Yesterday we noted a report that an Arizona State basketball player was giving up hoops in order to pursue a career in football.
This afternoon, a South Carolina student-athlete has done exactly the same, only in reverse.
The Gamecocks announced via a press release Monday that All-SEC Freshman Bruce Ellington has decided to commit to playing basketball for the Gamecocks and will no longer be a part of the football program. The move is actually a return to a full-time commitment to the hardwood for Ellington; in 2010-11 Ellington was USC’s leading scorer, and he played this past hoops season as well.
In March of last year the wide receiver decided to give up the round ball for an oblong one. Now, he’s officially switched his sports path.
“Basketball’s always been my first love,” said Ellington in a statement. “After giving it a lot of thought, this is the decision I’ve made. If you want to be great at something you have to commit to it full-time. I appreciate Coach Spurrier for giving me an opportunity to play football at South Carolina.
“It was a great experience, but right now I want to focus on basketball. I also want to thank all the fans for their support throughout my time in Columbia.”
During the 2011 football season, Ellington posted 707 all-purpose yards for the Gamecocks, with 211 receiving yards, 106 rushing yards and 390 yards on kick returns.