Buducnost VOLI Podgorica remains in the playoff hunt in Group B after a resounding 78-97 road victory last week at Dolomiti Energia Trento. It all comes down to Round 18, in which Buducnost has to hope for Turk Telekom Ankara to lose at Slask Wroclaw on Tuesday and then beat defending champion Dreamland Gran Canaria on Wednesday.
Yogi Ferrell, Buducnost: 'We have nothing to lose'
Interviews
6 Mins read
One of Buducnost's key players has been combo guard Yogi Ferrell, who has a fascinating story on and off the court. Born in Indiana, he was a Hoosiers star for four years and is in his third EuroCup season, averaging 15.6 points and 4.7 assists in 40 career games. Off the court, Yogi likes to play chess online and co-wrote a motivational book for children based on his journey. Ferrell is looking forward to the game against Gran Canaria, hoping Buducnost leaves it all on the floor. "We are going to go out there and give it 100% for 40 minutes, and we are just going to see what happens," Ferrell told Javier Gancedo of the official EuroCup website. "As long as we know that we went out there and we did our best, whatever the outcome will be, we will be happy with it."
Hello, Yogi. Congratulations on beating Trento. How important was it not only to win this game, but to do it the way you did it, by a lot of points, to get advantages in possible ties?
"Thank you. It was very important for us to win that game to keep our playoff chances alive. It felt like we came out in the second half with a different mentality and that was just team defense. And we went out there and helped each other. And we know once we get our defense going, we know our offense is going to work out well for us."
You started the season in China and stopped in Belgrade before joining Buducnost. Was it hard to adjust to a new situation?
"I wouldn't say it was too hard to come back over and play in the ABA [Adriatic League] and EuroCup. I had done it before for two seasons, so this is nothing new to me. They play a great way of basketball over here in Europe, so it's definitely fun to be back."
"Buducnost and those fans, they really care, and they have had a winning history."
Like you said, this is your third season in the EuroCup. What do you like the most about the EuroCup? What's the best part about it?
"The best part about EuroCup is really just traveling away and playing in different countries and just playing basketball. Playing against some of the best talents in Europe, so it's definitely just a lot of fun."
You were born in Indiana. You were a Hoosier for four years. How do you compare the passion and the love for basketball in Indiana to what we have here in Europe?
"Oh, I would say it's the same. I know my four years at Indiana, all of our games were almost sold out every single game. And my time in Indiana, those fans, they were amazing. They showed so much love and passion for the team. And that's really the same here in Europe. You go to a great organization like I am with now, Buducnost and those fans, they really care, and they have had a winning history. So they definitely want to come to all the games and cheer and try and keep on that winning mentality."
Your last regular season game is against Gran Canaria. It is a must-win game for you. As a basketball player, you work all season for this type of game. Is it a challenge or extra pressure?
"I think all you can really do is embrace it. Whether it's a do or die, I feel like those opportunities, you have nothing to lose. So we are going to go out there and give it 100% for 40 minutes and we are just going to see what happens. As long as we know that we went out there and we did our best, whatever the outcome will be, we will be happy with it."
Do you still play chess online?
"Oh, I do. I play chess pretty much every day on the chess.com app, so I like to play it. Just ease my mind, you know? Good hobby. I got a couple of chess boards, just something fun to do. My nickname is iBall11, anyone who wants to play against me can send me a friend request."
We saw your nickname is Yogi because of Yogi Bear, but what's the story behind it?
"I used to eat a lot as a baby, so my mom named me Yogi, like Yogi Bear. So ever since I was three months old, I have been called Yogi. Pretty much everyone calls me Yogi. I'm known by Yogi everywhere, but my real name is actually Kevin and I'm a junior."
You co-wrote a motivation book for children, Ten Toes Down. What did the idea come from and why did you choose that title?
"The idea actually came from my father, and he thought it would be a great idea for us to write a children's book and just share my story. You know, share my story with growing up playing basketball, meeting friends along the way, and being a kid playing basketball so young. So it was actually his idea.
"You have to have fun with whatever you do, whether it's a downtime or a good time."
I saw that in the book you talk about the sense of humor as being really important in basketball and in life, right?
"Yeah, absolutely, man. You have to have fun with with whatever you do, whether it's a downtime or a good time. As long as you can find a way to have fun and still smile, I think that's the biggest thing."
You have been in the EuroCup Playoffs before with Cedevita, in front of sellout crowds. Is that experience a motivation for you to make it back to the playoffs and try to go all the way?
"Yeah, absolutely. I think that Stozice [Arena] was filled up like that. It hadn't been filled up like that in years. So being able to go there and play in front of that crowd was really, really cool. And it kind of reminded me of back in my days at Indiana, just how loud it was and how all the fans showed up. So I know the same thing will happen here at Buducnost. If we make the playoffs, I know the fans will definitely come. It would be the same environment."