“Roll Tide, baby.”

With those words, small forward Juwan Gary of Class 2A boys’ basketball champion Gray Collegiate announced plans to sign with the University of Alabama in 2019.

The 6-6 rising senior was heavily recruited by both Clemson and the University of South Carolina. In the end, his comfort level with Crimson Tide head coach Avery Johnson played a factor in his decision.

"It felt like home,” he said. “Coach Avery (Johnson), Coach (Antoine) Pettway, Coach Ya (Yasmir Rosemond), they all made me comfortable. Seeing one of my own brother's up there, Tevin Mack from the same area I'm from, seeing  him there enjoying the process, enjoying the vibe of the coaches and players and the fans ... it just felt like home. Me and my family had a very good time. They've got everything set up for you with academics and basketball. Everything is not that far, it's all right there. Alabama felt like home to me."

Gray averaged 20.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.3 assists in leading the War Eagles to their first-ever state title. He was named S.C. Basketball Coaches Association’s Class 2A Player of the Year for the second straight season.

“They see me being a good wing right now attacking the basket and shooting the ball well," Gary said of how Alabama envisions using him. "I could be a good fit for them."

Jalek Felton on the move

Meanwhile, Gary’s former teammates has decided to turn professional. Former University of North Carolina guard Jalek Felton has signed a contract with Petrol Olympic basketball in Slovenia.

"I am happy to join a club like Petrol Olimpija," Felton said in a release. "This is a club with a rich tradition, where many NBA players have begun their careers. For me, this is a big step. I know that this will be a great challenge for me and I am ready to go there and work. The agent told me that Olimpija will play in various competitions and that makes me pleased. Playing in such competitions with Olympia in Europe will prepare me for playing in the NBA. The city looks nice and I heard that basketball there is a religion, so this will be an interesting experience."

Felton played 22 games at North Carolina, averaging 2.9 points (38.7 field goal percentage) and 1.6 assists. He was suspended from the school in January and withdrew from the school in early March.