Beyond the Playbook: Marnaries Ferguson gearing up for big senior year
Marnaries Ferguson is becoming a household name in the Northland.
Averaging over 21 points per game last season, Ferguson has the hunger to become even better. Plus, he resembles the man that knows him best.
“I look at that kid and I get joy and excitement because he reminds me a lot of myself in my playing days,” said head coach Phillip Homere, who played for UMD men’s basketball in 2010. “He’s just such a hard worker, constantly messaging me, “Coach, can I get in the gym?” He’s a gym rat.”
Ferguson is the whole package; he can make you pay from out deep, or drive to the hoop as a true slasher. His self evaluation is most interesting though.
“I’m more like a Russell Westbrook type player,” proclaimed Ferguson. “I like to give it my 100%, my all. I feel like I just leave it all on the court. My position is more of a shooting guard because I just — I know how to go get a bucket.”
Bucket getters typically don’t bring their teammates with them, but Ferguson does. Although the team may be led by him, no man is left behind.
“Everyone listens and we’re all together,” said Ferguson. “It’s not just like someone else going on and doing what they want. Everyone is all in it together. When we unite, we become unstoppable.”
Ferguson’s leadership – and of course, scoring – is something that every Hunter strives to achieve.
“Everyone is looking forward to see what he’s doing, so he understands that he can’t just be goofing around because the guys are looking up to him,” said Homere. “They expect really big things from him. So I think he’s really taking that to a great level as far as he’s leading by example. He’s doing all the right things. All the guys are feeding off that energy that he’s providing.”
With the Hunters season beginning against rival Duluth East on Tuesday night, the Marnaries show is just about to get started.