COLUMBIA, MO.— Mizzou Men’s Hoops signed transfer forward Ronnie DeGray III, head coach Cuonzo Martin announced Wednesday. DeGray III recently finished up his freshman campaign at UMass after two years at prep school.
DeGray III had a standout season for the Minutemen in 2020-21, starting 14 of 15 games as a freshman while playing 27.4 minutes per game. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 8.7 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 54.3 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc. DeGray III was set to be UMass’ leading returning rebounder in 2021-22 prior to entering the transfer portal.
“Ronnie is a gifted combo forward who can really impact the game in a lot of ways,” Martin said. “He’s an efficient scorer, a skilled passer as a forward and he brings versatility and toughness on defense. We’re excited to add him to the family.”
DeGray III chipped in at least eight points nine times in 15 games as a freshman, including a career-high 21-point outburst vs. Rhode Island. He was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week on Jan. 18.
“I chose Mizzou because the staff showed me how much of a family this program is and how everyone is bought in,” DeGray III said. “I have a chance to play on the biggest stage and be a part of a really good team. I believe Coach Martin will push me and help me get to where I want to be, and teach me life lessons and how to become a man.”
Before heading to UMass, DeGray III played two seasons of prep school hoops at Woodstock Academy in Woodstock, Connecticut. There he played on a team that went 36-2 and earned the top seed at the National Prep Championship.
DeGray III was a three-star recruit and the No. 8 player overall in the state of Colorado out of high school. His father, Ronnie DeGray II, played college basketball at the University of Colorado before signing professionally overseas.
DeGray III joins three fellow transfers who have joined Mizzou’s program in the last two months, a group that includes Ball State transfer Jarron Coleman, Kansas State transfer DaJuan Gordon and Green Bay transfer Amari Davis.
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