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Letter to Alumni

NCCU's star forward Shawn Ray says that he is a laid-back guy with plans of joining the Eagles football team By Freddie Cooper
Echo Sports Writer

Shawn Ray

This year the N.C. Central Eagles are equipped with a few new faces within the basketball program. Perhaps the most acclaimed of this harvest of new talent is none other than sophomore sensation Shawn Ray.

A transfer from Voorhees College, Ray has quickly become both an offensive and defensive prodigy here in Eagle Land.

Averaging 17 points and 2.2 steals a game, this is one individual that has proven his worth.

When asked what the team’s biggest offensive and defensive asset was Ray replied, “Playing hard every night on both ends and executing.”

Though Ray feels that his new level of competition is more inclined on the court, he is considering proving himself on the football field as well.

Something that many students may not have known is that our football team played a major role in Ray’s transfer decision.

Ray explained, “I was planning on playing football again because Voorhees had no football team,” said Ray. “I think that I will give it a try eventually.”

NCCU’s Shawn Ray (21) floats a shot over JCSU’s Lemans Shingler at McLendon-McDougald Gym. Photo: Mike Feimster/Staff Photographer

Should he return to the gridiron, Ray will be out for a receiver or safety position.

Another factor of Ray’s decision was new Head Coach Phil Spence. Ray played against Spence during his high school days and found out that Spence was applying for a coaching job at NCCU. One of Spence’s good friends saw Ray playing pick up games at the local park and insisted that he give Spence a call.

This was truly a blessing for — the then down and out — Ray, who was taking just enough classes to be considered a part time student. It was only a matter of time before the Raleigh native was officially back in action.

Shawn “S-Dot” Ray is a superb athlete, but considers himself a laid-back type of guy, off of the court.

“I’m easy going and I look to be nonchalant about things,” said Ray. “I have a strong mind and I am also very sociable.”

Ray says that his biggest influences are his parents and his older brother who graduated with a degree in Sociology from Elizabeth City State University.

Ray’s pre-game ritual consists of watching old Fab 5 tapes from Michigan’s early days. He also listens to the sultry sounds of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, and praying.

When questioned about the rest of the Eagles’ season, Ray simply answered, “The Eagles are going to take it one game at a time and try to finish strong.”