ATLANTA, GA | Senior captain Jaden Gray says he has been playing basketball for as long as he can remember. Gray recalls shooting hoops at his Tampa, FL, home from age three, dreaming of such moments. Jaden explains his love for the game and the passion he has shared since he was a young boy. Now a communications major, Gray carries that same love for the game into his role as a leader on the court.
 
In just his second season with Morehouse, Gray has embraced the responsibility of being a team captain. Coming from a junior college, the player has had to step up on the court and step up his game. Jaden Gray opened up about his adjustment to the culture after transferring from a small town in Texas to Atlanta.
 
Gray began, "Initially, it was a culture shock; it felt like a bit much. But going into my second semester of junior year, I embraced the challenge and felt the adjustment set in. I bought into the idea of being a Man of Morehouse, even picking up a few suits along the way."
 
Gray has prepared for the upcoming season by staying in the gym and journaling his thoughts, encouraging him to remain consistent, disciplined, and maintain his goals. The team captain intends to win the SIAC Championship and make it to the National Tournament. For the past three years, the Morehouse Basketball Team has kept their title as division champions and plans to continue to defend their spot this upcoming season.
 
"As far as personal goals go, I plan to lead. I find myself leading by example, but I am working this year as captain to be a vocal leader, speak up, and know that it is okay to agree to disagree. Being captain is a lot of responsibility, but I'd rather have the pressure on me than want the pressure to be placed on me," continued Gray.
 
The player discusses his expectations for the team and the importance of building a bond on and off the court. Good chemistry leads to winning a championship, having a solid bond, and trusting one another. Gray continues to comment on the great chemistry that the team demonstrates, both in and out of practice.
 
Gray added, "I think that we have great chemistry. Many of us hang out with each other off the court, and even with a couple of players who live off campus, we still manage to get together daily. We often eat in the cafeteria or take trips to the library as a team.  We are pretty much around each other 24/7. We have early morning practices, individuals, weights, and afternoon practices. The coaching staff makes us feel like family, sharing both moments of laughter and seriousness."
 
Jaden breaks down the team's rigorous practice schedule, including five a.m. morning practices two days a week and two to three-hour long afternoon practices three days a week. This schedule also includes strength training and mobility work and taking time to do physical therapy when needed. Gray also discusses the team's goal in maintaining their meal plan to stay strong and healthy throughout the season.
 
"We learned as a team that we, players, must make the adjustments," stated Gray. The team is finding its rhythm after a 1-2 start to the season. With new players, including freshmen and transfers, they're learning to complement each other's strengths and improve as a unit.  "By scrimmaging in practice and actively going through plays, we can build the skill set needed to win together."
 
Gray comments on how secure the team's defense was last year and the work the team has been putting in to better prepare the offense to shoot and score, make big-time plays, and endgame adjustments. He credits the team's success to the camaraderie they've built on and off the court. The player states that the team's consistency and ability to stay focused this year will make for a great season.
 
Gray continued, "Our biggest priority this year will be consistency and remembering the goal. As long as we are consistent and disciplined throughout the entire duration of the season, I think that we will win a lot of games. As long as we keep our goals intact and not venture out on our own individual paths, I feel that we will have a great, winning season."
 
 One of Gray's most anticipated games this season is against Clark Atlanta, the team's biggest contender. The player also looks forward to playing in his home state and seeing his family in the crowd.
 
Gray concluded, "We are taught to play hard for as long as we possibly can. We work really hard every day; we wake up early and go to sleep late. Every practice is hard, but it is worth it. We have an exciting team this year that you will want to watch. Those numbers hung up on the banner will be there forever, and I want to come back and tell my kids that I was a part of that team."
 
Reflecting on his journey, Gray shares a quote from his middle school teacher that continues to motivate him: "You only feel pressure when you are not prepared."
 
With that mindset, Gray is ready to lead his team to another successful season, driven by hard work, preparation, and the unwavering bond of his teammates.  For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.