Despite an injury derailing the final month of his senior season, Owensboro Catholic’s Gray Weaver was eager to prove what he could do on the court and he’ll get that chance after accepting a preferred walk-on role with Lipscomb University in Nashville.
Weaver said he’s grateful for a shot given the amount of high school seniors that are still searching for their next home.
“It feels really good considering all the guys who didn’t get any opportunities in my class because of Covid,” he said. “All the transfer rules, everything. It’s a great opportunity and I feel really blessed to get it.”
Catholic coach Tim Riley said Weaver’s new role presents a big opportunity for him.
“I am so very happy and proud for Gray,” Riley said in a release. “He is a great young man and a true student-athlete. This is a great opportunity for him, athletically and academically. Gray is a talented player that has the athleticism and skill to be very good at Lipscomb. He does so many things to help a team beyond his points and rebounds. He is one of the best defenders I have ever coached.”
Lipscomb currently plays in the Atlantic Sun and is coached by Lennie Acuff. Acuff joined the Bison in 2019 and is 31-28 overall in two seasons.
Weaver said Acuff was the reason he chose Lipscomb over Centre and Lindsey Wilson, two other schools that were interested in him.
“Coach Acuff for sure,” he said was key. “He’s a great guy and an even better coach. He’s really welcomed me into the Lipscomb community. I’ve also always loved Nashville and I can’t wait for that aspect but definitely coach Acuff and the rest of the staff at Lipscomb. They’re great and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Riley has coach Weaver the last two seasons since he came to OC and Riley knows Acuff is getting more than a basketball player.
“I am excited for coach (Lennie) Acuff and Lipscomb,” Riley said. “They are getting a player that comes with intensity and enthusiasm every single day and competes in practice and games at the highest level. His best basketball is ahead of him.”
Weaver hurt his ankle in the All “A” Classic State Tournament against Clinton County and didn’t play another game for the Aces this past season.
Prior to his injury, Weaver averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 15 games.
Weaver admitted he had some doubt if he’d return after.
“There was a part of me that just wanted to say ‘alright, that’s it. Let’s wrap it up,’” he said. “I knew I just had to keep going. At that point I was hoping to get back in my maybe the end of the season but even before that, I knew I was going to try and play at the next level.”
Even though he was only an Ace for two seasons, Weaver said Owensboro Catholic will always have a place in his heart.
He said there’s one thing that stood out about his experience.
“The community aspect of it, ” he said. “Once you walk into the building, you’re family with everybody. I love the atmosphere at all the games. Everybody gets behind the teams in every sport. Once you’re at Catholic, you feel like you’re at home.”
While Catholic has become his second family, Weaver’s own family is the reason he’s been able to do what he has.
He said he’ll always be grateful for what they’ve given him.
“If it wasn’t for them, I would not be here,” he said. “They’ve pushed me when I’ve needed to be pushed. They’ve given me everything I could have possibly asked for. They’ve been my number one supporters through the whole thing and they’ve given me everything I need to succeed.”
