Justin Gray was named the 19th head men’s basketball coach at Western Carolina University on April 13, 2021. Over his first three seasons, Gray has helped raise the Catamount men’s basketball program to new heights.
During his first season in Cullowhee, Gray introduced the Catamount Nation to the acronym, TJDK – or They Just Don’t Know – promising the fan base he would bring a program that would arrive on the scene better than expected and one that would eventually challenge for championships and postseason play.
The 2022-23 Catamounts earned the school’s fourth postseason berth all-time – and the first since 2016 – as the squad traveled to Daytona Beach, Fla., for the 2023 College Basketball Invitational (CBI), falling to the eventual CBI champion, Charlotte.
Entering his third season in 2023-24, Gray has solidified his presence in the mountains and has established a brand that resonates with college basketball fans, alumni, and the entire campus community. A new acronym – EDGE – was introduced in opening year three of the program as a new slogan and mentality of the program. EDGE – Energy, Discipline, Grit, Excellence – reflect the bedrock principles and an identity Gray has branded for year three and beyond.
As a part of Gray’s philosophy of the ABC’s – Academics, Basketball, Character – Catamount student-athletes have excelled off the court as well. Cam Bacote was named to the 2022-23 NABC Honors Court Honors Court which includes junior, senior, and graduate student men’s basketball players who finish the year with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. Over the first two years leading the Catamount program, five seniors have each earned their degrees.
Gray came to Cullowhee after serving two seasons as an assistant coach on Pat Kelsey’s staff at Winthrop University. He also served as the Director of Basketball Development within the Deacon Club at his alma mater, Wake Forest, which came on the heels of a successful 12-year professional playing career overseas.
His collegiate career plaudits also include being named to the ACC All-Freshman team, as well as a three-time USBWA All-District Team and two-time NABC All-District Team selection.
During his 12-year professional career overseas, Gray played for various teams from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Ukraine, China, Germany, France, Turkey, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Romania, and Belarus. He also had a couple of stints in the NBA Summer League. Gray won three Belarusian League Championships and three Belarusian Cup Championships. He also guided teams to a Czech Republic League and Cup championship as well as participating in the VTB United League All-Star Game in 2016.
Gray competed in the highest level of European competitions: Euroleague, EuroCup, and FIBA Europe Cup.
Originally from Charlotte, N.C., Gray played at West Charlotte High before concluding his prep career at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. He has two sons – Justin, Jr. (JJ) and Kristian, and a daughter, Jhai.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT JUSTIN GRAY:
“This is a brilliant hire by Alex Gary. I give him so much credit for recognizing Justin’s elite gifts which are plentiful. He is going to be a star.”
– Pat Kelsey, head men’s basketball coach at the College of Charleston – former head coach at Winthrop
“I am so happy for Justin and his family. As a player, Justin was one of the most intelligent and competitive young men I’ve coached. It was only natural to watch his transition from player to coach. Now seeing him go from assistant coach to head coach, I’m thrilled for him. He will do an excellent job at WCU. Players will love his approach, his ability to connect and that same competitive spirit he’s always had. Western Carolina is in great hands with Justin Gray.”
– Chris Mack, head men’s basketball coach at Louisville – former assistant at Wake Forest for Gray’s freshman/sophomore season
“Justin is a great hire by Western Carolina because of his knowledge of the game, his on-court presence, and his ability to communicate with the young men under his charge. Coaching is all about credibility with your administration, your fan base and most importantly with the players under your charge. Justin has tremendous credibility in our game. Having coached him for four years you immediately saw his leadership ability and his understanding of the game. Alex Gary made a great hire for Western Carolina basketball.”
– Dino Gaudio, former assistant coach and head coach at Wake Forest all four years Gray competed
“Justin Gray is a fabulous choice for WCU. He is a great basketball mind and a first-class person. A terrific leader and a fine young coach.”
– Jay Bilas, ESPN college basketball analyst
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