GALLERY – Former NBA player and Jackson native Monta Ellis was honored at Jackson City Hall, as Mayor John Horhn presented him with a key to the city and proclaimed the date “Monta Ellis Day” in Jackson

On Oct. 9th, former NBA player and Jackson native Monta Ellis was honored at Jackson City Hall, as Mayor John Horhn presented him with a key to the city and proclaimed the date “Monta Ellis Day” in Jackson. Known to fans as the “Mississippi Bullet,” Ellis starred at Lanier High School, leading the Bulldogs to four consecutive state championship games and two state titles in 2002 and 2005. As a senior, he was named a McDonald’s All-American and Parade Magazine’s National Player of the Year. Ellis was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2005 and went on to play 12 NBA seasons with the Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers. He finished his career with 14,858 points and earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2007. The ceremony brought family, friends and community members together to recognize Ellis’ basketball achievements and connection to his hometown. He now serves as general manager of the Alcorn State University men’s basketball program. During the presentation, Ellis expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on how Jackson helped shape the person he is today. The honor recognized both his accomplishments in professional basketball and his continued ties to the capital city. (Advocate Photos: Joshua Martin)