Smith: Reflecting on Ferrell’s Indiana career

Tyler Smith March 6, 2016 0

By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor

Yogi Ferrell is finishing up a great career at Indiana. (Photo by IU Athletics) — Yogi Ferrell is finishing up a great career at Indiana.
(Photo by Ben Fahrbach)

BLOOMINGTON — The Hoosiers came into Sunday night’s game against Maryland having already won their 22nd Big Ten Championship. But they still had a lot to play for: A better seed in the NCAA tournament, an undefeated season at home, and they also wanted senior Yogi Ferrell to finish his career with a bang. Mission accomplished.

It was a special senior night for the four-year Hoosier. Regardless of how this season ends up, Ferrell will be remembered as one of the best to ever wear the candy stripes.

“I wanted to come back to leave a legacy,” Ferrell said during his speech. “A four-year guy who gave his all for Hoosier nation. I came back for you guys. And I came back for this Big Ten Championship.”

Coach Tom Crean had to fight back tears when talking about his star point guard: “He’s one of the greatest competitors I’ve ever been around,” Crean said. “He’s one of the smartest basketball players I’ve ever had the privilege to coach. He came in as a winner from high school, and he’s leaving his senior year as a winner.”

Just look at some of the statistics from Yogi Ferrell’s career:

-1,909 career points. (7th most in Indiana history. Has a chance to climb up another spot or two on the list)

-607 career assists. (Indiana’s all-time assists leader.)

-One of only two players in Big Ten History to record 1800+ points, 400+ rebounds, and 600+ assists. (Dee Brown)

-All time record for games started at Indiana. (133)

-One of only five Indiana players to win multiple Big Ten Championships and finish in the top-ten in scoring (Cheaney, Schlundt, Bailey, and Benson.)

-Has won some form of Big Ten Honors in each season of his career.

-Being considered for Wooden, Naismith, and Robertson awards for National Player of the year.

Ferrell led the Hoosiers to victory over Maryland with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists. He had some highlight reel plays, and kept the fans buzzing the entire night. One of the loudest ovations of the night also came after they showed Ferrell’s clutch three over Iowa on the big screen.

“I don’t know how the voting is going to go,” Tom Crean said. “But I’ve been doing this a long time. And I wouldn’t trade him for anyone in the country. There’s going to be an NBA team that’s going to take him, and they’re going to appreciate him. He will do for his next team what he’s done at Indiana. The greatest gift he’s got is the ability to share it with other people.”

As Ferrell says goodbye to Assembly Hall, he will set his sights on the post-season, which is where the Hoosiers will need him most.

“We stuck together through adversity,” Ferrell said. “That’s what family does. This has been the most fun year for me. The way we’re bonding is off the charts. This is a special place in my heart, and I’m never going to forget it.”

Undoubtedly, the fans won’t forget Yogi Ferrell either.