Should Gamecocks’ hoops commit play football?

Moncks Corner (S.C.) Berkeley athlete Bruce Ellington is a remarkable basketball point guard, one of the nation’s best. And he loves the sport, and has committed to play it at South Carolina. Which means an end to his football career, and many people think that’s a mistake.

Ellington is also an outstanding quarterback/receiver/defensive back/you name it on a football field, good enough to make the Shrine Bowl and start at wide receiver. Last week, three different coaches told me his choice of basketball over football was not a wise one.

As one coach put it, “What is he; 5-10, 5-11? How many NBA point guards do you see who are that size? Meanwhile, there are a zillion NFL cornerbacks that big. His chances of playing in the pros in basketball are just about zero. He needs to get better advice.”

Ellington won’t be playing both sports at South Carolina—the basketball program doesn’t want him getting banged up on the football field.

--Stan Olson