Demon Deacons Ink Skilled Guard Justin Ray

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest men’s basketball has announced the addition of transfer guard Justin Ray. A native of Greer, S.C., Ray spent the last two years at Monmouth. As a sophomore in 2025-26, Ray was one of the Hawks’ top scorers while competing in all 34 games and making 21 starts.

His shooting prowess saw him quickly develop into one of the CAA’s top threats.

Our newest member in the Old Gold & Black 🎩
📰: https://t.co/aEeWzYIl44 pic.twitter.com/kh2Q7JoGqA
— Wake Forest Men's Basketball (@WakeMBB) June 26, 2026

“Justin is a dynamic offensive player who can shoot it from three and put the ball on the floor,” said head coach Steve Forbes. “He can finish at the rim off the bounce due to his strength and athleticism. I’ve been very impressed with Justin’s toughness and work ethic since he’s been on campus. He practices every day with his foot down on the gas pedal at all times. We are excited to have him in our program.”

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— Wake Forest Men's Basketball (@WakeMBB) June 26, 2026

Ray averaged 11.3 points per game this past season, third highest for Monmouth. He reached double figures in scoring in 17 games and made a team-best 66 three-pointers – a total that ranks 17th in the program’s single-season records. Additionally, Ray tied for 10th in the CAA in three-pointers per game (1.9).

Summer grind 💪 pic.twitter.com/Fi3yQTpXHc
— Wake Forest Men's Basketball (@WakeMBB) June 26, 2026

He tallied four 20-plus-point performances, including a 25-point outing at Syracuse. Ray’s steady play down the stretch of the regular season carried right into postseason play, as he posted 14 points in a CAA Tournament semifinal victory over Campbell to help send Monmouth to its first-ever conference championship appearance.

Go behind the scenes with Coach Woodley 🎩
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— Wake Forest Men's Basketball (@WakeMBB) June 25, 2026

During his freshman season in 2024-25, Ray played in 32 games while averaging 8.6 minutes. He recorded double-digit points in three outings, going for a season-best 12 points against Michigan State and Presbyterian while also totaling 10 points at Northern Illinois.

@WakeMBB had a great week of Individual Camp! All the campers, coaches, and our players did a great job! Over the past week, we’ve had over 1700+ campers participate in our Team Camp and Individual Camp! 🎩🏀 pic.twitter.com/iEFhZN56V7
— Steve Forbes (@ForbesWakeHoops) June 25, 2026

Through his first two collegiate seasons, Ray has scored 492 points and registered a 40.8 three-point percentage (78-for-191). He has also been reliable at the free-throw line (82-for-96).

Before entering the college ranks, Ray had a standout prep career at Eastside High School (Taylors, S.C.), setting a school record with 1,810 points. He was selected all-state four times and named to the North Carolina/South Carolina All-Star Game in 2024.

Credit: godeacs.com