship when Denzel was at McClymonds. We definitely have some chemistry." Bellott and Smith are currently Thunderbird sophomores. 

Here's McMiller on his latest addition: "Deion is a solid student athlete who is a qualifier. He's a hard worker, tough and coachable. Each year Deion has played in high school, he has improved his athleticism and skill level as a player. Deion earned the Oakland Athletic league MVP award with the consistent hard work he puts in and we are excited to have him here at Merritt College.