Wake Forest’s men’s basketball program has announced the addition of guard Justin Ray, a transfer from Monmouth University, ahead of the upcoming season. Ray, a native of Greer, South Carolina, brings a proven scoring record and a deep-rooted high‑school legacy to the Demon Deacons.
A Scoring Threat From Day One
During the 2025‑26 campaign Ray emerged as one of the Hawks’ top scorers, averaging 11.3 points per game while sinking 66 three‑pointers, a tally that placed him 17th in Monmouth’s single‑season records. He tied for 10th in the Colonial Athletic Association with a 1.9 three‑point average per game and shot 40.8 percent from beyond the arc over his first two collegiate seasons.
Ray’s impact extended beyond the three‑point line. He posted 14 points in a CAA Tournament semifinal victory over Campbell, helping Monmouth reach its first-ever conference championship game. His reliability at the free‑throw line was evident as he made 82 of 96 attempts, and he contributed 25 points in a standout outing against Syracuse.
The guard’s collegiate résumé includes a freshman season in which he logged 8.6 minutes per game and recorded double‑digit points in three contests. Over two seasons he has amassed 492 points and earned a reputation for clutch performances, including four 20‑plus‑point games.
Coaching Perspective
Head coach Steve Forbes expressed enthusiasm about Ray’s arrival, noting that the guard’s scoring ability and work ethic align with the program’s ambitions. Forbes highlighted Ray’s experience in high‑pressure games and his proven track record against strong competition, suggesting that the transfer will add depth and versatility to the roster.
With a blend of shooting skill, free‑throw consistency, and a strong prep pedigree — including a 1,810‑point high‑school record and four all‑state selections — Ray is positioned to make an immediate impact for Wake Forest. His addition underscores the program’s strategy of bolstering talent through strategic transfers as it looks to contend in the upcoming season.