I was a big fan of the Team Lillard 16 U back-court that Gray helped lead to the 3SSB title game in Rock Hill. This winter, Gray was named MCAL boys basketball player of the year for The Branson School. While some players have gone since last summer receiving a new offer, Gray was offered by Grand Canyon in October and Wyoming in January, showing that his high school performances have gotten college programs to prioritize him during their busy regular season. Those two schools joined programs like New Mexico, Loyola Marymount and San Jose State in the offer list for Gray, which has now eclipsed a dozen.

NJ Gray NJ Gray 6'2" | PG/SG Branson | 2027 State #149 Nation CA-N | 6’2 PG | 2027 Club: Oakland Soldiers

Gray scored 33 points despite Cornerstone attempting to build a wall to slow down his penetration. The shifty guard, seems to have the ball on a string and still found ways to get downhill.

After getting into early foul trouble and sitting much of the third quarter, Gray responded with 17 fourth-quarter points. He capped off the game with several two-hand dunks showcasing his athleticism.

NJ Gray NJ Gray 6'2" | PG/SG Branson | 2027 State #149 Nation CA-N – 6’1| PG |2027
#1 ranked NorCal 2027
One of the best junior guards in the nation. NJ brings elite pace, craftiness, and the ability to take over in late-game moments. NJ is coming off of a great summer. He helped lead Team Lillard to a National Championship along with fellow teammate Heath French Heath French 6'5" | SF/SG The Branson School | 2027 CA-S . NJ also climbed up in the rankings this off season.

Gray is coming off a huge week of play in Rock Hill at the 3SSB Championships winning the 16u Title with Team Lillard, and he kept that level of play going at the Invitational. The 6-foot-1 guard is a player that I have seen since his freshman season, as he was more of a back-up player behind Cal commit TT Carr, but he has really come into his own over the past year. Gray keeps the ball on a string to survey the floor, makes great use of the wide crossover to shake his defender, is able to find the angles to get to the basket and finish through contact with tough lay-ups, and moves fluidly off the ball with a quick release on the catch and shoot 3-ball. Gray has a smooth flow to his game, plays with great pace and control with the ball in hand, has the court vision to find players in shooting motion, and has active hands and instincts to tip the ball and get out in the open court. Gray will be a key piece for Branson this coming season and his confidence continues to grow as one of the top guards in California. 

Team Lillard advanced to the 16 U championship and it was thanks to the play of Gray as a slasher. Making some nasty dribble moves, Gray has a sweet behind the back wrap around to avoid a steal contest and had multiple quick crossovers that led to off-hand finishes at the rim. A quick guard who was tough to keep out of the paint, Gray’s and-1 layup in overtime helped put his team up for good. We’ll see if Team Lillard can win the 16 U championship tomorrow to wrap up the weekend.

NJ Gray NJ Gray 6'2" | PG/SG Branson | 2027 State #149 Nation CA-N : A Shifty Playmaker Who Controls the Game

2nd Tournament watching NJ Gray NJ Gray 6'2" | PG/SG Branson | 2027 State #149 Nation CA-N play and I was able to see a little more than before and had to write another piece.

NJ Gray NJ Gray 6'2" | PG/SG Branson | 2027 State #149 Nation CA-N plays with a pace and feel that’s hard to guard. He has the ball on a string. With his handle and quickness, Gray can get wherever he wants on the court. I love how he’s able to switch up his dribbling cadence that keeps defenders off balance and guessing. Even players with great handles operate with rhythm dribbles that defenders can time. Gray gets his shots off with ease, but what makes him special is the ability to create separation in tight spaces. 

Once he gets into the paint, it’s a problem. Gray can finish strong with either hand, through contact or around defenders, showing touch and body control at the rim. His ability to break defenders down and make something happen off the bounce is what makes him a constant threat. He plays like he’s a piece of his game. With his size, skills, and quickness, he reminds me a lot of a player I watched a bunch of, Aaron Brooks. 

Also, NJ isn’t just an offensive weapon. He mixes it up well on the defensive end too. He competes, applies pressure, and makes the kind of hustle plays that can shift the momentum.

NJ Gray NJ Gray 6'2" | PG/SG Branson | 2027 State #149 Nation CA-N did a great job keeping a star-studded team happy. He made sure everyone got their fair share of shots. He has the ability to let the game come to him and was effective both in transition and in the half-court. Gray consistently knocked down open shots. He showed all the intangibles of a great point guard. He was the only guard all weekend who made it a point to over-communicate with his teammates, demonstrating strong leadership.

Gray plays with good energy and pace on both ends of the court. He has foot speed, lateral movement, and determination. He can apply pressure to defend in full court. He gets into his man, fights over screens, recovers well. He’s a versatile guard that can generate buckets using his speed in open court, handling bumps and getting to his shots. He has a nice mid-range jumper, he can hit rhythm 3’s. He’s willing distributor with good vision.