Columbia area hoops standout Robert McCray commits to ACC school
One of the state’s top players is headed to the Atlantic Coast Conference for his college basketball career.
A.C. Flora senior guard Robert McCray committed to play for Wake Forest on Wednesday. He made his announcement on his Instagram page.
McCray becomes the second recruit for new Wake coach Steve Forbes and the first for the Class of 2021. Oak Hill’s Emmanuel Okpomo committed to the Demon Deacons last month.
Former Irmo and South Carolina basketball standout BJ McKie, an assistant with Wake Forest, handled McCray’s recruiting and the Demon Deacons offered him in May. McCray picked Wake Forest over Florida, East Carolina, College of Charleston, Winthrop, North Carolina A&T, Charlotte, Charleston Southern, Marshall, South Florida and Old Dominion.
“The biggest things was the relationship I had with coach McKie and the other coaches and that I would make a big impact coming in my freshman year,” McCray said on choosing Wake.
McCray is the second Midlands player to commit to an ACC this summer. Cardinal Newman’s Josh Beadle committed to play at Clemson. The two are AAU teammates for the Upward Stars.
“Rob is one of the most humble and hard working kids I’ve been blessed to coach,” AC Flora coach Joshua Staley said. “With his mindset and work ethic, I know he will continue to grow and succeed. It’s a true blessing to coach him.”
Staley said McCray is a true point guard but can play two guard because of his size and athleticism. According to Staley, some of McCray’s best qualities are his court vision, basketball IQ and his ability to play defense.
Rivals ranks the 6-foot-4 McCray as a four-star prospect and No. 133 nationally on its Top 150 list. He was an all-state selection and Region 5-4A Player of the Year in helping the Falcons to the Class 4A Lower State championship game.
McCray averaged 17 points, six rebounds and five assists last season and was MVP at SC Junior Showcase.
This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 6:01 PM.
