NCAA Basketball: Top 10 players to wear jersey No. 20 in 2023-24 season
By Joey Loose
8. Robert Ford (Montana State)
An experienced guard who did great work in the Big Sky, Ford actually began his collegiate career six years ago at Clackamas Community College in Oregon. He’d then spent a pair of seasons at Idaho State, missing most of that second year, before transferring to Montana State Back in 2022. After playing a minor role in his first year with the Bobcats, he took a monster step forward as a senior this past season.
During another great season for Montana State, Ford averaged 16.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.9 steals per game while making 44% of his 3-pointers. The numbers were incredibly impressive in this breakout campaign, with Ford winning Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and getting a spot on the First Team All-Big Sky. He actually finished the season second in the nation in steals, was one of the league’s top scorers, and willed the Bobcats to the Big Dance again.
Ford stood out with 26 points and 13 rebounds in an early season loss against Green Bay and would show up in a major way time and time again that year. He had 30 points in a tough loss to Montana and had numerous double-doubles during conference play. He averaged more than 22 points during the conference tournament, including a 26-point effort against Weber State, and earning Big Sky Tournament MVP honors. His career ended on a high note with 26 points against Grambling in the NCAA Tournament.