Ellis: From Prep to Point Star

by pree on Jul 30, 2008 3:57 PM PDT

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9640

Monta Ellis has really come a long way since he was draft in '05 and in a sit-down with media yesterday, he shared some thoughts on him being the leader of the team, playing the point, and his expectations for this year.

I was, in all honesty, pretty surprised by what he had to say. He was so much mature than he was in May - still a quiet confidence about him, but he was a bit more poignant then he's been in his career. He made sure to point out that this wasn't his team and he certainly was pressured to answer that question .. he had like five or six different variations of "we have a lot of veterans to help lead", etc.

In any case, I wrote this more as a celebration for his journey than anything else and thought you'd like to go back along for the ride.

The expectations for Monta as far as his stats and stuff have been rehashed in past discussions .. so let's twist this up a little bit: can you tell me when you first realized this kid was the real deal? For mine, click the link :)

Share some Monta memories and maybe get a little excited that you've got a budding (budded?) star locked up.

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

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When he hit the game-winning jumper vs the Nets with 00 on the clock...

....and acted like he’s been there / done that before. That’s when I knew.

by All About The W on Jul 30, 2008 4:14 PM PDT reply actions

Yep

I interviewed Monta for the first time the day before he hit that shot .. we did a magazine feature on him and, needless to say, he made us look really smart.

by pree on Jul 30, 2008 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Same here

that moment is still heavily implanted in my memory

by Knowshon Ciron on Jul 30, 2008 4:16 PM PDT reply actions

I knew...

when he stepped on the court… I’m psychic like that…

Stop crying about it alright?!?! GO MULLIN.

by jeppalepala on Jul 30, 2008 4:17 PM PDT reply actions

Great Article!!!!

by joestar on Jul 30, 2008 4:26 PM PDT reply actions

when

tinsley dropped him, but he man up n got in tinsleys face. shiit i was like dats my boy

by GSwarrior on Jul 30, 2008 4:28 PM PDT reply actions

Monta Ellis vs. the Suns

I forget whether or not Baron played that game, but Baron wasn’t there for the 4th quarter and Monta had to take over the game.

He really surprised me going against Nash, he even broke Nash’s ankles. He made nice moves to get to the rim and score over guys like Marion and Stoudemire, and to top it off he dunked on Barbosa. I think that dunk got his name out there for the first time in his NBA career, since it was a major highlight and it was the start of non-warriors fans around the league hearing the name “Monta Ellis”. But that little performance he had against the Suns made me realize how much of a baller Monta is. He ended up spraining his leg and sitting out the last 2 minutes, but he still proved that he can ball against the best in the league. He almost single handedly led the Warriors to a win that game, if only he didn’t get hurt.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rg0CoNaCyvs
(Video of his game vs. the Suns. For some reason it doesn’t show him breaking Nash’s ankles and dunking on Barbosa)

He also showed how good he was on national television during the Rookie-Sophmore game. He easily stood out out of all those young players. What made me mad is that the coach started Luther Head over him, and didn’t put Monta in the game until the last couple minutes of the first half. If Monta started, he would have scored 35+ and win MVP of the game.

by Five Ten Entertainment on Jul 30, 2008 4:34 PM PDT reply actions