Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell, Senior, Indiana, Guard, 6’0, 180
(2014-15, 34.9 mpg) 16.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.9 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.9 tpg
43.9 FG%, 86.0 FT%, 41.6 3FG%, 58.6 TS%, 53.9 eFG%
23.0 USG%, 26.7 AST%, 1.2 STL%, 2.6:1 A/TO
DOB: 5/9/1993 (22) Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
2015 First Team All-Big Ten
2013 World University Games
The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season
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A former McDonald’s All-American, Ferrell has been a key contributor for the Hoosiers the past three seasons, and heads into his final season among the Big Ten’s best players. Small and quick, Ferrell is a good ballhandler, and capable of breaking down defenders off the dribble, but he can have a tendency to get a bit ahead of himself, using his speed to get into the defense and not having any options when the help arrives. Still, he generally has very good control of the ball, and he does a good job getting Indiana into their offense and moving quickly. Ferrell is able to attack the basket to the left or right effectively, using a nice hesitation dribble and speed burst, but he can have trouble at his size finishing around the basket unless he can beat the help there. To help with that, he has improved his floater, a nice high-arc shot with good touch. Ferrell has also proven to be a reliable long-range shooter, hitting over 40 percent from three-point range the past two seasons. Though his size doesn’t give him many easy looks, he is very good at using screens and his dribble to create space, and he has quickened his motion and release without losing accuracy. Ferrell is also a threat to hit jumpers off the dribble, often pulling up quickly when he has a defender on their heels. Ferrell uses screens well to attack the basket as well, having the speed and control to turn the corner and lose his defender. Ferrell sees the floor well, and has good passing ability, especially when he drives and kicks the ball out when the help comes over. Defensively, Ferrell has the ability to be tough, showing quick hands and feet, and the ability to pick up the ball full-court if necessary. He positions himself well on and off the ball, and has good lateral movement, but he has a tendency to play on his heels, leaving him vulnerable to quick changes and directions, as well as easy jumpers. He can play passing lanes well, and he anticipates movement and passes, but the effort can be inconsistent at times. Ferrell is very quick in transition, showing good finishing ability at the rim, the ability to knock down jumpers off the dribble, as well as strong passing on the move.
What he needs to show this season: Ferrell has improved consistently over the past three seasons, but there are still some key areas for him to work on. When attacking the defense, he can do a better job drawing in help defenders to open up teammates, especially on the perimeter. Also, making his reads and decisions in pick-and-roll situations needs to improve, especially with the advantage he has drawing defenders with his speed. I noted his finishing ability at the rim isn’t great, mostly due to his size, but with his ability to hit free throws, he should look to stay aggressive and draw contact. For that to happen, he does need to work on his body, building upper body strength to absorb the contact. Defensively, Ferrell has the tools to be effective, even at his size, but he can be slow to react to his man’s movements, especially off the ball. Also, he needs to do a much better job getting over screens, as he has a tendency to get sucked into them, leaving him out of the play entirely, and often forcing a switch, which usually isn’t advantageous to him. Even with the zones Indiana would play, Ferrell seemed to go through the motions at times, even when the ball was in his area.
Where he fits at the next level: The NBA is definitely getting bigger at all positions, and listed at six-foot, Ferrell will be at a disadvantage from the outset. The ability to knock down jumpers helps him, as does his ability to get into the defense and draw defenders, but not being able to finish at the rim at a high percentage hurts, and while quick, he doesn’t seem to have pro-level athletic ability. Still, he has speed, skill, and leadership abilities, and while the NBA may not happen right away for him, there will be a demand for Ferrell in many places. If he can get stronger while keeping his speed, there will be plenty of chances for him to get there as he develops as a pro.
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