Ford Could be a Big Timer
He might have signed with Wisconsin-Milwaukee out of high school, but well built 6-9, 230 pound power forward Derrick Ford of Olney Central C.C. in Illinois has the tools to be a high major player down the road.
Ford is an impressive physical specimen from Toledo (OH) Scott H.S. who enrolled at Olney after failing to qualify academically. Had he made it, Ford would have been a major steal for Bruce Weber's Panthers program.
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What sets Ford apart from many other big men in the junior college ranks are his mobility and athleticism. He moves exceptionally well both north to south and laterally, and is an explosive athlete for his size.
Herein lies the rub: Ford must develop his skill level to catch up with his obvious physical gifts. He is a bit rough around the edges, so if he can improve his game with his back to the basket, there's little doubt that he could be an impact player at the JUCO level and beyond.
Rivalshoops.com hopes to catch Olney again during the regular season, and we will provide another update on Ford at that time.