LaPhonso Ellis Biography
LaPhonso Ellis is a well-known American sports journalist who has been a college basketball analyst for ESPN since 2009. In 2017, he joined Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. Additionally, LaPhonso is a retired professional basketball player. He was selected by the Denver Nuggets as the fifth overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. Before his current roles, LaPhonso served as the color commentator for men’s basketball radio broadcasts at his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame.
LaPhonso Ellis Age
Ellis was born on May 5, 1970, in East St. Louis, Illinois, in the United States. He is 52 years old as of 2024. LaPhonso celebrates his birthday on May 5, every year.
LaPhonso Ellis Height
Ellis stands at an approximate height of 6 feet and 2 inches.
LaPhonso Ellis Family
Ellis has managed to keep his personal life away from the limelight hence he has not disclosed any details about his parents. It is also not known if Ellis has any siblings.
LaPhonso Ellis Wife
Ellis is happily married to his wife, Jennifer Ellis, an American actress. Together, they are proud parents of their children: Walter Andrew Ellis, PJ, Elexis, and Phonso. Their son, Walter Andrew Ellis, was born on November 29, 1999, in Atlanta, Georgia. He previously gained recognition as a standout basketball player at Adams High School.
LaPhonso Ellis’s Net Worth
Ellis has an estimated net worth of between $1 Million-$5 Million which he has earned through his successful career as an analyst.
LaPhonso Ellis Salary
Ellis earns an annual salary ranging from $ 45,000 – $ 110,500.
LaPhonso Ellis Education
Ellis graduated from Notre Dame in 1992 with a degree in accounting from the undergraduate College of Business. LaPhonso made a name for himself as a high school basketball star at East St. Louis Lincoln High School, where he led the Tigers to back-to-back Class AA boys’ championships in 1987 and 1988. In 1988, he was also honored as a Parade Magazine and McDonald’s All-American.
LaPhonso Ellis Career
Ellis joined ESPN in 2009 as a college basketball analyst. During the 2019-20 season, he was named an analyst on College GameDay Covered by State Farm, working alongside host Rece Davis and analysts Jay Bilas and Seth Greenberg every Saturday. Prior to his role at ESPN, LaPhonso served as the color commentator for men’s basketball radio broadcasts at his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame.
LaPhonso was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets and earned a spot on the 1992 All-Rookie First Team. In his second year, LaPhonso played a key role in the Nuggets’ historic achievement as the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in Seattle. After leaving the Nuggets in 1998, he played two seasons with Atlanta, one season with Minnesota, and two seasons with Miami before retiring after the 2003 season.
At Notre Dame, LaPhonso was instrumental in leading the Irish to NCAA Championships in his freshman and sophomore years and to the 1992 NIT title game under coach Digger Phelps. Over his college career, he scored 1,505 points and ranked third in rebounding with 1,075 boards, making him one of only four players to achieve such a feat. LaPhonso is also the only player in Notre Dame history to lead the team in blocked shots in all four of his seasons.
LaPhonso Ellis ESPN
Ellis is working at ESPN alongside other famous ESPN meteorologists, anchors, and reporters including;
- Dave McMenamin
- Joe Lunardi
- Trevor Matich
- Ryan Clark
- Alan Hahn
- Barry Melrose
- Cristina Alexander
- Suzy Kolber
- Dustin Fox
LaPhonso Ellis Social Media Platforms
He is active on his social media accounts and often posts on his Twitter.