Vince Ellis

Detroit Free Press

ORLANDO – The basketball universe is small, indeed.

When Pistons rookie Henry Ellenson was asked about Saturday’s acquisition of power forward Jon Leuer, it was time for an anecdote.

Ellenson was coached by Leuer’s father, Mike, when he played for the Minnesota Magic AAU squad.

“It was good, Mr. Leuer is a good guy,” Ellenson said after he scored 12 points on 4-for-13 shooting in his professional debut in summer league play Saturday afternoon. “He brought his guitar on long trips so he was a nice dude.”

The topic came up after the Pistons thumped the Knicks, 81-49, at the Amway Center. Ellenson, a Wisconsin native was asked about Leuer, a former Wisconsin standout.

The Pistons agreed to a four-year, $41-million deal with Leuer earlier Saturday.

“He’s obviously real talented,” Ellenson said. “He hits shots, he’s a skilled guy and so he’s a versatile (power forward). He can step out and hit threes.”

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Contact Vince Ellis: vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.

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