Hoosiers in the NBA: Yogi Ferrell scores 7 in win over Lakers
By Eric Brown
Former Hoosier Yogi Ferrell has been a revelation for the Mavericks this season, on Friday night he chipped in 7 points to help them beat the Lakers.
After going undrafted during the 2016 NBA Draft, Yogi Ferrell was left searching for a home in the NBA. He wound up playing for the Brooklyn Nets multiple times during his rookie season, then he was inexplicably waived, clearing way for the Mavericks to sign him in January of last season. After showing his dominance on multiple occasions last year, Yogi has continued to shine in a Dallas jersey in 2018. He continued to his excellent play on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, chipping in seven points in 26 minutes.
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As usual, Yogi was used in a bench role once again, something he has been relegated to this season due to the Mavericks drafting Dennis Smith early on in the 2018 draft. Despite not starting many games this season, Ferrell has exceeded many career highs this season, including field-goal percentage, rebounds per game, and almost passing his high in points per game.
Back on December 22nd, Ferrell scored a season-high 23 points against the Miami Heat. In that contest he finished 9-13 from the field. Just days before that game, Yogi had a career best game, as he finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Hoosiers fans were probably hoping to see the former teammates, Yogi and Thomas Bryant play against each other in the Lakers – Mavericks game. But despite the trade that sent Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers, Bryant failed to see the floor for Los Angeles.
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Ever since he put on the Mavericks jersey, Yogi Ferrell has made the most out of the opportunity that was given to him. As he plays out this season, we continue to see that he should have been drafted during the 2016 draft. If he continues to play well, he very well could find himself as a starter on the next team he plays for.