Darren Ford Darren Ford 6'2" | CG/PG AZ Compass Prep National | 2028 State #65 Nation AZ closed out his AAU season in impressive fashion, finishing as the third-leading scorer at Peach Jam while averaging 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. He shot 35 percent from beyond the arc and 45 percent from the field, consistently producing against elite competition.At 6-foot-3, Ford is a physical guard who is equally comfortable playing on or off the basketball. His continued defensive development has added another dimension to his game, making him one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country. With his combination of size, scoring ability, and versatility, Ford has established himself as a high-major talent whose recruitment is poised to take another significant leap.

Darren Ford put on a superb performance going for 25 points, on 10-of-17 shooting from the field, with 4 made three-pointers, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was a timely three-level scoring glue guy who impacted winning without needing the offense to revolve around him, consistently scoring within the flow of the game, picking his spots to knock down catch-and-shoot threes, creating efficient mid-range opportunities with one dribble pull-ups, or attacking the rack with explosion and body control. He never forced a shot, displaying excellent shot selection and a natural feel for when to get a bucket, delivering timely scoring that shifted momentum. Beyond his offensive production, he embraced the little things like proper floor spacing, smart cuts, keeping the ball moving with anticipation, and competing with a relentless motor.

When it comes to a combination of physical tools and three-level scoring ability, Ford was among the best we saw at the 16u level. The sturdily-built 6-foot-2 point guard uses his combination of speed and strength to get to his spots in transition and half-court offense where he absorbed and finished through contact in the paint and/or drew that contact and got to the free throw line. Ford is also a consistent mid-range and three-point shooter. He averaged 25.6 points per game during Session IV and shot double-digit free throws in three of his five games.

One prospect at Section 7 that truly turned heads was AZ Compass Preps’ Darren Ford Darren Ford 6'2" | CG/PG AZ Compass Prep National | 2028 State #65 Nation AZ . The Louisiana prospect continues to dominate on both ends of the court as one of the top guards on the West coast. Facing off against Bella Vista Prep with dozens of high major programs watching, Ford knocked down deep three point shots and finished at the rim with physicality and skill. Meanwhile on the other end of the court, Ford used his long wingspan to disrupt the opposing guards and create turnovers for the Dragons.

Ford has been one of the most productive offensive players in Texas, averaging 21.4 points per game. He consistently pressures defenses with aggressive downhill attacks while also creating opportunities from the perimeter. His ability to carry a scoring load while remaining impactful as a secondary facilitator stands out.

✅ Aggressive downhill scorer
✅ Offensive versatility
✅ Consistent production

Darren Ford Darren Ford 6'2" | CG/PG AZ Compass Prep National | 2028 State #65 Nation AZ continues to impress scouts nationally with his all-around game and impressive shooting ability. He is an elite long-range shooter. At 6’3″, 180 pounds, his frame is solid, and his athleticism is on full display in the open court. His ability to use the shoulder bump to create space makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his on-ball defense is equally impressive. As a top-three scorer in the EYBL, coaches are lining up to watch Darren Ford Darren Ford 6'2" | CG/PG AZ Compass Prep National | 2028 State #65 Nation AZ . He picked up two more offers from Texas State and Florida International in Session 2, and more are sure to come.

Darren Ford Darren Ford 6'2" | CG/PG AZ Compass Prep National | 2028 State #65 Nation AZ  is the top-ranked player in the state and is nationally recognized as a top recruit. His statistics speak for themselves, with back-to-back seasons averaging over 20 PPG, eclipsing 1,000 points midway through his sophomore season. He led the Ruston Bearcats in scoring and assists while spearheading a run to the State Championship. Physically, he is a gifted athlete, but skill-wise, he is elite in every measurable statistic: shooting, rebounding, defending, and assisting. You name it, and he is ahead of the pack with high percentages to boot. He is built like a middle linebacker with elite athleticism. His ability to dunk through contact is what separates him from others in his class, and today he is still only 15 years old. At 6’3″ and 180 pounds, he is a physical intimidator who is unstoppable offensively. The #1 spot is firm with Ford as we head into the Live Period.

Ford is the first of Basketball Royalty. He is the grandson of Basketball Legend Karl Malone. The story line sounds great, but the skill is what is most impressive. After watching Ford as a Freshman, I posted that he would be a 5 Star. Six months later, he received a four star ranking. Ford is an elite scorer and his constant pressure on the defense makes Ruston tough to figure out.

Ford can shoot the from the mid range out to the three point line with equal efficiency, and does not have to be in catch and shoot situations. He can create for himself and his understanding of creating space is special, considering he is 15 years old. His greatest ability is his basketball IQ. He makes the game easier for those around him, and as a PG, he will be one of the most recruited players in the nation. The sniper is in Ruston, and he came to win.