Zach Osterman

zach.osterman@indystar.com

BLOOMINGTON – Troy Williams and Yogi Ferrell will begin their professional careers as undrafted free agents, as neither heard his name called during Thursday night’s NBA draft.

For various reasons, both players were seen as potential second-round picks, but by no means assured of a draft-night phone call.

Ferrell, who set Indiana records for career appearances, starts and assists, saw his name gain significant positive buzz in the days leading up to the draft. A series of positive workouts, impressive shooting displays reportedly among them, lent Ferrell momentum as the draft arrived, but he went undrafted nonetheless.

Reports early Friday morning suggested he was bound for Brooklyn, one of several teams he worked out with during the pre-draft process.

Ferrell's mother, Lydia Ferrell, confirmed as much on Twitter Friday.

"Brooklyn Nets will soon see that they have a gem," Lydia Ferrell wrote on social media. "Yogi will continue to rise to the top!"

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Williams elected to forgo his final year of college eligibility to stay in the draft and was seen as a divisive prospect in some respects. His prodigious athleticism and explosiveness played in his favor. His persistent inconsistency and a two-way game still requiring polish at both ends of the floor did not.

He debunked suggestions Friday that he had signed with the Houston Rockets when reached by IndyStar. Instead, according to an official announcement from IU, Williams will play in the NBA's summer league with the Phoenix Suns.

Williams and Ferrell were considered among the best players undrafted Thursday by several analysts.

Indiana has not had a player selected in the NBA draft since Noah Vonleh was taken in the lottery in 2014.

Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.