Yogi Ferrell tries to prove himself during Pacers pre-draft workout

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – “You know, I was in here as a kid growing up just shooting hoops and now I’m working out as a pre-draft prospect,” said Yogi Ferrell.

Hoosier native Yogi Ferrell is no stranger to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The highs and lows experienced on that court have brought him here….the Pacers pre-draft workouts.

“Speed, being able to knock down open shots, and being a solid defender,” said Ferrell.

Ferrell’s stats speak for themselves. He led the Hoosiers in scoring last season with 17 points per game, along with a team-high 38 steals. But despite a strong senior campaign, the point guard feels he still needs to prove himself.

“First impressions are always good, so first time you step on the court you got to impress them with something,” said Ferrell. “What I try to go out there and do is impress them with my talk, the way I’m engaged with the game, because that just helps you flow better.”

From a guy who feels he’s good enough to play at the next level, when it’s all said and done Ferrell will have worked out with half of the teams in the NBA.

“I feel like it is a good challenge, and for me to be at the bottom I understand that, playing against the best of the best in the world right now, so everybody has to go in and prove their worth,” said Ferrell.

The Park Tudor alum feels his worth comes from his high basketball IQ – an intangible that’s very appealing to pro scouts.

“The way I go out there and lead my teammates, get them in the right spots. Especially defensively, and especially my size, they want to see someone getting to the ball so I’d say those are the main things,” said Ferrell.

Ferrell will be in Indy on draft day, with hopes of getting that call he will indeed swap that cream and crimson for the NBA logo.