Last season, Derrian Ford of Magnolia (AR) scored a game-high 28-points to win his high school their first state title in 21 years.
He was named the game’s MVP and was on his way to helping Magnolia claim another title before the finale was postponed and eventually cancelled.
Magnolia was still eventually crowned champions and Ford was named co-MVP of the tournament.
As a sophomore, Ford averaged around 18 points, six rebounds and five assist for 26-0 Magnolia.
Kansas’ coaching staff had been watching him closely and following his progression over the year. And after back-to-back title berths, the Jayhawks finally saw all they needed and offered him a scholarship.
“I know they are a highly respected basketball program,” Ford said. “I just thank God and the coaches for giving me the opportunity to be offered by them.”
Due to the NCAA contact rules, Ford hasn’t been able to talk to them too extensively but he’s optomistic about the opportunity to build a relationship with Kansas.
“I haven’t met the staff yet. I just talked to one member of the staff,” he said. “It sound like I would be able to build a great bond with the staff though.”
Arkansas, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Alabama, TCU, Fresno State, Rice, Oral Roberts, Florida, Texas A&M, Auburn and Vanderbilt are also recruiting Ford.
The scouting report on Ford is impressive. Most coaches peg his scoring as his best attribute, while others move towards his versatility. In all, he encompasses a trait that is rarely seen in guards his age and that’s what coaches really rave about.
“I try to just play my game,” he said. “And that’s having a killer mindset and destroying my opponents to win the game.”
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