Underestimated but never daunted: The Eian Elmer Story

Crossing over the Ohio River on Cincinnati's iconic Roebling Bridge sits the oddly shaped town of Covington, Kentucky. Like any other neighborhood in the country, one can expect to see brothers fiercely dueling in an intense game of one-on-one basketball in their driveway.

In the late 2000s, however, something special was happening just outside the lights of the Queen City. An older brother, Donovan, was teaching his younger brother the foundational skills of the sport. At the moment, it might’ve seemed like any other family in the U.S., but those skills would eventually lead that younger brother to become an impactful figure on a basketball team — one that would join a small group of teams that have gone undefeated in the regular season.

Although it sits in the Bluegrass state, Covington is where the journey began for one of Miami University basketball’s unsung heroes: junior wing Eian Elmer.

Jumping forward to June 2022, Elmer received his first Division I offer from Northern Kentucky University after what he describes as a slow recruitment process. It wasn't long until Miami basketball took notice of Elmer’s athleticism, and Head Coach Travis Steele offered him to be part of his inaugural freshmen recruiting class; he would commit soon after the offer arrived.

Elmer had an explosive senior season to close out his high school career, helping Taft High School win the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III state championship. A two-handed dunk from him sealed the title game, and Elmer’s potential was on full display.

Elmer played in 32 games during his 2023-24 freshman season, and started in 19 of them. He averaged seven points and 4.3 rebounds per game and posted a season-high 23 points in a game against the Eastern Michigan University Eagles.

“I didn't really envision myself starting as a freshman [in college],” Elmer said. “We had a lot of older players that were great players, but the opportunity just presented itself.”

Elmer’s ability to adapt his playing style is one of his most notable traits. Coupling his spot-up jumpshot and an affinity to attack the hoop makes him a dynamic scorer. On defense, he exemplifies the hustle play style, utilizing his prolific ability to force turnovers with blocks and steals. Elmer credits his diverse play style to his playing time particularly early in his career.

“[I] just changed my game to fit the role,” Elmer said. “I think that's what my game is. Whatever role you need to do, I'll be able to do it.”

With Elmer playing a significant role, the RedHawks improved their record by three games during his freshman season, finishing at 15-17. He would receive his first accolade in a Miami uniform when he was named to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) All-Freshman Team.

During his standout sophomore campaign, Elmer started in all but one contest and finished the season averaging 11 points and 4.9 rebounds, the second most on the team. Elmer also led the team in total steals with 50 and finished second in blocks with 24.

Now in his junior year, the soft-spoken Elmer has once more placed his name high on the marquee of Miami basketball. Averaging 12.1 points and six rebounds per game, he has continued his significant contributions to the unprecedented Miami basketball season. He has been recognized for his efforts this season with All-MAC Second Team honors.

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“He rebounds, he defends, he can score, he can shoot, he can do a lot of things well,” Steele said. “Eian impacts the game in every way possible. If he’s not an all-conference talent, that would be insane.”

Elmer’s star has shone brightly in Miami’s biggest moments this season: hitting a game-tying 3-pointer against the University of Buffalo as time expired, scoring a career-high 30 points in a close game against the University of Massachusetts and sinking another game-sealing dunk against Kent State University. He has remained consistently fearless in the most dire moments of the season.

“[My] mindset is always playing to win,” Elmer said. “I never let the moment become bigger than what it is."

As Miami looks to build on the success it has already had, Steele will rely heavily on Elmer’s guard play to parlay the RedHawks’ regular season accomplishments into the MAC championship in Cleveland.

Undoubtedly, Elmer will look to keep his routine the same on the banks of Lake Erie. He will continue to listen to his favorite playlist during shoot-around. During games, Elmer will wear his lucky Harden Volume 9 shoes to pay homage to his idol, James Harden, in the same arena he calls home.

@themeneghetti

meneghcj@miamioh.edu