Derrian Ford, Temple’s leading scorer, declares for the NBA draft
After four years at three schools, Ford put together his best collegiate season this year with Temple. The 6-foot-3 combo guard is considered an under-the-radar prospect.
Temple’s leading scorer, Derrian Ford, has declared for the NBA draft, he announced Tuesday night.
Ford, who averaged 18.1 points this season, put together the best numbers of his collegiate career in his lone campaign at Temple. He surpassed 1,000 career points, had 14 games with 20 points or more, and finished fourth in the American Conference in points per game.
“My dream has always been to put myself in a position to help provide for and take care of my family to the best of my ability,” Ford wrote in a statement. “Basketball is something l’ve dedicated so much time, effort, and passion to, and I know my journey is far from over.”
While it may come as no surprise that the 6-foot-3 combo guard declared for the draft, as he’s out of college eligibility, Ford is considered an under-the-radar prospect who can serve as a complementary piece to a team.
The Magnolia, Ark., native was considered a four-star recruit out of high school. He started his college career at Arkansas under coach Eric Musselman, now at Southern California. His playing time was sparse with the Razorbacks, averaging 3.8 minutes in 21 games.
He transferred to Arkansas State, where he spent two seasons under newly hired Providence coach Bryan Hodgson. Ford averaged 10.4 points as a sophomore and 8 points as a junior. He played alongside reigning American player of the year Izaiyah Nelson, who played for South Florida this season.
» READ MORE: Temple’s Derrian Ford is named third-team all-conference
Ford plans to attend the NBA draft combine on May10-17 in Chicago. He may go undrafted, but he could follow other Temple players to the G League. Former Owls forward Steve Settle is averaging 7.1 points for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, an affiliate of the Miami Heat. Guard Jamal Mashburn Jr. is averaging 6.3 points for the Long Island Nets, a Brooklyn affiliate.
Temple has not had a player selected in the draft since Lavoy Allen was picked in the second round in 2011 by the 76ers.