Isaac Ellis

Isaac Ellis was born in Hickory, North Carolina, and is the son of Jeremy and Jenny Ellis. He has three siblings, Eli, Abraham and Ari. His brother Eli also plays basketball, including for the College of Charleston, while his father Jeremy played basketball at Liberty.

Ellis has identified his father as the greatest influence on his athletic career. Outside basketball, he enjoys fishing, and he has said that he is most proud of his character.

Ellis played for Overtime Elite under YNG Dreamerz, with the program also associated with Moravian Prep. He was named OTE MVP for the 2025-26 season after averaging 29.3 points, 8.9 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game in the regular season. His playoff production increased to 31.5 points, 9.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds across four games.

He broke Overtime Elite's single-game scoring record with 56 points in a game against FaZe OTE in November 2025. Proballers lists his 2025-26 regular-season averages as 29.7 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists per game over 19 appearances.

Prep Hoops evaluated Ellis as a high-IQ lead guard with a quick release from three-point range, strong playmaking ability and toughness on defense. He helped YNG Dreamerz win an Under Armour Rise 17U title and an OTE championship, and was also recognized as the OTE playoff MVP.

Ellis drew Division I offers from Eastern Kentucky, Radford, High Point, Old Dominion and West Virginia during his prep career. His recruitment also included offers from South Carolina and Oklahoma State before he committed to Louisville on December 15, 2025.

Louisville lists Ellis as a guard wearing jersey number 22. He entered the program as a freshman after graduating from Moravian Prep in 2026, and he is majoring in sports administration. Ellis has said that Louisville's culture was the main reason he chose the Cardinals and that his personal goal is to win a national championship.