Breaking News: Brewer is a Jasper!!

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Ray Brewer Recently

February 28, 2006 – Ray Brewer, the former first team All-Met at Eleanor Roosevelt and current Patterson School prep standout (averaging 15 points and 8 assists) will be heading north for college next year. Yesterday, he contacted Manhattan College’s coach, Bobby Gonzales, informing him that the scholarship he previously offered has been accepted.

The school was chosen over George Mason, Loyola, Tulsa, St. Bonaventure, and UNC-Charlotte – all of which offered. Several also had, like the Bronx, NY-based Manhattan, recruited Ray since his 10th grade year.

According to Brewer, the school intrigued him from “the time I went up there for my visit”. He also indicated his respect for Gonzales factored heavily into his decision.

In addition to the Jasper’s coach, there were several other factors key to his decision. First, was the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Brewer characterized the MAAC as a “guard oriented conference”, which fits his playing style.

Along similar lines, Ray looked at the Jasper’s roster and concluded that “The whole team comes back, except their star guards”. He believes “If I do what I’m supposed to do”, a starting position could be secured on a team that recently won the MAAC regular season title for 2005-2006.

Another factor that influenced Ray’s decision was Manhattan College’s location. “New York City is a basketball city, and I’m a city basketball player” said Brewer. “For me personally, I think there is no other better city to play in than the Big Apple”.

Majoring in Communications, Ray sees a natural and logical benefit to attending his new school. “Another reason for me going there was that New York is the media capital. There are a lot of hands-on (learning and career) opportunities up there”.

The fact that New York is only three and a half hours away affords his family and friends “the opportunity to go up there and see me play”. They “have been behind me the whole time, and think it’s a good fit, going up there with Coach Gonzo (Gonzalez)”.

But he won’t have to wait until they visit to get a touch of home, as Ray indicated “Another PG County kid, Boo Jackson (formerly of Suitland High School) goes there”. The two “plan to make it (Manhattan) into a mid-level powerhouse”.

Brewer is presently concentrating on school work, and beginning the rehabilitation of his knee. Yesterday, he planned to visit his surgeon, receive an update, and be assigned a therapist. As previously reported by i95Ballerz.com, Ray believes he “will come back stronger than ever” after the operation. There should be no doubt he will.

The i95Ballerz.com family would like to commend Ray Brewer. He not only worked on his game, but more importantly improved in the classroom. The next time you hear somebody suggesting that student-athletes don’t do the right thing, inform him/her of Ray Brewer. He’s proof positive that good things happen to good people.