A.T.

[Kingsbury]

I saw A.T. working out the other day at the K-Dome and he is looking good. We all know that last year he was playing a bit heavy because of the knee problem and not getting to work out the way he should of. The weight is off now and he is moving much better. I can't wait to see him this year because if it true what they say about knee injuries, the 2nd year is the one when most players get back to their origianl form. Does anybody else think that A.T. can play the 4 and have start Ford in the middle to block shots and grab boards.

[pnthr30]

How mobile is Ford?

I would like to see UWM get back to the 94 foot pressing style of play that they utilized a lot (and effectively) in 2002/2003. They were not able to do it nearly as much last year (2003/2004) due to personel.

I am guessing that McCoy is fairly athletic and would take Nate's place on the ball, creating havoc for the inbounder. Is Ford athletic enough to do that, and then get all the way back on "D"? Time will tell. ;D

[mcdadenets50]

Did I miss something or are we still waiting for Ford's signed LOI?

[kaygee]

Panthers Add Size To Recruiting Class
Ford commits to UWM


Nov. 18, 2003

MILWAUKEE - Derrick Ford of Toledo, Ohio, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He currently plays junior college basketball at Olney Central Community College in Illinois.

Ford, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound forward, is starting his second season at Olney after being named an all-city and all-state performer out of Toledo Scott High School. He averaged 12 ppg, 10 rpg and 5 bpg as a senior. Ford has been rated as the 60th-best junior college player in the country by Hoopmasters.com, a top-70 junior college player by HoopScoopOnline.com and has also been ranked among the top 10 centers in the JUCO ranks by various publications. Ford picked UWM over interest from UNLV, Missouri and Charlotte.

"Derrick gives us something we've not had and that's a guy that can change shots," Pearl said. "We've been recruiting Derrick for three years and associate head coach Tony Jones has done a terrific job of staying with him and getting him to Milwaukee. Like you see with a lot of prospects with size, they need some time to develop. We feel Derrick could develop into a quality big man."

UWM will lose three seniors following this season with the graduation of Dylan Page, Nate Mielke and Kalombo Kadima. Along with the addition of Ford and Anthony Passley in this year's recruiting class, transfers Jason McCoy (Rutgers) and Derrick Wimmer (Chicago State) are already on the Panther squad and are sitting out this season.

[mcdadenets50]

Thanks