Dwight Dewayne "Chila" McCray

Our beloved brother, Dwight Dewayne McCray, was born on 6 February 1969, to Mr. J.W. Donerson and Ms. Marie Jacobs McCray, in Bolton, Mississippi. Dewayne became a star basketball player at a young age, playing varsity basketball at Provine High School, where he was named the most valuable player and was selected to the McDonalds 1st Team All-American in 1987. After earning a full scholarship, Dewayne went on to play college basketball at Eastern Oklahoma State College in 1988, where he earned Most Valuable Player, First Team All-American and Most Outstanding Player in the district. Dewayne later transferred to Arkansas State University and soon became a star player for the Arkansas Indians. Dewayne later graduated from Arkansas State in 1991.

Dewayne had several professional offers, but ultimately landed his talent and career with the FIBA Association, represented by the Legacy Sports Agency. Dewayne has played in Argentina, New Zealand, Chile, and USA.

Here's a tribute to his legacy from the Argentina News:

• BASKETBALL: 'CHILA' McCRAY PASSES AWAY, A NATIONAL LEAGUE LEGEND / TWO-TIME CHAMPION WITH ESTUDIANTES DE OLAVARRÍA AND BOCA

  • The American basketball player Dwayne "Chila" McCray has sadly passed away, leaving a significant mark on Argentine basketball. He won three titles under the guidance of his loyal coach, Sergio "Oveha" Hernández, and was known for his vibrant personality both on and off the court.

    McCray, a champion of the Liga Nacional with Estudiantes de Olavarría and Boca, was found deceased in his apartment in Utah, USA. Further details regarding the circumstances remain undisclosed.

    "A star, a leader, a winner; you taught us that helping others become better is what truly makes a difference," wrote Hernández on his Instagram account, who coached him during Estudiantes' historic double championship seasons (1999/00 and 2000/01), later bringing him to Boca for more success (2003/04).

    The American began his Argentine journey in the Second Division, making a name for himself at Instituto de Córdoba in the TNA during 1996, averaging an impressive 28.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game. His outstanding performance caught the attention of Hernández, who recruited him to Estudiantes to forge history. The Olavarría team notably shone during the 1999/00 season, featuring the talented "Colorado" Rubén Wolkowyski and significant contributions from McCray, who built a reputation for rising to the occasion during critical moments.

    Legend has it that McCray was not particularly enthusiastic about regular-season games or training sessions but always stepped up when it mattered most. In the following tournament, after Wolkowyski had moved to the NBA, Estudiantes, along with "Chila" and Hernández, clinched the title once again, this time with American Byron Wilson named MVP, alongside renowned LNB players like Paolo Quinteros and Daniel Farabello.

    McCray reunited with Wilson, Quinteros, and Hernández at Boca, where he celebrated another championship in 2004, amassing three titles in just four seasons. The versatile forward also had a stint with Ben Hur.

    The followers and protagonists of the Liga Nacional remembered former player Dwayne Chila McCray, who made a tremendous impact with Boca Juniors and Estudiantes de Olavarría.

    The Liga Nacional, along with everyone involved in its daily activities, were shocked by the tragic news of the passing of one of the most beloved figures in its history. Dwayne Chila McCray, a pivotal character during the finest moments of Estudiantes de Olavarría and Boca Juniors, was found dead in his apartment at the age of 56.

    "With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to Dwight McCray, with multiple champions with our institution, who passed away yesterday at the age of 56 in Utah, USA. Farewell, "Chila," published Boca Juniors on their "X" account (formerly Twitter). The Bataraz also paid tribute to the American via Instagram. Nicolás Gianella, a historic reference of the squad, shared a fun picture captioned: "Friend, how much you taught us and how much you made us laugh!". His career in the Argentine basketball top tier spanned six seasons from 1999 to 2005.

    On March 2016, Dewayne married Paula Garia of Chile, and had a son, Lorenzo Garia McCray. Dewayne also has a daughter, Mariam McCray, from Argentina.
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  • Dewayne "Chila" McCray was more than just a basketball player. He had a larger-than-life presence, who brought heart, resilience, strength, love and unwavering dedication to his craft and family. He was fluent in Spanish and worked a short stint as a translator for the Immigration/Nationalization Agency.
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  • Dewayne lived the later part of his life with his lifelong partner, Donna Doddridge, who he loved dearly. They both lived together in Salt Lake City, Utah. These are the words solely expressed by Donna, to the one she loved: "...I will miss my Big Man so much. I love him with my entire heart. We had a bond that I cannot explain..."
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  • As we gather to honor him today, we remember not only his incredible talent, but also the joy, laughter and inspiration he gave everyone, and his legacy and memories live on and will not be forgotten. Dewayne leaves behind his father, J.W. Donerson Sr., mother, Marie Jacobs McCray, children, Mariam, and Lorenzo, 7 sisters, Cassandra, Patricia, Jeanette, Jennifer, Beverly, Angela, and Lillie; a host of nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.
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  • We miss you and love you "Chila" McCray. R.I.P.