Jason Ellis played five games with the Stampede last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Ellis spent the rest of the season and offseason trying to get that surgically repaired knee back into playing shape, but he might not have been at his most impressive when first-year coach Mike Peck held tryouts before the season.

Ellis’ friend and teammate, Coby Karl, told Peck to look beyond that tryout session.

“I told him, ‘You’ll see. You’ll understand over time what Jason can do for a team,’ ” Karl said.

It didn’t take long for Peck to become a believer.

“I don’t know anyone who gets more out of themselves, pound for pound, than him,” Peck said. “He might be giving up 6 to 8 inches in the post, but let me tell you, he can guard a guy who’s 6 to 8 inches taller.”

Ellis will wear a knee brace throughout this season.

“I’m getting used to it,” the 6-foot-7, 200-pound forward said. “I’m moving better and I’m happy so far. Hopefully I’ll get better as the year goes on. … I still notice I’m not moving as well as I used to before, but that will come with time.”

Peck said he was inclined to bring Ellis back slowly. Ellis, true to form, sees no need for that.

“Whatever he needs, I’m good to go,” Ellis said. “After what happened last year, I’m just happy to be back and be part of a team.”

That attitude doesn’t surprise Karl.

“Jason’s my favorite teammate I’ve ever played with,” Karl said. “He’s the most unsung hero I’ve ever been around. Jason’s a warrior, but he’s a great guy and a family man. … I love being around him because he makes me want to be a better person.”

WAITING IN THE WINGS

Dallas Lauderdale, a 6-foot-8, 255-pound power forward, has begun the season on the inactive list while he rehabs a foot injury.

“He’s a very mobile big man,” Peck said. “Some people might say he’s undersized for playing post at the pro level, but the reason he’s able to be so effective is because he has a 7-foot-5 wingspan. … He plays more like a 6-11 guy.”

Peck is excited about adding the Ohio State product to the mix (Lauderdale could return in approximately two weeks).

“That infusion is going to be huge,” Peck said. “It’s something I feel right now our team needs, a little bit of gritty toughness.”

A NEW COURT

The Stampede are trying out a new floor this season. Action Floors is trying to break into the NBA, and the Stampede are using one of the company’s prototypes.

“(Action Floors) will be watching it, and the NBA will be watching it,” managing investor Bill Ilett said. The look of the floor is identical to the Portland Trail Blazers’, with the exception of Idaho’s logo.