Scouting Report: What does Pat Kelsey see in Louisville commit Ferlandes Wright?

Ferlandes Wright, a Fairdale, KY native and 2027 three-star forward out of national power La Lumiere (IN), has committed to the Louisville Cardinals. This marks the first commitment of Louisville’s 2027 class.

Wright played his previous season at Fairdale HS (KY) before making the move to the prep scene in August 2025.

The 6-foot-7 forward is ranked as the 3rd best prospect from Kentucky and 27th at his position nationally, according to On3/Rivals.

The forward also had offers from Illinois-Chicago, Western Kentucky, SEMO, among others.

Summer Performance/Visit

This past summer was a productive one for him, winning the 16U Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship with the Indy Heat. Over 8 games played during Peach Jam, Wright averaged 9.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 0.6 steals per game.

In a semi-final victory over JL3 Elite (TX), the Kentucky native totaled 18 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.

He followed up that performance in the championship victory over the Florida Rebels (FL) with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.

Following his great summer, Wright visited Louisville’s campus on October 10th, 2025, and his commitment window showed the urgency the Louisville staff had to get this done. He will be a stock-riser this upcoming season in the Nike EYBL Scholastic league and is one of the most underrated prospects in the country, regardless of class.

Ferlandas Wright Offensive Scouting Report

The first thing that pops with Ferlandas Wright is his combination of physical tools and mobility. Wright moves well for his size and uses that to his advantage against slower frontcourt players. He can attack as a straight-line driver and finish through contact well, while generating FT attempts. He also has the ability to isolate from the elbows or the mid-post, using his strength and footwork to finish through or around defenders. He’s a play-finisher too, especially as a rim-runner in transition.

Even though it isn’t a consistent staple of his game, there are flashes of shotmaking from deep. He can knock down stationary jumpers in space and sometimes shows the ability to convert jumpers off-the-dribble, but his efficiency from deep must improve.

During the Peach Jam games, he only shot 21.4 percent from deep on 14 attempts. However, during two sessions of adidas circuit play earlier in the summer, he shot 53.3 percent from three on 15 attempts, according to Synergy Sports.

Additionally, the three-star forward is a capable passer and a presence on the offensive glass. The gravity he draws as a driver/finisher allows him to capitalize as a playmaker, drawing defenders when attacking the rim. He can also capitalize on double-teams from the midpost, finding teammates on the weakside. On the glass, Wright’s motor really shines, as he’ll fly in for rebounds in traffic. Not only can he rebound in traffic, but he also capitalizes as a finisher once doing so.

Ferlandas Wright Defensive Scouting Report

The Louisville commit shines defensively due to his motor, size, and athletic tools. He’s consistently engaged on this end of the floor, as he provides ground coverage and versatility on this end. He slides his feet well at his size and has shown the ability to slide down the lineup and defend guards when needed. He also has the size and physical presence to defend frontcourt players.

Additionally, he’s a vocal and directive presence on the floor with teammates. He communicates defensive coverages and screening actions. Overall, his versatility on this end of the floor is intriguing, while still having plenty of upside to develop in the future. If he grows from a height perspective, that will only enhance his flexibility as a defender to guard multiple positions.

Lastly, Wright is a fundamentally sound rebounder. He seals on block-outs and has no issues fighting for rebounds in traffic.

How does he fit Louisville’s system?

The Fairdale native fits Louisville’s system due to his versatility and motor. Pat Kelsey has recruited frontcourt players with two-way ability (Kasean Pryor & J’Vonne Hadley), and Wright checks that box. Defensively, like Hadley and Pryor, the 6-foot-7 forward defends multiple positions. Offensively, he must continue to improve as a shooter. However, his combination of play-finishing at the rim and connective passing will allow him to add value off the ball, which is important in Kelsey’s system.

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