Meet the Freshmen: San Francisco’s Frankie Ferrari

Rex Walters made Frankie Ferrari a priority recruit and jumped at the opportunity to offer Frankie a home at the Hilltop. Ferrari has been locked in as a Don since he verbally committed over a year ago in July of 2013. Ferrari has found a fitting home with the Green & Gold and will easily impact the Dons by not only sharing his athletic abilities but also implementing his high basketball IQ.

With a quick Google search of Frankie many WCConvo readers may be concerned about Frankie’s size and ability to compete at a Division-1 level. Luckily for you, this your chance to meet Frankie Ferrari and see him at work…

In High School (Burlingame & Archbishop Riordan)

Frankie attended three years of high school at Burlingame High School and one year at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco. Frankie’s year at Riordan was during his junior year. During his time as a Crusader, Ferrari was placed in a position battle for the point. Ultimately, after sitting 10 games as a transfer athlete, Riordan played Frankie as a shooting guard. Frankie ended the season second on the team in scoring as Riordan advanced to the Division IV NorCal Finals.

Frankie transferred back to Burlingame for his senior year to be closer to home. He was reunited with former teammates from his sophomore year including Nick Lowe (a 2014-2015 USF freshman walk-on). Burlingame’s 2013-2014 season ended with a league title and Frankie finished the season averaging 22 points and 7 rebounds. A minor ankle injury hindered Frankie from excelling during the playoffs last year and the Panthers fell short of meeting their ultimate goal of a state title.

In AAU & SF Pro-Am

Frankie’s basketball career extends past his high school achievements and are heavily influenced by his time with his AAU team, Lunardi’s. This club team exemplifies “community enrichment, generosity and fairness” – qualities that fit perfectly into USF’s program. Additionally, this club team is taught by Frankie’s father, Paul Ferrari. This past May, Frankie and future Don, Jared Stutzman, joined Lunardi’s for a tournament in Portland. 

Additionally, Frankie joined the San Francisco Pro-Am in 2014 and has dazzled Kezar Pavilion with his passing, maturity and leadership. He amazes the crowd with his creativity on the floor and has proven that he is prepared to take  on competition beyond the high school level. Further, the SF Pro-Am illustrates how wonderful Ferrari implements his leadership skills. His South Bay Spartan teammates adopt the camaraderie Frankie builds on the floor. Unlike many other players in the Pro Am, Frankie makes a point to congratulate and celebrate with teammates upon each score. Frankie’s success is undeniable as his team is set to play in the semi-finals of the SF Pro Am on August 6th.

Impact at San Francisco

Ferrari enters his Freshmen year at the Hilltop as an addition to a roster full of guards. This means that Ferrari may have to fight for time on the floor, but it also means that he will slowly be introduced to NCAA and WCC gameplay. Even though his minutes may come inconsistently, the maturity Frankie brings to the Green & Gold will be invaluable. Through AAU, SF Pro Am and his high school career Frankie has already developed relationships or competed against five future Don teammates. The trust and camaraderie built during these opportunities will accelerate Frankie’s ability to communicate with his teammates. Lastly, Ferrari fits well into Rex Walter’s vision as he plays smart basketball, fights desperately to find the open man on the court and works hard on the court. As Frankie develops as a Don, he will have the ability to make his teammates better and elevate the basketball program to a higher level.

**Bay Area readers have an opportunity to watch Frankie play tonight in the San Francisco Pro Am semi-final game. Game time is set for 8:00 pm at Kezar Pavilion.