Earnest Ross

Ross was born in Guam, a United States territory in Micronesia, while his parents served in the military. The family relocated frequently, moving to Hawaii and Japan before his parents divorced when he was 5. His mother, Toy, left the military in 1996 after 15 years, citing long shifts that kept her away from her children. Ross' brother, Jamel, is two years younger. Toy moved the family to Washington, but struggled to find stable work, sending her sons to live with their father in Texas and Maryland during the summers. At age 8, Ross and his family moved to Chicago, initially staying with Toy's sister for a year and a half before securing their own apartment. Despite Toy working multiple jobs, they lived in a tough neighborhood and were eventually evicted, moving in with Toy's mother. Ross and Jamel attended separate schools on Chicago's South Side, with Ross acting as his brother's guardian, cooking meals and walking him to and from school.{{cite web|last=Meyer|first=Brendan|url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/earnest-ross-wears-his-life-story-on-his-skin/article_6ff34ab7-5543-5950-80e2-1c4c4a28944f.html|title=Earnest Ross wears his life story on his skin|work=ColumbiaMissourian.com|date=March 5, 2013|accessdate=June 10, 2016}}

At age 12, Ross and his brother moved from Chicago to Washington, D.C., to live with their father due to their mother's financial struggles. She reached an agreement with her ex-husband for the children to stay with him for a year and a half, allowing her time to regain stability. Afterward, she moved to North Carolina, where her sons would eventually join her and attend high school.

Ross attended Panther Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina. As a junior in 2007–08, he earned All-State Class 4A honors after averaging 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists per game.{{cite web|url=http://mutigers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3411|title=Earnest Ross - 2013-14 Men's Basketball|work=mutigers.com|accessdate=February 2, 2018}} On November 13, 2008, Ross signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for Auburn University.{{cite web|last=Stevens|first=Nick|url=http://www.highschoolot.com/content/story/3957838/|title=Panther Creek hosts first signing day in school history|work=highschoolot.com|date=November 13, 2008|accessdate=February 2, 2018}} As a senior at Panther Creek in 2008–09, Ross earned All-State Class 4A honors for the second straight year and was named the Tri-Eight Conference Player of the Year after averaging 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. He was also the leading scorer in the North Carolina vs. South Carolina All-Star Game with 16 points and had a team-high 10 rebounds.

As a freshman at Auburn in 2009–10, Ross averaged 2.8 points and 3.0 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game. He shot 28 percent from the field, 22 percent from three-point range and 64 percent from the foul line. He also started eight of 32 games, including the first seven games of the season in place of the injured Tay Waller, becoming the first Auburn freshman to start a season opener since Quantez Robertson, Josh Dollard and Joey Cameron started the 2005–06 season opener.{{cite web|url=http://stats.washingtonpost.com/cbk/players.asp?id=88591|title=#33 Earnest Ross|work=WashingtonPost.com|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222153829/http://stats.washingtonpost.com/cbk/players.asp?id=88591|archivedate=December 22, 2015}}

As a sophomore in 2010–11, Ross was the SEC's most-improved scorer, elevating his point production from 2.8 per game to 13.1 per game. He led the Tigers in scoring 13 times, including a career-high 30 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting in an overtime loss to Georgia. He also led Auburn in rebounding 14 times, including a career-high 13 boards against Alabama on January 22, 2011. He was subsequently named Auburn's Most Valuable Player for the 2010–11 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/041311aaa.html|title=GABRIEL RECEIVES HIGHEST HONOR & ROSS NAMED MVP AT BASKETBALL AWARDS BANQUET|work=AuburnTigers.com|date=April 13, 2011|accessdate=September 10, 2014}} In 31 games (27 starts), he also averaged 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals in 31.8 minutes per game.

On May 25, 2011, it was announced that Ross was leaving Auburn.{{cite web|last=Stevens|first=Nick|url=http://www.highschoolot.com/content/story/9647967/|title=Former Panther Creek star Earnest Ross to leave Auburn|work=highschoolot.com|date=May 26, 2011|accessdate=September 10, 2014}} On June 21, 2011, he signed a grant-in-aid agreement with the University of Missouri and subsequently redshirted the 2011–12 season due to NCAA transfer regulations.{{cite web|url=http://www.mutigers.com/news/2011/6/21/Mizzou_Basketball_Announces_Auburn_Transfer_Earnest_Ross.aspx|title=MIZZOU BASKETBALL ANNOUNCES AUBURN TRANSFER EARNEST ROSS|work=mutigers.com|date=June 21, 2011|accessdate=December 15, 2015}}

As a redshirted junior at Missouri in 2012–13, Ross averaged 10.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.2 steals in 34 games with 10 starts. He was the top scorer in the Southeastern Conference off the bench, averaging 11.0 points on 44 percent shooting from the floor and 41.7 percent shooting from three-point range in 24 contests off the pine.

As a senior in 2013–14, Ross made starts in all 35 contests and averaged 14.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals. He reached double figures 27 times, including seven 20-point efforts. He scored a season-high 28 points against Nevada on November 29, 2013.

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10

| style="text-align:left;"| Auburn

| 32 || 8 || 13.4 || .284 || .221 || .636 || 3.0 || .8 || .8 || .2 || 2.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2010–11

| style="text-align:left;"| Auburn

| 31 || 27 || 31.8 || .389 || .333 || .793 || 6.6 || 2.1 || 1.4 || .3 || 13.1

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2012–13

| style="text-align:left;"| Missouri

| 34 || 10 || 25.3 || .413 || .377 || .708 || 5.0 || 1.1 || 1.2 || .2 || 10.3

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2013–14

| style="text-align:left;"| Missouri

| 35 || 35 || 31.9 || .411 || .311 || .776 || 6.0 || 1.4 || 1.3 || .4 || 14.0

|-

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 132 || 80 || 25.7 || .392 || .322 || .760 || 5.2 || 1.3 || 1.2 || .3 || 10.1

|-

{{S-end}}

After graduating from college, Ross attended a mini-combine run by the Los Angeles Clippers and worked out with the Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets.{{cite web|url=http://ballaratbasketball.com/miners-sign-former-wildcat/|title=Miners Sign Former Wildcat|work=BallaratBasketball.com|date=December 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222140512/http://ballaratbasketball.com/miners-sign-former-wildcat/|archivedate=December 22, 2015}}

On September 10, 2014, Ross signed a three-year deal with the Perth Wildcats of the National Basketball League (NBL).{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/1t7mwn7j4puye1x88y22z2kz9d|title=Perth Wildcats sign guard Earnest Ross|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=September 10, 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910201809/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/1t7mwn7j4puye1x88y22z2kz9d|archivedate=September 10, 2014}} His three-year contract included team and player options at the end of each year.{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Chris|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/earnest-ross-cut-from-perth-wildcats-roster-after-one-season-with-nbl-club-ng-0abc052fe20d79f8be4a3f0963103acd|title=Earnest Ross cut from Perth Wildcats roster after one season with NBL club|work=PerthNow.com.au|date=May 14, 2015|accessdate=February 2, 2018}} As Ross was born in Guam, part of the FIBA Oceania region that includes Australia, he was signed as a domestic player — meaning he was worth three points under the NBL's player points cap system as a returning college player.{{cite web|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/nbl/new-perth-wildcats-recruit-earnest-ross-ready-to-rock-ahead-of-the-new-nbl-season-ng-fa34c336f7163d6661960da6da8be87e|title=New Perth Wildcats recruit Earnest Ross ready to rock ahead of the new NBL season|work=PerthNow.com.au|date=September 10, 2014|accessdate=February 2, 2018}} The Wildcats were impressed with his NBA-ready body and his 208 cm wingspan. Listed at 105 kg, the team looked at trimming some of his weight before the start of the season,{{cite web|last=Hope|first=Shayne|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/ross-to-beef-up-wildcats-ng-ya-254202|title=Ross to beef up Wildcats|work=TheWest.com.au|date=September 12, 2014|accessdate=February 2, 2018}} after he arrived in Perth at 120 kg.{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Chris|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-guard-earnest-ross-tattoos-illustrate-everything-important-in-his-life-ng-2a8c066ae21e1d27064cb54fc7ffb66f|title=Perth Wildcats guard Earnest Ross' tattoos illustrate everything important in his life|work=PerthNow.com.au|date=December 6, 2014|accessdate=February 2, 2018}}

Ross went scoreless over the first two games of the season before scoring seven points on 1-of-5 shooting and 5-of-5 free throws on October 24 against the Sydney Kings.{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=198791972&client=0-189-12314-327335-19755590|title=Player statistics for Earnest Ross – NBL|work=SportsTG.com|accessdate=February 2, 2018}} In his fourth game for the Wildcats, on October 31 against the Wollongong Hawks, Ross scored a season-high 13 points.{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/18zxpthkebif1ekbwvvd4rl21|title=Perth Wildcats cruise to victory over Wollongong|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=October 31, 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031134740/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/18zxpthkebif1ekbwvvd4rl21 |archivedate=October 31, 2014}} His only other double-digit game of the season came on December 18 against the Kings, as he scored 10 points to go with a season-high eight rebounds. On January 9, 2015, after less than 30 seconds on the court, Ross suffered a season-ending Achilles injury late in the first quarter of the Wildcats' 91–76 loss to the Cairns Taipans in Cairns.{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/5ozq7n47suyg1xxhsft7s4xgk|title=Perth Wildcats defeated by Cairns Taipans|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=January 9, 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110111233/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/5ozq7n47suyg1xxhsft7s4xgk |archivedate=January 10, 2015}} He opted to undergo surgery three days later.{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/n5qs6im08f3v1hf8zlli2ib0y|title=Earnest Ross to undergo surgery|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=January 12, 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116221542/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/n5qs6im08f3v1hf8zlli2ib0y |archivedate=January 16, 2015}} As a result, the Wildcats cut Ross from the roster on May 14, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/igpjnmob5ftd11yifz443u9fd|title=Perth Wildcats choose not to sign Earnest Ross|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=May 14, 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518073101/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/igpjnmob5ftd11yifz443u9fd|archivedate=May 18, 2015}} In 18 games for the Wildcats, he averaged 3.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

After attempting to join the ranks of the NBA Development League in November 2015,{{cite web|last=Schiffer|first=Alex|url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/mizzou_sports/former-tiger-earnest-ross-gets-d-league-opportunity/article_072e6c18-85ac-11e5-83fa-fb1dff548979.html|title=Former Tiger Earnest Ross gets D-League opportunity|work=ColumbiaMissourian.com|date=November 8, 2015|accessdate=December 15, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=5068984|title=Warriors Waive Five Players|work=OurSportsCentral.com|date=November 10, 2015|accessdate=November 10, 2015}} Ross signed with the Ballarat Miners of the South East Australian Basketball League on December 15, 2015.

In the Miners' season opener on April 1, 2016, Ross scored 14 points with three 3-pointers in a 93–68 loss to the Bendigo Braves.{{cite web|last=Brehaut|first=David|url=http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3826251/bendigo-braves-out-gun-miners/|title=Miners pay price for sluggish start|work=TheCourier.com.au|date=April 1, 2016|accessdate=April 3, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SEAB/281626/|title=Miners vs Braves|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=April 1, 2016|accessdate=April 3, 2016}} In the team's second game of the season on April 8, Ross recorded game highs of 27 points and six steals in a 97–79 win over the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.{{cite web|url=http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3839320/booker-ignites-miners-on-road/|title=SEABL: Miners march away|work=TheCourier.com.au|date=April 8, 2016|accessdate=April 9, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SEAB/281635/|title=BA CoE vs Miners|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=April 8, 2016|accessdate=April 9, 2016}} The next day, he scored a season-high 33 points to go with 12 rebounds in a 105–100 win over the Canberra Gunners.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SEAB/281639/|title=Gunners vs Miners|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=April 9, 2016|accessdate=April 10, 2016}} On April 23, he had his second 30-point game of the season, finishing with 31 points in a 95–92 loss to the NW Tasmania Thunder.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SEAB/281658/|title=Thunder vs Miners|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=April 23, 2016|accessdate=April 23, 2016}} On May 14, he recorded 26 points (9/15 FG, 6/10 3PT), 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals in 94–92 win over the Dandenong Rangers. He subsequently earned SEABL Player of the Week honors for Round 7.{{cite web|url=http://www.seabl.com.au/index.php?id=257&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2016&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=05&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=10598&cHash=95c9be752142064aabaeadb8cffedc99|title=ROUND 7 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK|work=SEABL.com.au|date=May 17, 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20170401174556/http://seabl.com.au/index.php?id=257&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2016&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=05&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=10598&cHash=95c9be752142064aabaeadb8cffedc99|archivedate=April 1, 2017}} On May 29, he recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in a 99–76 win over the Frankston Blues.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SEAB/281713/|title=Miners vs Blues|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=May 29, 2016|accessdate=May 29, 2016}} He subsequently earned Player of the Week honors for Round 9.{{cite web|url=http://www.seabl.com.au/index.php?id=257&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2016&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=06&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=10629&cHash=5d58d88ca1505ef30459df1ae75ef4c3|title=ROUND 9 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK|work=SEABL.com.au|date=June 1, 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20170330114509/http://seabl.com.au/index.php?id=257&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2016&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=06&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=10629&cHash=5d58d88ca1505ef30459df1ae75ef4c3|archivedate=March 30, 2017}} On June 4, he recorded a season-high 19 rebounds to go with 19 points and eight assists in a 93–85 win over the Hobart Chargers.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=201497437&client=1-3363-36749-402777-4362813|title=Player statistics for Earnest Ross – SEABL|work=FoxSportsPulse.com|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816145602/http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=201497437&client=1-3363-36749-402777-4362813|archivedate=August 16, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ballaratbasketball.com/the-miners-beat-the-hobart-chargers-in-front-of-a-packed-home-crowd/|title=The Miners beat the Hobart Chargers in front of a packed home crowd|work=ballaratbasketball.com|accessdate=February 2, 2018}} On July 16, he recorded his second triple-double of the season with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a 112–101 loss to the Brisbane Spartans.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SEAB/281764/|title=Spartans vs Miners|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=July 16, 2016|accessdate=July 16, 2016}} The Miners missed a playoff berth in 2016 with an 11–13 record. In 22 games for the Miners, Ross averaged 19.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

On November 21, 2016, Ross signed with Team FOG Næstved of the Danish Basketligaen for the rest of the 2016–17 season.{{cite web|url=http://teamfog.dk/2-markante-profiler-team-fog-naestved/|title=2 markante profiler til Team FOG Næstved|work=teamfog.dk|date=November 21, 2016|accessdate=December 7, 2016|language=Danish}}{{cite web|last=Pedersen|first=Casper|url=https://www.fullcourt.dk/basketligaen/markante-udskiftninger-team-fog-naestved/|title=Markante udskiftninger i Team FOG Næstved|work=FullCourt.dk|date=November 21, 2016|accessdate=December 7, 2016|language=Danish}} In his second game for Næstved on December 1, Ross recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds in a 78–76 loss to the Bakken Bears.{{cite web|url=http://www.basketligaen.dk/da/news/buzzer-beater-giver-bakken-bears-sejr-over-team-fog-naestved/|title=Buzzer beater giver Bakken Bears sejr over Team FOG Næstved|work=Basketligaen.dk|accessdate=December 7, 2016|language=Danish}} On December 18, 2016, he scored a season-high 28 points in a 117–82 win over SISU BK.{{cite web|last=Pedersen|first=Casper|url=https://www.fullcourt.dk/basketligaen/naestved-gennemtaevede-amputeret-sisu-mandskab/|title=Næstved gennemtævede amputeret SISU-mandskab|work=FullCourt.dk|date=December 18, 2016|accessdate=March 31, 2017|language=Danish}} In January 2017, he helped Næstved win the Danish Cup, as they garnered an 81–80 win over Horsens IC in the final.{{cite web|last=Bentsen|first=Bo|url=http://sport.tv2.dk/basketball/2017-01-28-vanvittigt-comeback-i-de-sidste-sekunder-naestved-skriver-historie-med|title=Vanvittigt comeback i de sidste sekunder: Næstved skriver historie med pokaltriumf|work=sport.tv2.dk|date=January 28, 2017|accessdate=February 2, 2018|language=Danish}} Næstved finished the regular season in fourth place with a 13–15 record and went on to lose to Svendborg Rabbits in the quarter-finals in a 3–0 sweep. In 23 games for Næstved, Ross averaged 14.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

Following his final game with Næstved on March 27, 2017, Ross left Denmark and travelled to New Zealand, landing in Auckland on March 31 to join the Super City Rangers for the rest of the 2017 New Zealand NBL season.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/91087496/jeff-greens-supercity-rangers-to-bring-in-big-guns-to-boost-nbl-title-challenge|title=Jeff Green's Supercity Rangers to bring in big guns to boost NBL title challenge|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=March 31, 2017|accessdate=March 31, 2017}}{{cite web|last=Savory|first=Logan|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/91319141/southland-sharks-strike-injury-problems-in-lead-up-to-rangers-game|title=Southland Sharks strike injury problems in lead up to Rangers game|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=April 7, 2017|accessdate=April 7, 2017}} He made his debut for the Rangers on April 8, scoring 16 points off the bench in a 100–73 loss to the Southland Sharks.{{cite web|last=Savory|first=Logan|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/91365900/southland-sharks-bite-super-city-rangers-in-big-nbl-win|title=Southland Sharks bite Super City Rangers in big NBL win|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=April 8, 2017|accessdate=April 8, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/582302/bs.html|title=Sharks vs Rangers|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=April 8, 2017|accessdate=April 8, 2017}} Seven days later, he recorded game highs of 32 points and 10 rebounds in a 99–87 win over the Nelson Giants.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/91604071/import-produces-star-turn-as-supercity-rangers-extend-nelson-giants-misery-in-nbl|title=Signing produces star turn as Supercity Rangers extend Nelson Giants misery in NBL|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=April 15, 2017|accessdate=April 15, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/582307/bs.html|title=Rangers vs Giants|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=April 15, 2017|accessdate=April 15, 2017}} In the Rangers' regular season finale on June 10, Ross scored a game-high 25 points in a 102–82 win over the Canterbury Rams.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/582345/bs.html|title=Rangers vs Rams|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=June 10, 2017|accessdate=June 10, 2017}} The Rangers finished the regular season in third place with an 11–7 record, and lost to the second-seeded Southland Sharks 106–67 in their semi-final match-up. Ross scored 10 points in the loss.{{cite web|last1=Savory|first1=Logan|last2=Egan|first2=Brendan|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/93786180/southland-sharks-have-smashed-their-way-to-the-2017-national-basketball-league-final|title=Southland Sharks have smashed their way to the 2017 National Basketball League final|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=June 16, 2017|accessdate=June 16, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/620473/bs.html|title=Sharks vs Rangers|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=June 16, 2017|accessdate=June 16, 2017}} In 15 games for the Rangers, he averaged 19.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game.{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=202977371&client=11-8336-139540-447731-25939998|title=Player statistics for Earnest Ross|work=SportsTG.com|accessdate=November 22, 2017}}

In November 2017, Ross joined Al Wakrah of the Qatari Basketball League.{{cite web|url=http://www.asia-basket.com/Qatar/news/512835/D1-Round-1:-Al-Ahli-takes-leadership-position|title=D1 Round 1: Al Ahli takes leadership position|work=Asia-basket.com|date=November 11, 2017|accessdate=November 22, 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043609/http://www.asia-basket.com/Qatar/news/512835/D1-Round-1:-Al-Ahli-takes-leadership-position|archivedate=December 1, 2017}} He helped Al Wakrah finish the regular season in fourth place with a 10–6 record and helped them reach the Qatari League final, where they were defeated 61–59 by Al Arabi.{{cite web|url=http://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Qatar/Al-Wakrah/3394?Page=2&Stats=2018|title=Al Wakrah Qatari League Games/Schedule (2017-2018)|work=Asia-basket.com|accessdate=March 5, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305202835/http://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Qatar/Al-Wakrah/3394?Page=2&Stats=2018|archivedate=March 5, 2018}} Ross appeared in all 19 games for the team, averaging 19.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

On January 30, 2018, Ross signed with the Geraldton Buccaneers for the 2018 State Basketball League season.{{cite web|url=http://www.australiabasket.com/Australia/news/521161/Geraldton-Buccaneers-sign-Earnest-Ross|title=Geraldton Buccaneers sign Earnest Ross|work=Australiabasket.com|date=January 30, 2018|accessdate=January 30, 2018|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130204635/http://www.australiabasket.com/Australia/news/521161/Geraldton-Buccaneers-sign-Earnest-Ross|archivedate=January 30, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Fris|first=Justin|url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/geraldton-guardian/20180202/281818579272989|title=Former Wildcat the Buccs' final import|work=Geraldton Guardian|date=February 2, 2018|accessdate=November 10, 2019}} In his debut for the Buccaneers on May 5, 2018, Ross recorded 18 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in an 88–82 win over the Stirling Senators.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/814052/bs.html|title=Senators vs Buccaneers|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=May 5, 2018|accessdate=May 5, 2018}} On June 4, he competed in the SBL All-Star Game for the North All-Stars, coming off the bench to record 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a 123–110 win over the South All-Stars.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/877661/bs.html|title=North vs South|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=June 4, 2018|accessdate=June 9, 2018}} Five days later, he scored 30 points in a 90–80 win over the Perth Redbacks.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/813983/bs.html|title=Buccaneers vs Redbacks|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=June 9, 2018|accessdate=June 9, 2018}} On July 7, he scored 26 points in a 109–104 win over the Cockburn Cougars.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/814045/bs.html|title=Cougars vs Buccaneers|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=July 7, 2018|accessdate=July 11, 2018}} The following day, he scored 29 points in a 103–94 win over the Lakeside Lightning.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/814050/bs.html|title=Lightning vs Buccaneers|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=July 8, 2018|accessdate=July 11, 2018}} He subsequently earned Player of the Week honors for Round 17.{{cite web|url=http://sbl.asn.au/2018/07/11/msbl-player-of-the-week-earnest-ross/|title=MSBL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: EARNEST ROSS|work=SBL.asn.au|date=July 11, 2018|accessdate=July 11, 2018}} Ross helped the Buccaneers finish the regular season as minor premiers with a 23–3 record.{{cite web|url=http://sbl.asn.au/2018/08/11/ross-thriving-at-buccs-wants-to-bring-title-to-geraldton/|title=ROSS THRIVING AT BUCCS, WANTS TO BRING TITLE TO GERALDTON|work=SBL.asn.au|date=August 11, 2018|accessdate=August 11, 2018}} They went on to lose in a quarter-final sweep to the eighth-seeded Rockingham Flames despite Ross' game-high 34 points in game two.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/903829/bs.html|title=Buccaneers vs Flames|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=August 11, 2018|accessdate=August 11, 2018}} In 20 games, he averaged 20.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.9 steals per game.{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=204914678&client=1-5011-83381-477424-26151736|title=Player statistics for Earnest Ross|work=SportsTG.com|accessdate=October 16, 2018}}

In December 2018, Ross joined Al Ahli of the Qatari Basketball League, returning to the country for a second stint.{{cite web|url=https://www2.gulf-times.com/story/617509/Ahli-and-Shamal-score-easy-wins|title=Ahli and Shamal score easy wins|work=gulf-times.com|date=December 25, 2018|accessdate=February 26, 2019}} He appeared in all 16 games for the team,{{cite web|url=https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Qatar/Al-Ahli-Sports-Club-Doha/1293?Page=2&Stats=2019|title=Al Ahli Sports Club Doha Qatari League Games/Schedule (2018–2019)|work=asia-basket.com|accessdate=February 26, 2019|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110134627/https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Qatar/Al-Ahli-Sports-Club-Doha/1293?Page=2&Stats=2019|archivedate=November 10, 2019}} averaging 18.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game.

Ross joined the Joondalup Wolves for the 2019 State Basketball League season.{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=0-892-0-0-0&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=63529757|title=Wolves Add Ross to the Roster|work=SportsTG.com|date=October 19, 2018|accessdate=October 19, 2018}} In his debut for the Wolves on March 15, 2019, Ross recorded game highs of 25 points and eight assists in a 112–76 season-opening win over the Perry Lakes Hawks.{{cite web|url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/1082884/bs.html|title=Hawks vs Wolves|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=March 15, 2019|accessdate=March 15, 2019}} A day later, he recorded 25 points and a game-high 15 rebounds in a 91–83 win over the Goldfields Giants.{{cite web|url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/1082881/bs.html|title=Wolves vs Giants|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=March 16, 2019|accessdate=March 16, 2019}} On April 14, he scored 33 points in a 102–79 win over the Kalamunda Eastern Suns.{{cite web|url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/1082891/bs.html|title=Suns vs Wolves|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=April 14, 2019|accessdate=April 14, 2019}} On April 18, he had 33 points and 11 rebounds in a 98–92 loss to the Rockingham Flames.{{cite web|url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/SBWA/1082905/bs.html|title=Wolves vs Flames|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=April 18, 2019|accessdate=April 18, 2019}} On June 1, he suffered a back injury after taking a hard fall in the opening minutes of the Wolves' 115–55 win over the South West Slammers.{{cite web|url=https://sbl.asn.au/2019/06/03/round-12-spotlight-camidge-puts-on-show-against-slammers/|title=ROUND 12 SPOTLIGHT | CAMIDGE PUTS ON SHOW AGAINST SLAMMERS|work=SBL.asn.au|date=June 3, 2019|accessdate=June 4, 2019}} He went on to lead the Wolves to the minor premiership with a 20–6 record, with the team going on to reach the SBL Grand Final. In the grand final, the Wolves lost 92–80 to the Geraldton Buccaneers despite Ross' 16 points and 12 rebounds.{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=205985535&client=1-5011-83376-515220-26389686|title=Player statistics for Earnest Ross Jr|work=SportsTG.com|accessdate=November 8, 2019}} In 30 games, he averaged 19.47 points, 8.07 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

On October 26, 2019, after a successful try-out, Ross was added to the training camp roster of the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League.{{cite news |title=2019 NBA G League Draft |url=https://southbay.gleague.nba.com/news/2019-nba-g-league-draft/ |accessdate=November 8, 2019 |work=NBA.com |date=November 4, 2019}} He went on to make the opening night roster on November 4.{{cite news |title=South Bay Lakers Set Opening Night Roster |url=https://southbay.gleague.nba.com/news/south-bay-lakers-set-opening-night-roster-1920/ |accessdate=November 7, 2019 |work=NBA.com |date=November 4, 2019 |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121012818/https://southbay.gleague.nba.com/news/south-bay-lakers-set-opening-night-roster-1920/ |url-status=dead }} He was waived on December 3.{{cite news |title=South Bay Lakers Acquire Nick Norton |url=https://southbay.gleague.nba.com/news/south-bay-lakers-acquire-nick-norton/ |accessdate=December 5, 2019 |work=NBA.com |date=December 3, 2019}} He averaged 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in four games.{{cite news |title=Earnest Ross |url=https://gleague.nba.com/player/earnest-ross/ |accessdate=April 12, 2021 |work=NBA.com}}

On March 12, 2021, Ross signed with the West Adelaide Bearcats for the 2021 NBL1 Central season.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/WestAdelaideBB/posts/3960932413959278|title=NBL1 Player Signing|work=facebook.com/WestAdelaideBB|date=March 12, 2021|accessdate=March 12, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.australiabasket.com/Australia/news/673152/Earnest-Ross-is-a-newcomer-at-West-Adelaide-Bearcats|title=Earnest Ross is a newcomer at West Adelaide Bearcats|work=australiabasket.com|date=March 12, 2021|accessdate=March 12, 2021}} In his debut for the Bearcats on April 10, he scored 21 points in an 83–76 loss to the Central Districts Lions.{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/games/f7aa53d8-7b55-11eb-9e56-8205bb8987e9/central|title=NBL1 Central Men Round 1 - West Adelaide Bearcats vs Central District Lions|work=NBL1.com.au|date=April 10, 2021|accessdate=April 12, 2021}} On April 23, he recorded 35 points and 16 rebounds in a 91–84 win over the Norwood Flames.{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/games/f8f26de8-7b55-11eb-9e56-8205bb8987e9/central|title=NBL1 Central Men Round 3 - West Adelaide Bearcats vs Norwood Flames|work=NBL1.com.au|date=April 23, 2021|accessdate=April 23, 2021}} On May 8, he recorded 22 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a 110–69 win over the Eastern Mavericks.{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/games/fbdc76ca-7b55-11eb-9e56-8205bb8987e9/central|title=NBL1 Central Men - West Adelaide Bearcats vs Eastern Mavericks|work=NBL1.com.au|date=May 8, 2021|accessdate=June 19, 2021}} On May 29, he recorded 32 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists in a 93–90 loss to the Forestville Eagles.{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/games/ffad8046-7b55-11eb-9e56-8205bb8987e9/central|title=NBL1 Central Men - Forestville Eagles vs West Adelaide Bearcats|work=NBL1.com.au|date=May 29, 2021|accessdate=June 19, 2021}} In 18 games, he averaged 19.11 points, 11.05 rebounds and 3.16 assists per game.{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/player/e4bc763e-7b55-11eb-8055-e22b4dcf2b71/5c2e9a40-97f7-11eb-8373-6eda0c893864/earnest-ross|title=Earnest Ross|work=NBL1.com.au|accessdate=August 16, 2021}}

On July 30, 2021, Ross signed with Yokohama Excellence of the Japanese B.League third division.{{cite web|url=https://yokohama-ex.jp/news/detail/id=20003|title=アーネスト・ロス選手、2021-22シーズン契約合意のお知らせ|work=yokohama-ex.jp|date=July 30, 2021|accessdate=November 15, 2021|language=Japanese}} In 44 games during the 2021–22 season, he averaged 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game.{{cite web|url=https://yokohama-ex.jp/team/players/detail/id=20008?PlayerID=36573&Year=2021|title=Earnest Ross|work=yokohama-ex.jp|accessdate=December 6, 2022}}

On July 12, 2022, Ross signed with Toyoda Gosei Scorpions of the Japanese B.League third division.{{cite web|url=https://scorpions.toyoda-gosei.co.jp/news/detail/id=44962|title=外国籍選手の契約締結についてお知らせ|work=scorpions.toyoda-gosei.co.jp|date=July 12, 2022|accessdate=December 6, 2022|language=Japanese}} In 47 games during the 2022–23 season, he averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game.{{cite web|url=https://scorpions.toyoda-gosei.co.jp/team/players/detail/id=44976?PlayerID=36573&Year=2022|title=Earnest Ross|work=scorpions.toyoda-gosei.co.jp|accessdate=July 9, 2023|language=Japanese}}{{cite web|url=https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Toyoda-Gosei-Scorpions-Aichi/12254?Page=3&Stats=2023|title=Toyoda Gosei Scorpions Aichi 2022–23|work=asia-basket.com|accessdate=July 9, 2023}}

On June 22, 2023, Ross re-signed with Toyoda Gosei Scorpions for the 2023–24 season.{{cite web|url=https://scorpions.toyoda-gosei.co.jp/news/detail/id=45075|title=選手契約締結についてお知らせ（アーネスト ロス）|work=scorpions.toyoda-gosei.co.jp|date=June 22, 2023|accessdate=August 16, 2023|language=Japanese}}

In October 2024, Ross joined the SG Apes of The League.{{cite web |title=Apes land Earnest Ross |url=https://www.asia-basket.com/Mongolia/news/895129/Apes-land-Earnest-Ross |website=Eurobasket.com |access-date=December 2, 2024 |date=October 9, 2024}} He played in nine games for Apes between October 14 and December 12, averaging 14.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game.{{cite web |title=Earnest Ross, Basketball Player, News, Stats - asia-basket |url=https://basketball.asia-basket.com/player/Earnest-Ross/183874 |website=Eurobasket LLC |access-date=21 January 2025 |url-access=subscription}}

On January 21, 2025, Ross signed with the Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL).{{cite news |title=台啤雲豹宣布簽下羅斯升級陣容！ 他自豪球風全能、適應力迅速 |url=https://sports.ettoday.net/news/2896518 |accessdate=January 21, 2025 |work=ETtoday |date=January 21, 2025 }} On March 21, 2025, Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards terminated the contract relationship with Ross.{{cite news |title=外卡賽場均20.5分 關島羅斯仍遭雲豹殘酷釋出 |url=https://udn.com/news/story/7001/8623090 |accessdate=March 21, 2025 |work=United Daily News |date=March 21, 2025 }}

In November 2018, Ross played for the Guam national team in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup pre-qualifiers,{{cite web | last=Tomas | first=Jojo Santo | url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/2018/11/23/team-guam-faces-historic-fiba-challenge/2089310002/ | title=Team Guam faces historic FIBA challenge | work=tallahassee.com | date=November 23, 2018 | accessdate=November 27, 2018}}{{cite web | last=Tomas | first=Jojo Santo | url=https://www.guampdn.com/story/sports/2018/11/24/guam-embarks-historic-basketball-quest-score/2099177002/ | title=The Score: Guam embarks on historic basketball quest | work=guampdn.com | date=November 24, 2018 | accessdate=November 27, 2018}} helping Guam go undefeated.{{cite web | url=https://sbl.asn.au/2018/12/02/davis-joins-ross-as-wolves-gear-up-for-2019/ | title=DAVIS JOINS ROSS AS WOLVES GEAR UP FOR 2019 | work=SBL.asn.au | date=December 2, 2018 | accessdate=February 26, 2019 | quote=Ross [...] helped Guam go through undefeated at the FIBA Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers to advance to the qualifying round for the 2021 tournament.}} In February 2020, he played for Guam in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.{{cite web | last=Hinton | first=Marc | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/119746947/tall-blacks-cruise-past-guam-to-open-up-fiba-asia-cup-qualifying-with-20-record | title=Tall Blacks cruise past Guam to open up Fiba Asia Cup qualifying with 2-0 record | work=stuff.co.nz | date=February 23, 2020 | accessdate=February 24, 2020 | quote=Guam were paced by former Kiwi NBL players Ernest Ross (21 points, 6 rebounds) and Curtis Washington (19 points, 10 rebounds)...}}

In February 2023, Ross helped Guam qualify for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.{{cite web | url=https://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2025/pre-qualifiers/news/guam-survive-thailand-punch-ticket-to-asia-cup-qualifiers | title=Guam punch ticket to Asia Cup Qualifiers; Mongolia, Malaysia start Second Round triumphantly | work=fiba.basketball | date=February 24, 2023 | access-date=April 8, 2023}} In 2024, he played in two FIBA Asia Cup qualifying windows.{{cite web |title=Earnest Ross Jr |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/players/212595-earnest-ross-jr |website=www.fiba.basketball |access-date=3 December 2024 |language=en |date=2 December 2024}}

Ross is the son of Earnest Ross Sr. and Toy Miller. His father has remarried twice, and as of March 2013, he was still active in the military. His father's cousin is former NBA player Gerald Glass.{{cite web|last=Montesano|first=Julia|url=https://nbl1.com.au/article/former-wildcat-earnest-ross-keen-to-grow-nbl1|title=Former Wildcat Earnest Ross keen to grow NBL1|work=NBL1.com.au|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=March 19, 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319055616/https://nbl1.com.au/article/former-wildcat-earnest-ross-keen-to-grow-nbl1|archive-date=March 19, 2025}}

Ross has an Australian wife and daughter.

Ross is a Christian.{{cite web|last=Lock|first=Kyle|url=http://www.themaneater.com/stories/sports/earnest-ross-ready-lead|title=Earnest Ross is ready to lead|work=TheManeater.com|date=November 6, 2013|accessdate=February 2, 2018}} He has more than 20 tattoos.

{{Reflist}}

• [https://scorpions.toyoda-gosei.co.jp/team/players/detail/id=44976?PlayerID=36573 Toyoda Gosei Scorpions profile]
• [https://yokohama-ex.jp/team/players/detail/id=20008?PlayerID=36573 Yokohama Excellence profile]
• [http://mutigers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3411 Missouri Tigers bio]
• [http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/ross_earnest00.html Auburn Tigers bio]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20141129225943/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/q0zp7a8yacw01fhtriivww3ru "Player Piece: Earnest Ross"] at nbl.com.au
• {{FIBA}}
• {{FIBA 3x3}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ross, Earnest}}

Category:1991 births

Category:Living people

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Australia

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Denmark

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Japan

Category:American expatriate basketball people in New Zealand

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Qatar

Category:American men's basketball players

Category:Auburn Tigers men's basketball players

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Category:Basketball players from North Carolina

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Category:Shooting guards

Category:Small forwards

Category:South Bay Lakers players

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Category:Taiwan Professional Basketball League imports

Category:Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards players

Category:Toyoda Gosei Scorpions players

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Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Mongolia

Category:SG Apes players

Category:Guamanian men's basketball players

Category:Ballarat Miners players

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Category:Al-Wakrah SC basketball players

Category:Al Ahli SC (Doha) basketball players