Theatre
March 3, 2008March 5
March 5, 2008
In Greek mythology, Adonis was a handsome youth much loved by the goddess Aphrodite.
In Thibodaux, Adonis Gray is a much loved senior guard who earned a well deserved moment in the spotlight in Nicholls State 82-60 trampling of Northwestern State last Thursday night at Stopher Gym.
In an era of performance-enhancing drugs, Spygate, academic cheating scandals – the list goes on in perpetuity – Gray is a cool change, a refreshing breath of fresh air.
And, so, in a gut-wrenching season that has seen the Colonels last six losses come by a mere 16 points, it was the quintessential feel-good moment to see Gray smiling and celebrating with family, fans and friends in a 22-point route.
They say adversity builds character.
They say steel is strengthened in the fire.
Adonis Gray and Nicholls State head coach J.P. Piper have passed through the same crucible of fire, trouble and suffering the past four years.
“It’s hard to explain outside the Nicholls family because you guys look at wins and losses,” Piper said. “You guys say, ‘You didn’t win,’ but it’s the way Adonis came to work everyday. It’s the way he carried himself in the community, what he does in the classroom. He’s over a 3.0 cumulative GPA. It’s the whole package and I just couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Gray came to Nicholls State as an impressionable youth. He vows he will leave as a man well prepared for the joys and rigors of life that lie ahead. And, for that, he gives credit full credit to Piper.
“Absolutely, I credit Coach Piper for that,” Gray said. “He took me under his wing as a young kid. I was a kid all over the place. He guided me in a positive direction. He wanted to teach me more than just basketball. He wanted to teach me about life and he’s certainly done that.”
Piper knows character ultimately transcends wins and losses and as Gray’s career reaches its final curtain call, he realizes the indelible imprint Gray has made on the young players who are the future of the Colonels’ program.
“Adonis has set a great example for the young guys. You can talk the talk but if you’re not backing it up with your actions it has no validity. I think Adonis has done a great job of leading by example with how hard he practices.”
Piper regrets that Gray did not to experience more glory days.
“Unfortunately, someone had to carry the load and, for him, that is the task he was given at this point in the life of our program. He’s done it with a lot of class and I have a ton of respect for how he’s walked through this journey his four years at Nicholls,” the head coach said.
Gray’s last game at Stopher Gym is Saturday, March 8, against McNeese State and, admittedly, his emotions are already building inside.
“When you spend four years everyday practicing and getting great support from the fans, it will be an emotional night. I wouldn’t be surprised if a tear comes out of my eye. You never know until you get to that night because that feeling is one you’re going to have forever.”
Senior guard Adonis Gray is nearing the end of his reign with Nicholls State University’s basketball team. * Photo courtesy of NSU/DOUG KEESE
