Indiana Pacers: Yogi Ferrell Works Out For Team
Former Indiana Hoosiers standout Kevin ‘Yogi’ Ferrell worked out for the Indiana Pacers just a few days ago. Could he find himself remaining in Indiana and in the NBA?
The Indiana Pacers have been working out various prospects heading into the 2016 NBA Draft — which kicks off next Thursday, June 23. One of the Pacers’ workouts included Indiana Hoosier point guard Yogi Ferrell, per Fox 59 News.
Hosting Ferrell for a workout makes a bit of sense for a Pacers team that has been lacking at the point guard position over the course of the last couple of years.
Through four years at Indiana, Ferrell averaged 14.5 points, 4.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game for the Hoosiers.
Perhaps Ferrell’s best season while at Indiana came in 2015 when he averaged 17.3 points-per-contest and helped lead the team to the sweet 16, where they fell short to the North Carolina Tar Heels.
The Indianapolis native touched on his intention to declare for the draft at the conclusion of the 2014 season — he ended up returning for his senior year.
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“At one point I would say I was about 70/30. As time went on I was 50/50 and then towards the end I felt like I should come back,” Ferrell said.
It is quite possible that the Pacers could use their 50th-overall selection on Ferrell in this year’s draft, but more so unlikely.
The drafting of Ferrell may be something that the Hoosier die-hard may want to see, but perhaps not the most logical move considering that there will be better talent remaining on the board once the Pacers are on the clock in the second round.
One of the biggest red flags for teams that may think of drafting Ferrell is the fact that he did not receive an invitation to this year’s NBA draft combine — many scouts have deemed him as being too small to play in the league.
Despite the criticism, Ferrell won’t the noise and distractions get to him.
“I hear a lot of people talk about how the NBA is changing and they’re going to smaller guards now,” Ferrell said. “You’ve got guys like Kyle Lowry and Isaiah Thomas pleading my case pretty well.”
On the brighter side of things, the Isaiah Thomas story could give Ferrell hope for a future in the league. Thomas was the 60th and final selection in the 2011 NBA Draft and averaged 22.2 points-per-game with the Boston Celtics in 2015. He is considered one of the biggest late-round steals in NBA history.
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For Ferrell, whatever happens to him on draft day is rather unpredictable. If he doesn’t get drafted at all, then there is hope that maybe the Pacers or any other team could have him playing in their summer league games.
Follow Ink On Indy as we cover the NBA draft for the Indiana Pacers.