NERR-TV Unsigned Senior Showcase - Eli Lenihan
Eli Leniham has had a decorated international career in his home country of Ireland.
He was the MVP of the Irish National Championship in 2020 after averaging 19 points, 13 assists, and 13 rebounds per game.
Leniham has also represented his home country by suiting up for Ireland's u16 or u18 national team 36 times in recent years. He even captained the Irish National Team at the European Championships.
He moved to the United States and MacDuffie for his senior season but remains under-the-radar as the pandemic has limited his ability to make a name for himself here.
Prospect Profile
Height: 6'4"
Position: Guard
Hometown: Cork, Ireland
School: MacDuffie (MA)
By the Numbers
Academics: 3.9 GPA
Stats: 19 points, 13 rebounds, & 13 assists (2020 Irish National Championship)
Personal Statement
I am a crafty, playmaking guard who can play on or off the ball. I strive to make my teammates better and involve them as much as possible. I am a hard worker that loves to improve my game and work on my weaknesses . I consider myself a leader and I pride myself on making good decisions on the floor, whether that is offensively or defensively. I will put my body on the line without hesitation, whether that is through taking a charge or diving on a loose ball. As previously stated, I will first look to assist my teammates to score but I can also score at 3 levels throughout the course of the game.
I think that I can help any team win particularly through my ability to read the game, my biggest strengths being my passing vision and decision making. I have been lucky enough to play in many different settings throughout my career so far. I have played in many games and tournaments all over Europe against top European nations and talent. In the 19/20 season, I played in the top senior men's division in Ireland in which I learned a great amount. Lastly, I would consider myself to be a great teammate and someone who is easily coachable and is willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Recommendations
"There is not a player that I have coached with a higher basketball IQ than Eli Lenihan. Eli is a super smart player, an amazing playmaker and a true floor general. As a point guard with good size at 6'3" Division 1 schools should take notice as he also shoots it well and he has good range. Eli is a very strong leader, he is super competitive and he is a true winner! Old school, tough and mentally strong in the way he approaches the game he will be a huge asset to any team."
- Aaron Patterson, Head Coach, MacDuffie School
"Eli is an extremely intelligent player who has an inate ability to read the game of basketball. His ability to find an open teammate and play at a high tempo make him a joy to both coach and watch. He has a fantastic attitude, love of the game and work rate which make him very coachable player and a natural leader in the dressing room."
- Keith Daly, Head Coach, Neptune Basketball Club
Scout's Take
Lenihan has a terrific combination of positional size in the backcourt and basketball I.Q. His foundation in international basketball has made him well-schooled in seeing the floor, understanding concepts, and being able to make reads. He also has some creativity and flair with the way he can deliver balls as a passer. Combine that with his ability to knock down shots and his innate toughness, and he possesses a rare combination of winning attributes.
Video Highlights
Eli Lenihan