TOWSON, Md. – Juwan Gray emphatically announced his return to the hardwood while simultaneously applying the final flourishes on the Towson University men's basketball teams' 72-58 season-opening victory over George Washington Tuesday evening with a nice dunk that shook SECU Arena to its core.
 
That dunk was confirmation to Gray that all of the lonely days and nights in an empty gym has yielded positive results. Playing his first game for Towson after transferring from the University of San Diego, Gray enjoyed a performance to cherish by scoring a career high 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field.
 
For good measure, Gray also swished all three of his 3-point shot attempts, grabbed four rebounds and made two steals. He was also a plus 20, the highest of any Tiger in their first win over George Washington since 1981. Gray along with freshman Jason Gibson combined for all 30 of Towson's bench points.
 
"It was tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel on some days because I just wanted to be out there and help my team," Gray said. "But I used that sit out year as motivation to improve mentally and physically. It was a great feeling to be back on the floor competing again after 20 months especially having the game that I had. After the game I was thinking about all the hours invested into the gym and thinking about how my hard work was starting to pay off."
 
Gray had to sit out a year after transferring from San Diego per NCAA rules. He practiced with the team last season. However, it was hard for him to wear sweats instead of being in uniform for the Tigers last year. Gray encouraged his teammates and cheered for them as he continued working in solitude.
 
Gray is selfless player and it displayed itself in how he consistently passed up open shots to find teammates for better scoring opportunities. Playing together so they can enjoy a memorable season has been stressed to the Tigers throughout preseason practices. They had 14 assists on 29 baskets against the Colonials.
 
One of Gray's wide-open 3-point field goal attempts was the result of tremendous teamwork. Dennis Tunstall set a terrific screen to free up Gray. Gibson found Gray with a perfect pass that resulted in a made triple and a 42-29 Towson advantage with 14 minutes, 59 seconds remaining.
 
"What worked for us as a team was days of preparation," Gray said. "Our coaching staff did a phenomenal job of preparing us for George Washington's offense and defensive schemes. We took that into practice and worked at it. Our ball movement was pretty good as well, we did a good job of sharing the ball and getting the ball to certain players in spots where they are effective."
 
Gray has been effective ever since he started playing basketball. His older brother Kendall enjoyed an awesome career at Delaware State before playing professionally. He was impactful during his two years at San Diego leading the team in steals as a freshman and finishing third in blocked shots as a sophomore.
 
Now, Gray is excited to play a full season and showcase his skills for the Towson faithful. Gray's next opportunity comes Friday night when the Tigers host Bryn Athyn at SECU Arena beginning at 7 p.m.
 
"My parents are my biggest motivation for me to be playing basketball," Gray said. "My parents work very hard and have sacrificed a lot for me to be in the position that I am today. So it's only the right that I maximize every opportunity that comes my way."