Recruiting Report: Robert Ford (2018 Jefferson)

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Robert Ford loves the game of basketball. The high school season might have ended months ago for the tough 6-foot point guard from Jefferson, but he's been playing non-stop since then. Ford has been lacing it up with Deep Three on the AAU circuit and he recently helped lead the team to the finals of the 17U Open Division of The Hoop Memorial Day Classic. "It's been something new and fun," Ford said of his time on the circuit this last time. "We've collectively come together as a team and we play as a unit. I like it." Playing with Deep Three has allowed Ford to continue working on his game - something he's pretty much done since the Demos finished second in the state tournament. "In my eyes, I'm pretty good at defense but there are still some little things that I can improve on," Ford said. "And with my offensive game, putting up more shots - that's pretty much what I've been doing since high school season ended. I'm just working on my body and working on my game." If there was an official all-tournament team for the event, Ford would unquestionably have been on it. During the weekend, he was Deep Three's main offensive threat, operating as a scoring point guard. He powered his way to buckets at the basket and also sank some deep threes. And as always, he displayed his tough man-to-man defense. In the title game against Seattle Select High Academic, he scored a team-high 16 points and dished out four assists in the 55-47 loss. Naturally since he's an unsigned senior, the big question remains where Ford is going to continue his playing career. He noted that he's been in contact with several NWAC schools, notably (in alphabetical order) Blue Mountain, Clackamas, Portland CC, and South Puget Sound. "I'm not sure where I'm going yet, I'm just playing and having fun," Ford said. "I've talked to them (all) but I haven't really thought about it - I'm just trying to have fun." When asked for a timetable, Ford noted that his focus may be just a little later rather than sooner. "Maybe after July (I'll commit)," Ford said. "I'm just having fun playing." Ford is ranked as the #34 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2018 rankings.