How has Covid-19 affected you personally?
Just the fact that I'm not able to get in the gym and workout like I want to. On a positive note I'm learning more skills outside of basketball.
You were a former student-athlete here of course, what would you say to senior student-athletes that are contemplating if he/she should return for an extra season or not?
I would say go for it if it's allowed. (It) gives you something to work towards and you don't have to be thrown in the real world abruptly.
You were selected as one of the virtual speakers for graduation. Were you surprised that you were selected?
I was surprised. It's still overwhelming. Dr Edwards told me that she wanted me to be a part of it. I called my family immediately it was a great moment.
Are you nervous at all?
I just had to send in a video. Had to do it over a few times because I was anxious and kept messing up. So, I hope it's 'aight' Gray laughs.
What message did you convey to the graduating students?
To pretty much embrace this moment. I know it's not the situation you all envisioned coming into to college but y'all are graduating. It won't be any easier from here so just keep the faith and work towards your ultimate goal you should be fine.
This will not be the final speech that you give at Delaware State, it's just a matter of time before you are selected to the DSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Have you given any thought to what that moment will be like?
I actually haven't looked that far ahead yet. When that day comes God willing, I'm sure I'll have a bunch of raw emotions.
March 5th. 2015, you and Amere May Jr., made history. What was y'all mindset going into that game vs. Coppin State?
I know my mindset was that this is my last official regular season game before our tournament run. I just had so much energy that game and couldn't stop moving. With Amere he was doing that all season so I'm sure it was just another game to him.
That was a weird day, I believe it was snowing and freshman guard Quincy Tillinghast had to go to the hospital as well. How did the team keep focus on the game and what was wrong with Quincy?
Yea it was a strange day. Probably only about 20 people in the gym not including the teams. I couldn't tell you exactly what was going on with Quincy, but he was with us in spirit. (We kept focus by having an) all one team mindset!
How often do people ask you about that game?
Everywhere I go and have been professionally it's been asked quite a bit. A moment that I can never forget.
What are some other moments from your collegiate career that you still cherish to this day?
Just the relationships I had from professors, training staff, coaches to my teammates it was a family atmosphere between us, and we knew we were always going to be underdogs, so we pushed each other every day. Unforgettable!
Speaking of being the Underdogs. During your run through the MEAC Championship Tournament, your squad defeated the defending conference champions NC. Central. Advancing to the finals, after losing a heartbreaker to them during the regular season. How were you guys able to pull off the upset?
Honestly, I think we were just tired of them winning to be honest. Not to be hating. We knew we had them during the regular season and when were able to get the opportunity to play against them, we had to play our best basketball.
In the first-round game you guys were able to defeat a pesky Savannah State team, but lost starting point guard Kendall Williams to an ankle injury? How did that injury affect the team during the Tournament?
Kwill went down that was major! He was our spark plug, our vocal leader. Just our point guard. I think we would've put our self in a great position if he was around. Give credit to Hampton for taking advantage of that.
You guys swept Hampton during the regular season but lost 82-61 in the MEAC Championship game, does that game have a different result with a healthy Kendall Williams?
Most definitely. We started out on fire and with kwill he would've kept the pace up and made plays. Hard to beat any team 3 times in a row.
The game of basketball has treated you well, you have played in the G-league and overseas during your five-year professional career, but last year you won your first Championship. How was your team able to accomplish that feat?
The fact that it was in Africa was even more crazy but winning that ship with my Petro squad was 'lit'. It's been some time since they won a 'chip' and to be a part of that with some talented legends was even more fulfilling. Love them guys!
How did it feel living in Africa, how did it feel to be in a nation where you were a part of the majority ethnic group for the first time?
Changed my life. Seeing the circumstances and how people were just living life to the fullest. Kids had pure innocence and energy that was unmatched. Made me not complain anymore. Gave me a new spirit.
Did the connection the continent feel natural instantly?
For sure after about a week I didn't even leave my hotel but then I just said let me experience this and I had a great time.
I know that with your profession your constantly on the road and have a different time zone. However, were you able to watch any DSU basketball games in the last couple of seasons?
Didn't get a chance to catch many games but had an opportunity to get connected with the coaching staff and the players and was able to work out with them. Looking forward to the progression next season.
In your opinion what do they have to do to become successful again?
They just have to be all on one page and work harder then everybody. That's going to (give them) better energy in the gym and allow them to prosper.
Final question. It seems that recently, many of the top high school basketball players in the state, are not looking to go to DSU. If you had a chance to pitch to them about the opportunity of playing for the Hornets what would you say?
We got to do whatever it takes to keep guys in state. (We) have a lot of talent that we let slip away from over the years even in my time in school. (Signing in state players) gives the state some hope and makes it more fun. The guys that we had from Delaware were able to get support from their fans and we were able to thrive off that most nights. My pitch would be if you think you have to go somewhere else to be successful that's not true. Hard work and belief you will get seen and that makes success even sweeter knowing you had to take a more unprecedented route.