USC guard Boogie Ellis, who began his collegiate career playing for Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway, signed with the Sacramento Kings after not being selected in the 2024 NBA Draft.

"Only if y’all knew how much I been through these last 5 years I just want to thank GOD for putting me in this position been through every emotion but it made me and built me for any situation that comes nothings been given to me earned every opportunity ready for this next chapter it’s all apart of the story let’s work!" Ellis posted Thursday on Instagram.

Ellis, a shoot-first combo guard, played in 59 games for the Tigers across two seasons (2019-21). He was a member of Hardaway's vaunted No. 1-ranked recruiting class in the nation in 2019.

The San Diego native originally signed with Duke but flipped to Memphis, joining a class that also included future first-round picks James Wiseman and Precious Achiuwa. Golden State Warriors guard Lester Quinones was also a member of that Tigers signing class, as were D.J. Jeffries, Malcolm Dandridge and Damion Baugh.

During Ellis' two seasons at Memphis, he averaged 9.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game. As a sophomore, he was named AAC Sixth Man of the Year and helped lead the Tigers to an NIT championship.

Ellis transferred to USC following that season, where he averaged 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists in three seasons with the Trojans.

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Following a strong showing at the G League Elite Camp in May, Ellis earned a call-up to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Sacramento Kings sign USC's Boogie Ellis, former Memphis basketball