A.J. Elliott signs with Tuskegee
Opponents attempting to drive the lane for an easy basket against Russellville this season found a 6-foot-8-inch shot blocker who turned away feeble shots with ease.
A.J. Elliot averaged 2.9 blocks per game during his senior season with the Golden Tigers and will take his skills to the collegiate level after signing with Tuskegee University Thursday.
“It feels good,” Elliott said. “I’m happy to go to college and play basketball.”
Elliott, who was one of four Golden Tigers to average at least 10 points per game, helped Russellville return to the Northwest Regional Tournament for the first time since 2008. Golden Tigers coach Michael Smith said Elliott’s game improved quite a bit in recent years.
“This year he stepped up, especially on defense,” Smith said. “He matured a lot since his junior season.”
Smith said Elliott ‘s play during the Huntsville Times Classic in December helped him earn his scholarship.
“That’s where Tuskegee saw him and they liked his game,” Smith said.
Elliott like what he saw from Tuskegee, saying he liked the university and felt it was the best fit for him. Of course having a familiar face around helps too.
Former Russellville standout Siran Winston is a member of Tuskegee’s basketball team and will be completing his senior season in the fall.
“Siran is down there and it’s nice to have someone you know,” Elliott said. “It feels like home.”
While Smith is happy to see Elliott moving on to play collegiate basketball, he said it would be difficult for the Golden Tigers to fill the void left by his departure.
“He’s hard to replace,” Smith said. “Especially those blocked shots.”
This marks the fourth year in a row the Russellville varsity boys team has sent a player to the college level. Winston signed four years ago, Jermaine Bates signed in 2009 while Terence Smith and Nate Dunstan signed last season.
“Once you get the first one signed, it is easy to get the second,” Smith said.
Elliott is the second Golden Tiger to sign this year. Travis Daniels signed with the University of Tennessee-Martin earlier this year.
