Drake nabs Lemont’s Nate Ferguson

Drake and first-year coach Darian DeVries has double-dipped in the Chicago area in the Class of 2019.

Following the Sunday afternoon commitment of Bolingbrook’s Joseph Yesufu, Lemont’s promising 6-7 Nate Ferguson has also committed to the Bulldogs.

“The personality of the team and the coaching staff and how they interact with each other really stood out,” says Ferguson, who took an official visit to Drake this past weekend. “I felt really comfortable. It’s the best decision for me, and it’s a load off my back knowing that [recruitment] is done.”

During an unofficial visit to Drake in June, Ferguson said his interest in the Bulldogs increased as DeVries and his staff were able to show a clear vision to the athletic forward.

“They really did a great job of giving me a visual of what it would be like, how I would be used and being able to see how I would fit in there,” says Ferguson. “They really laid it out well with a clear plan for me.”

DeVries played a big part in Ferguson’s decision. The longtime Creighton assistant coach who took over the Drake program last March impressed Ferguson throughout the recruiting process.

“He’s just a great, genuine dude,” says Ferguson of his future coach. “Trustworthy, fun and he’s going to push you. I’m excited to be able to go play for him.”

Ferguson, who is among the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top 10 prospects in the senior class in Illinois, averaged 15.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists a game as a junior. He also knocked down 21 of 52 from beyond the three-point line (40 percent).

A versatile player with size, Ferguson brings outstanding agility, bounce off the floor and an ability to run the court.