Florida Gators

• Phone: 352-375-4683, ext. 5560
• Email: johnm@gators.ufl.edu
• Twitter: @CoachMcCray

John McCray at a Glance:
University of Florida, Assistant Coach – Third Year (April 2017 – present)

• Wears many hats for the Gators but his primary focus lies in the advancement of UF’s guards, scouting assignments and recruiting strategy
• Helped spark a seven-win turnaround for Florida in 2019-20 as the Gators finished .500 (15-15) for the first time in four years
• The Gators, one of the league's least-experienced rosters, doubled their SEC win total under his watch
• Despite losing their leading returning scorer in the preseason, McCray and Florida earned a first round bye in the SEC Tournament for the first time in four years and collected two AP Top 25 wins along the way 
• After an impressive showing on the recruiting trail in 2019, McCray and the Gators again found tremendous success in 2020 as they signed five-star forward Jordyn Merritt and four-star wing Brynn Farrell
• Played a pivotal role in UF's 2019 recruiting class which ranked No. 26 overall by ProspectsNation
• All four players in the class earned four-star grades and the class as a whole earned a four-star ranking
• Instrumental in the signing of one of the nation's finest shooters in Brylee Bartram of Tampa, Fla. 
• In 2018-19, under McCray's guidance junior-college transfer Kiki Smith enjoyed a strong season as the Gators' lead guard as she led the team in assists and steals and tallied 11 double-figure scoring games
• Florida knocked down 235 three-pointers in McCray's second season on staff, the second-most in program history
• In his first season, he helped implement a new offensive strategy which brought tremendous success to the Gators’ perimeter game
• The Gators converted on a program-best 249 three-pointers in 2017-18 and set the single game record for three-pointers made when they knocked down 17 vs. Savannah State (11/23/17)
• McCray helped further the development of then-sophomore guard Delicia Washington who was one of the team’s most impactful performers
• Washington averaged an impressive 10.2 points and 3.6 assists per game, but was also a prolific rebounder from the guard position, hauling in 8.7 boards per contest to lead the league in terms of rebounding by a guard
• Under the direction of McCray, Florida finished the season as one of two SEC squads to have two guards averaging over three assists per game (Washington, 3.6 and Anderson, 3.1)

 
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Assistant Coach – Four Years (2013-17)

• Recruiting Coordinator
• Development of post players
• Assigned scouting assignments among other coaches
• Coordinated film exchange and supervised graduate assistant on film projects
• Four Southern Conference Tournament Champions: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
• Four NCAA Appearances: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

 
 Saint Joseph’s University, Graduate Assistant – Two Years (2011-13)

• Recorded and performed computer self-scout of games
• Coordinated film exchange
• Assisted recruiting coordinator with organization of prospect database and mailings
• Responsible for scheduling of practice, individual workouts and home pregame meals
• Assisted in camp planning, as well as equipment organization and distribution
• Served as interim assistant coach during various absences
• 2013 Atlantic 10 Tournament Champions

 
 The Ohio State University, Video Assistant – One Year (2010-11)

• Prepare scouting materials, statistics and game film for coaching staff
• Coordinated film exchange
• 2011 Big Ten Tournament Champions

 
Additional Basketball Experience of Note

• Veritas Academy (Columbus, OH), Athletic Director – Two Years (2009-11)
• Veritas Academy, Varsity Boys Basketball Associate Head Coach – One Year (2009-10)
• Veritas Academy, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach – One Year (2008-09)

 
Personal

• Education:
  • Saint Joseph’s University (M.A. Organization, Development, and Leadership, May 2016)
  • The Ohio State University (B.A. Sports and Leisure Studies, June 2011
• Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

 
Quoting John McCray
“Florida is one of the best athletic programs in the country – and not just with the high-profile sports. Every sport competes for a championship. I’m speechless when I think that I’m a part of this and joining these amazing coaches from all different sports. I walk around campus and I see all of the history and tradition and it’s incredible.”
 
“I’m ecstatic about joining the Gator Nation. Coach Cam is someone who I’ve looked up to for the last several years since we’ve been coaching in the same state. I’m excited about what’s he’s going to do at Florida and I’m honored to be a part of that ride.”
 
Gator Coach Cam Newbauer on John McCray:
“John comes from a great pedigree, working under the legendary Jim Foster, learning and being mentored by him. Hearing Coach Foster – a Hall of Famer - talk about John and knowing what he values about him really stood out. I’ve always respected John and his work ethic and humble personality He’s one of those individuals who is very diligent and detailed, which is so important. Our paths crossed countless times on the recruiting trail over the years and I admired the way he conducted himself.”