We catch up with former Ace Shy Ely in the first "Where Are They Now" segment.
Where Are They Now: Shy Ely
3/16/2010 8:47:11 AM
Beginning this March, the University of Evansville athletics department will bring you updates on what former Purple Aces are up to these days with our new "Where Are They Now" feature. We begin our feature series with a look at former UE men's basketball player Shy Ely.
If you are a former UE student-athlete, we would love to hear from you to find out what you are up to these days. Please click here to submit your story. Also, fans, if there is a former Purple Ace you would like to find out "Where They Are Now," let us know by clicking here.
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Shy Ely was the runner-up in voting for Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 2009, and the University of Evansville's first NABC All-District selection since Andy Elkins in 1995. His outstanding senior year (18.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg) caught the attention of pro scouts, landed him a try-out with the Chicago Bulls, and eventually earned him a earn a place in the NBA Development League.
Ely is a member of the first place Iowa Energy in Des Moines, Iowa, where he's averaging 3.5 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11 minutes of action per game. The Energy have a joint affiliation with the Bulls and Phoenix Suns of the NBA. Ely was the Energy's Player of the Game Feb. 9 when he totaled 10 points and five rebounds in a victory over the Eric BayHawks. Twelve players from Iowa's team have been called up to the NBA since the start of the 2008-09 season.
"This has been a great opportunity," Ely said recently while having dinner with his former University of Evansville teammates, who were in Des Moines to play Drake University. "There are a lot of talented players in this league, and the NBA coaches and general managers keep a close eye on the players. It seems like someone's getting called up almost every day. I'm just a rookie, trying to learn and get better. I think the club is happy with my progress."
Shy says he'll be back in Evansville this spring when the season ends, when he can spend more time with his friends and former coaches.
"Last season was a lot of fun," he says. "Coach Simmons put a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, and he gave me confidence. Then we went out and had some success. I have so many good memories of Evansville, the school, and my teammates. I can't wait to get back and see everyone."