Tom Ray, a junior forward from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, has emerged as an important player for the Saint Joseph's College Men's Basketball team. He averaged nearly 10 minutes of playing time per game and played in 24 contests last season after appearing in just eight games with 2.3 minutes of PT, on average, as a frosh. In the Monks' 2010-11 opener against UNE Ray, who figures to be one of the first players off the bench as a junior, scored six points and added four boards in 17 minutes. Strong fundamentally, Ray has shot .595 (22-37) from the floor and .938 (15-16) from the free-throw line in 33 career contests.

Head Coach Rob Sanicola '99:

“Tom has been great addition to the men’s basketball program over the last two years. He continues to impress the staff with his abilities and unique ability to always be in the right position. Every opportunity that Tom has been presented with he has taken advantage of. This sounds like no big feat, but you have to consider he has been asked to change positions on a couple of occasions, even in the middle of the season. You would never know if it bothered him because he always put the team before himself.”

“With all that said, Tom’s greatest attribute continues to be his mental toughness. He continues to handle distractions without letting them interfere with his play, and remains persistent and resilient when things might not go his way. As a coach you would love to take credit, but Tommy’s father and high school coach, Jim Ray, his mother, and older brother have played the biggest influence on who Tommy has become today.  We continue to expect great things from Tommy and he continues to epitomize what a student-athlete should stand for in our program.”

Bio information

Full name:  Thomas Richard Ray

Born when and where?  January 28th, 1990 in Portland, Maine 

Year:  Junior 

Major:  Physical Education 

Hometown:  Cape Elizabeth 

High School:  Cape Elizabeth 

Sport(s) and position(s):  Basketball, Forward 


Favorites

Professional Sports Team:  Celtics 

Athlete:  Larry Bird 

Food:  Steak and Potatoes 

T.V. Show(s): Fresh Prince, Home Improvement, King of Queens 

Movie(s): Remember the Titans, Friday Night Lights, Hoosiers, He Got Game, Wedding Crashers, Step Brothers 


Feature Questions

Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?

I liked the small college and it was fairly close to home also I wanted to play basketball. 

What is/was your favorite class at St. Joe's and why?

Educational Foundations because I learned a lot in class and the teacher kept the class interesting and fun. 

What was your first job (actually received a paycheck)?

Working a summer basketball camp. 

Who would you like to trade places for a day with and why?

Shaquille O’Neal because Shaq is the man. 

What is on your "Bucket List?"

To go to a Celtics Lakers Finals game and play a game of HORSE with Larry Bird. 

Talent you'd most like to have:

Be able to do magic tricks 

What do you drive?

2002 Chevy Cavalier 

What is your motto?

Never quit 

Do you have any superstitions before you go into a big game?

Always have to wear two pairs of socks. 

Why did you choose your jersey #?

When I was younger I looked up to a player on my dad’s high school team who had the number 14 and I have been wearing it ever since 4th grade. 

What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at SJC?

Being a member of the GNAC Championship team my freshman year. 

Who has had the greatest impact on your life?

My parents 

Can you tell us something about you that most people don't know?

I played football in high school. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully with a job as a PE teacher and as a high school basketball coach. 

If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?

Larry Bird - because he is my favorite basketball player of all time. 

What are your hobbies?

Hang out with friends, Golf, Wiffle ball, Tennis 

What is your ideal day away from athletics?

Just relaxing watch some TV and hanging out with friends 

Do you plan on playing sports or coaching after you graduate?

I hope to coach high school basketball

What are your personal and team goals for this season?

To have a successful season as a team and try to make the NCAA tournament.