1 on 1: Lucas Elliott
Lucas Elliott is a 6’10 220 lbs. PF/C from Pusch Ridge High School. Elliott has won awards like Varsity Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-Conference Second Team. Elliott should continue to gain college interest as he improves upon his offensive game. His defensive skills are tremendous, easily the best part of his game.
- First off, where did this height and giants hands come from?
The height comes from both sides of the family. My dad is 6’5 and my mom is 6’3, and I’ve got multiple family members that stand at the 6’7-6’8 range.
- How far do you see yourself going in basketball?
Basketball has already taken me places that I never would’ve never thought possible at this point and I’m not planning on giving it up anytime soon. I am planning on at least a great career in college basketball. As for after that, I want to play at the next level, whether it be the NBA or overseas.
- What steps do you need to take to get there?
To get close to this level of competition, it’s gonna take a lot of work, I’m not gonna lie. But if it were easy, everyone would do it right? Training with people who have had experience at this level is crucial, and I am blessed to have had an uncle that knows how each level works. He always says, “The most important thing is to have fun. If you don’t have fun, you can’t be a great player.” Those words have changed my entire mindset and give me a new drive to accomplish my goals.
- What is your biggest strength on the court?
On the court, my biggest strength is defense for sure. It really comes naturally. It’s as easy as having the mindset that no one will score on you. Especially in the paint, that kind of lock-down mentality has allowed me to be such a presence on defense.
- What is something you need to work on?
I’m gonna be honest, staying consistently aggressive is something I need to work on. I play the best when I’m loose, but that sometimes means that I take a lax approach to the game. That all comes down to the finding the balance and once I find that, it’s all up from there.
- How’s recruiting going? Offers?
As for recruiting, I have 3 offers: NAU, Portland State, and New Mexico. Currently, I’m talking to a myriad of coaches that I’ve established good relationships, but I need to show out in these last few games of my AAU season to lock down more offers.
- How important is school? What is your GPA?
I’m a student athlete. Student before athlete. I know it’s cliche, but it’s so true. Unweighted I have a 3.63 and weighted its a 4.05. From a young age, I’ve been taught to value my education, and I’ve learned how lucky I am to have received such great teaching. The level of education is definitely going to be a strong consideration when choosing a college.
- What would you like to major in?
I’m not sure yet.
- What career field would you like to be in if you weren’t playing basketball?
I’m very science minded, and I also love history. I probably wouldn’t be a doctor, but I love to learn. I’m fascinated with infectious diseases, which could land me a career in epidemiology, which is the medical branch that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population.
- Expectations for this school year? (Individual and Team)
For my school team, we are planning to make the state tournament. We did pretty well in our summer league tournaments, and I’m excited about the future. Individually, I want to be able to play the 4 position well, just in case I don’t grow anymore height-wise, because at my current height, that’s what I’m looking at for college. Also, perfecting my repertoire of post moves is pivotal for the next level.