Gray, a native of Sandersville, Ga., came to UNC in 2013 as part of a recruiting class that was ranked No. 1 in the country by ESPN. During 2014-15, Gray put together a strong sophomore campaign, averaging 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game and earning first team All-ACC honors.
Gray could decide to stay at UNC, a decision that Coach Sylvia Hatchell hopes she will make.
“I love Allisha Gray and all the wonderful things she brings to our program,” she said. “It’s been a privilege these past two years to coach her and hope to continue to do that in the future.”
On Tuesday, Hatchell called Charlie Tuggle, a professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, to her office to speak with Gray about her academic options at UNC.
Tuggle said her main reason for wanting to transfer was the academic-athletic scandal.
“She kept talking about the stigma of the scandal and whether her name would be attached to it in some way, regardless of when it ends and how it ends,” Tuggle said.
Tuggle said Gray remained quiet, mostly listening. She didn’t mention specific schools or programs.
“It was about how she would be viewed. How would a potential employer view her?” Tuggle said. “Would the employer look at her skill set? Or would they automatically sort of disqualify her in their minds because she played basketball at Carolina?”
