Ernie McCray Honored by University of Arizona Black Alumni Basketball

Basketball standout Ernie McCray is this year's Outstanding Alumni Achiever as selected by the UA Black Alumni.

BB Standout made his mark in education

TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona men’s basketball alumnus Ernie McCray was named the 2010 Outstanding Alumni Achiever by the UA Black Alumni.

McCray, a Wildcat letterwinner from 1957-58 through 1960, received the recognition from UABA. A longtime educator and principal in San Diego, he is now retired and focuses his time on community theater and community activism.

“Any honor is appreciated but being honored by the UA Black Alumni is particularly special to me because at one time there were so few of us and now we are well represented and engaged in bettering ourselves and our people,” said McCray. “That contributes to making the world a better place for all human beings -and that’s pretty much all I’ve ever wanted to do, make the world a bit better for everyone.”

One of only six UA players to be ranked in the career top 20 in scoring (1,349 points) and top 10 in rebounding (824), McCray’s 10.8 career rebounding average ranks second all-time. He was team MVP and an all-Border Conference selection in 1959 and 1960 and was the first player in school history to lead the team in rounding in three consecutive seasons (only three have done it since).

Most notably, McCray owns the UA single-game scoring record with 46 points in a 104-84 win over Cal State-Los Angeles on Feb. 6, 1960. Additionally, he led the team in field goal percentage twice and also led the team in scoring from 1958-60. His 23.9 ppg scoring average in 1960 ranks third in school history. McCray was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in the 1960 NBA Draft.

UABA was founded in 1982 to promote academic excellence among Black students at the university, provide financial and mentoring support to qualified and deserving students, and develop linkages with alumni and supporters in the professional and business community.

McCray will be honored at the UABA Homecoming Reception, Friday, Oct. 22, at the Dunbar Cultural Center, 325 W. Second St. The event is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. For more information, please call (520) 626-8626.