May 4, 2005

Winston-Salem, NC - The Winston-Salem State University Office of Sports Information announced on Wednesday that WSSU basketball player Darnell Gregory (Fayetteville, NC) has been named to the Black Issues in Higher Education Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar First-Team for basketball, making him the only CIAA student-athlete to be named to the first-team. As well, Gregory graces the cover of HBC Sports Magazine's inaugural issue as the magazine's feature story examines how he balances his studies and college basketball.

Gregory, a junior Molecular Biology major and Chemistry minor, who possesses a 3.618 grade point average, was recently named the WSSU Male Athlete of the Year and is a two-time member of the CIAA Commissioner's All-Academic Team.

He recently completed his third season with the Rams' basketball team and is a two-year starter that appeared in, and started, all 29 games for WSSU this season as he helped to lead the Rams to a 22-8 record and WSSU's first CIAA Western Division title since 2000. He averaged 5.9 points and 3.7 rebounds over the course of the season.

Gregory plans to attend dental school following graduation in May of 2006, and due to his studies and possible dental school internships next fall and spring, he may choose not to play basketball during the 2005-06 season.

For additional information on Darnell Gregory, or to arrange an interview, contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at (336) 750-2143 or log on to the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com