As the summer started the wind down so did the recruitment for five-star forward, Perry Ellis, from Wichita, KS. There were rumors that it was a three team race between the likes of Duke, Kansas and Kentucky but soon after those rumors were laid to rest.
When Ellis trimmed his list to a final four, Kansas State made the cut along with Kansas, Kentucky and Wichita State.
Kansas State has been a big player in Ellis’ recruitment for sometime now. Frank Martin has certainly recruited Ellis like he’s the Wildcats’ top priority.
The Kansas State fan base has also played a part in his recruitment. During unofficials to Kansas State, the Wildcat fan base made it evident that they want Ellis to land in Manhattan, KS with fan signs and chants. But most importantly, always showing love to the Ellis family every time they visit Manhattan.
With Ellis’ recruitment finally winding down, Kansas State’s impression on Ellis during their in-home visit would be crucial when it was time for him to make a decision.
“The visit went very well,” Fonda Ellis, Perry’s mother said. “Frank Martin, Brad Underwood and Matt Figger all came to our home around 6pm and stayed until about 9:30pm. They showed us a video of the new training facility that plans to be finished in June, also shared the training workouts that guys do and all the history of Kansas State and a highlight film of former Wildcat Bill Walker.”
Walker, who spent two years at Kansas State before going pro, has a game similar to Ellis, although he may be a lot more advanced than Walker was at this point.
Both were guys that could play the three or four, but as some pointed out, Ellis has improved his handle and jump shot tremendously. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say he could play three positions in college.
After having a great in-home visit with the Wildcats, Kansas State is still in great position to land Ellis.
“Perry already knew alot about K-State,” she said. “He visited the campus and went to games several times. Perry just wanted to hear what coach Martin had to say about how Perry would fit into their program there at K-State.”
Ellis has already completed half of his in-home visits with Wichita State (9/13) and Kentucky (9/16) left. After his in-home visits are finished, his decision will be made. “[He'll make a decision] in the next week or two,” she said. “He plans to sign in November.”
“They’re all still pretty equal,” his mother said of his final list. “Perry plans to listen to all four schools and then will likely make his decision shorly after that.”
Ellis, a 6-8 forward, had plenty of offers from schools across the nation. His presence inside is felt inside and out. If Kansas State can acquire Ellis in 2012, it could change the complexion of the program and make the Wildcats more appealing to other recruits.
