Taj Gray Announces 2005-06 Return

NORMAN, Okla. Citing several reasons, including his desire to graduate, University of Oklahoma junior forward Taj Gray announced today that he will return for his senior season in 2005-06.

Gray, a 6-9, 235-pounder from Wichita, Kan., who was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and was a first-team all-conference pick by league coaches, averaged 14.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 27.7 minutes a game for the 25-8 Sooners. He shot .557 from the field and posted a .599 mark in Big 12 games to pace the conference.

“I've been thinking about this for a little while and there's a lot more I need to work on before I make that next step,” said Gray. “Returning for my senior year will give me the opportunity to improve my skills.

“Another factor in my decision is that I want to graduate next year. That's something that's very important to me and to my family.”

A sociology major, Gray recorded 12 double-doubles this year, second in the league to first-team All-American Wayne Simien of Kansas. He scored a season-high 29 points in the season opener against Cal State Northridge and pulled down a season-high 15 rebounds Feb. 5 versus Texas Tech. Gray blocked a season-high four shots on six occasions.

Said OU head coach Kelvin Sampson, “I've always approached situations like these with a player's best interest in mind. I sat down with Taj and I talked with his family. This is what they wanted. They're not entertaining the idea of him turning pro and we're excited that Taj will be back for his senior year.”

Gray was named Big 12 Rookie of the Week four times this past season (the league record is five) as he helped the Sooners to their first regular season conference crown since 1989. Oklahoma will lose 2004-05 seniors Johnnie Gilbert and Jaison Williams.

“We had a nice season and won a share of the Big 12 title,” said Gray. “With all the talent we have coming back and the new guys who are coming in, we have the chance to have a very special season next year.”

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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