Ferry's basketball career began to gain attention during his time at DeMatha Catholic High School, a powerhouse in high school basketball. His skills on the court earned him a scholarship to Duke University, where he played under the legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. At Duke, Ferry became one of the most accomplished players in the school's history. He was a two-time All-American and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1989. His leadership helped guide the Blue Devils to three Final Four appearances, cementing his status as one of the top college players of his era.
In 1989, Ferry was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers as the second overall pick in the NBA Draft. However, he chose to play in Italy for Il Messaggero Roma for one season instead of joining the Clippers. This decision was influenced by contract negotiations and the opportunity to gain international experience. After a year abroad, Ferry's rights were traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he began his NBA career in earnest.
Ferry spent the majority of his playing career with the Cavaliers, from 1990 to 2000. Known for his shooting ability and basketball IQ, he played as a forward and was a reliable role player for the team. Although he never became a superstar, Ferry was a consistent presence on the court, contributing to the Cavaliers' playoff runs during the 1990s. In 2000, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs, where he played for three seasons before retiring in 2003. During his time with the Spurs, Ferry was part of the team that won the NBA Championship in 2003, providing veteran leadership and depth to the roster.
Following his retirement as a player, Ferry transitioned into basketball management. He returned to the San Antonio Spurs, serving as the team's Director of Basketball Operations and later as Vice President of Basketball Operations. His tenure with the Spurs was marked by the team's continued success, including multiple NBA Championships, which provided Ferry with valuable experience in team management and operations.
In 2005, Ferry took on the role of General Manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team where he spent most of his playing career. As GM, he was responsible for building a roster around LeBron James, the Cavaliers' superstar. Ferry's efforts helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 2007, although they were ultimately defeated by the Spurs. He remained with the Cavaliers until 2010, overseeing several playoff appearances and making strategic trades and acquisitions to strengthen the team.
After leaving the Cavaliers, Ferry joined the Atlanta Hawks as President of Basketball Operations and General Manager in 2012. His tenure with the Hawks was marked by a focus on building a competitive team through smart drafting and player development. Under his leadership, the Hawks achieved a franchise-record 60-win season in 2014-2015 and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Ferry's time with the Hawks ended in 2015 following a controversy involving racially insensitive remarks.
Despite the challenges he faced, Ferry continued to work in basketball, serving as a consultant for various NBA teams. His extensive experience as both a player and an executive provided him with a unique perspective on the game, allowing him to contribute to team-building efforts across the league.
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