James Ray (basketball)

James Earl Ray (born July 27, 1957) is an American former professional basketball player. After playing college basketball at Jacksonville University, he was drafted fifth overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1980 NBA draft. He subsequently played three seasons for the team, appearing in 103 games and finishing with career averages of 3.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Moving to Europe, he went on to play professionally in Italy, Spain and Turkey.

For other people with the same name, see James Ray.
James Ray
Personal information
Born (1957-07-27) July 27, 1957
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Listed weight215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High schoolL. B. Landry
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
CollegeJacksonville (1976–1980)
NBA draft1980: 1st round, 5th overall pick
Selected by the Denver Nuggets
Playing career1980–1987
PositionPower forward
Number43
Career history
1980–1983Denver Nuggets
1983–1984Berloni Torino
1985–1986Peñas Huesca
1986–1987Fenerbahçe
Career highlights and awards
Stats  at NBA.com
Stats  at Basketball-Reference.com

Post-career

In 2001, Ray was diagnosed with sarcoidosis.[1] Due to his failing health and financial challenges, the NBA's retired players association provided him support.[2] In 2008, Ray received a transplant, soon after receiving a diagnosis of having three months to live without one. The likelihood of receiving a transplant had been rated poorly, due to his need, at 6'9, of receiving lungs from a person taller than 6'5.[3]

References
  1. "NBA.com: James E. Ray
    A Ray of Light"    . Archived from the original on 2009-09-19. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
  2. Jacksonville.com
  3. Jacksonville.com
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