Las Vegas basketball isn’t always about headlines or hype. Sometimes, it’s about the players who put in the work, stay patient, and find their way without the spotlight. Dominique Ford is one of those players.
Originally from Las Vegas, Ford’s path hasn’t been flashy or filled with fanfare—but it’s been steady, and it’s been real. After stops at Idaho and Southern Utah, he’s now headed to the University of San Diego. His story isn’t about going viral—it’s about showing up, growing year after year, and proving that with enough work, there’s always another level to reach.
This series is dedicated to players like Dominique—hoopers from Las Vegas who keep the culture alive through effort, consistency, and quiet leadership. Over the next 100+ days, I’ll be highlighting local athletes who’ve contributed to building something special in the desert. Some are chasing scholarships. Some are carving out college careers. But all of them are part of a movement that’s putting Las Vegas basketball on the map—one day, one player, one story at a time.
Let’s keep telling these stories. Vegas hoops deserves it
Dominique Ford Scouting Report
Position: Combo Guard / Wing
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 196 lbs
College: Southern Utah (Transfer to University of San Diego)
Class: Graduate Transfer
Draft Eligibility: 2026
Birth Year: 2002
📈 Overview
Dominique Ford is a long, skilled combo guard with proven scoring acumen, positional versatility, and defensive upside. A veteran presence entering his fifth collegiate season, Ford brings valuable experience and productivity to the University of San Diego after a strong campaign in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). He projects as a rotational contributor at the Division I level with fringe pro upside due to his shooting touch, transition efficiency, and length on the perimeter.
Ford’s offensive game centers around spot-up shooting, ball-screen reads, and aggressive transition finishes. Coaches have praised his ability to initiate offense, create for himself, and defend multiple positions. With measurable physical tools and a competitive edge, Ford enters the 2025–26 season as one of San Diego’s most intriguing two-way additions.
📊 Key Statistics (2024–25 at Southern Utah)
- PPG: 14.5
- RPG: 2.8
- APG: 1.4
- SPG: 1.1
- FT%: 89.6%
- 3PT%: 32.0%
- MPG: 26.8
🔍 Strengths
✅ Scoring Versatility
Ford is a polished three-level scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and a confident offensive approach. He averaged nearly 16 points per game as a junior and maintained double-digit scoring in every season since 2022. He thrives in transition, excels at attacking closeouts, and can create separation in isolation.
✅ Shooting Efficiency (Especially at the Line)
Elite free-throw shooter who knocked down 89.6% of attempts in 2024–25, pointing to a strong base for extending his range. While his 3-point percentage has hovered between 32%–35%, his mechanics and touch suggest room for upward trajectory. His release is compact and repeatable in catch-and-shoot scenarios.
✅ Guard Size & Defensive Length
At 6’5”, Ford has prototypical size for a modern off-guard and is capable of defending both 1s and 2s. He uses his length and anticipation well in passing lanes, averaging over a steal per game and showing flashes of lockdown perimeter defense when fully engaged.
✅ Mature, Coachable Leader
Multiple coaching staffs have noted Ford’s composure, work ethic, and ability to buy into a role. At both Idaho and Southern Utah, he was trusted with significant late-game responsibilities and vocal leadership.
⚠️ Areas for Development
❌ Playmaking & Court Vision
While Ford has the tools to initiate offense, his assist rate dipped to 1.4 per game last season. He can improve his feel for passing under pressure and his ability to make reads off the dribble, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.
❌ Three-Point Consistency
Ford’s perimeter shooting is serviceable but streaky. His percentage dipped from 35.4% to 32.0% over the past year. His value as a floor-spacer at the next level will be closely tied to whether he can consistently shoot 36%+ from deep.
❌ Rebounding & Physicality
Despite his size, Ford averaged under 3.0 rebounds per game. Improving his strength and willingness to mix it up on the glass could raise his ceiling as a pro wing or hybrid guard.
🧩 Fit & Role Projection (2025–26 Season)
At San Diego, Ford is expected to play a meaningful rotation role immediately. His combination of shot-making and defensive versatility will allow him to play alongside both traditional point guards and wings. If his shooting percentages climb and his playmaking evolves, he could become a high-usage starter for the Toreros by mid-season.
Projected Role: Starting Shooting Guard / Sixth Man
Usage: Spot-up shooting, secondary creation, perimeter defense
Projected Stats: 12–15 PPG, 3 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 33–35% 3PT
🧠 Intangible Qualities
- Veteran maturity and locker room leadership
- Experience in multiple systems (Idaho, SUU)
- High basketball IQ and attention to detail on both ends
- Resilient competitor with a professional mindset
🧭 Pro Projection & Long-Term Outlook
Ford’s ceiling projects as a two-way guard with long-term overseas potential or G-League development status. He is a candidate for a Summer League invite post-2026 with a strong final collegiate campaign. While he may not hear his name on draft night, his size, shooting ability, and defensive tools give him a path to carve out a professional career—especially if his decision-making and shooting efficiency continue to improve.
Pro Comparison (Style): D’Moi Hodge / Darryl Morsell / Gabe York
NBA Two-Way Candidate: Moderate
High-Level Overseas Outlook: Strong
📌 Final Evaluation
Dominique Ford is the kind of experienced, hard-nosed guard who thrives in the right system. His game is predicated on efficiency, effort, and execution—making him valuable for teams looking to plug in a capable two-way piece. If he can string together a consistent senior season and showcase growth in perimeter shooting and decision-making, he will earn serious looks from pro organizations on both sides of the Atlantic
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