From collegiate champion to Olympic gold medalist: the rise of Allisha Gray

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: After a high-profile college transfer and a dominant rookie season, Allisha Gray has cemented her place in basketball history. From winning a National Championship with the South Carolina Gamecocks to securing Olympic gold in 3x3 basketball, her journey through the WNBA and beyond is a testament to elite athletic skill.

Allisha Gray's professional ascent began with a standout collegiate career. After being ranked as the 7th overall player in a high-profile 2013 recruiting class, she initially committed to the North Carolina Tar Heels. However, following an athletic-academic scandal at UNC, Gray transferred to the South Carolina Gamecocks in May 2015. This move proved pivotal, as she helped lead the Gamecocks to a National Championship in her final college season in 2017.

Gray's transition to the professional ranks was immediate and impactful. Selected 4th overall in the 2017 WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings, she bypassed her remaining college eligibility to enter the league. In her rookie season, she started all 34 games and averaged 13.1 points per game, earning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award on September 19, 2017. Her scoring prowess was highlighted on August 12, 2017, when she recorded a career-high 21 points against the Connecticut Sun.

In addition to her WNBA career, Gray secured Olympic gold in women's 3x3 basketball during the 2020 Summer Games. Her career has also seen her compete in international leagues, such as with Elitzur Ramla in the Israeli League, and more recently in the inaugural season of Unrivaled. In 2025, she played for the Lunar Owls before being drafted by Mist BC for the 2026 Unrivaled season, a team that secured the league's second championship in March 2026.

Gray's versatility is evident in her ability to adapt to different roles and leagues. Whether serving as a primary scoring option or adjusting to a reduced offensive load following the arrival of all-star center Liz Cambage, she has remained a consistent presence in professional basketball. Her journey from a three-time 3A state player of the year to a global competitor illustrates the high-stakes nature of elite athletic development.

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