Yogi Ferrell To Return To Indiana Hoosiers And Forego 2015 NBA Draft

On Sunday evening, Indiana guard Yogi Ferrell opted to forego the 2015 NBA Draft and return to Indiana for his senior season.  Ferrell has played in three seasons for Indiana and earned All-Big Ten 1st Team honors in 2014-15 as he led the Hoosiers back to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in his career.

Ferrell announced his decision in a release from Indiana.  Ferrell talked about his process in making his decision.

"Like several other student-athletes in the game of basketball, I have considered the option of leaving college early to join the professional ranks.  I have considered many factors, including my family, my education, the game I love, and my goals in life.  I would like to thank my family and friends, Coach Crean and his staff, my academic advisor Mami Mooney, and my teammates for their contributions to my decision-making process."

Of course, eventually Ferrell decided to return to Bloomington.

"At the end of the day, I have decided that it is in my best interests to continue my education to build on my involvment in the community, and to improve my skills as a basketball player as a member of the 2015-16 IU Men's Basketball Team."

Head coach Tom Crean also talked about Ferrell's decision to return.

"We will always support Yogi in his career and life paths, and returning to Indiana affords him an opportunity to leave an indelible mark in the proud history of the Hoosier program.  More importantly, he will earn an IU degree to carry with him the rest of his life.  His continued growth and development on the court will provide him longevity at the next level and a bright future.:

Ferrell's return is set to have a massive impact on Indiana for next season.  Not only was Ferrell the leading contributor on last year's NCAA Tournament team, but he stabilizes a position without proven depth and now gives Indiana a likely starting lineup of Yogi Ferrell, Robert Johnson, James Blackmon, Jr., Troy Williams, and Thomas Bryant.  All five were rated as at least 4-star recruits and four of them are already proven at the college level.

This is a highly significant return for the Big Ten as well, as Indiana will very likely be ranked in the Top 15 at the beginning of the 2015-16 season and will be labeled as a potential Big Ten title contender.

Of course, on a personal level, this will afford Ferrell the opportunity to build his stock as well and potentially move up further into the 2nd Round in the 2016 NBA Draft.