SEC schools attempting to pluck Derrian Ford out of Portal
Derrian Ford is one of the victims of Eric Musselman’s new plan to bring in transfers and allow his players from his excellent recruiting class to skate.
As a former Gatorade Player of the Year, Ford has established himself as one of the top players in the transfer portal, especially among SEC schools.
Ford has been heavily on social media, showcasing his workouts and the long list of schools interested in bringing his talents to their campus. Some schools lost players in the past to Musselman and the Hogs, most notably Trevon Brazile from Missouri.
Where Ford goes should be on the radar for Musselman and fans of the Hogs because he obviously has a chip on his shoulder. The way Musselman has ruled out the young guys during this roster overhaul left a sour taste for everyone across the board.
If Ford stays in the SEC, watch out.
Ole Miss
New University of Mississippi men’s basketball coach Chris Beard leaves the floor of the SJB Pavilion after his introduction to fans at Ole Miss Oxford, Miss., Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
Tcl Ole Miss Beard
Ole Miss is taking on chance on Chris Beard, who was fired from his head coaching position at Texas after domestic violence allegation surfaced. In order for the Beard to survive, he’ll need some talent, as the Rebels only accumulated 12 wins last season.
Texas A&M
Mar 12, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) dribbles the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece Radford are returning next season, so a starting position at College Station is likely out of the question, but adding him to this group could enhance the Aggies.
Alabama
Mar 24, 2023; Louisville, KY, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats during the second half of the NCAA tournament round of sixteen against the San Diego State Aztecs at KFC YUM! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
It’s unlikely that Ford will head to Tuscaloosa, but if he wanted to get under Musselman’s skin, this would be the perfect choice.
Vanderbilt
Mar 10, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Jerry Stackhouse celebrates with fans after a win against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jerry Stackhouse is low-key becoming one of the best coaches in college basketball, mainly because of his ability to connect to his players. Vandy seems like an excellent spot for Ford with a roster overhaul.
Auburn
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl taunts the crowd as he takes the court as Auburn Tigers take on Texas A&M Aggies at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023.
Bruce Pearl could surely use Ford in the backcourt, and a jump like this could irritate Musselman when the Hogs play Auburn twice next season.
Missouri
Mar 18, 2023; Sacramento, CA, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Dennis Gates walks along the sideline during the second half against the Princeton Tigers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Musselman snatched Trevon Brazile from the Tigers, so snatching Ford from the Hogs is undoubtedly on the mind of Mizzou head coach Dennis Gates.
