Ellis, a Mississippi native who starred at Lanier High School in Jackson, entered the NBA directly from high school. The Golden State Warriors selected him 40th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, which was the final draft that allowed high school seniors to declare. He later played for the Mavericks and Indiana Pacers before his final NBA season in 2016-17. At Alcorn State, Ellis will assist with roster building, player evaluations, recruiting plans, transfer-portal decisions, NIL opportunities and alumni and donor relationships. Ellis said the position gives him an opportunity to contribute to one of Mississippi's historically Black colleges and universities while helping bring greater attention to Alcorn State basketball.