You simply cannot talk about great WNBA playmakers without going gaga over Chelsea Gray during the conversation. The Aces Guard’s picturesque pinpoint passes, including her signature behind-the-back pass, and the ability to create astonishing plays out of thin air earned her the nickname “Point Gawd”. 3 WNBA titles, 2 Olympic gold medals, and a 2022 Finals MVP sit atop her overflowing award cabinet.

But there is so much more to her than these recognitions. Gray has been a cornerstone in the Las Vegas Aces roster ever since joining the team in 2021. Her supreme playmaking ability is only outdone by her adeptness at making the 2x champs a very close-knit group with a camaraderie that rivals can only dream of. So today, let’s head back to where it all began – Duke University.

Chelsea Gray’s college magic with the Duke Blue Devils

Graduating from Stockton, California’s St. Mary’s High School, Chelsea Gray wasn’t as big a name in the basketball circuit yet. Though she was named on the McDonald’s All-American team, there was more to unlock. As soon as she landed on Duke’s North Carolina campus, her game spoke for her. Over her 4-year college career, she was part of 120 wins, guiding Duke to two ACC Tournament Championships, three ACC regular season titles, and three trips to the NCAA Elite Eight.

In her freshman year (2010-11), she played 34 games averaging 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. The ACC All-Freshman team welcomed her with open arms that year. This was only the beginning of something greater. In her sophomore year (2011-12), Gray’s game improved on all facets. In 33 games, she averaged 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Consequently, she was named on the First-team All-ACC in 2012, an honor that would repeat in 2013.

In her junior year (2012-23), Gray’s college career peaked as she averaged a career-high 12.6 points and 5.3 rebounds. Though the assists per game went down to 5.4, steals improved from 2.8 to 3.6. She also set a new school record of 15 assists against Clemson that year. These numbers could’ve improved further if it wasn’t for her right knee getting dislocated in the 25th game. But even after getting sidelined for the rest of the season, she was named the 2013 ACC Player of the Year. The California native also made the AP Second-team All-American. Unfortunately, her senior year couldn’t turn out to be a fitting farewell.

A turbulent yet defining senior year

In her senior year (2013-14), Gray could only play 17 games, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 2.9 steals. She fractured the same knee again, prematurely ruling her out in her farewell year. Despite these ill-fated hiccups, she became the best women’s basketball player to emerge from Duke University. She ended her college stint with 1210 points, 478 rebounds, 545 assists, and 298 steals, while shooting 44.9% from the field. She became only one of five Devils to score achieve a triple-double, and the only one to make two triple-doubles.

Gray’s description on Duke’s athletics website reads like a mini tribute. “One of the top point guards in school history … a spectacular playmaker and skilled point guard with a knack for visualizing the floor … has a wonderful shooting touch and great passing skills … one of the most clutch players in Duke history … All-America selection as a sophomore and junior … Co-Parade National Player of the Year as a senior in high school.”

When it came to the 2014 WNBA draft, her injury-troubled senior year didn’t mess with her overall chances. The Connecticut Sun drafted her 11th overall in the first round. Though she couldn’t play in 2014 with her stubborn right knee taking time to heal, her rookie season in 2015 laid a decent foundation for her inner “Point Gawd” to blossom later.

It is stunning to know that this WNBA dream and the legendary journey was born in the front yard of her childhood home. It was a run-of-the-mill driveway hoop that witnessed her first shots sinking in. But more than the shooting, it was the passing that lured her. Watching clips of Magic Johnson, Ticha Penicheiro, and Jason Williams, she perfected the magical craftsmanship of setting her teammates up for success.

The Aces look up to her as they would a renowned coach. “I want to, for the record, set it straight. She’s the best point guard in the world,” was her teammate Kelsey Plum’s declaration in 2022, when Gray led the team to its first WNBA championship ever. Gray is a testament to how a single player can change the sport if they wholeheartedly triple down on their strengths.