New To Coastal, Perry And Washington Emerging As Leaders - Coastal Carolina University Athletics

CONWAY, S.C. – Newcomers Trey Perry and Darius Washington III are making their voices heard at Coastal Carolina, each in his own way.

Perry speaks up. Washington lets his actions do more of the talking. Head coach Justin Gray saw leadership in both sophomore transfer guards early in the preseason.

"D3 is quieter and probably more action," Gray said. "Trey is going to tell you about it. More vocal.

"They don't preach anything that they're not willing to do."

A three-year captain at Lakota East High School in Ohio, Perry joined the Chanticleers after helping Miami (Ohio) win its first 31 games and finish the regular season undefeated last year. The RedHawks finished 32-2 and reached the NCAA Tournament.

The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 5.8 points in 32 games, scored in double figures eight times and shot 38.3 percent from 3-point range. Miami's success also taught him the importance of staying disciplined and consistent.

At Coastal, that means bringing energy and defensive effort every day, whether his shots are falling or not—an approach he believes helps earn his teammates' trust.

"Each game you play, no matter how much you win or how much you lose, it's just staying grounded to what coaches talk about," Perry said. "It's just kind of being the same person day in and day out. A lot of people respect consistency."

Washington's connection to Gray goes back further than his own recruitment.

His father, Darius Washington Jr., participated alongside Gray at the 2005 USA U21 National Team trials and training camp. Washington Jr. played at Memphis before spending 16 seasons in professional basketball, including time with the San Antonio Spurs.

Gray began recruiting Washington while coaching at Western Carolina, a relationship that helped bring the 6-foot-5 Orlando, Fla., native to Coastal after he averaged 5.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 24 games as a freshman at Kennesaw State, where he helped the Owls win the ASUN title and go to the NCAA Tournament last season.

"It was just a relationship that I had already built, so it was kind of an easy decision for me," Washington said.

Washington works to earn his teammates' trust by showing up each day, giving his best effort and putting the team first. He also talks with teammates after plays about how they can improve together.

He has become more vocal since arriving at Coastal, but he also appreciates Perry's willingness to speak up.

"Being really, really vocal is something that's very good for this team," Washington said.

Perry sees their different personalities as a strength, especially in close games.

"I bring passion and energy, and he brings poise and calmness," Perry said. "You need that late game when it's a clutch moment."

Gray has seen Perry and Washington earn respect through their extra work in the gym and their play in practice.

"When they get out there, they produce in practice," Gray said. "You want to have those guys on your team."

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Players Mentioned

Trey Perry

Darius Washington III

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Darius Washington III

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