Pervis Ellison gets a new gig

Former Louisville great Pervis Ellison has been named as the new head basketball coach at Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J.

Here's the press release from the school:

Life Center Academy (Burlington, N.J.) is excited to announce that Pervis Ellison has been named head men's basketball coach.

Ellison who has been a vital part of the Warriors' basketball program the last two years, training and developing players which have gone on to colleges including: Syracuse, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Drexel and Louisiana Tech. He will take over the coaching reigns starting this summer and looks to build on an already successful program.

Ellison a highly accomplished player earned his nickname "Never Nervous Pervis" for his steady play with the University of Louisville, and will bring that same demeanor to the sideline. In his freshman year he led Louisville to its second national championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player; which at that time was only the second time a freshman had ever been awarded this honor. Ellison was selected the first overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. The following year he became a starter and earned Most Improved Player honors after averaging 20.0 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.68 blocks per game. Ellison would play for four NBA franchises during his ten year professional career.

After his professional career Ellison settled in New Jersey and began coaching one of the most successful AAU programs in the country, Team Final. The main focus of all of Ellison's teams has been discipline, hard work, and player development. Along with Ellison the staff at Life Center will look to continue to develop young players both on and off the court, while preparing them for both their college career and professional lives.

Life Center Academy Athletic Director, Pastor David Boudwin said, "To have a coach with Pervis Ellison's experience is a wonderful benefit for our program and players. We look forward to a great season and exciting future for Life Center basketball."

This past season under Coach Wilson Arroyo Life Center finished 23-7 and ranked as NJ Hoops #1 Independent Team.