Allan Ray

7/9: "It takes only two hours to travel from Philadelphia to New York by automobile, but it took 16 years for Villanova to conquer that distance in a recruiting battle. When the Wildcats broke through Monday with a commitment from point guard Allan Ray, it became clear this would not be the same, staid program under new coach Jay Wright.
Ray is a 6-0, 185-pound point guard for St. Raymond's in the Bronx, which has produced such gifted guards as Terrence Rencher (who played at Texas), Majestic Mapp (now at Virginia) and Julius Hodge (who'll be a freshman this fall at NC State). Ray averaged 11 points and four assists for last season's team, which was dominated by Hodge. St. Raymond's coach Gary Decesare said Ray is "as good as anyone we've had." - Mike DeCourcey

OFFERED

7/5: "Allan Ray is explosive off the dribble. Allan Ray can shoot the ball. And Allan Ray scores points. These things are quite obvious if you watch him play. He's got a confident mindset with the ball and bolts for any open crease left by the defense. We're not sold on him being a distributing point guard -- but we think he's going to make a great scoring guard who can play either back court slot on the collegiate level." - Clint Jackson, ACC Today

7/5: Listed as the 41st best player in his class. - ESPN

7/4: "This versatile, scoring-oriented point guard continued the stellar play that has marked all of his spring performances, hence his national stock continues to rise. Colleges in the hunt include Memphis, Villanova, Seton Hall, NC State, Miami-Fla, CINCINNATI, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Georgetown and Wake Forest." - Brock O., CNN SI

6/30: "Nothing has changed since we talked to 6'2 Jr Allan Ray from Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY two weeks ago at the Rumble in the Bronx, as he mentions Maryland, Villanova, Wake Forest, N.C. State, Seton Hall, and Miami-FL." - Hoop Scoop (3 to 2)

6/16: "Allan Ray continues to make his case that he is one of the best players in the class of 2002. During two games played today at Rose Hill Gym on the campus of Fordham University, Ray led the New York Ravens to pool victories in the Rumble in the Bronx. Ray, who will play again this season for St. Raymond's and head coach Gary DeCesare, scored 25 points in the nightcap to lead the Ravens to a 93-81 victory over a tough Bray Center AAU program. The Ravens took a 46-29 lead. Ray scored 15 points in the half." - RivalsHoops

6/14: "Ray mentioned Memphis and Villanova were recruiting him the hardest. But he also stated that NC State has a legitimate shot at him because of his friend, Julius Hodge. As we all know, Hodge is currently slated to begin playing for NC State this Fall." - BlueChipHoops

6/14: "Allen Ray from St. Raymond's HS in Bronx, NY took an unofficial visit to Villanova University earlier today. He left with a small taste of Philadelphia and perhaps most importantly a scholarship offer from the Wildcats. Here are some quotes from Ray this evening: On the campus visit: "It was cool. I had a great time down there. I got a chance to really see the campus and the locker rooms, and all of their other facilities. I even went into the city a little, got a Philly cheesesteak (from Jim's on South Street, a good choice in this writer's opinion). It was delicious!" On the coaching staff: "I spoke with coach Wright and he was great. I also met with the other coaches there and they were cool. I think I'm really establishing a good relationship with coach Wright. He told me that I could be an impact player for them, a guy who could make plays with the ball in his hands. That's what they said they are looking for. On the current players: i met Derrick Snowden and Gary Buchanan down there today. They were cool. Alvin Williams and Speedy Claxton were down there too. It was great to meet those guys! On other visits and scholarship offers: I've got OFFERs from Villanova, Memphis and Seton Hall so far. I also like NC State, CINCINNATI, and Wake Forest. I don't have a leader at this time. I've already been on campus at NC State and Seton Hall, but both were during tournaments that we were competing in. Today I had more of a chance to really look around. It's definitely the best visit I've been on so far. I may visit Seton Hall again in a couple of weeks." Allen told us that he'll probably have a decision some time in August or early September. He's a good student with an 89 average and a qualifying score on the SAT. He said he's not sure about what he wants his major to be yet, but he has a strong interest in computers." - AllStar Report

6/11: "Allan Ray, a 6-0 combo guard from St. Raymond's High School in the Bronx, New York, told us after his terrific performance in the BABC Invitational that he has a short list of schools. "Right now I am interested in Memphis, Villanova, Miami, North Carolina State, and Seton Hall," Ray said. "I don't have a leader right now." Ray did say that Memphis and Villanova have been recruiting him the hardest. "They seem to be the most interested," Ray said. "But I am also very interested in the other schools on my list." North Carolina State is on the list for an obvious reason. "With Julius (Hodge) there and it being an ACC school, that's very attractive," Ray said. "I hope I can visit all of the schools on my list before I make a decision." Ray had a big game yesterday afternoon. He nailed down 38 points to lead the Ravens back from a 17-point deficit and overturn a strong BABC early start. Ray is going to be the big offensive threat this winter for coach Gary DeCesare's prominent program. DeCesare previously told us that Ray is seriously interested in Wake Forest, Villanova, Miami of Florida, Seton Hall, Pittsburgh, North Carolina State, and Georgia Tech. Ray is a very talented rising junior whose stock is on the rise. He can score from anywhere on the court and will be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All American team next spring at Madison Square Garden." - RivalsHoops

6/11: "Want to talk scoring opportunity? Try Alan Ray. The 6-1 WG/PG has been consistently dazzling this spring -- from the Charlie Weber Invitational in early April to the Tournament of Champions in late May -- and the Shootout in Boston was no different. "He was phenomenal," Borrello said. "He hit the three. He took it to the basket. If I had to pick an MVP of the event, he'd be it." - PrepStars

6/11: Made the all tournament team at the BABC Shootout. He was one of five players selcted. "Allen Ray's lay-up with under 20 seconds remaining proved to be the difference, as the New York Ravens held on for a 116-115 victory over host BABC (MA), in the 17-Under championship game of the third annual BABC Shootout held this past weekend at Boston University. Ray finished with a team-high 38 points." - All Star Report

6/6: "Allen Ray enjoyed the trash-talking of Julius Hodge, his former teammate at St. Raymond’s High (N.Y.). He may be hearing it again after next season. Ray, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound combo guard, lit it up recently at the Tournament of Champions in North Carolina. He went up against Anthony Roberson and Sean Dockery — two of the top point guards in the nation — and more than held his own. He averaged 30 points per game, second only to North Carolina recruit Raymond Felton. “I mostly score,” says Ray. “I want to play the point, but my team needs me to score.” Ray needs to improve his ball-handling skills, but he showed enough last month that Wake Forest, Seton Hall and Miami (Fla.) all started actively recruiting him. His early suitors included N.C. State (where Hodge will play in the fall), Memphis, CINCINNATI and Villanova. Ray has already visited Villanova and Seton Hall, and he went to N.C. State when he was at the Tournament of Champions. The one school he would like to jump into the mix is Michigan. “I really like them and (coach) Tommy Amaker,” says Ray." - School Sports

6/5: "Allen Ray of St. Raymonds HS in Bronx, NY proved at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina Tournament of Champions that he deserves to be mentioned among the elite players in the Class of 2002. Ray always seems to shine brightest when the stakes are high and the competition is fierce. Ray was brilliant throughout the tournament averaging 30 points per contest to finish second in scoring behind North Carolina reruit Raymond Felton. His touch from the perimeter has improved drastically, and he has excelled off the dribble as well, using his quickness and strong upper body to finish plays in traffic. Allen is more of a 2 guard right now, but his ability to create off the dribble and distribute the basketball lead us to project him as a player who will be able to contribute at both the 1 and the 2 spot in college. We spoke recently with Ray's high school coach, Gary DeCesar, and he told us that he's been getting a lot of recruiting attention from Miami, Wake Forest, Villanova, Seton Hall, Georgia Tech, Memphis and North Carolina State. Ray was tournament MVP, and scored 17 points in the final, enroute to leading St. Raymonds to their second straight CHSAA title this past season. The New York CHSAA is widely recognized as the strongest high school league in the nation. He also scored 23 points on 8-13 shooting to lead St. Raymonds to the Class A State Championship as well. Ray finished the year averaging 12 points per game while playing on the same team as North Carolina State signee and McDonald's All American Julius Hodge and Hofstra signee Chris McRae. Next year, he will be the go to guy as St. Raymonds goes for a "three-peat" in CHSAA competition and looks to defend their State title." - AllStar Report

5/30: "New York Ravens combo guard Allen Ray ran out of bullets against the Hurricanes in an opening-round game but was impressive nonetheless" - Sporting News / Telep

5/29: "The 6-0 PG from Bronx (NY) St. Ray's is finally The Man after playing with Julius Hodge over the past couple years. He was the event's second-leading scorer at 30 a game. Really? Jeez. Talk about a quiet killer. The question is his handle - whether it's good enough for high-major PG contributions. But never - ever - question his ability to put the biscuit in the basket." - PrepStars

5/29: "For some reason he's often over-looked when mentioning the nation's top point guards. Ray has a solid frame (185 lbs.) and uses his size well. He scored a majority of points via drives through traffic and pull-up 10-footers. His shot from long-range was also good in the two games I watched, and he also did an excellent job of pressuring the dribble at the defensive end. He can score points in a hurry, and finished behind only Raymond Felton, averaging 30 points per game." - AllStar Report

5/28: "To his credit, Ray looks to be in the best shape of his life as he’s dropped some pounds and in turn his game has taken a step forward. In the contest we watched, his jumper was clicking from deep and he has a nice release on it. He also got himself some points off the drive. He just needs to tighten up his ball handling a little and he’ll be recruited by plenty of schools in the Big East as a combo scorer. He was the event’s second leading scorer to the tune of 30 a game." - BlueChip Hoops

5/28: "Ray is an athletic combo guard who can kill you when his shots are falling. And they were falling this weekend. He can put points on the board in a hurry, as evident by his 30 points-per-game average, which was only second to Felton." - ACC Today

5/26: "Ravens combo guard Allen Ray is in the best shape we’ve ever seen him. His jumper was clicking early, but it wasn’t enough offense for the Ravens." - BlueChip Hoops

5/26: "playing well in the Hurricanes-Ravens game was 6'1 Jr Allen Ray from Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY, who also scored 28 points, although he and (Anthony) Roberson weren't matched up against one another. Speaking of Ray, his high school coach Gary DeCesare tells us that Wake Forest, Villanova, Memphis, N.C. State, Georgia Tech, and Miami-FL appear to be among the early leaders." - HoopScoop

4/26/01: "Ray, can shoot jump and defend. Hey, at one point this season was ranked number one on my web site because there weren't many that were on top of there game as he was. Allan has a lot of tools. He's very comparable to Antonio Lawrence (A National Top 5 Junior 2002 Guard From Florida) but needs a little more fire to hit big time like that. They will battle head to head at Adidas ABCD Camp in July. His biggest weakness is that he's not a point guard. Point Guards are born not made. St. Raymond's tried to run Allan at the one many times and he looked like he was holding back. He's a scorer and if he gets 10-15 shots a game he can get you 25pts easy. Very athletic! AAU Team: Bronx Ravens" - Nathan Blue's Real Scout

4/12: "Ray was one of the top-five players at the (2001 Spring Charlie Weber Invitational) camp, even if his size will scare some away. Though he may not be the ideal point guard for playmaking, Ray is a very good perimeter shooter and scorer with a knack for the mid-range game. He's deceptively quick and strong; he either blows by or overpowers his defender. He also knows how to hunt his shot, and he can hit from all angles. Defensively, his strength is a big plus and enables him to guard either backcourt position." - PrepStars

3/20: "The torch is in the process of being passed from McDonald's All American Julius Hodge to Alan Ray, a 6-0 combo guard from St. Raymond's High School in the Bronx, New York. It's a process that has been underway throughout St. Raymond's season. When Hodge has gone cold from the field late this season, Ray has picked up the offensive slack. And last Sunday, when Ray went cold, Hodge returned for a final moment of glory. But make no mistake about this. Ray is the man for St. Raymond's next season. He is going to have to provide the firepower offensively for Gary DeCesare's basketball program. It appears he is ready. And he has many top division one programs interested in him too. Ray is a very talented junior whose stock is on the rise. In the CHSAA semifinal at Fordham University, Ray led his team to victory this past weekend by pouring in 24 points against Xavierian High School. Ray delivered the big blows early in the game. He scored 17 points in the first half to help St. Ray's spurt ahead. Ray is wide open regarding his recruiting but expect the A-10, ACC, and Big East schools to pursue Ray if he has a big summer." - Insiders Report

3/16: "Hot fourth quarter shooting by tournament MVP Allen Ray help St. Ray's erase a 5 point third quarter deficit and forge a 60-54 double overtime win and its second straight CHSAA title over Molloy last night." - NYCNJ Hoops.

3/16: "(McDonalds All American Julius) Hodge shot 4-for-20, including 0-for-11 from three-point range , but junior Allan Ray filled the offensive void, scoring 17 points and earning the playoff MVP award." - Newsday

3/15: "For a year in a half, you heard about McDonald's All American Julius Hodge. The NC St. bound guard had a subpar season considering how high he raised the bar this summer. Last night, Hodge struggled at from the field and did not dominate like a McDonald's All American should. He did not possess that quality we in the business call "A Man Amongst Boys". There were opportunities for him to take over and he didn't. However there was a "Man" out there, a player did take over...his name - Allen Ray. He was the difference. He scored 11 straight points for St. Rays in a critical stretch in the 4th quarter turning a 6 point Molloy lead into a St. Ray's advantage. Allen Ray is as good as any player in the nation and deserves to be a candidate for the 2002 McDonald's All American team." -FastBreak

3/15: "Allan Ray continues to carry the torch from Julius Hodge late in the season. The 6-0 junior from St. Raymond's dropped in 17 points to help his team overcome Archbishop Molloy in two overtimes and claim the City CHSAA title in a game played at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. Due to an average performance by Julius Hodge, Ray's effort was really needed last night. Ray has become one of the big focal points offensively for St. Raymond's late in the season." - Insiders Report

3/11: "St. Raymond's future was present today in a big way. With outstanding seniors Julius Hodge and Chris McRae leaving the program after this season, the future of Gary DeCesare's program will rest offensively with Allan Ray, their talented junior guard. Ray proved he is ready to handle that big responsibility in the future. But first to the present. Ray scored 13 of his game high 24 points in the first quarter to help St. Raymond's move out to an early lead and hold off Xavierian High School, 62-53. Ray buried several long range jumpers in the first quarter and added a couple of buckets in the second quarter to help the Ravens grab a 34-26 lead." - Insiders Report

3/2: "Ray had eight of St. Raymond's 11 overtime points to finish with 16 and McCroskey had 12, picking up the slack in regulation. Ray put the Ravens up for good at 63-62 with 2:46 left and completed a three-point play on the next possession to open the lead to four. Rice (14-10) never got closer than 68-65." - NY Daily News

2/17: "In the second period, here came the Ravens clawing back and went an a 10-0 run ignited by 6'2 guard Allan Ray who looked like the major D-1 all the scouts predicted him to be with 8 points in the run and finished the contest with 13 points 3 boards." The Ravens beat Brother Rice HS (Satterfield's HS) - The Apple's Best HS Ballaz

2/10: Alan Ray had 13 pts in a loss to DaJuan Wagner's Camden team.

1/13: Scored 23 points.

unknown date: "Allen Ray, JR, 6-2, St. Raymond’s (Bronx, NY). Ray has been described as a younger version of Allan Houston. Obviously, he is a great shooter who can put the ball on the floor a little. Ray can also climb the ladder to catch the alley-oop. He plays in the shadow of some great ballers at St. Ray’s, but don’t sleep on this kid. - NYNJ Hoops

1/7: Shot 7-11 fg; 1-4 3pters, 18pts, 7rebs, 28minutes. in a win against Christ the King 83 -58.

1/3/01: Listed as the 10th best PG in the USA, in the 2002 class. - Ohio Preps

12/20/00: Named best class of 2002 PG in NYC area by "Gameball Magazine".

12/14: Named 2nd best player in his class in NYC area, by Ron Naclerio.

11/2: "an explosive 6'2 combo guard will suit up for St. Raymond's, along with Julius Hodge (committed to NC State). This is Hodge's team, but next year, it's Ray's team and he will escape from the shadows of his talented teammate." - High Major Hoops

10/16: "Hodge has now visited Maryland, Florida and Syracuse." He will visit NC State in Late Oct. (Ray and Hodge have expressed interest in playing together in college) - McDonalds.rivals

10/10/00: "a 6'2 combo guard from St. Raymonds in New York spoke with HMH yesterday and says that Cincinnati has started to show some interest in recruiting him. Ray is one of the most talented guards in the junior class that we've had a privilege to view so far. He is also teammates with 6'6 Julius Hodge. Ray previously told us at the Charlie Weber Invitational that he was receiving interest from NC State, Tennessee, Rutgers, Memphis and UConn. An explosive blend of scoring skills and athleticism, Ray will be a major target of many programs next year. Ray noted that he was the consensus 3rd ranked (by NY analysts) prospect in the junior class in New York behind Lenny Cooke and Curtis Sumpter. Ray also said that (highly recruited Julius)Hodge has told him that if he goes to NC State, he wanted Ray to join him the year after." - High Major Hoops

Summer 00: "Allan will start this year for St. Ray's at either wing position and should have a big role. He may have the best jumpshot on the team or at least the most consistent. Ray doesn't have a great handle but you don't want to fall asleep while on defense cause he will cross you. Ray is 6'1 and is very strong so he can take contact when he drives the ball to the basket. He is also a solid defender who has great poise in pressure situations." - The Apple's Best HS Ballaz

8/8: "A deceptively strong guard with great hops and a smooth stroke, Ray has all the game he needs to become a major recruit next year if he can improve his pure point guard skills. Although he tried his hand at running the Ravens quite a bit in Vegas and performed well, Ray has a ways to go before he can be labeled an excellent playmaker." - Duke BBall Report

7/00: Alan played for the NY Ravens in the AAU tourney's over the summer. In 9 tournaments, the Ravens won 3 championships, lost in the championship in 5 tournaments and finished in the top 12 in the National AAU Championships. - NYC/NJ Hoops

1/23/00: "A Star was Born Yesterday In the Bx. at Rice vs. St. Raymonds. Remember the name, Alan Ray, a 6'2" soph at St. Rays who came off the bench yesterday for the Ravens and played with skill & composure beyond his years. Under control, smooth ball handling (under constant Rice pressure) great on the ball defense and calm as could be smooth shooting inside & out. He hit a back breaking 3 to put St. Rays up six with a minute & change left in the game. He had many fans asking who's that kid? and when they found out the universal response was....HE'S A SOPHOMORE?!? Further inquiry with Jim Sturgis a Guidance Counselor at St. Ray's (& a veteran member of the adidas/ABCD great Academic Staff) found out that he's a GREAT KID & a EXCELLENT STUDENT. Let's hope that the road stays smooth for this youngman over the next few years. He has a bright future." - NYC/NJ Hoops