Rosell Ellis, 26, is expected to rouse the Phone Pals from the stupor of a disappointing First Conference where the Piltel Franchise posted a 7-9 record to finish out of the semifinals. An encouraging note, however, was four of the nine losses were by one or two points.
Ellis is undersized for a conference which allows an import ceiling of up to 6-8. The former McNeese State forward was listed at 6-6, 215 pounds in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) but only 6-4, 200 pounds in the American Basketball Association (ABA).
Mobiline team manager Frankie Lim said Ellis has what it takes to stick in the PBA. Lim described Ellis as "a workhorse under the boards." Lim said coach Louie Alas will evaluate Ellis’ skills closely in the next few weeks. "For the moment, Ellis is our import for the Second Conference," declared Lim.
Ellis was an All-State and All-Region pick at Eastern Utah Community, a junior college where he averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds in 1994-95. The Seattle native stood out for his ability to play both the three and four spots. From Eastern Utah, Ellis enrolled at McNeese State — the Louisiana school that produced pro legend Joe Dumars.
Ellis played two years at McNeese State. In his first season, Ellis averaged 13.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.3 steals, and 32.7 minutes as the Cowboys varsity registered a 15-12 mark, its first winning record in six years. He also shot 55.3 percent from the field.
"Ellis was probably the most underrated player in our league (the Southland Conference)," said McNeese State coach Ron Everhart. "He finished among the league leaders in three categories. He plays so hard and always gives a great effort."
In 1996-97, Ellis led the Cowboys to an 18-12 record and a tie for the Southland championship. It was McNeese State’s first title in 19 years and first back-to-back winning records since 1986. Ellis was credited for the varsity’s surge as he led the team in scoring (18.5), rebounding (7.6), field goal percentage (66.8), assists (116), and blocked shots (20) — that’s why he was called "Mr. Everything."
Last season, Ellis averaged 10.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in 35 games for the CBA’s Yakima Sun Kings. He hit a lofty 61 percent from the floor but only 50 percent from the line.
This year, Ellis suited up for the ABA’s Chicago Skyliners with ex-PBA imports David Booth and Ronnie Fields. He averaged 7.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in 22 games. Ellis shot 54.8 percent from the field and 65.5 percent from the stripe.
Ellis started for the Skyliners in the ABA title game against Detroit in Kansas City last April 14. He scored five points in 21 minutes as Detroit won, 107-91, to win the ABA crown.