Louisville's El Ellis Declares for 2023 NBA Draft While Maintaining Eligibility

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville men's basketball guard El Ellis has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, he announced Wednesday. He will also sign with an NCAA-certified agent to maintain his remaining collegiate eligibility.

"First I have to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the game that I love," Ellis said in a statement posted to social media. "I wouldn't be in the position I am today without Him. Thank you to my family and friends for your love and unwavering support. You're a big reason why I'm the player I am today.

"To Coach KP, the staff and also my teammates: Thank you for everything. This past year meant more to me than you could ever imagine. Card Nation: Thank you for the support you all showed through a tough time. You truly made my time here special! Playing for Louisville these past two years meant more to me than people know. I played every minute of every game like it was my last."

The 6-foot-3, 180-pound combo guard was a bright spot on an otherwise bleak season for Louisville. His 17.7 points per game finished third in the ACC behind Wake Forest's Tyree Applyby and NC State's Terquavion Smith, and his 4.4 assists per game came in at eighth in the league. He also shot 41.0 percent from the field, 31.9 percent on three-point attempts and 81.0 percent from the free throw line. He was named an All-ACC Honorable Mention as a result.

Despite going through senior day activities, the Durham, N.C. native still has a year of eligibility left thanks to an optional COVID waiver. While Ellis has not ruled out a return to Louisville, he also has not ruled out entering the transfer portal and going elsewhere, despite saying last month that he did not "feel comfortable going to another school."

"I am just going to focus on the NBA first and if that's not what I want to do then I will make my decision if I will go in the portal or return to Louisville," he told 247Sports' Travis Branham.

The Cardinals went just 4-28 under first year head coach Kenny Payne, and roster management has been in full swing since the end of their season. Louisville has seen six players enter the transfer portal, with Kamari Lands, Devin Ree, Fabio Basili, Sydney Curry, Roosevelt Wheeler and Jae'Lyn Withers all departing.

Conversely, Payne and his staff have been hard at work behind the scenes attempting to bring in fresh talent for next season. Last week, the Cardinals landed five-star 2023 center Dennis Evans, former Illinois guard Skyy Clark and five-star 2023 reclass wing Trentyn Flowers. Louisville is also set to welcome top-70 wings Kaleb Glenn and Curtis Williams Jr., plus JUCO guard Koron Davis as part of their 2023 signing class.

(Photo of El Ellis: Jared Anderson - Louisville Report)

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