At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and underrated, and today's edition will highlight Jase Ford of Overhills High School and Juice All-Stars.
Due to the surplus of guards in high school basketball, some prospects simply fly under the radar despite possessing the necessary tools to succeed at the next level. Players with size certainly get advantages within the recruiting scene. However, Ford is a college-ready point guard prospect with IQ, speed, toughness, and the ability to run a team with poise. He's excellent in transition, able to fly past the opposition and finish strong or set up others for scoring opportunities. Ford shoots the ball fairly well from all levels but is also unselfish and rarely forces the action.
We've seen Ford in various different settings, including our NC Phenom 150 Camp last month, where we stated: 'Moving onto a player that simply knows how to run a team with poise and intelligence, Jase Ford. He's a smart, quick, heady point guard prospect with excellent vision and the ability to score in a variety of different ways. Ford excels in transition or in the half-court, given how he's able to breakdown the opposing defense and attack the seams. He makes the extra pass and right play with unwavering consistency. Ford utilizes his quickness to mirror his assignment on defense, force turnovers, and get downhill on the other end. He's a quality perimeter shooter with great change of pace and solid rebounding instincts for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Lindell on Ford: 'Jase is a point guard and bucket-getter. His catch-and-shoot is outstanding, as is his shooting off the dribble and overall mechanics. He displays good footwork, quickness, and big-play ability as a shooter or playmaker. He is a stopper on defense with the skills to play multiple positions. He has a high motor and knows the game.' Ford continues to display the makings of a college-level guard and could be a quality late addition for various programs.'
It's difficult to say much else about Ford, who has been incredibly consistent and reliable throughout each viewing. He stood out as a leader for Overhills, averaging 15.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 2.3 APG while being the focal point for the opposing defense. Ford has received interest from a variety of Division II and Division III programs but doesn't necessary have the offers that he should. Only time will tell but Ford has all the makings of a player that can carve out a useful role with any type of program.
