Allisha Gray Aims for All-Star Status
Allisha Gray, a 30-year-old security guard, has stepped up her game significantly this year. With an average of 18.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists—her best performance yet—she’s shooting 44.3% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range.
This season, Gray finished first in All-Star voting among WNBA security guards, receiving high praise from both players and fans. She credits her success to the offensive system implemented by head coach Karl Smesko.
“From a basketball perspective, when you don’t overthink things, that’s when you’re at your best,” Gray shared, emphasizing how Smesko’s approach has allowed her to make instinctive decisions on the court.
“It’s a different kind of basketball,” she explained. “We don’t always run set plays. It’s more about flowing with the game. We have plays for when the action heats up, but most of the time, it’s just instinctive basketball.”
Teammates Not Surprised by Gray’s Rise
Gray’s teammates, like fellow WNBA All-Star Rhyne Howard, are not surprised by her achievements. “It’s amazing to be her teammate,” Howard noted. “I knew she had it in her to play like this—it was just a matter of time before we all saw it unfold.”
Gray expressed a continuous desire to make the All-Star team, although it was Cherry who secured the All-Star starter position this year. Howard pointed out that Gray’s growth has propelled the whole team, which now holds a 12-9 record, placing them fifth in the WNBA.
“You can’t put too much pressure on any one player because there are really talented individuals across the league,” Howard remarked. “It’s incredible to see how much joy she brings, especially considering she’s one of my best friends. I genuinely want her to succeed.”
“Watching her thrive fuels us all to push harder. It’s just wonderful to witness her success,” Howard added.
Gray’s Third All-Star Performance
Gray made headlines during her last All-Star weekend, winning both the Skills Challenge and the 3-Point Challenge, which netted her a bonus exceeding $115,000.
That moment. Allisha Gray will be the first player in WNBA history to win both the Kia Skills Challenge and the WNBA Starry® 3 Points Contest in the same year.
Returning for her third All-Star appearance this year, Gray has far surpassed her previous accomplishments. Notably, she achieved her first career 30-point game and ranks among the league’s top three-point shooters, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
“With the right system, I always believed I could reach this level,” Gray stated. “Being mentioned in MVP discussions? I never thought I’d be there. But it’s really due to my teammates; I couldn’t do this alone.”
