Monta Ellis, American basketball player

Monta Jerome Ellis is an American former professional basketball player. Ellis attended Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi, where he was a McDonald's All-American and first-team Parade All-American. He entered the NBA directly out of high school, being drafted with the 40th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2005 NBA draft. In 2007, he was named the NBA Most Improved Player. During his career Ellis was one of the best scorers in the league, averaging close to 25 points per game on two occasions.