Derrian Ford, who helped lead Magnolia High to three Arkansas Class 4A basketball championships, said Thursday, March 27, 2025 that he is entering the NCAA transfer portal for a second time.
The Arkansas State junior posted a statement on social media.
“I would like to start by giving all the honor and glory to God for having this amazing opportunity. I want to thank all the fans and the community for all of the support and love you have shown to me and my family. To my teammates and the coaching staff, thank you for all of the bonds we have built and the better person you have made me. Arkansas State will always be special to me. After much prayer and consultation with God, my family and the coaching staff, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal,” the statement said.
Arkansas State head basketball coach Bryan Hodgson kicked off an exodus from Jonesboro with his announcement that he was taking the coaching position at South Florida.
In short order, Arkansas State teammates Izaiyah Nelson and Joseph Pinion announced their transfers to South Florida, and Cody Head, like Ford, stated that he would transfer.
Ford was heavily recruited by major universities during his high school years. He was a two-time Gatorade Arkansas Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American nominee, and was a two-time Class 4A Player of the Year.
Ford signed with the Arkansas Razorbacks for his 2022-2023 freshman year under Coach Eric Musselman. He played in 21 games (averaged 3.8 minutes per game) and had 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
After Musselman left the Arkansas program for Southern California, Ford entered the transfer program and went to Sun Belt Conference school Arkansas State for the next two seasons.
Ford saw significantly more playing time and success with the Red Wolves under Coach Bryan Hodgson.
In his sophomore season, Ford averaged 10.4 points per game and 4.4 rebounds in 36 outings, drawing 31 starts. He played an average of 29.3 minutes per game and led the team with 64 3-pointers made.
He scored 10 or more points in 19 contests, including a career-high 23 on 6-for-10 from beyond the arc against South Alabama.
In Ford’s junior season just completed, Arkansas State was 25-11 overall and 13-5 in the SBC. The Red Wolves went to the NIT, winning their first game before losing to North Texas in the next round.
Ford played in 34 games during the 2024-2025 season, averaging 20.9 minutes per game. He had 90 field goals, 44 three pointers and was 48 of 58 (.828) at the foul line. His best game was 19 points against Texas State.
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