MEAC Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

2. Kendall Gray

A 6’10 center from Dover, Delaware, Gray would blossom into quite the star in his home state, arriving at Delaware State back in 2011. In his underclassman seasons, which aren’t included today, he had minor contributions, with his best work coming in his final years with the Hornets.

Year three was a great step forward as Gray averaged 11.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, including a string of double-doubles, especially late in the year. As a senior, he led Delaware State to a 5th-place finish in the MEAC and their most recent season above .500 in conference play. His individual figures were most impressive, averaging 11.7 points and 11.8 rebounds a game. His career highlight came late in the year as Gray had 33 points and 30 rebounds in the regular season finale at Coppin State.

Gray had become one of the nation’s top rebounders by the end of his career and was rewarded for his efforts. Leading Delaware State to its best season in recent memory, he was named both MEAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in that senior season. His 290 defensive rebounds led the nation and he was one of the league’s best shot blockers in recent memory as well. It was even more impressive to be doing all this with the Hornets, a program that’s had very little basketball success in its history.