Dons Notes: Frankie Ferrari Verbally Commits to San Francisco

Frankie Ferrari (Burlingame) defends Paris Austin (Bishop O’Dowd) during the 5th Annual NorCal Clash on August 25th, 2013. The 2014 Class defeated the 2015 Class, 90-89. Photo by James Stapleton.

Even though the 2013 season has yet to start, the 2014-2015 Dons are rounding out quickly. In early August, the Green & Gold had another student-athlete verbally commit to the program. Frankie Ferrari is a local Bay Area kid with ties to Burlingame and Archbishop Riordan High School. Last season, as a junior at ARHS, he helped the Crusaders to the Northern California Section finals – just one game away from the California State Championship. Ferrari will transfer back to Burlingame High School this fall. His transfer put his eligibility for the 2013-2014 high school season in jeopardy.

With various articles and performances, we can put together a few things about Frankie. For example, Frankie has strong ties with his family. Growing up, Frankie played with his older brother. Playing with someone two years older than him helped his game develop. However, his father is by far the main influence to Frankie’s game. Frankie has followed his father to the gym since he was three years old. His father is a basketball coach and taught his son the way to play the game. He even brought Frankie to NCAA tournament games. When Frankie takes the court at the Hilltop, expect to see the entire Ferrari family in the stands.

Frankie was well aware of his potential to play in D-1 basketball. To show off his game and gain vital attention by scouts, he played in many club events including the SF Tip-Off and most recently the NorCal Clash. Ferrari did not disappoint and played to his potential. In the SF Tip-Off event, Ferrari played on team Lundardi’s, showing off his shooting and passing skills. Last weekend in the NorCal Clash, Frankie demonstrated his leadership and reaffirmed his passing skills as he started for the Class of 2014 team.

On August 22nd, 2013, Burlingame’s boys basketball head coach Pete Harames was notified by Central Coast Section (CCS) that Frankie will be eligible to play on Burlingame’s 2013-2014 squad. Last year, the Burlingame Panthers went 21-9 and 12-0 against Peninsula Athletic League South opponents, winning their section. Frankie will team up with 6’7” senior counter part Nick Loew as the Panther try to repeat as champions.

Ferrari was recruited by 15 to 20 schools with interest from WCC schools (Saint Mary’s, Portland and Santa Clara). However, scholarship offers to Ferrari were only offered from Idaho State, Chico State and Alaska Anchorage. Ultimately, Ferrari chose the Dons because of the team’s bright future and coach Rex Walters. Frankie fits Rex’s mold perfectly: hard work on the court, in the classroom, and a good standing in the community. Ferrari clearly puts work in practice and is leaning towards a kinesiology major.

Now that we’ve gone over Frankie’s move to USF, lets take a look at what Rex Walters plans to bring to the Hilltop after WCC stars Cole Dickerson and Cody Doolin have departed. The 2014-2015 Dons will feature four seniors, six juniors, one sophomore and one freshman. Walk-on Gavin Hoffman will also be a senior during the 2014-2015 season.

The Dons already have already accounted for twelve of the thirteen scholarships for the 2014-2015. With one scholarship to play with, the Dons still have limited but important work to do. Verbal commit Jared Stutzman will serve on a mission after high school and will be a freshman with the 2015-2016 Dons.

One for the Road

Frankie plays at War Memorial Gym.