Hayden Gray snatches Maine's single season steals record

PORTLAND, Maine. - Defense has always been Hayden Gray's calling card.

Gray made national news when he led the Division I with 110 total steals, three per game during his senior campaign at UC-San Diego where he was named the Big West Defensive Player of the Year.

"Once I got to college, I carved out a role on the defensive end," Gray explained. "My anticipation got better as the years went on and me getting steals kind of became my calling card. I just became more aggressive with it and it leads to my offense in a lot of ways."

And that defensive prowess has now translated to the NBA G League where Gray's defense has dazzled his teammates and coaches. Gray competed with the Boston Celtics during NBA Summer League and in the preseason on an Exhibit 10 contract. He quickly established his defensive identity when Gray got a steal just 32 seconds into his first Summer League game.

"Signing an Exhibit 10 with them (Boston) was a super cool feeling knowing the history around Boston and being around the facilities, their development staff and front office. When I found out I was going to come to Maine to represent this organization, I was super happy."

Now in the G League, Gray has proven to be one of the league's most prolific defenders. Since the start of the Regular Season, Gray ranks second in total steals (56) and fifth in steals per game (2.3). In Wednesday's game against the Long Island Nets, Gray snagged two more steals. In Friday's game vs. Windy City at the Expo, he set a new franchise record for steals in a single season with 77 (Gray nabbed 20 steals during the Tip-Off Tournament). That surpassed Kadeem Allen's record of 76 steals set during the 2017-2018 season.

"I think with more experience on the court, I can find areas where I can be aggressive. In college, I knew when to be aggressive and when not to. At the professional level, I'm trying to find those same windows and I'm getting more comfortable in that area and just continuing to grow with time."

Maine Celtics Head Coach Phil Pressey has jokingly referred to Gray as 'The Riverboat Gambler," referencing the way Gray takes chances to create momentum-swinging plays on defense. Gray will jump into a passing lane, or leave his man for an impromptu double team to wreak havoc on the imposing team.

"Instincts. He in an instinctual player," Pressey explained. "He doesn't play with a care, he plays free. As a coach, when you have a player out there with no worries, not getting rattled, constantly pressuring the ball, it's amazing to see. Especially since he's a rookie."

Gray's confidence has grown throughout the G League season, and with that so has his aggressiveness as a defensive playmaker. That has translated to a more confident and aggressive player on offense, who is focused on embracing the role of being a point guard. That was evident on January 21 against College Park, when the rookie guard posted a ridiculous stat line of 23 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and eight steals.

"I think becoming more comfortable with the ball and being decisive as a point guard and controlling the game," Gray said. "Just being under control, setting the table for everyone."

Gray said he compares himself to players like Alex Caruso and TJ McConnell, describing the NBA veterans as "scrappy white guys" who have carved out successful careers against the odds. Gray shares a similar story. He had no Division 1 offers out of high school and played his first two collegiate seasons at Division II Azusa Pacific before becoming a standout at a rising program in UC-San Diego. Wherever Gray has gone, winning has followed.

So when it comes to placing a bet on the Riverboat Gambler making it to the association, don't count this "Scrappy White Guy" out.