Isaiah Ellis earned First Team All-Conference honors last season while leading the Chico State men's basketball team in blocked shots, offensive rebounds, and free throw attempts. Nine games into his junior season, it's clear that the Wildcat of the Week did not spend his summer on the coach.
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Ellis, in fact, added more dimensions to his game. After hitting just one 3-pointer in six tries over his first two seasons in the program, Ellis is 13-for-25 from beyond the arc this season, after making 2-of-3 Saturday in an 80-68 victory at Cal State San Marcos. He also had eight rebounds and two assists.
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He's also improved his distribution skills. Ellis dished out a career-high four assists Thursday at UC San Diego, to go along with five points, five rebounds, and a season-high four blocked shots.
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Ellis now ranks third on the team with 17 assists and is quickly approaching last season's total of 22.
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On the season, the Antelope High School product is on pace to set new career highs in scoring, rebounds, assists, field-goal percentage, 3-pointers, and 3-point percentage.
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Ellis and the Wildcats, 7-2 overall and 1-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, play their CCAA home opener Friday at 7:30 against long-time rival Humboldt State.