Kwamain Mitchell commanded the attention of Billikenland last winter on the basketball court, but this year, two players from Down Under hope to take center stage in Coach Rick Majerus’ offense. Cody Ellis (a forward) and Christian Salecich (a guard), both from Australia, showed Majerus that they are ready to shine during the FIBA U19 World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand, earlier this month.
Team Australia commanded its way into the Bronze Medal Game before falling 87-81 to Croatia. Both future Billikens showed why they had been recruited by a future Hall of Fame coach. Ellis ended the tournament as the Aussies’ second leading scorer with 101 points, and he ranked third on the team in rebounding with 51. Salecich closed out the tourney with 38 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and six steals. He also shot 40.9 percent from 3-point range.
“I watched the game on the computer and I talked to people who were there, and I liked what I saw,” Majerus said. “Salecich is a good defensive player and a good chemistry player. Ellis is unique in that he’s a good scorer and can pass. He can really play the perimeter.”
Majerus, who was on the road recruiting at the time, had a unique way of finding the two Aussies. Assistant Coach Chris Harriman is from Australia and played professional ball there for a year. Harriman recommended the players to Majerus.
“Chris [Harriman] mentioned these two players so I went over to see these guys. I love their attitudes,” Majerus said. “They’re both terrific students. I think they have a great upside as players.”
Though initially concerned Ellis and Salecich might have difficulties adjusting to American collegiate basketball, Majerus tampered down his concern. “I’ve always had international players . I had Australians at Utah, I’ve had Canadians, South Americans,” he said. “And they have great support from their families.
“They’ve been extraordinarily well coached. They’ve had great competition and they’ve got outstanding attitudes, a great passion for the game.”
Ellis and Salecich will need to play well if the Billikens expect to have a chance at a conference championship or post-season play. With the loss of seniors Kevin Lisch, Tommie Liddell III, and Barry Eberhardt, the team will be the youngest team in the nation. Four other freshmen will join the team, including Justin Jordan, who was the second-leading scorer in the state of Indiana with a 27.7 ppg average.
