ESPN writer chooses Ferguson to set the tone for UA recruits
Jun 9, 2016, 4:16 PM
Terrance Ferguson, from Dallas, Texas, competes in the slam dunk contest during the McDonald's All-American Jam Fest, Monday, March 28, 2016, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
(AP Photo/Matt Marton)
In ESPN.com’s top-25 college basketball teams, they chose an incoming-freshman from each school that could make an impact right away.
With an ESPN-ranked top-3 recruiting class that contains 5-star players in Lauri Markkanen, Kobi Simmons, Terrance Ferguson and Rawle Alkins, ESPN.com writer Paul Biancardi chose Ferguson as the University of Arizona’s prospect who will give the Wildcats the best opportunity to win.
12. Terrance Ferguson, Arizona Wildcats
Ferguson (No. 11) was a late commitment for Sean Miller and his staff, and he will make the Wildcats a potent shooting team as well as help keep their defense sturdy. With Allonzo Trier returning, the backcourt for Arizona will be deep and athletic with terrific positional size and scoring skills. Ferguson played for Miller with USA Basketball, and the two have an understanding and comfort with each other. Most think of Ferguson as a long-distance shooter, but he brings much more than that. He can play different positions on both ends of the floor. Look for plenty of small-ball lineups in Tucson, with Ferguson leading the way. — Biancardi
Of course, there are rumors that Ferguson now may be looking to play professionally overseas next season before entering the 2017 NBA Draft.
If he does make it to Tucson, however, the Advanced Preparatory International shooting guard will look to add to UA’s already solid basketball reputation.
As a senior, Ferguson averaged 17 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists for API in Dallas, Texas, and also made the McDonald’s All-American team before committing to the Wildcats in April.
Head coach Sean Miller will look to add his versatility to a team that finished third last season in the Pac-12, 25-9 (12-6) behind Oregon, 31-7 (14-4) and Utah, 27-9 (13-5).
The Wildcats were still able to make the NCAA tournament as a six-seed in the south division in March, but fell in the first round to 11-seed Wichita State University.
