What Allan Ray Means To Villanova

TEANECK, NEW JERSEY -- The start of the Jay Wright coaching era at Villanova University got off to a big start yesterday when Allan Ray, a 6-0 combo guard from St. Raymond's High School in the Bronx, New York, committed to the Wildcats.

It was just a week ago that Ray told us he was down to seven schools -- Georgia Tech, NC State, Wake Forest, Miami, Seton Hall, Villanova, and Memphis. This was some pretty stiff competition for Wright and his staff.

But what this indicates to every Villanova fan is that Wright and his staff have the ability to outbattle some heavyweights in the recruiting world. This is a very good sign for the Wildcats.

Ray is perhaps the best player in New York City. He is a legitimate McDonald's All American candidate. He can score from anywhere on the court and Ray hails from one of the best programs in the country in St. Raymond's High School.

St. Raymond's head coach Gary DeCesare runs a tight ship in the Bronx. His players compete hard and succeed off the court too. DeCesare would have it no other way. So Ray has had some good schooling both on and off the court.

Ray has indeed had a great spring and summer so far. So to grab him at this stage is a great accomplishment by Wright and his staff. As indicated on this site, the Insiders Report has had several opportunities to report on Ray's successes this past spring and now early summer.

Ray was the best player on the court only a few weeks ago when he nailed down 38 points to lead the Ravens back from a 17-point deficit and overturn a strong BABC early start. This is the same BABC which features the great talent of Torin Francis.

When we saw Ray in the CHSAA playoffs, he led his team to victory by pouring in 24 points against Xavierian High School in a CHSAA Class A semifinal held at Fordham University. Ray delivered the big blows early in the game. He scored 17 points in the first half to help St. Ray's spurt ahead.

We could go on and on about his offensive power. It's a balanced game too. Ray is not afraid to go inside and challenge bigger bodies. But mark this day down. Villanova has struck a blow in the talent-rich New York City area. Allan Ray is the first aboard. There will be more to come. Jay Wright is here to stay.