James Ellisor (born October 18, 1990) is an American professional basketball player. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and playing primarily as a small forward or shooting guard, Ellisor has had a distinguished professional career across various international leagues following a successful collegiate career.
Early Life and College Career
Ellisor was born in Glendale Heights, Illinois, and attended Glenbard East High School. He went on to play college basketball for the Western Illinois Leathernecks from 2008 to 2012. During his time at Western Illinois, Ellisor established himself as a key player, earning First-Team All-Summit League honors in both his junior and senior seasons. He consistently led the team in scoring and rebounding, concluding his collegiate career as one of the program's all-time leading scorers and rebounders.
Professional Career
After going undrafted in the 2012 NBA draft, Ellisor embarked on a professional career that has taken him to multiple countries:
- NBA G League (formerly D-League): Ellisor began his professional journey in North America, playing for the Iowa Energy (now Iowa Wolves) in the NBA Development League.
- Europe: His career has predominantly featured stints with various European clubs:
- Finland: He played for Kouvot in the Finnish Korisliiga.
- Germany: Ellisor had a notable period with EWE Baskets Oldenburg in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Germany's top-tier league, and also made appearances in the EuroCup.
- France: He spent several seasons in France, competing in both the LNB Pro A and LNB Pro B with teams such as Chorale Roanne, ESSM Le Portel, JL Bourg, and Champagne Châlons-Reims.
- Hungary: He played for Atomerőmű SE in the Hungarian Nemzeti Bajnokság I/A.
- Switzerland: Ellisor also played in the Swiss Basketball League for Union Neuchâtel.
- Luxembourg: He was part of T71 Dudelange in the Luxembourgish Total League.
- Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL): In North America, Ellisor has also played in the Canadian Elite Basketball League for the Fraser Valley Bandits (now Vancouver Bandits).
Ellisor is known for his versatility, athleticism, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, often guarding multiple positions and providing scoring punch from the wing.