Elliott Bessen
,@BessenElliott
, IG: @Ebessen13
6’1, 165lbs, c/o 2025.
Eau Claire North, Wisconsin.
Elliot is a dynamic young stud who is athletic and shifty with the ability to get his own shots. Elliot is not only a nasty catch-and-shoot sniper from downtown with unlimited rage but a ruthless downhill master slicing his way into the lane with crafty and creative moves. He is explosive, attacking the rim with intent and purpose to get that bucket despite who is in front of him and a high flyer that can play above the rim. Elliot also has awesome court vision and a high IQ he uses to make dazzling jaw dropping passes. Elliot mixes it on the boards and is a tenacious defender with excellent anticipation ability which he uses to fuel the transition game where he is magic.
This past season, Elliot averaged 13.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 34% from 3pt. Elliot's biggest improvement from last year to this has been his athleticism and frame. Since last season ended, Elliot has put on 15 pounds and 5 inches to his vertical. Elliot's most significant basketball achievement has been the fact that out of 50 varsity games he has suited up for, he has started for 48 of those, and the 2 that he didn’t was for senior night.
Outside of basketball, Elliot likes to hunt and fish; he also enjoys doing fun things with friends,. Whether going to the Mall of America or top golf, he likes to spend time with friends.
Elliot's personal goal for this season is to become a 1000-point career scorer, and he is at 612 right now. The biggest challenge to this goal is the amount of attention he will receive, as Elliot is now the top returning scorer on his team. For a team goal Elliot wants their team to finish top 50% in the Big Rivers Conference. The biggest challenge with this is obviously the talent and skill returning to the league this year and making sure they match the intensity of every opponent.
The biggest game this year to me will be the Memorial Cross Town game. They beat them last year so they will be out for revenge and trying to get one back. Add the fact that Elliot has played with and against almost all those guys since the 3 grade; they have mutual respect and know it’ll be a battle.
There may not be many who believe, but Elliot believes that they are destined for a deep playoff run this year. Basketball is a game of momentum and energy, and Elliot believes if they can win those two categories, it will take them deep into March this year. It will also take them coming together as a team and really buying into their coach's schemes and plans, trusting them.
The factor that fires Elliot up the most on the court is the alumni who have come before him and the youth who follow him. A while back, Elliot realized that playing for North and this program is bigger than just a game. Elliot feels this program is bigger than him and that’s because of all the players that have come before and will come after him.
When facing adversity, Elliot faces it head-on because, at the end of the day, you can only control your attitude, effort or whether you give your best effort and have a good attitude.' its more than likely will work out in your favor and if it doesn’t you just have to move on knowing you gave it your all.
The best piece of advice Elliot has ever received was from his dad; he said, “If this is the worst thing that happens to you in life, you will have a pretty good life.” It really just makes Elliot think about how lucky he is to be playing this sport he loves and that it’s more than just a game knowing there are so many bigger and better things to come in his life. Elliot's brother was also diagnosed with a heart condition that doesn’t allow him to play any sports, so he also takes that into consideration whenever something negative happens to him. Elliot feels blessed that he can even play this sport in the first place.
What Elliot feels it will take to play at the next level is changing his body even more by adding more weight to my frame and having a dad who has been around the collegiate level for longer than he has been alive. He says that is the biggest thing about getting ready for that next level. Elliot does not feel like he belongs to a specific division. As a good basketball, Elliot has no division he is locked into; he is just looking for the best fit for himself academically and athletically. The major that Elliot is looking to pursue is not a very widely taught major, so his recruiting process has been small. That said, Elliot has visited UW-Platteville recently and has a couple more visits set up in the near future.
I assess that this dynamic young combo guard's ability to create his own shots even over bigger players, along with his athleticism, speed, and defensive swagger, really sets him apart and will really help him succeed in reaching that dream of every basketball standout's dream, playing the next level. Its no doubt Elliot has the drive, confidence, and clear understanding of what it will take to make and thrive there.. The knowledge that fit matters more than division level is extremely rare and a quality I wish we saw more of. As good of an athlete as he is, Elliot is among the most grounded kids I have seen to match the talent. He also understands the value of education and being sure while being focused on the future beyond basketball. Outstanding! We can expect a breakout season as Elliot is ready to take the lead and lead this team on one last extraordinary journey. Stay tuned!!
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