Yogi Ferrell confirms return for senior season

  • 04/26/2015 5:40 pm in

Indiana point guard Yogi Ferrell has confirmed that he’ll return to Bloomington for his senior season. Gary Parrish of CBS Sports reported his return early Sunday morning.

Ferrell postponed a scheduled announcement on Saturday evening following the death of IU student Hannah N. Wilson.

Here’s the full release issued on his decision to return:

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – All-Big Ten guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell has announced that he will return for his senior year at Indiana University.

“Like several other student-athletes in the game of basketball, I have considered the option of leaving college early to join the professional ranks,” said Ferrell. “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, Marni Mooney, and my teammates for their contributions to my decision-making process.”

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

“Anyone who actually knows me knows that I am a fierce competitor,” the senior to be added. “I truly want to leave a legacy of accomplishments at IU, like the great IU legends of the past. I look forward to returning to IU to complete my undergraduate degree and to begin my graduate studies. And I plan to lead my returning teammates and our incoming players to our goal of achieving great things next year in Assembly Hall.”

A first-team NABC and USBWA All-District selection, Ferrell was sixth in the Big Ten averaging 16.3 points and was fourth in assists at 4.9. He also has made a three-pointer in 65 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation.

“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,” said IU coach Tom Crean. “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, 6-0, and a native of Indianapolis, ranks 22nd on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,379 points, sixth in career assists at 438 and fourth in three-point field goals with 193. All three of those totals will make him the Big Ten’s active leader in those categories entering his final season.

Coming off an NCAA Tournament bid last season, the Hoosiers have been a consensus top 15 team in most 2015-16 preseason polls.

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