Dominique Ferguson leaving Indianapolis for Hargrave

by Alex Bozich in Recruiting | July 15th, 2009

2010 Indianapolis forward Dominique Ferguson won’t finish his high school career in the Hoosier state.

According to a report by Kyle Neddenriep of the Indianapolis Star, the 6-9 Ferguson will finish his high school career at Hargrave Military Academy.

Hargrave, located in Chatham (VA), is a military-style prep school that produced former IU players Armon Bassett and Jordan Crawford. Incoming freshman Maurice Creek attended the school last season.

The buzz that Ferguson would not return to Lawrence North started at the JR/SR all-star game at New Albany, when he didn’t show up because of a reported injury.

As recently as June 22, Ferguson told Jody Demling of the Louisville Courier-Journal that he would return to Jack Keefer’s program for his senior season.

Ferguson is considering a list of schools that includes Arizona, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Depaul, Duke, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. The Hoosiers have not offered a scholarship.

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hoosierboy

Don't want him. He is a head case. I have heard many negative things about him. Mostly off the court stuff. He is obviously talented but I don't want a guy that isnt into IU.

GFDave

He does seem to be a bit, hmm, how to say this: flighty. The videos I've seen of him show a tall kid that doesn't play big. Maybe Hargrave will help the kid grow in all areas, seems like he needs it.

Wow, after my initial post I read the IndyStar article on him leaving. Jack Keefer really didn't have anything nice to say about this kid at all. It may be true, but I think it was a bit harsh for an adult school employee to say those things about a pupil/player. Again, I'm not taking issue with the factual accuracy, but the presentation. Keefer could have been more circumspect.

Kelin Blab

GFDave....

I read keefers response also and am as shocked as you are. There is something else there for him to respond that harsh on a high school kid. Jack's dynasty could be fading.....or maybe not. I wish the kid well, interesting IU did not offer even after he decommitted from Kentucky.

Alex

I think there's more to the story than what is our there publicly. If you read the post a couple of weeks ago by Hugh Kellenberger on the Hoosier Scoop, Keefer seemed a bit confused on the whole situation, especially the involvement of the AAU people with Ferguson:

http://blogs.heraldtimesonline.com/iusp/?p=3664

GFDave

Keefer's comments about the AAU "Mafia" and what kind of advice Ferguson was getting from that side reveal the tension between HS coaches and AAU coaches in general, and Keefer and Ferguson's group in particular. I guess we now know who carries more weight with the kid. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Dominique has people in his ear who want to get a slice of the pie when/if he gets drafted into the League.

Coach Crean is probably well aware of the situation, which may explain the lack of an offer.

I still think Keefer could have handled himself better.

Kelin Blab

If I recall DF switched AAU teams this year also, could be some of the source of the issues. Lets hope someone is not trying to ride the coat tails of this kid and ruin his career. Hate to see an Indiana kid go elsewhere.....but it happens

plane1972

I won't be crying for Keefer anytime soon over any troubles he may have in competing with AAU reps. Sounds like karma to me, considering the players he has recruited away from other schools to build his legacy.

HoosierFromBirth

Can't blame the kid at all, wish him the best of luck, and hope that he ends up a Hoosier. What would LN offer that he could not get at Hargrave?

Ron in Jeffersonville

I already said enough about this "kid" weeks ago. I only wish he stayed at Kentucky. We need players that believe that basketball is a sport, not a career. People that love the game. A person that would play (or not play) for whatever is best for the team ( not their career). I believe the guys coach is recruiting now, are serious and only want to improve.
I still feel we will get Irving cause of his commitment to education. he is worried about life after basketball. Sounds mature to me

BGleas

This could be the best thing for DF's career as a player and maturity as a person. From media reports, he obviously has some growing up to do, so getting away to a military prep school might be the best thing for him. I'd love nothing more than to hear next spring that he has matured and the time away from home has made him realize there is a lot to gain by coming home to IU.

Diesel

Although I enjoyed Armon and Jordon Crawford as players, Hargrave didn't seem to mature those guys or fix their off court issues. DF doesn't seem to get it and I don't think Keefer's dynasty is fading at all, LN is on the cusp of another state championship run.

BGleas

That's just two people, being away from home affects people in many different ways. It's entirely possible that it doesn't help DF that much, but I think it's a wise move for someone that seems to lack maturity. I would also argue that Armon and Jordan entered a much different situation when they came to IU, definitely not the atmosphere that Crean is creating.

Diesel

I agree with that and do think it is in DF's best interest to go there, but I still don't want him as part of our program.

BGleas

From what I've read about him (which I admit is a poor way to judge a high school kid) I agree with you, but my larger point is that I'd love to hear in the spring that a year away from home did wonders for his maturity and that he know wants to come to IU.

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BobbyDigital

What were Crawford's off court issues? He was the one Coach actually wanted to come back.

Kelin Blab

Yes Bobby Jordan was one of those crazy kids like eric gordon that went to class and attempted to do the right things. I know crean wanted him to stay...

Kelin Blab

WOW you guys might want to read the hoop scoop about this saga.....ouch...
http://blogs.heraldtimesonline.com/iusp/

thom12

Why would a high school coach make such comments as" Dom did not fit into being a Wildcat" he was the leading scorer and tops in rebounds. "Discipline was not what he was looking for" why would he go to a military school. If you notice Keefer makes neagivtive statements about all players that leave his program. Keefer is the one that nees to grow up.

thom12

Good luck Dom, and I hope to see you at IU soon. Keefer knows that he cant replace a player with your skill set. If Keefer was a coach you guys would a least have had two state titles already from this year and last year. Keefer has 6 D-1 players and can't get out of the regionals. I was at the game vs. Franklin Central and it was coaching not the players.

Dominique Ferguson leaving Indianapolis for Hargrave

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