Eli Fleming was not supposed to play much at Phoenix College, if at all; but when opportunities opened up, he took advantage of them; culminating in a scholarship to Park University-Gilbert. A phone call from Tony Miller, Eli's skills coach, to Coach Eason, helped him get his foot in the door. 3 years, a redshirt season, being recruited over in his second season, and starting out as a role player in his sophomore year, Eli earned the respect of his teammates and coaches; along with a starting spot.
When most kids of this era would transfer, quit or complain about the coach, Eli kept working
towards his goal; and earned it.
I spoke to Eli about his journey.
Describe your time at PC, as a student, athlete, and member of the school community.
My time at Phoenix College was a transformative chapter in my life, shaping me as a student, athlete, and a community member. Balancing school work and athletic commitments really taught me about time management and being disciplined, to ensure that I was completing my assignments and getting good grades so I was able to stay eligible to play basketball. Outside of the classroom and off the court, giving service to the communities around the campus was very enjoyable. I was glad that I was able to help people who are in need and give back to the community through doing a food drive with Saint Mary's food bank or going to senior citizens center and playing games with them. It was always a great experience being able to give service back to the community.
Explain your journey through the PC men's basketball program.
I had quite the journey being a part of the PC men's basketball program. In my first year I was given an opportunity to redshirt. Redshirting was very challenging for me mentally because I could only practice and workout, but I was not able to play in any games. But I didn't let that deter me and the work that I had to put in to be able to play in the coming years. I learned real fast that the speed and the level of college basketball compared to high school are very different. So taking the year to develop myself as a basketball player and adjusting to the college level was definitely something that was needed for me to be able to play at this level. In my redshirt freshman season, I was given the opportunity to play for PC. In the beginning of that season I didn't play very many minutes, but much like my redshirt year, I continued to push myself and work as hard as I could to be prepared for the opportunity of playing more minutes. While the season didn't go the way we had wanted it too, I did find myself getting many opportunities with more minutes and in some games as a starter. My first playing season taught me a lesson about staying ready and locked in because an opportunity will present itself and gotta be able to handle it. In my final season at PC, I was the only returner that played from the year prior and I was the only redshirt from my redshirt group that stayed all three years. With an all new group of guys and most being freshmen, I had to take on a leadership role. I had to teach the new guys from a players perspective of how things are done in the program and what can make you successful in this program. My redshirt sophomore season I did make a lot of progress for myself on the court from the previous season in my stats and my IQ as well. This season allowed me to improve, mature, and be somewhat of a teacher to the young guys which helped me with improving my leadership skills.
Describe your experience playing for Coach Eason.
Playing under Coach Eason was a privilege and an invaluable learning experience. Coach Eason always held us to a standard that would ensure that myself and the team could be successful at all times. I learned something new almost everyday from him and his teachings allowed for me to grow as a player, as a man, and within all of my relationships. In meetings before practices or even when coaching us during the games, I listened to everything he said throughout the years because I knew that if I followed his ways I would become successful and reach my goals and aspirations as a basketball player and in my personal life. He made a tougher player and when times did get tough, I was able to push through because of that toughness he instilled in me. Coach Eason is the best coach I have gotten to play for and I am extremely grateful that he was a part of my basketball journey.
Detail your process for choosing Park University, as the place to continue your basketball career.
Committing to Park University and continuing my basketball and education careers was an easy decision for myself. It was my first and only opportunity I had to be able to continue playing after PC and the coaches at Park made me feel that I was wanted as a member of their program. Coach Stubbs and coach Carter both showed up to a practice one day to watch and I was able to have a conversation with them after practice. This conversation started my relationship with the coaches at Park University. They invited me out to visit the campus and workout with other recruits and Players at Park shortly after my season ended. They evaluated me after the workout and about a week later they offered me a scholarship to play for them. I knew that this was the right place for me to go to further my education and my basketball career and I committed to them right on the spot. I am truly grateful and blessed that I was given this opportunity and this is an experience for myself that I will never forget.
What will you miss most about PC?
After being at Phoenix College for three years I am going to miss everything about it. The coaching staff, the athletic trainers, all of my teammates that I played alongside, the practices, the games, getting in the gym at night to workout, lifting weights in the weight room, all the meetings, and bus rides is what I'm going to miss about PC. I have made so many memories over the years and Phoenix College will forever be a part of me and my life.
Coach Eason on Eli
"I'm proud of the young man Eli became. He never wanted anything from me, but opportunity. When he received it, he took advantage of it. Eli is a respectful, grateful, thoughtful, hardworking young man. It was an honor to coach him. In a time where kids move on to the next place, and forget about those people and places that provided the opportunity they have now, Eli is a rare kid. Everyday he showed his appreciation for Coach Tony Miller, but exemplifying what Tony said about it. I trust that he'll show PC men's basketball, myself and my staff that same gratitude."
Eli Fleming wasn't the greatest Bear of all-time, but he's amongst the most loyal and committed.
He'll be remembered for that.
