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NCAA Tournament 2016: Breaking down the game of Perry Ellis

By Chris Bengel

Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Perry Ellis (34) drives to the basket against Austin Peay Governors forward Kenny Jones (42) during the first half in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Perry Ellis (34) drives to the basket against Austin Peay Governors forward Kenny Jones (42) during the first half in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Maryland faces a major test in the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament.

Kansas’ Perry Ellis could prove to be the biggest one of all.

The Jayhawks possess several offensive threats, but none are as versatile as their senior forward. Entering Thursday’s game, Ellis is averaging 16.9 points-per-game and 5.9 rebounds-per-game.

Ellis is a very effective post player that has four years of experience under his belt and multiple facets to his game.

This is a guy that isn’t the biggest player on the interior at 6’8. However, he still has the ability to play with his back to the basket and possesses pivot and spin moves that help further his offensive game.

Another positive attribute that Ellis has in his repertoire is being a strong ball-handler. The Wichita native can is very quick for a forward, but can keep possession of the basketball when making his way to the rim.

Ellis is a very efficient and productive forward that brings a lot of energy to the floor.

Unlike many post players, Ellis has a ton of range from all over the court. The mid-range jumper is something that he isn’t afraid to take with regularity as he possesses a very quick trigger.

Ellis also can shoot from beyond the arc like few big men can.

While he doesn’t attempt a ton of threes, Ellis is shooting 44.4 percent from behind the three-point line. In Kansas’ win over UConn to advance to the Sweet 16, Ellis connected on two of his three attempts from beyond the arc.

The most threes that he has hoisted up in a game this season is four, so he’s definitely not a high-volume shooter from that range. However, much like Hawaii’s Stefan Jankovic, Maryland will need to respect Ellis’ ability to step out and shoot.

Ellis’ size is the only factor may hinder him at the next level, but hasn’t seemed to be an issue during his time at Kansas. He has a knack for securing rebounds and making his presence known around the basket.

While the Jayhawks do have several talented guards, Ellis is the one player that Maryland is going to have to account for his whereabouts on every possession. Ellis has scored 21 points in NCAA Tournament wins against Austin Peay and UConn, so he’s clearly been even more of a focal point in the offense during the postseason.

Next: Lady Terps upset by No. 7 Washington

Robert Carter and Diamond Stone are definitely going to have to bring their “A” game if they want to slow down Ellis.