Pervis Ellison has been named head men's basketball coach at Life Center Academy in Burlington N.J.

Ellison has been a vital part of the Warriors’ basketball program the last two years, training and developing players who have gone on to colleges, including Syracuse, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Drexel and Louisiana Tech.

He will take the coaching reigns starting this summer and look to build on an already successful program.

Ellison was a highly accomplished player at the collegiate and NBA levels. He played at the University of Louisville, led the team to its second national championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player. At that time, he was only the second freshman to be awarded the honor.

Ellison was selected the first overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. Ellison would play for four NBA franchises during his 10-year professional career.

After his pro career, Ellison settled in New Jersey and began coaching one of the most successful AAU programs in the country, Team Final. The main focus of all of Ellison’s teams has been discipline, hard work and player development.

Along with Ellison, the staff at Life Center will look to continue to develop young players both on and off the court, while preparing them for their college career and professional lives.

Life Center Academy Athletic Director, Pastor David Boudwin said, “To have a coach with Pervis Ellison's experience is a wonderful benefit for our program and players. We look forward to a great season and exciting future for Life Center basketball.

Ellison starred in college at Louisville and was selected No. 1 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 1989 NBA Draft. He played for four teams during a 10-year professional career.

Ellison has helped train players from Life Center the past two years. During that time, the Warriors have sent players to major NCAA Division 1 colleges such as Syracuse, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Drexel and Louisiana Tech.

“To have a coach with Pervis Ellison’s experience is a wonderful benefit for our program and players,” Life Center athletic director David Boudwin said in a press release. “We look forward to a great season and exciting future for Life Center basketball.”