Aug. 18, 2005
This is the fifth in a series of occasional pieces by Villanova director of media relations Mike Sheridan detailing the travels of Villanova's representatives with USA Basketball - head coach Jay Wright and senior guards Randy Foye and Allan Ray.
Like many of those who vacation in summer, Allan Ray is in the midst of a transition. A memory-laden journey has concluded and only now is the Villanova senior beginning to sift through all that happened as he re-acclimates himself to his normal routine.
"It was a great experience," says Ray of the four weeks he spent as a member of USA Basketball's 21-and-Under squad at the World Championship in Argentina. "I met a lot of new people and got a chance to play against some of the best players in the country. I think I improved my game just by being in that atmosphere."
There was much to celebrate. Ray survived an intense training camp in Dallas and carved a niche for himself in the playing rotation. At one of the team's most crowded positions, shooting guard, the native of the Bronx, N.Y., still managed to become a vital contributor on a squad that won seven of its eight games at the tournament. What's more, his display featured more than just the pretty 3-point jumpers that are a staple of his game. By most accounts, Ray provided the kind of defense and intangibles that are valued greatly by the Villanova coaching staff.
"Once I got comfortable, I felt very good about things," Ray states. "When I went to Dallas, I knew that all of these guys trying out for the (USA) team could score. So I wanted to be sure that I played hard at all times, especially on defense. I figured the offense would fall into place."
It did too.
Ray ended the eight-game tournament as Team USA's top scorer at 12.3 ppg. The 6-2 guard connected on .556 of his attempts from the field and was even better from beyond the 3-point arc (.621). He also averaged 1.1 steals per game, including five in an 82-79 triumph over Slovenia. And he added 3.1 rebounds per outing.
Of course, Ray is the first to concede that his overloaded memory bank also includes a disappointing 93-90 overtime defeat to Canada in the quarterfinals, which ended Team USA's hopes for a medal. (Team USA rebounded to win its final two games in the consolation round for a fifth place finish).
"We won our first five games in the preliminary round and were playing so well," he says. "But in the medal round we had a mental lapse. Canada came out and executed very well and we didn't. It cost us. We were shocked."
Team USA never could sufficiently stifle 6-9 Levon Kendall (University of Pittsburgh) of Canada inside. Kendall finished with 40 points and his teammates seemed to feed off that energy.
"He gave his team a lot of confidence," notes Ray, who had 16 points in a losing effort.
Team USA rallied to defeat Puerto Rico and Argentina handily in its next two outings.
"It was important to us to at least finish with the best record at 7-1," he says. "We had a tough time against Canada and it didn't work out for us. But the entire experience is something I will never forget."
Off the floor, Ray and his teammates created new bonds. The group spent many hours together - the weather was not especially cooperative - and it's fair to speculate that there will be some instant messages traded back and forth as the 2005-06 college campaign plays out.
"We all got to know one another pretty well and hung out together a lot," Ray states. "It was a lot of fun."
One favorite haunt was a local restaurant with a recognizable assortment of options. Along with some teammates he took refuge in a familiar staple of Americana.
"I probably ate at McDonald's every day," Ray states.
Now that he has access to a wider range of dining options on his home turf, Ray is eager to begin preparations for the 2005-06 season at Villanova. He has made contact with most of his Wildcat teammates and spoke this week with backcourt partner Randy Foye and head coach Jay Wright as they continue their quest for a medal with USA Basketball's entry in the World University Games in Turkey.
"I really hope they can bring home the gold," he says.
As for his own summer "vacation", Ray is both grateful for the opportunity and hungry to make use of what he has learned.
"One of the main reasons I did this is that I wanted to prove myself to the basketball world," he says. "If I could play well against some of the best players in the country, it would do a lot for me personally and our team at Villanova."
Consider this task mission accomplished.
