Ipswich and Great Britain International forward Ethan Price has committed to Eastern Washington University, in the ‘Big Sky Conference’ of NCAA Division One. The class of 2021 stretch forward was heavily recruited by several mid and high major Division One schools, with EWU securing the super-talented Price ahead of some powerhouse programmes.
Eastern Washington finished with a 23-8 record in the shortened 2019/2020, winning the Big Sky Conference, and were this week ranked as ‘overwhelming favourites to defend their league title’. This means Ethan is likely to have the opportunity to compete for Conference Championships during his time in Eastern Washington, as well as for a place in the NCAA Tournament, as part of a top programme, as he continues to add to his already impressive resume.
The 6’10 Forward has represented Great Britain at U18 level, and was expected to be part of the GB U20 team for the FIBA European Championships this summer before the coronavirus pandemic cancelled the event. His club career includes multiple trips to final fours, EABL honours as well as establishing himself as a leading player for the senior men.
Ethan is currently in his final year at Ipswich Basketball Academy (IBA) based at Copleston High School & Sixth Form, one of the country's leading Elite Academies as part of the England Development Programme (EDP). During his time with the Academy so far, he has been named to the All EABL South Conference First Team, as well as being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Most impressively, Ethan became the first player in Elite Academy history (male of female) to win back-to-back EABL MVP, taking home the award in both 2019 and 2020.
In 2019/2020 the versatile forward averaged 23.5 points (2nd in the country) 12.4 rebounds (3rd) and 2.7 blocks (2nd) with an efficiency of 28.7 (1st).
The 19-year-old had this to say about his commitment to Eastern Washington: “I am excited to finally announce my commitment to Eastern Washington University. I felt that the University was a great fit for me and holds values that are important to me. Although I was unable to visit, the virtual tour and meeting some of the players confirmed my decision. I have built a good relationship with the coaching staff throughout the recruitment process and look forward to my next step."
Ipswich Basketball Club and Academy Head Coach Head Coach Nick Drane added: “I can’t tell you how proud I am of Ethan. He has been with us since the start of his career and we have all watched him grow and develop into an absolute beast of a player, and far more importantly, a well-rounded and mature young man. I have had the privilege of working with every player in this club for the best part of twenty years, and some of them have gone on to achieve great things. I can say without hesitation, that Ethan is the best player our boys and men’s programme has produced during that time – and it’s down to his incredible work ethic, talent and dedication to his craft”.
"I would like to thank everyone at Ipswich Basketball Club who have supported me throughout the years I've had here", Price added. "I want to particularly thank Nick and Adam (Robinson, Senior Men's Head Coach and Academy Assistant Coach), for all of the hours and hard work they have put into my development. I am looking forward to completing my final season at the Academy alongside my teammates and can't wait for the season to get started again."
Ethan will play his final season in the UK with Copleston in the EABL in the 2020/21, when the academy competitions eventually start, but with so much uncertainty around the National League season, he will suit up for the Essex Rebels in NBL Division One at the weekends. Ethan will be looking to finish this chapter of his playing career with a flourish, before he moves stateside to play and begin his degree.
Everyone at Ipswich Basketball is incredibly proud of what Ethan has achieved and wish him luck as he begins the next phase of his basketball journey.