The opportunity to go home is something many people won’t pass up.
And that’s what J.J. Gray is about to do.
After playing for Carolina Forest in his first two varsity seasons and establishing himself as an elite prospect, Gray has announced he is transferring to Queens Grant High School to finish prep basketball career.
Queens Grant is located in Matthews, North Carolina, near Charlotte, which is Gray’s home town.
“I think it’s being able to come back home, being in the city, being close to my family,” Gray said in a telephone interview Saturday, Aug. 1. “They’ll be able to come to a bunch of the games, which made me end up going there.”
Gray’s arrival at Carolina Forest coincided with his father, Justin Gray, becoming the men’s basketball coach at Coastal Carolina University.
Queens Grant is the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2-A state champion and is led by legendary coach Joe Badgett.
“Coach Badgett has been there a long time,” J.J. Gray said. “He’s had a lot of guys go the next level and play at a high level. So, just being able to listen to him will help get me ready for college.”
His father, a former college and pro basketball player, agrees.
“Coach Badgett has had a lot of college guys,” Justin Gray said. “We’ve recruited his programs. They’ll play in some big-time tournaments. It’s an opportunity to be in Charlotte, where basketball is really, really important.”
It also represents a major step for J.J. Gray, who established himself as a star right from the beginning.
“He’ll be able to chase his dream, so to speak,” Justin Gray said. “It was his decision. I think that’s one of the most important things. I didn’t force him to do it. He wants to play basketball at the highest level. It’s up to him.”
J.J. Gray announced his decision to transfer on his Instagram account on Tuesday.
Gray has two more years of high school. Gray, who has offers from Wake Forest and Louisville, averaged 24.7 points per game for Carolina Forest in his sophomore season.