ANGOLA, Ind. -- Ellis Cummings is a marketing major from Ottawa Hills, Ohio who is entering his junior campaign for the Trine University Thunder Men's Basketball Team.
Cummings had a breakout sophomore season for the Thunder, starting in 17 games and shooting 58 percent from the field. Many of those baskets were dunked home by the 6'8 big man, who also added 1.3 blocks per game in 2015-16. Cummings had a career best 12 rebounds and 12 points in a win versus Chatham University last year at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational Tournament in Pittsburgh, PA.
Cummings comes from strong basketball family that includes former NBA All-Star Terry Cummings. His uncle Terry was the 1982-83 NBA Rookie of the Year for the San Diego Clippers and a two time NBA All-Star for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1985 and 1988. Ellis' sister Ariel, a junior at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, Ohio, has verbally accepted a full scholarship offer to play basketball at the University of Toledo next year for head coach Tricia Cullop and the Rockets.
What do you like most about being a student athlete here at Trine University?
With the privilege of being a Trine student-athlete comes a strong sense of belonging that I have grown to cherish over the years. There is nowhere on campus that makes me feel as though I can't just reach out to someone and find a friend. The majority of us here on campus are student-athletes so no matter who you meet you'll be able to find some common ground. Just as well there is a great support system here for our athletes which has helped me grow socially and academically. I truly love the opportunities that Trine University has laid before me.
What have you learned from your first two seasons that you hope to improve on this year?
There are always going to be road blocks in life. If you make a conscientious effort to get through them it will only make you better.
What advice would you give to this year's freshman?
Keep your heads up, stay focused, work hard and your chance will come. There is nothing like seeing all of your hard work pay off. When you get discouraged just take some time to imagine what it will be like in the future. See yourself being successful on and off the court and always keep that picture close in mind.
What is something people don't know about Ellis Cummings?
Just as my family had a long history of athletics, we are musically inclined as well. Personally, I play the trumpet and dabble in the alto sax. My uncle Terry mentioned above is now a successful R&B and gospel singer and my father is a part of his own jazz band that preforms professionally.
What would you like to be remembered for after you graduate from Trine University?
I would only like to be remembered for being a good teammate on and off the floor.
Trine opens the season Tuesday, Nov. 15 when the team hosts Defiance in Hershey Hall.