http://stjohns.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1022600On Sunday as the Thomas Jefferson Orange Wave defeated Thomas Edison to go 2-0, one could not but notice Jefferson's svelt point guard Davontay Grace. Only a junior, Grace, who has has prepared himself for the upcoming season.
During the summer, NYCHoops.net spoke with Grace who said he would be working on both his stamina and becoming more toned.
Noticably trrimmed, Grace's high school coach Lawrence "Bud" Pollard confirms the juniors efforts saying, "He's been pushing himself. He's not as trim as I'd like him to be but we don't have access to the proper facilities and supervision."
Pollard thinks that Grace is embracing the point guard and leadership role for the Orange Wave. "We've asked him to set us up. To guard the best guy on the floor. To score and to distribute.," says Pollard.
The goal for Grace, according to Coach Pollard is to fill the void left by Jefferson's previous go-to-guy Keith Spellman, who is now redshirting at Morgan State. "He's actually doing more than Keith because we didn't ask Keith to distribute the ball. Davontay is our do-it-all guy"
During Sunday's game, Grace indeed did it all. He ran the point but also led his team scoring with 29 points and was voted the MVP.
In the front row checking out Grace's performance was St. John's head coach Norm Roberts, fresh off a victory over Temple. While Grace has significat interest from West Virginia, Providence, St. John's and Hofstra, according to Pollard, "Right now, college coaches are busy coaching guys they have right now. For Norm to come to his game and sit courtside, that says a lot. "
As far as where Grace would like to play during college, Pollard says, "I'm sure Davontay would love to stay local. He's a local kid from Brooklyn and people would love to see him play."
Pollard also thinks that college would also offer better opportunities for Grace to reach his full potential. "He would proper meal and be in a controlled environment. Davontay has a ways to go but he has so much potential."