THE Adelaide 36ers have signed 18-year-old US high school star, Terrance Ferguson, for the 2016-17 NBL season.

Ferguson had originally committed to the University of Alabama, then to the University of Arizona, but officially announced, overnight, that he’ll completely forgo college to pursue professional opportunities in Australia.

With the 36ers choosing not to re-sign veteran wing Lucas Walker, Ferguson has the opportunity to have an impact for the team as one of its three imports, before likely declaring for the 2017 NBA Draft, where he’s a projected first-round pick.

In a candid column for The Players’ Tribune, titled ‘Why I’m Going Pro In Australia’,

Ferguson wrote about the struggles his mother faced, raising three children on her own while working two jobs; the financial incentive emerging as a key factor in his decision to sign a professional contract.

media_camera Terrance Ferguson in the 2014 USA Basektball Men's U17 World Championship Team. Picture: Supplied

“It didn’t matter that I was nine, or that I didn’t know how I was going to do it; all that mattered was that, someday, I’d make sure my mom would never have to work again,” Ferguson wrote.

“Now, she won’t have to, because I’m going to play for the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League in Australia.

“You probably know that that wasn’t the original plan. This fall, I was supposed to be playing for the University of Arizona. But when life gives you an opportunity like this, you can’t pass it up!”

It's official. Terrance Ferguson has chosen not to attend the University of Arizona. He'll join the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's NBL — Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) June 30, 2016

Ferguson, a 6’7 shooting guard, attended high school at Advanced Preparatory International, and was widely assumed to have been NCAA ineligible.

The 18-year-old is currently at Stephen Curry’s Under Armour Select Camp, and is expected to sign an endorsement deal with the brand, following in the footsteps of fellow ‘prep-to-pro’ guard, Emmanuel Mudiay, who played in China for one year before declaring for the NBA Draft.

The 36ers approached Ferguson at the 2016 Nike Hoop Summit event in Portland, Oregon, with the Texas-native dropping 21 points, including six three-pointers.

Terrance Ferguson shows his skills

“They really liked how I played, and started talking about how they could develop me even further. That’s what really got my attention,” Ferguson wrote.

“Luckily, I knew someone who had gone through this the year before: Emmanuel Mudiay. He played in China instead of playing for a year at SMU.

“He said I had an amazing opportunity, and that my situation was actually even better. That really got me thinking even harder about that offer!”

Ferguson will have the opportunity to suit up next to last season’s leading scorer, Jerome Randle, with the hopes of helping the 36ers reach the NBL Playoffs; something the team only just missed out on last season.

As a staple in the USA Basketball program, Ferguson has had an extremely impressive junior career: winning three gold medals as a member of a USA team — with the U16, U17, and U19 teams, respectively — as well as being named a McDonald’s All-American.

Ferguson is regarded as one of the class of 2016’s most explosive athletes, and is a legitimate threat from beyond the arc; a welcome skillset to pair with the 36ers’ explosive point guard, Randle.

Terrance Ferguson dunks

“I’ve been working out three times a day trying to get my body in shape, pushing myself past my limits,” Ferguson wrote.

“I’m working non-stop on my off-the-dribble game, bringing the ball off screens, honing my one and two-dribble pull-ups, everything that’ll help me be successful in Australia. I can’t be scared, and I’ve got to be prepared.

“No, I won’t get to hear thousands of fans scream “Bear down!” I won’t get to play for a national championship. I won’t be at the massive parties or experience the college lifestyle.

“But I get to be with my family. I get to make sure my mom never works again. I get to keep my promise.”

Olgun Uluc covers basketball for FOX Sports Australia. Twitter: @OlgunUluc

Originally published as NBL team signs star US high-schooler