**4:35 p.m. update**
That’s going to wrap up the live coverage of the event here. Be sure to check back to KUsports.com for full press conference video after we get it all uploaded this evening. Also be sure to check out Gary’s full story later on KUsports.com or in Thursday’s Journal-World.
**4:13 p.m. update: By Gary Bedore**
Wichita Heights senior forward Perry Ellis orally committed to Kansas University at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Wichita Heights High School gymnasium. Ellis, who was seated at a table next to his dad, Will, and mom, Fonda, chose KU over Kansas State, Wichita State and Kentucky.
“I knew for so long. I’ve been there so many times. I felt so comfortable there,” Ellis said. “It made me realize that was the school for me. All the schools were so great, but I was so comfortable there.”
Ellis said he was looking forward to working with KU big-man coach Danny Manning, who he’s developed a relationship with.
He cited the improvement of the Morris twins as an example of Manning’s coaching ability.
Ellis — the 24th-ranked player in the class of 2012, according to Rivals.com — called the coaches of the four schools immediately before the news conference.
“I’m happy it (recruiting) is over with,” Ellis said. “I’m really excited.”
**4:05 p.m. update**
Here’s the short video of Perry Ellis announcing that he’s going to KU. We’ll have more of the press conference coming in a video later.
http://www2.kusports.com/videos/2011/sep/21/35013/
**4 p.m. update**
Quick poll question: Do you think Perry Ellis will start at KU his freshman year?
**3:50 p.m. update**
Have some short video of Ellis’ announcement coming shortly.
**3:28 p.m. update**
Here are two photos from Gary Bedore. Couldn’t get too close to him during the presser, or he’d have blocked all the cameras.
**3:20 p.m. update**
Working on photos/video. Should have more posted shortly.
**3:07 p.m. update**
Here’s what Perry Ellis was looking out at, just to give you an idea of the setting.
**3:02 p.m. update**
There were no hats for the Ellis decision. Actually, I thought he and his family handled it well. Very little self-promotion. Came in, announced, answered questions and didn’t make this a circus.
**2:58 p.m. update**
Press conference has ended. Ellis just walked out of the gym with his parents.
**2:57 p.m. update**
Ellis: “Even going up there (to KU), you could see the tradition before the games. … It’s one of the top tradition programs, I would say. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
**2:55 p.m. update**
“It’s one of the happiest days (of my life),” Ellis said.
**2:53 p.m. update**
Ellis said he was looking forward to working with Danny Manning. He mentioned the Morris twins as a sign of how well Manning develops players.
Ellis also said KU coach Bill Self was the first one to come to his games freshman year. “That really impressed me and humbled me,” Ellis said.
**2:50 p.m. update**
“All these schools are real close to me. They’ve been there for three or four years now. It was a tough decision.”
**2:48 p.m. update**
Ellis hugged both his parents after making the decision.
“I just felt so comfortable there (at KU),” he said.
**2:47 p.m. update**
After thanking God, his parents and Wichita Heights, his coach and his trainer and all the schools that recruited him, Perry Ellis picked Kansas University.
**2:45 p.m. update**
He’s coming out right now.
**2:40 p.m. update**
Just been told this announcement shouldn’t be delayed and will take place at 2:40 p.m.
Here’s a photo of all the mics to show you the media presence here.
**2:35 p.m. update**
Hey guys. We’re here live at Wichita Heights High School, waiting the announcement for Perry Ellis, who will choose his college destination at 2:45 p.m. His final four schools are Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State and Kentucky.
We arrived here about a half-hour early, and already, about 10 cameras were set up. This is announcement is drawing quite a media crowd, especially because the 24th-ranked player in the class of 2012 has three local schools left on his list.
Check back for more as we get closer to the announcement.
