Star Essington Cannons big man Travis Ellis says it’s great to be back at the club he used to captain ahead of Darwin Basketball clash v Lightning
EXCLUSIVE: There is no doubt that big man Travis Ellis is a modern-day Darwin Basketball legend. He is fast closing in on 12,000 career points and – at 36 – is still in terrific form.In his first game back at Essington, the athletic former Cannons captain was impressive.
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THERE is no doubt that big man Travis Ellis is a modern-day Darwin Basketball legend.
He is fast closing in on 12,000 career points and – at 36 – is still in terrific form.
In his first game back at Essington, the athletic former Cannons captain was impressive in his side’s 129-61 loss to competition powerhouse Ellas Titans last week, finishing with 11 points and three of seven three-pointers.
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“I’m feeling old, and my knee is too. But no, I’m feeling OK,” Ellis told the NT News with a laugh.
“Coming back, it’s great to see so many good juniors at this club, who are led well by (star American guard and captain) Elijah Barbour.
“Elijah is the perfect role model for them.
“And our coach Gary (Shipway) is very passionate about working with our young players and seeing them improve.”
Ellis has played for the Cannons, Tracy Village, Uni Rebels and Palmerston Power in recent years, but could stay at Essington long-term.
“We’ll see. There could be a coaching role here for me after I finish playing,” he said.
“I don’t know how long I’ll keep playing for.”
Ellis is sharing the big-man role with Aaron Balkwill.
“Aaron will continue improving if we can keep getting him involved in offence,” Ellis said.
Essington takes on Lightning in Round 3 tonight.
“They’re 2-0 and we’ve had two losses, so we need to regroup,” Ellis said.
Tonight’s other game will see Eagles take on Palmerston.
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