Player: William Gray

Class: 2023
School: East Forsyth
Height: 6’1

A prospect to start keeping an eye on more, 2023 6’1 William Gray is coming off an impressive freshman campaign at Forsyth Country Day and is looking to now make an even bigger mark at East Forsyth this upcoming year. Gray has quickly earned a lot of experience, playing as an eighth-grader and saw a bigger role and improvement as a freshman. Last year, he averaged 14.6 points per game, along with 3.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 4.0 steals per game. He also finished last year shooting 51 percent from the floor.

Phenom Hoops Jeff Bendel recently got a chance to watch Gray in action at the Triad Blue Chips East Fall League, as he came away impressed and should be one of the leaders for his team.

“Very rarely do circumstances arise where a player transfers and immediately becomes the leader and/or best player on the roster. Well, that seems to be the exact situation Gray is currently embracing after making his move from Forsyth Country Day to East Forsyth. That being said, the Eagles' roster seems to have a quality collection of talent to pair with their new point guard prospect. More importantly, the majority of their roster composition consists of older, experienced players. They should have the combination of talent, coaching, and intangibles necessary to emerge as a consistently competitive squad throughout the upcoming season.”

We reached out to coach Monty Gray at East Forsyth to learn more about his game; he had this to say about William.

“William is understanding that his role is between point guard and shooting guard. What's most impressive to me about William's game is his motor. Will goes hard on both ends of the floor. Defensively he loves to play the passing lanes for steals and deflections. His on-the-ball defense is above average and is getting better every year. Will can score from anywhere on the floor; whether it's a drive to the basket, a mid-range shot, in the lane floaters, and behind the 3 point line.

William's work ethic has been tremendous over the last five years. Every time Will laces up he gives 100%. That's something you don't find with a lot of players at this age or level. He never hangs his head and he never gives up. When William was at FCDS, he played varsity as an 8th grader. He was playing against the best in the state. He was thrown into the fire at a young age and has been battle-tested; and continues to be. William grew up in a gym, it's all he knows. He started going to basketball camps with me when he was 4 years old.

As a player William needs to improve his shooting skill set to continue growing as an overall great player.”