Eli Dee
X (Twitter) and Instagram :@elidee_1
. 6’3, 155 lbs, c/o 2026.
Baxter High School, IA
Eli is a lethal three-point sniper with a nice touch. but way beyond one-dimensional. Eli has a nasty first step that gets him, past defenders off the bounce with ease. Eli has a versatile offensive skill set that flows in the confidence he can do it all on offense, including a midrange pull-up and an effective euro-step finish, and his athleticism is constantly improving, allowing him to finish better around the basket. Eli prides himself on being a hard worker, whether running miles on the treadmill to prepare for the season or putting up hundreds of shots on the shooting machine. Eli describes his game as smooth, silky smooth y'all. One of Eli's strengths is his ability to create for himself and his teammates. I have a versatile offensive skill set, including a midrange pull-up and an effective euro-step finish.
This past season Eli averaged 12.5 per game sophomore year, including 15.7 points in conference play. while shooting 44.3% from the field and a blistering 41.1% from three. The most motivating experience for Eli that will push him moving forward was breaking his ankle while playing football during his sophomore year. It was a major setback, keeping Eli out of part of the basketball season. However, IEli stayed dedicated, doing pool workouts to strengthen his ankle. That experience taught him to never take basketball for granted because it can be taken away at any time. Eli's goals for this upcoming season are to average 20 points per game, shoot 40% from three, and 85-90% from the free-throw line. Eli also wants to help his team win the conference and make a deep run in the state tournament.
Playing AAU basketball for All Iowa Attack, Eli competed in several tournaments, shooting over 40% from three and 85% from the free-throw line. Eli was focused on improving defense and midrange games and continuing to develop as a three-level scorer. Eli was fortunate to have a great coach during his AAU season, Rhett Darland. He taught Eli how to run a college-level offense and helped him understand defensive rotations. In this AAU season, Eli competed against high-level players, both in practices with other Attack players and in tournament games. Eli achieved his AAU goals of averaging around 15 PPG and maintaining efficiency from the field.
One of the toughest teams Eli faced was an All-Iowa Attack Des Moines squad. They played exceptionally well together. The hardest player Eli has had to guard would have been Toryn Severson during my freshman season. A defining moment of Eli's AAU season was scoring 34 points and hitting the game-winning free throws.
Eli's biggest improvement since the AAU season has been his athleticism; He can now dunk more easily, and his overall game is coming together. One of my strengths is my ability to create for myself and my teammates. Eli has a versatile offensive skill set, including a midrange pull-up and an effective euro-step finish.
On the court, Eli is motivated by knowing he hasn't proven himself yet. Eli wants to show that he can lead his team and average 20 points per game. Eli has always been considered undersized, whether labeled as “skinny” or too short and he is determined to prove people wrong.
Eli handles adversity by trusting his work. Eli heard Jared McCain say this, and he believes it wholeheartedly". If you keep putting in the work, good results will follow." My biggest improvement since the AAU season has been my athleticism. I can dunk more easily now, and my overall game is coming together. One of my strengths is my ability to create for myself and my teammates. I have a versatile offensive skill set, including a midrange pull-up and an effective euro-step finish.
Eli's main focus this upcoming basketball season is to stay confident and keep taking his shots. Eli also wants to improve passing and continue creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Additionally, Eli aims to maintain his high-level three-point shooting.
Eli's advice to a freshman starting high school basketball is to be coachable—listen to your coaches, take feedback, and always look for ways to improve. Stay mentally tough. Basketball is a challenging sport, especially as a young player. Keep working hard and stay positive.
Eli sees himself as a potential D2I player. Eli believes he has the skills and shooting ability needed at the college level, but to compete at the D2 level, Eli feels he needs to add weight and muscle and work on his vertical. Eli's priority is to find a college opportunity where he can play and prove he belongs.
I assess that Eli can certainly compete and impact a team on the next level. Eli's shooting and athleticism, with the ability to create his own shots, are huge in his pursuit of his dream. Eli knows exactly what he needs to do to excel. Being coachable and hungry with the passion to keep getting better every day will open the right doors for Eli. This young star's potential is really high, and he has set the stage for a breakout season. We will see his stock continue to rise. Stay tuned.
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