The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Former Louisiana-Lafayette Standout Elijah Millsap Joins UAB
6/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
June 25, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former Louisiana-Lafayette standout Elijah Millsap has signed a scholarship and will transfer to UAB, announced Blazers' head coach Mike Davis. Millsap, who will sit out a year as an NCAA Division I transfer, will be eligible to play in 2009-10.
"Elijah is a talented player who will be able to step on the court and help us immediately," Davis said. "He has an uncanny ability to score and is a very sound all-around player. Even though he cannot play next season, he will still help us in practice and make our team better. I am very excited to have Elijah join the UAB basketball family. This is an outstanding addition to our team and the fans are going to enjoy watching him play."
Millsap, who is the younger brother of former Louisiana Tech star and current member of the Utah Jazz Paul Millsap, had an impressive two seasons while with the Ragin' Cajuns. While there, he played in 53 contests, made 40 starts and led the team in rebounds and steals over the two-year span.
As a freshman, the 6-6, 211-pound swingman averaged 12.4 points and a team-best 7.3 rebounds per game on his way to being tabbed the 2007 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year. Millsap also shot 45.5 percent from the floor and led the team with 30 steals on the campaign.
Last season, Millsap battled nagging injuries throughout the season, but managed to lead the team in rebounding (5.4 rpg) and steals (44) for a second straight season, while also finishing second on the team in scoring (9.4 ppg).
When UAB snuck out with a 78-72 overtime victory at UL-Lafayette last season (Nov. 27, 2007), the Blazers had a lot of problems trying to contain Millsap. In that contest, Millsap connected on 10-of-22 shots from the floor and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc to finish with a career-high 26 points and five rebounds in a losing effort.
Millsap was a highly-rated prospect out of Grambling HS in Grambling, La., as he was tabbed the Louisiana Class A MVP during his senior season. That year, Millsap averaged a staggering 29.8 points and 14.5 rebounds per game on his way to first-team all-state and all-district accolades.
Despite not being able to suit up for the Blazers in 2008-09, Millsap will be allowed to practice with the team.
