Terrance Eugene Ferguson Jr. (born May 17, 1998) is an American professional basketball player who last played for Bashkimi Prizren. He completed high school at Advanced Preparatory International in Dallas, Texas, where he was a top-20 player in the Class of 2016. Ferguson made separate commitments to both Alabama and Arizona before deciding to skip college and play overseas in 2016–17. He is a three-time gold medalist with Team USA, and in 2016, he participated in the McDonald's All-American Game and the Nike Hoop Summit, winning the MVP award at the latter.
Ferguson was selected with the 21st overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he spent three seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in December 2020.
High school career
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ferguson moved to Dallas, Texas as a youth and enrolled at Prime Prep Academy. He joined the school's basketball team and played for coach Ray Forsett. As a freshman in 2012–13, Ferguson averaged 10 points per game and helped his team to a 38–2 record, the 2013 NACA Division I Tournament title, and the 2013 National High School Invitational semifinals. He was named to the NACA All-Tournament Team and earned NACA Tournament MVP honors.
In January 2015, halfway through his junior year at Prime Prep Academy, the school closed amid allegations of theft and the mishandling of funds. In September 2015, a new institution known as Advanced Preparatory International opened in place of Prime Prep. Coach Ray Forsett subsequently joined the ranks at Advanced Prep, while four players, including Ferguson, moved over from Prime Prep with Forsett to play for Advanced Prep in 2015–16.
Heading into his senior year of high school, Ferguson was ranked No. 11 overall in the Class of 2016's ESPN 100. He averaged 17.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for Advanced Prep in 2015–16, earning a trip to the McDonald's All-American Game. As a starter for the East team, he scored 10 points in a 114–107 loss to the West.
On April 9, 2016, he scored 21 points, all on three-pointers, to help the USA Junior National Select Team defeat the World Select Team 101–67 at the Moda Center. It was the most lopsided victory in Nike Hoop Summit history. Ferguson's seven threes broke the Nike Hoop Summit record for threes made; the previous record of six was shared by Xavier Henry (2009) and Casey Jacobsen (1999). He subsequently earned MVP honors. Prior to the Nike Hoop Summit, Ferguson boasted a 19–0 record with Team USA; he made it 20–0 with USA's Summit win. On April 30, he won the Ballislife All-American Game dunk contest after performing a free throw line dunk.
Recruitment
In January 2015, coach Rick Pitino of the University of Louisville began heavily recruiting Ferguson. Other teams showing interest in him at the time were Kansas, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Arizona, North Carolina, Wichita State, Iowa State, UCLA, Wake Forest, Arkansas and Maryland.
In August 2015, he committed to play for Alabama in 2016–17. However, he never signed a letter of intent, and when the early signing period passed in November without Ferguson signing, other schools began contacting him. This led to him decommitting from Alabama on March 1, 2016. On April 13, he committed to Arizona, the first day of the spring signing period, but did not sign a letter of intent despite indications he would, eventually signing non-binding financial aid papers.
His commitment to Arizona lasted until early June, when rumors emerged that Ferguson had decided to skip college for a chance to play overseas in 2016–17. On June 6, Australia was deemed the most likely destination, with the Adelaide 36ers rumored to be close to formalizing a deal with Ferguson. By the end of the month, he had informed Wildcats coach Sean Miller of his decision to pursue professional opportunities instead of attending Arizona.
Professional career
Adelaide 36ers (2016–2017)
On July 1, 2016, Ferguson signed with the Adelaide 36ers for the 2016–17 NBL season. On October 7, 2016, he made his debut for the 36ers in their season opener against the Illawarra Hawks. In 17½ minutes off the bench, he scored 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting in a 122–88 loss. On October 14, 2016, he scored 13 points in a 98–87 loss to Melbourne United. On October 24, 2016, he was handed a two-game suspension for striking following the 36ers' Round 3 game against the Cairns Taipans on October 21. The incident occurred during the first quarter and involved Taipans' player Mark Worthington. By accepting the charge via an early guilty plea, only a one-game suspension was imposed. On January 19, 2017, he tied his season high with 13 points in a 101–68 win over the Brisbane Bullets. The 36ers finished the regular season in first place with a 17–11 record, but were knocked out in the semi-finals by the fourth-seeded Illawarra Hawks, losing the best-of-three series 2–1. Ferguson appeared in 30 of the team's 31 games in 2016–17, averaging 4.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game. Following the conclusion of the season, he returned to the U.S. to begin preparations for the 2017 NBA draft.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2017–2020)
On June 22, 2017, Ferguson was selected by his hometown team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the 21st overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. On July 29, 2017, he signed a 4-year, $10.3 million rookie-scale contract with the Thunder. On November 14, 2017, he was assigned to the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League. He was recalled the next day. On January 3, 2018, in his first career start, Ferguson scored a career-high 24 points in a 133–96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
On October 29, 2018, the Thunder exercised Ferguson's $2.5 million team option for the 2019–20 season.
On October 18, 2019, the Thunder exercised Ferguson's $3.9 million team option for the 2020–21 season.
Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2021)
On December 8, 2020, Ferguson, along with Danny Green and Vincent Poirier, were traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Al Horford, the draft rights to Théo Maledon and Vasilije Micić, and a 2025 protected first-round pick.
On March 25, 2021, Ferguson was traded to the New York Knicks in a three-way trade involving the Oklahoma City Thunder and was waived four days later.
Lavrio (2021–2022)
On December 14, 2021, Ferguson signed with his first European club, Lavrio of the Greek Basket League and the Basketball Champions League, after having been in preliminary talks with other Greek teams, such as AEK Athens and Ionikos Nikaias, since the beginning of the 2021–22 season. Less than a month later, on January 10, 2022, he parted ways with the Greek club in order to return to the U.S., signing an NBA G League contract. In three Greek Basket League games, he averaged 2 points and 1 rebound per contest, shooting with 25% from the field and 20% from beyond the three-point arc.
Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2022)
On January 11, 2022, Ferguson was acquired via waivers by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He was released by the team on January 24, but was re-acquired on February 3.
GTK Gliwice (2022–2023)
On August 27, 2022, he has signed with GTK Gliwice of the Polish Basketball League (PLK).
Cape Town Tigers (2023–2024)
In September 2023, the South African club Cape Town Tigers announced they had signed Ferguson on their Instagram account. He made his Tigers debut on November 21, 2023, with 11 points in a 76–61 win over Dynamo in the Road to BAL.
Bashkimi (2024)
In February 2024, the Kosovan club Bashkimi of the Kosovo Superleague announced they had signed Ferguson. He parted ways with Bashkimi after just one league game in March 2024.
National team career
Ferguson was a member of the USA Basketball Men's U16 National Team that posted a 5–0 record en route to winning gold at the 2013 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship in Maldonado, Uruguay. He played in all five games and averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. The following year, he was a member of the USA U17 World Championship Team that posted a 7–0 record and captured the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship gold medal in Dubai. Ferguson played in all seven games (with four starts) and averaged 9.0 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
In July 2015, Ferguson won his third gold medal in as many years after helping Team USA go 7–0 at the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Heraklion, Greece. He played in all seven games and averaged 6.1 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.
Personal life
Ferguson is the son of Rachelle Holdman. He has one brother, Brandon, and one sister, Brittnay.
Career statistics
GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
NBA
Regular season
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017–18 | Oklahoma City | 61 | 12 | 12.5 | .414 | .333 | .900 | .8 | .3 | .4 | .2 | 3.1 |
2018–19 | Oklahoma City | 74 | 74 | 26.1 | .429 | .366 | .725 | 1.9 | 1.0 | .5 | .2 | 6.9 |
2019–20 | Oklahoma City | 56 | 38 | 22.4 | .355 | .292 | .750 | 1.3 | .9 | .5 | .3 | 3.9 |
2020–21 | Philadelphia | 13 | 0 | 3.8 | .143 | .000 | – | .1 | .2 | .1 | .0 | .2 |
Career | 204 | 124 | 19.6 | .404 | .334 | .753 | 1.3 | .7 | .5 | .2 | 4.5 |
Playoffs
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Oklahoma City | 3 | 0 | 2.0 | 1.000 | 1.000 | — | .3 | .3 | .0 | .0 | 1.0 |
2019 | Oklahoma City | 5 | 5 | 25.6 | .360 | .389 | — | 2.4 | 1.2 | 0.4 | .0 | 5.0 |
2020 | Oklahoma City | 4 | 1 | 10.5 | .182 | .200 | — | 1.0 | .3 | .3 | .0 | 1.5 |
Career | 12 | 6 | 14.7 | .324 | .345 | — | 1.4 | .7 | .3 | .0 | 2.8 |
NBL
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2016–17 | Adelaide | 30 | 17 | 15.2 | .381 | .313 | .600 | 1.1 | .6 | .2 | .3 | 4.6 |
Career | 30 | 17 | 15.2 | .381 | .313 | .600 | 1.1 | .6 | .2 | .3 | 4.6 |
References
- "Terrance Ferguson Won't Play At Arizona, Will Go Overseas". RealGM.com. June 6, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- ^ "Terrance Ferguson – USA Basketball". usab.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- Mosier, Jeff (February 7, 2015). "Prime Prep Academy troubles continue after closing". DallasNews.com. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
- Jordan, Jason (September 30, 2015). "Coach says new hoops power Advanced Prep International is not basketball factory". usatodayhss.com. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- "Recruiting Database: 2016 ESPN 100". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
- "Texas high school basketball star Terrance Ferguson eyeing jump straight to pros". MaxPreps.com. June 7, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- "2016 McDonald's All-American Boys Game Results". mcdonaldsallamerican.com. March 30, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- Jordan, Jason (April 9, 2016). "Terrance Ferguson's hot hand lifts Team USA to win at Nike Hoop Summit". usatodayhss.com. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- Zagoria, Adam (April 13, 2016). "Terrance Ferguson Commits to Arizona". SNY.tv. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- "Terrance Ferguson Hopes To Continue USA Success In 2016 Nike Hoop Summit". usab.com. February 22, 2016. Archived from the original on February 24, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- Guardabascio, Mike (April 30, 2016). "Lonzo Ball earns MVP honors at Ballislife All-American Game in Long Beach". PressTelegram.com. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- Jones, Steve (January 12, 2015). "Recruit Ferguson's mom raves about U of L". Courier-Journal.com. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- ^ Borzello, Jeff (March 1, 2016). "Terrance Ferguson, five-star wing, decommits from Alabama". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- Borzello, Jeff (April 13, 2016). "Five-star wing Terrance Ferguson, No. 13 in ESPN 100, picks Arizona". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- Pascoe, Bruce (June 7, 2016). "Wildcat signee Ferguson reportedly may head overseas". Tucson.com. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- Nagy, Boti (June 7, 2016). "Adelaide 36ers move on US high school star Terrance Ferguson to run with new Lithuanian champion Jerome Randle". AdelaideNow.com.au. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
- Norlander, Matt (June 30, 2016). "Five-star commit Terrance Ferguson is leaving Arizona to play overseas". CBSSports.com. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
- "ADELAIDE SIGN US TEEN STAR TERRANCE FERGUSON". NBL.com.au. July 1, 2016. Archived from the original on July 4, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
- Uluc, Olgun (July 1, 2016). "Adelaide 36ers sign star US high-schooler Terrance Ferguson". heraldsun.com.au. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
- "IRRESISTIBLE HAWKS CRUSH SIXERS, SET SCORING RECORD". NBL.com.au. October 7, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- "MELBOURNE HOLDS OFF SIXERS FOR FIRST WIN". NBL.com. October 14, 2016. Archived from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
- Nagy, Boti (October 25, 2016). "Adelaide 36ers consider appeal as NBL bans young import Terrance Ferguson two games for 'striking'". AdelaideNow.com.au. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
- "ROUND 3 GAME REVIEW PANEL RULINGS". NBL.com.au. October 26, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
- "36ers vs Bullets". FIBALiveStats.com.au. January 19, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
- Nagy, Boti (March 1, 2017). "Sacre bleu! Jerome off to France but 36ers plan multi-year deal for NBL's reigning MVP". AdelaideNow.com.au. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
- "Thunder Selects Terrance Ferguson in 2017 NBA Draft". NBA.com. June 22, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
- Gallo, Nick (June 22, 2017). "Thunder Adds Athleticism and Shooting, Selects Terrance Ferguson". NBA.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
- "Thunder Signs Terrance Ferguson". NBA.com. July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
- "Terrance Ferguson Assigned to Oklahoma City Blue". NBA.com. November 14, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
- "Terrance Ferguson Recalled From Oklahoma City Blue". NBA.com. November 15, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
- "Westbrook, Thunder roll to 133–96 win over skidding Lakers". ESPN.com. January 3, 2018. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
- "Thunder Exercises Option on Terrance Ferguson". NBA. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
- ^ "Terrance Ferguson Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
- "Thunder Exercise Options on Terrence Ferguson And Shai Gilgeous-Alexander". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
- "Team Acquires Green, Ferguson, and Poirier". NBA.com. December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
- "76ers Acquire George Hill, Ignas Brazdeikis in Three-Team Trade". NBA.com. March 25, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
- NY_KnicksPR (March 29, 2021). "Knicks have waived Terrance Ferguson and Vincent Poirier". Twitter.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- Zachari, Antigoni (December 14, 2021). "Lavrio signs Terrance Ferguson". EuroHoops.net. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
- "2021–22 NBA G League transactions". gleague.nba.com. January 11, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- "2021–22 NBA G League transactions". gleague.nba.com. January 24, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
- "Ferguson wzmacnia GTK". plk.pl (in Polish). August 27, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
- "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- "Cape Town Tigers v Dynamo boxscore - Africa Champions Clubs ROAD TO B.A.L. 2024 2023 - 21 November". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- "Erdhi me bujë të madhe, Bashkimi njofton ndarjen me Terrance Ferguson". gazetablic.com (in Albanian).
External links
- Career statistics from NBA.com and Basketball Reference
- Ferguson's official website
- Terrance Ferguson at usab.com
- Terrance Ferguson at fiba.com
- "Australia Emerges as the New Front in the College Recruiting Wars" at nytimes.com
2017 NBA draft | |
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Second round |
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- 1998 births
- Living people
- Adelaide 36ers players
- American expatriate basketball people in Australia
- American expatriate basketball people in Greece
- American men's basketball players
- Basketball players from Dallas
- GTK Gliwice players
- Lavrio B.C. players
- McDonald's High School All-Americans
- Oklahoma City Thunder draft picks
- Oklahoma City Thunder players
- Philadelphia 76ers players
- Rio Grande Valley Vipers players
- Shooting guards
- Small forwards
- Basketball players from Tulsa, Oklahoma
- American expatriate basketball people in Poland
- Cape Town Tigers players
- Bashkimi Prizren players
- 21st-century American sportsmen