I like Ferdinando more and more each time I watch him play. Tonight against Rivers, he was feeling it early and knocked down some big threes. His shooting then forced the defense to close out harder to him, at which point he really got his off-the-dribble game working. He’s quicker than you think he is and has some surprisingly crafty finishing moves at the hoop; he also makes the dump down pass whenever the defense helps. Really smart player who will have a wonderful career at Babson. Congrats on a great high school career, Thomas.

What Stood Out: Decision Making

Ferdinando is a noted perimeter shooter that has garnered attention over the last year with his ability to score the basketball. While that still holds true, he looks more comfortable than ever with the ball in his hands as a decision maker. He can bring the ball up the floor and initiate offense from the lead guard spot, gets his teammates into their sets, and makes quick reads on his catches. His evolution from pure scorer to versatile combo guard should only raise his ceiling at the next level as opponents will have to respect both his ability to shoot the ball and to create for others.

Ferdinando continues to impress me more and more every time I see him play. He plays the game the right way and really understands spacing and movement at a level that few high school players do. We know he can stroke it from three, but he moves so well without the ball and is just a great cutter. He’s also continued to improve his on-ball chops and has really solid vision. Whether he’s a point guard or off-ball guard at Babson next year, he’ll make his coach very happy with his ability to move without the ball, space the floor, and attack closeouts. Does all of the little things offensively.

Ferdinando has a brand new haircut, but his shooting stroke is as lethal as its always been. The guard is able to get shots off with unparalleled quickness and has range out past the three point line. He also seems to have improved his on-ball creation and ball handling from the last time I saw him; he handles the point guard duties with calmness and confidence, and he’s able to set up his teammates when he gets into the paint. Defensively, Ferdinando is very smart and has a great understanding of help-side rotations. He’ll be a really nice piece for Babson next season.

Ferdinando put an end to his recruitment when he committed to Babson College. One of New England’s top perimeter shooters, Ferdinando is the ultimate green light type of guy. He has in the gym range, can score off the catch or the bounce, and does a great job of moving without the basketball. He’s a high IQ player on the perimeter who makes good decisions with the basketball, makes some impressive passes in the halfcourt, and can get by the initial defender off the bounce. His pull up game is strong and he’s continued to improve as a scorer in the paint. Defensively, he can guard either backcourt spot and does a good job of moving his feet to stay in front of opposing ball handlers. Babson‘s class continues to get stronger with Ferdinando, who had scholarship interest and could develop into an all-league player down the road in the NEWMAC.

A debate can be made that their isn’t a better long-range shooter in New England than Ferdinando and he certainly backed up that reputation this summer. A big time shot maker, Ferdinando, who just received his first scholarship offer from SNHU, is a tireless worker that has in-the-gym range. He does a good job of creating space off the bounce, knows how to quickly change speeds and direction, and is able to get into his jumper quickly. He’s developed as a lead ball-handler, is a solid decision maker, and can navigate ball screens to score or create looks for others. Defensively, he can guard either perimeter spot and has a good understanding of angles and team concepts. His first offer shouldn’t be his last as I’d expect numerous programs throughout the northeast to be keeping tabs this winter.

Ferdinando is a real joy to watch. Moves quite well without the ball and has one of the quicker releases I’ve seen at the showcase. Also works well in the pick and roll with his feel for where the defense is. Ferdinando also slides his feet well and got multiple steals in the passing lanes.