A knockdown shooter with intergalactic range and a penchant for spurring pivotal scoring runs when he seizes the hot hand, Class of 2025 guard Anthony Ferrer knew preparing for the rigors of the collegiate level would entail sacrifice.
The 6-foot-3 Ferrer, known for his career at University School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., decided to take a prep year at Academy of Central Florida.
He wanted a situation where he can grow physically and in all facets of his game, simulate the college experience, and open up more opportunities and maximized exposure.
Playing under longtime program builder Chris Chaney, who has won more games at his age than any coach in prep history, Ferrer discovered what he was looking for in a disciplined environment which emphasizes skill development, college ready conditioning, and an around the clock focus on refining his game.
Subscribing to the process as a buy in guy has paid dividends for Ferrer, who was recently offered by Indian River College. He’s become a deadly shooter and focal point, with a recent 28-point (7-for-9 from 3-point range) performance against an IMG Academy team featuring multiple Division-I players raising his value.
While his catch and stick game has long been his calling card, the Miami native improved incrementally by becoming a steady presence on the glass. He’s able to pull down boards outside of the box, grapple for 50-50 balls, and utilize his strength while guarding bigger guards and wings.
He knew the process would entail sacrifice. He knew he would have to take the hard coaching criticism that comes with playing at the next level. And, Ferrer of course was cognizant that he would have to be the ultimate buy in guy.
With 40+ games on the season and a hyper competitive environment, Ferrer understood he would be less ball-dominant some games.
With his defensive aptitude and knack for disrupting the passing lanes and kicking in assists as a creative play-maker, he’s developed his all around game.
Ferrer has created an intriguing, under the radar tandem alongside a high octane and high scoring guard in ACF teammate, Jamicha Adair.
“The process of this prep year benefited me the most by making me tougher and more coachable,” Ferrer said.
“I was also able to learn more about my own body and took recovery more serious.
Chaney’s program has helped nurture the development of current Clemson point guard Jaeden Zackery, Kansas guard David Coit, and Tennessee wing Darlinstone Dubar, all of whom went overlooked coming out of high school and revived their careers with a post graduate season.
In today’s times, with the heavy presence of NIL and transfers and graduate transfers being the most hotly pursued across the recruiting market, prep has become a significant option for those looking to prolong their careers during challenging times. It’s no secret, many high major coaches are not even recruiting high school kids at this point in time.
Chaney was quick to cite Ferrer’s persistency in production rate as a portent of a guy who could be a high impact player all four years of college.
Anthony is a scoring guard who has expanded his game this year,” Chaney said.
“He has become tougher, shown good leadership and is defending with a purpose. He is also finding more ways to find open shots and score. With his work ethic and being a relentless competitor the continued improvement will keep increasing.”
