Club 520 Podcast Episode Summary Episode: Allisha Gray on WNBA All-Star Game, Winning Skills Competition, 3PT Contest
Release Date: July 19, 2025

Introduction and Guest Welcome ([03:07] - [04:54])

The Club 520 Podcast, hosted by DJ Wells and Bishop B Henn, welcomes Allisha Gray, a three-time WNBA All-Star, first-year starter, and national champion. The hosts express their excitement about having Multiple All-Star Allisha join the show, emphasizing her achievements and energy.

DJ Wells: "Like we said three time All Star, first Year starter, national champion. One of the codies to do it right now. Mr. Leicia Gray in the building."

Allisha Gray: "Thank you for having me."

High School and Recruitment Journey ([04:55] - [09:25])

Allisha shares her experiences as a highly touted high school player, detailing the overwhelming recruitment process where she received numerous offers. To add humor, she recounts allowing her friends to open her recruitment letters just for fun.

Allisha Gray: "It was crazy. Mailbox full of letters. It got to the point where I just let my friends open the letters just for the fun of it."

Despite receiving extensive attention, Allisha emphasizes the importance of her friends' support, many of whom weren't recruited themselves but joined her for the camaraderie.

Allisha Gray: "A lot of my friends, they were like, they knew they weren't going to college to hoop, so it was just like. It was just for the joy of it, just to experience things with me."

College Career and Transition ([09:26] - [12:44])

Transitioning to college, Allisha discusses her initial commitment and eventual transfer to the University of South Carolina, drawn by the program's success and proximity to her parents.

Allisha Gray: "What's crazy is I originally wanted to go to South Carolina out the gate, but then I wound up going somewhere else. So then when I decided to transfer from that school, Cyclone was at the top of my list."

She highlights the strong coaching staff and the championship-winning environment that shaped her collegiate success.

Allisha Gray: "Coach Staley, she built the program up. They really weren't where, like, where I wanted to be at the moment. And then so I spun the block. Now I have that chance to win a national championship."

WNBA Draft and Professional Transition ([12:45] - [21:24])

Allisha reflects on her decision to enter the WNBA draft, almost missing the deadline due to her final college year. Her commitment to following her professional aspirations ultimately led her to declare for the draft.

Allisha Gray: "I almost missed the draft deadline cause I had an extra year of college, so we went national championship. And then I hadn't decided, if I wanted to declare or come back another year. So then I literally had like, maybe like four or five hours to decide if I wanted to go or not."

Upon being drafted, Allisha describes the initial excitement and the challenges of transitioning from college to the WNBA, including adjusting to the diverse age range and increased competition.

Allisha Gray: "It was fun at first. It was pretty eye-opening because, like, in college, you playing with your age range, then you get to the pros. These women got families and babies and mama strength and stuff."

Her rookie moment included guarding seasoned players like Diana Taurasi, Simone Augustus, and Maya Moore, which served as a significant learning experience.

Allisha Gray: "In my rookie year, first game of the season, I was a starter. I had to guard Diana Taurasi in her prime. And then next game, I had to guard Simone Augustus and Maya Moore."

Becoming Comfortable and Leadership ([21:25] - [24:51])

After several years in the league, Allisha discusses finding her rhythm and becoming comfortable in the WNBA by her fourth or fifth year. She credits this period to understanding the game's pace and enhancing her strategic approach.

Allisha Gray: "Around year four or five is when it started to slow down. And then from six on to nine, I felt the game was starting to come to me and I could really visualize the game."

As a veteran, Allisha takes on a mentorship role, guiding rookies by example rather than direct instruction.

Allisha Gray: "I'm more of a lead by example type of person. Like, I'm not vocal. Like, if I see you, I'll be like, you messed up here. But you come to me and I help you out."

International Play and Cultural Differences ([24:52] - [25:56])

Discussing her brief stint overseas in Israel, Allisha highlights the cultural shock and the challenges of adapting to a new environment, which led her to return mid-season.

Allisha Gray: "It was a cultural shock. Like, construction being done at like 5am, trash jumping out at you. So I'm chunking and running from the trash can. It was just different."

All-Star Achievements and Skills Competitions ([25:57] - [33:56])

Allisha delves into her All-Star experiences, emphasizing her prowess in three-point shooting and confidence on the court. She shares her anticipation for the upcoming All-Star weekend, including the skills competition and three-point contest.

Allisha Gray: "I just like shooting the three. If I'm open, I'm shooting. I don't even look to see where my feet at. I just let that thing fly."

The hosts laud her shooting ability, predicting strong performances in the contests.

Bishop B: "She average 32 points, you a bucket."

Allisha discusses the dynamics of participating in three-on-three games, underscoring the need to maximize scoring opportunities without relying on teammates.

Allisha Gray: "In three on three, you on the island. So you gotta learn how to get buckets, and you gotta learn how not to get buckets sold on you because you ain't got no help."

Nike Partnership and Signature Gear ([33:57] - [35:21])

Allisha expresses her enthusiasm about being a Nike athlete, appreciating the free gear and the brand's support.

Allisha Gray: "Oh, it's amazing. You get all the free gear. I like it. It's nice."

The conversation shifts to signature shoes, where the hosts commend Nike's efforts to support female athletes with specialized footwear.

DJ Wells: "One of my favorite things about your game life is you a bucket. So watching you in a three on three was hilarious because you just got to cook."

Future Aspirations and Closing Remarks ([35:22] - End)

Looking ahead, Allisha mentions her aspirations to aim for MVP honors, reflecting her competitive spirit and dedication to excellence.

Allisha Gray: "That'll be nice."

The hosts wrap up the episode by expressing their support and excitement for Allisha's future performances, especially during the upcoming All-Star weekend.

DJ Wells: "Listen, we are big fans. We can't wait to see what you do the rest of the season. Good luck this weekend. We're rooting for you."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [07:20] Allisha Gray: "Man, I'd be dressed rolling up in Ferraris. Yeah, I would have used that money nicely."

• [11:05] Allisha Gray: "If I'm open, I'm shooting. I don't even look to see where my feet at. I just let that thing fly."

• [19:53] Allisha Gray: "But as of right now, I'll be smart and finish out my four years, get my degree."

• [21:29] Allisha Gray: "I'm in my rookie year. First game of the season, I was a starter. I had to guard Diana Tarazi in her prime. And then next game, I had to guard Simone Augustus and Maya Moore."

• [23:28] Allisha Gray: "I probably say around like my... I've been in the league nine years. Probably around like my fourth year. Fourth, fifth year is when I felt like the game was starting to come to me."

• [25:08] Allisha Gray: "I left in the middle of the season."

• [30:01] Allisha Gray: "Shout out to Clutch Sports. They hook everything. Oh, my God."

Conclusion

In this episode of Club 520 Podcast, Allisha Gray provides an insightful look into her journey from a high school phenom to a seasoned WNBA All-Star. Her candid discussions about recruitment challenges, collegiate success, professional transitions, and personal experiences offer valuable inspiration for aspiring athletes. The episode not only highlights her athletic achievements but also underscores her leadership qualities and dedication to the sport. As Allisha gears up for the All-Star weekend, listeners are left motivated by her passion and commitment to excellence in the world of women's basketball.