3 weeks Ago
Sean Elkinton is expected to provide 3-point range and post potential to UL's offense as a transfer from Louisiana Tech. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save When Sean Elkinton decided to leave Division II St. Edward’s after a very successful season, the native of Crosby, Texas was striving to take his skill set as far as it could go.
One very challenging season later, the 6-foot-8 forward wasn’t ready to give up his pursuit. So Elkinton entered the transfer portal and settled on the UL Ragin’ Cajuns under new coach Quannas White . “I kind of felt like it was necessary for me to explore other options and not sell myself short on anything I could do,” said Elkinton, who signed with UL this last week during his official visit.
It was easy to see why Elkinton was looking to a higher level. In his second season with the Hilltoppers, Elkinton averaged 17.5 points and 7.
5 rebounds while making 42.9% of his 3-pointers. During this past season in Ruston, Elkinton averaged 5.
5 points, 2.3 points and 12 minutes a game while shooting 33.3% from 3 and 94.
7% at the line. “I learned a lot about myself, especially mentally,” Elkinton said. “It was a tough year for me – a lot of sickness, a lot of injuries and a lot of other factors.
I just think it was a tough year and making it through that mentally showed me what I could do. “I know that I can make it through anything. I know I’m a hard worker and whatever obstacles that come up this year, I can achieve them or break through them.
” Instead of being discouraged, Elkinton said visiting with White and his staff has rejuvenated his confidence. “What drew me to the Cajuns was more or less knowing how coach Q is a big character guy,” Elkinton said. “He surrounds himself with a staff that is considered his close family.
They’re really here to help us as player and they’re very genuine. They’ll be here by our side. They’ll be hard on us, but at the same time, they’ll always be our biggest supporters.
“I feel like that will allow me to reach a new level of confidence I haven’t yet fully showcased what I am fully capable of as a player.” While White made it clear to Elkinton during the recruiting phase that he’ll be shooting many more than just 51 3-pointers this season, but he’s also confident he can score in the paint as well. “First and foremost, we’re going to defend like crazy,” Elkinton said.
“In terms of role, he wants to give me the freedom to shoot the laces off the ball and shoot the ball like I know I can. “But I feel like I have excellent foot work in the post. To exploit mismatches playing the four .
.. I can beat you inside or outside depending on the matchup.
I’ve been a pretty good post scorer for a while now.” Elkinton also admitted there were some cool personal aspects of being recruited by the Cajuns. For one, he’s a longtime fan of the Houston Cougars, so getting to know White was a treat and then he learned his wife Leah is also from Crosby.
“Yes, pretty small world moment,” Elkinton said. “I also have some coaches back home that I’ve known since high school who are very close to coach Q. I’ve been talking to the staff since the portal opened.
“It’s felt genuine. They’ve been completely honest. They’ve checked all the boxes.
We’ve been in constant communication even though I know they’re busy right now trying to build a team for next year. They’re making me feel wanted and people always say go where you’re wanted.” Elkinton is joined by six other transfer portal additions, including 6-9 New Orleans native Todd Jones from Portland, 6-3 guard Jamyron Keller from Oklahoma State, 6-3 shooter De’Vion Lavergne from Purdue-Fort Wayne, 6-5 wing Dorian Finister from Sam Houston, 6-8 forward Dariyus Woodson from North Dakota and 6-5 guard Jaxon Olvera of Pepperdine.
Woodson, Finister and Elkinton already have signed with UL. The new UL staff also has corralled four high school additions, topped by 6-7 wing Joshua Lewis of Tampa, Florida – as well as 6-1 guard Michael Collins from Pearland, Texas, 6-6 guard Caleb Sanders from Tampa, Florida, and 6-8 forward Daijon Leatherman from Spring, Texas..
