American · Savannah, Georgia · Born 3 April 1967American college basketball player who led Louisville to 1986 NCAA Championship as freshman, becoming youngest Tournament MOP in history.
Pervis Ellison was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1967. He attended the University of Louisville under coach Denny Crum and won the national championship in 1986 as a freshman. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player — becoming the first freshman since Magic Johnson in 1979 to win the award. His performance in the championship game against Duke — 25 points and 11 rebounds — earned him the nickname Never Nervous Pervis for his composure in high-pressure situations. He averaged 15.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game across four seasons. Sacramento Kings selected him first overall in the 1989 NBA Draft. His professional career was severely hampered by knee injuries — he required multiple surgeries and missed significant playing time across multiple seasons, never fulfilling the first overall pick expectations. His Louisville career, however, was genuinely exceptional — four years of consistent excellence culminating in a freshman championship performance that placed him among the most decorated individual tournament performances in history.
He became the first freshman to win NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors when he led Louisville to the 1986 national championship.
How They Played
Ellison was an athletic center who combined excellent shot-blocking instincts with strong rebounding skills and surprising mobility for his height. He possessed good hands and court vision, making him effective both defensively and as a passer from the post.
Lasting Impact
Ellison's 1986 NCAA tournament performance as a freshman remains one of the most memorable championship runs by a big man in college basketball history.
Career Honours
- National Championship (1986)
- Tournament MOP (1986)
- All-American
- First overall pick 1989
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville Cardinals | 1985–1989 | — |
American Athletes