If Raiquan Gray was underrated before, he certainly is not now. After an eye-catching AAU season with the Florida Vipers (FL), Raiquan Gray is known by every scout in the country. At 6’8”, 235lbs, Gray is a force in the paint and nearly unstoppable on the court. With six schools remaining in his recruitment, from the likes of Ole Miss, Memphis, Florida State, Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Baylor, Gray has proven to be hidden gem in the Class of 2017. “I really just to win, win, win. I know that the more wins, the more scholarships, so I really want to win.” said Gray.

 

   Picking up the game at the age of nine, Gray took a different route than the rest of his family, as he says, “ I just wanted to be different because everyone in my family always played football. I just want to do something different.”

Once he picked up a basketball, it was clear that he was something special. By the time he was in middle school, he was already known on the AAU circuit. “When I was younger, I was a bigger kid. I was always attending events with my AAU teams and my middle school teams.” he explained.

Still, by the time he entered high school, he was still not considered a blue chip recruit. That all changed this summer with the Florida Vipers. Gray averaged nearly six rebounds per game, and more importantly, helped lead his team to a 9-3 regular season record. “I think I’ve shown more of my overall game this summer, than last summer and this high school season.” Gray stated.

 

   However, now that the summer is coming to a close, Gray will have to prove that this summer wasn’t a fluke when he rejoins his high school team at Dillard (FL) High School. Looking to improve his shot and continue his tremendous ability to play in and out on the court, Gray isn’t to be overlooked next year. With as many offers as Gray has received, he gets plenty of calls from schools. To avoid stress during the school week, Gray does a great job of focusing purely on education and sports. “I just try to not let the recruiting process take up my life. When I’m with friends or family, I’ll just ignore the phone calls and if I return it late, then I do,” he says.  “I really just value my time.”

 

   Between AAU basketball, high school basketball, and school, it’s hard to believe that Gray can find any time to himself, but every high school kid needs time to be a normal teenager. “I like to hang out with my friends, my girlfriend, play video games, and relax. I don’t have much that I do other than basketball.”

This basketball focused mentality has helped Gray evolve his game from being an average power forward prospect, to one of the most highly sought out prospect in the nation. Down to six schools, Gray has been able to narrow into the process and focus individually on each school. Planning to commit during the season, everyone will be watching to see where he decides to play his collegiate career.

 

Raiquan Gray may not be the most known prospect in the 2017 class, however, he is one of the most effective on the court. With his senior year a short time away, he is undoubtedly a player to watch out for in the 2017 class. As he sums it up best, “I’m doing this to have a better life because I want to make a good living. I want to be able to do things for my friends, family and myself. I want to buy my mother a house, so I do it for my family."