(MSUB media release)
BILLINGS – Another big Montana post will join the 2018 men’s basketball recruiting class at Montana State University Billings with Sam Elliot joining head coach Mick Durham’s inaugural class. A 6-foot-7-inch post, Elliott will join Brendan Howard, Seth Christiaens and Melvin Newbern Jr. in Durham’s revamped the Yellowjacket frontcourt.
“Sam adds instant depth to our center position,” Coach Durham said of the Kalispell product. “He has the ability to score inside and out. We’re adding a lot of high-character guys and Sam is no different with his leadership ability and a 4.0 GPA.”
A two-time all-state selection at Flathead High School, Elliott proved himself a threat from inside the paint and beyond the arc with the Braves. With averages of 13.2 points and nine rebounds as a senior, Elliott was a dynamic player as a prep. He shot 49.8 percent from the floor and 34.1 percent from 3-point range. He averaged over a block a game and added 2.1 assists per game to his totals while being named a team captain.
Elliott has carried a 4.0 GPA throughout his time at Flathead High School and is a three-time academic all-state honoree. He was awarded the Coach’s Choice Legacy Award after his senior season on the hardwood and has been on the academic honor roll all eight semesters with the Braves.
On the diamond, Elliott played American Legion Baseball with the Kalispell Lakers where he played third base and pitched. He was a first team all-conference pitcher as a junior and is currently competing with the team this spring. Elliott also earned two letters with the golf team at Flathead High School.
The Kalispell native is third player in this years’ recruiting class to stand at least 6-foot-6-inches tall along with Howard and Christiaens. Coach Durham has made a point to add size to an MSUB frontcourt that was outrebounded in 14 of 20 Great Northwest Athletic Conference contests last season.
