Ellis backs out of Jordan Classic

[Greenhead22]

All-Star basketball

Lanier guard Monta Ellis has pulled out of the Jordan Classic scheduled for Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Ellis played in two all-star games since the end of Lanier's season on March 12: the Nike Hoop Summit at Memphis and the McDonald's All-American Game at South Bend, Ind.

"Monta was just wore out, so he wanted to get his body back right," Lanier coach Thomas Billups said.

According to Billups, Ellis remains undecided about whether he'll enter the NBA's June 28 draft. The deadline to declare is May 14.

Despite the absence of Ellis, Mississippi will still be represented in the Jordan Classic. Provine coach Luther Riley is an assistant in the game. Riley coached last year in the Derby Festival Classic at Louisville, Ky.

"It's an honor to be part of a game that's sponsored by the (world's) greatest basketball player," Riley said.