What sold Luke Gray on signing with Oral Roberts basketball? OCS star explains
EDMOND — Luke Gray envisioned a greater purpose when posed with a decision early in the season.
The Oklahoma Christian School forward elected to bet on himself and bypass the early signing period in November. He spent weeks talking with family, friends and coaches while mulling numerous options before remaining uncommitted.
Now, after choosing to play collegiately at Oral Roberts months later, Gray views the Tulsa school as the "perfect spot" for him.
"Their mission is a lot like OCS, and I was very drawn to it," Gray said. "I just had a lot to do with the support system there. I want to have a lot of people who support me and what I want to do, and I feel like at ORU, that's their mission for sure."
He officially signed on the dotted line of his letter of intent on Wednesday in front of his family, coaches and peers after committing to Oral Roberts on March 30.
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Gray, who is rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports, chose to play for the Golden Eagles over Cal Poly, Liberty, UNC Greensboro, South Carolina State and Toledo, among others. He also held a host of Division-I offers in football as he was a standout tight end for the Saints.
The 6-foot-8 big man was a force down low all season long, averaging 21.8 points and 11.4 rebounds to lead OCS to its first Class 3A state championship since 2007.
"I feel like I can play anywhere in the country," Gray said. "This senior season showed that to many of these other college coaches. My main focus really was winning a state championship and then figuring out college later."
Gray exits OCS as the program's all-time scoring and rebounding leader after passing OU great Blake Griffin in both categories in February.
He embarked on a dominant state title run, which he rounded off with a game-high 22 points and 16 rebounds in the state championship game. Gray was named the Class 3A state tournament's most valuable player after averaging 22.3 points and 17 rebounds over three games.
Gray was named to The Oklahoman's Super 5 first team after his historic final high school season.
"I've coached some other really talented athletes and usually they come with a little bit of baggage — Luke doesn't," Saints head coach Brandon Weaver said. "He's humble, coachable and a great teammate. Luke wants success for those around him, so he also wants to be a great role model. Young kids in our community and my kids look up to him, and I'm thankful for that. His impact at OCS goes beyond just athletics."
While Gray is eager to make an impact early in his tenure with Oral Roberts, he has yet to allow himself to forget his journey.
He endured a turbulent childhood, bouncing between foster homes before being introduced to a better life as a 7-year-old. Gray's dad, Matthew, and his mom, Rachel Davis, adopted him and his siblings while assuming the role of Luke's parents before enrolling him at OCS in the third grade.
Gray says he will never forget his parents' gesture. He's now driven to use his career to show other children that they should not put a cap on their dreams.
"I had a really tough childhood," Gray said. "So to be able to have other young people who have had that type of childhood see me succeed and be able to get to the next level, I want to show them that love and grace. You really can do it if you pursue your dreams. That's going to be my main drive at ORU for sure."
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Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Luke Gray signs with Oral Roberts basketball 2024 recruiting class
