KENNESAW, Ga. – Former Kennesaw State men's basketball star Kendrick Ray signed his first pro contract on Monday, July 24 with Cez Nymburk.
ČEZ Basketball Nymburk is a professional basketball team that plays in the top professional Czech basketball league, the NBL. The team is based in the town of Nymburk.
"I've been working my entire life for this," Ray said. "It's great and it feels good. There were a few other teams involved but in the end this is the best situation for me. Their best player just left and they want me to come in there and help fill that void. Nothing is ever given, but I'm excited to get to work. I'll get some great exposure playing against the top competition over there."
This past season in an Owls uniform, Ray became the first player in Kennesaw State history to be named ASUN First Team All-Conference after averaging 21.2 points per game. He set Kennesaw State's single-season records with 656 points and his 21.2 per game average. He was also recognized by the NABC as Second Team All-District.
The prolific scorer becomes the third member of his family to become a professional basketball player along with his brother Allan Ray and his sister Brittany Ray. Not only has Ray had family to lean on, but former Owl Yonel Brown has also reached out to provide support and advice as he has gone through the process.
"YB (Yonel Brown) has been a big help," Ray said. "It's always good to hear different voices about the experience. The best advice I've gotten from both my brother and YB is go over there and work hard, do what I have to do and don't get sidetracked. It's my job now so I need to be in the best shape that I can be and continue to work to get better."
Ray will leave for Czech Republic on August 15th.
