Grant Ellis Basketball - From Court To Screen
Grant Ellis, a name many recognize from the television screen, has a life story that includes a significant chapter on the basketball court. His path, in a way, shows how someone can shift focus from one dream to another, sometimes because of unexpected events. Before he became a familiar face on reality television, Grant was, in fact, making a name for himself with a different kind of ball, putting in work on hardwood floors.
This individual's early days were very much about the game. He spent a good portion of his youth and young adult years honing his skills, moving through various levels of competition, and pursuing what seemed like a clear future in the sport. It's almost as if the court was his first stage, where he learned about teamwork, dedication, and pushing his limits.
So, we're going to take a closer look at the basketball part of Grant Ellis's story, exploring his time playing the game, the places it took him, and how that part of his life shaped his journey. It’s a tale that offers a different perspective on someone who has since stepped into the public eye in a very different capacity.
Table of Contents
- The Early Life and Basketball Beginnings of Grant Ellis
- Grant Ellis's Collegiate Basketball Years
- Professional Play and a Pivotal Moment - Grant Ellis Basketball Overseas
- What Did Grant Ellis Do After Basketball?
- How Did Grant Ellis Get Into Reality Television?
- Personal Details - Grant Ellis's Biography at a Glance
- What Was Grant Ellis's Role on the Court?
- Where Can You Find More About Grant Ellis Basketball Stats?
The Early Life and Basketball Beginnings of Grant Ellis
Grant Ellis, who came into the world on December 15, 1993, is now about 30 or 31 years old. His roots are in Newark, New Jersey, a place many call the Garden State. He grew up there, spending his formative years in a spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and, as he himself has said, a big basketball presence. He currently makes his home in Houston, Texas, but he does, you know, mention that he misses some parts of his New Jersey upbringing, especially the people he grew up with and the basketball culture that was so much a part of that area.
From a rather young age, Grant had a clear aspiration: he wished to become a basketball player. This ambition shaped a good deal of his early life. He was a member of his college teams, and this desire to play the game was, in fact, a driving force. His path included attending St. Benedict's Prep, a school where he certainly honed his skills. He was recognized as a top player in New Jersey for the class of 2012, being ranked among the top 20 players in the state. This early recognition set the stage for what seemed like a promising path in the sport he cared about so much.
So, his journey with basketball began quite early, with a strong foundation laid in his home state. He was a dedicated young person, spending countless hours on the court, working to improve his game, and, as a matter of fact, striving to reach the higher levels of competition. It’s clear that the sport held a special place in his heart from the beginning of his playing days.
Grant Ellis's Collegiate Basketball Years
After his time in high school, Grant Ellis continued his basketball journey at the college level, playing for a few different schools. He started out playing for the Iona University Gaels, a team located in New York. This period allowed him to keep developing his abilities and get a feel for the pace of college-level play. He was, in a way, building on the foundation he had established during his high school years, adding to his experience with each game and practice session.
Later on, he made a move to Southern University, where he completed his studies, graduating in 2016. His time at Southern University was also a part of his college basketball story, adding another chapter to his athletic pursuits. It's important to consider that moving between schools can be a part of a player's path, often seeking the best fit for their development and academic goals. He was, like your, a player who sought opportunities to keep playing the game he loved.
Grant also spent some time at Albertus Magnus College, which is in Connecticut. During his period with the Falcons at Albertus Magnus, he certainly made a notable contribution. He appeared in and started 18 games for the team, showing his consistent presence on the court. He was, in fact, second on the team in scoring, putting up an average of 19.1 points in each game. This shows he was a key offensive player for them. He also knocked down a good percentage of his shots, making 43.6 percent of them. These statistics really do paint a picture of a player who was a significant part of his team's efforts, contributing in a meaningful way during his time there. He used his athletic abilities to help these different schools, as a matter of fact, making an impact wherever he played.
Professional Play and a Pivotal Moment - Grant Ellis Basketball Overseas
After his college playing days were over, Grant Ellis took his basketball abilities to a professional setting, making the move overseas. He played professional basketball for a team located in the Dominican Republic, specifically with Club Huellas del Siglo. This was, in a way, the realization of a dream for him, stepping onto the professional stage after years of dedication to the game. He was seen as a rising basketball talent, someone who had a promising career ahead of him, both during his college years and when he played internationally.
His time playing professionally was a significant part of his journey, showing his commitment to the sport at a higher level. However, his path took an unexpected turn. He experienced what has been described as a devastating injury. This event, you know, marked a major turning point in his life. It was an injury that, in some respects, altered the course of his basketball aspirations. He was, in fact, on a path to becoming a basketball star before this happened.
So, this injury led him to make a big decision about his future. It meant that he switched his focus from playing basketball to a different kind of career. This pivotal moment essentially redirected his life's work, moving him away from the courts where he had spent so much of his time and effort. It’s a clear example of how unforeseen circumstances can lead someone down a completely different path than the one they had originally envisioned for themselves.
What Did Grant Ellis Do After Basketball?
Once his professional basketball career came to an end due to that injury, Grant Ellis made a significant shift in his professional life. He transitioned into the world of finance, taking on the role of a day trader. This change was, in a way, a complete departure from the physical demands and public visibility of being a professional athlete. He basically moved from the basketball court to the financial markets, a very different kind of arena where quick thinking and analysis are key.
His new work as a day trader meant a different kind of daily routine and a different set of skills to apply. It’s a field that requires sharp focus and an understanding of market movements, which is quite unlike dribbling a ball or shooting hoops. This career path shows his adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges, even after a major life event like a career-ending injury. He was, in fact, building a new professional identity for himself.
While he now lives in Houston, Texas, his roots in New Jersey are still something he thinks about. He misses his friends from his hometown and the general atmosphere of the place where he grew up. He specifically mentioned missing the basketball culture there, which is, you know, a big part of the state’s identity. So, even though his professional life took him in a new direction and to a new city, parts of his past, especially his connection to the game, still resonate with him.
How Did Grant Ellis Get Into Reality Television?
Grant Ellis eventually found himself in the public eye once again, but this time it was through the world of reality television. His first appearance was as a contestant on season 21 of "The Bachelorette." He was, you know, looking for a connection during Jenn Tran's season of the show, which aired in August 2024. His time on "The Bachelorette" was relatively short, as he was eliminated from the competition.
However, his journey on reality television didn't end there. Shortly after his elimination from "The Bachelorette," it was announced that he would become the star of season 29 of "The Bachelor." This was, in a way, a big step up, going from a contestant to the main person looking for love. Interestingly, his mother was the one who signed him up for this opportunity, which just goes to show how family can sometimes play a part in these big life decisions. There was, apparently, a bit of added pressure for him as the leading man, which is understandable given the show's format.
Season 29 of "The Bachelor" was set to premiere on September 18, with some reports also mentioning a January 27 premiere date for his journey to find love. During the finale of his season, Grant Ellis, who was described as a day trader and a former professional basketball player from New Jersey, made his choice. He selected Pasquarosa, choosing her over another finalist, Litia Garr. This marked the conclusion of his search for a partner on the show. It was, in fact, a chance for him to find a meaningful relationship, a "second chance at finding true love," as it was put.
Personal Details - Grant Ellis's Biography at a Glance
Here are some personal details about Grant Ellis, offering a quick look at his background:
| Full Name | Grant Russell Ellis |
| Born | December 15, 1993 |
| Age (approx.) | 30-31 years old |
| Hometown | Newark, New Jersey |
| Current Residence | Houston, Texas |
| Height | 6'4'' or 6'5'' |
| College Teams | Iona University, Southern University, Albertus Magnus College |
| Professional Team | Club Huellas del Siglo (Dominican Republic) |
| Post-Basketball Career | Day Trader |
| Reality TV Appearances | The Bachelorette (Season 21), The Bachelor (Season 29) |
What Was Grant Ellis's Role on the Court?
When Grant Ellis was playing basketball, his position on the court was that of a guard. He was a player who stood at about 6 feet, 4 inches, or sometimes listed at 6 feet, 5 inches tall. This height, for a guard, was something he certainly used to his benefit during games. It allowed him to see over defenders and, you know, make plays, whether it was shooting, passing, or getting rebounds. His physical attributes were definitely an asset to his playing style.
He was a player who dreamed of being a professional in the sport, and his physical stature certainly helped with that aspiration. He played on his high school's team and then went on to lend his athletic talents to several schools at the college level. His career history, including the teams he played for, is something that can be found on sports websites like ESPN and RealGM. These sources keep track of players' journeys through the sport, offering a record of their contributions.
So, his role was typically in a position that involved handling the ball, setting up plays, and scoring points. He was, in fact, a versatile player who contributed in various ways, using his size and skills to help his teams. His time on the court, from his youth through his professional days, was very much about being a guard who could make a real impact on the game.
Where Can You Find More About Grant Ellis Basketball Stats?
For those who wish to learn more about Grant Ellis's basketball statistics and career information, there are specific places to look. You can, for instance, find details about his time playing college basketball. Complete career NCAA men's basketball statistics for him, especially for his time with the Southern Jaguars, are available on ESPN. This includes figures for points scored, rebounds gathered, and assists made, giving a good overview of his performance on the college stage.
Additionally, you can get the most recent news, statistics, and other information about Grant Ellis on RealGM.com. This website often provides a comprehensive look at players' careers, including their time in various leagues and teams. So, if you're curious about the numbers behind his playing days, these are the places where you can, in fact, find that kind of information. They offer a detailed record of his contributions to the sport.
These resources allow you to see the tangible results of his efforts on the court, from his scoring averages to his shooting percentages. It’s a way to connect with the competitive side of his story, seeing how his skills translated into game-time performance. Basically, if you want to see the numbers, these sites have them.
Grant Ellis's journey from a dedicated basketball player, who even played professionally overseas, to a day trader, and then to a well-known personality on reality television, shows a life full of shifts and new beginnings. His time on the court was a significant part of his younger years, shaping his discipline and drive, before an injury led him down a different path. This path eventually brought him into the public eye in a completely new way, allowing many to get to know him beyond his basketball background.
Grant Ellis's Basketball Career: From the Court to the Roses
Grant Ellis's Basketball Career: From the Court to the Roses
Grant Ellis - Basketball Player, Personality
