RayJ Dennis: Rising from College Star to NBA Contender — All You Need to Know

In the 2025 NBA preseason, point guard RayJ Dennis turned heads with a combustible performance: 16 points in 19 minutes, hitting four of six three-pointers, and dropping 14 points in the fourth quarter alone. That burst of impact, especially given limited opportunities last season, has fans and analysts asking: Who is RayJ Dennis? What is his story—and what might his future hold?

Dennis’s path is one of perseverance, development, and overcoming physical and competitive challenges. Here’s a deeper look at his biography, collegiate success, early pro steps, playing style, and what to watch going forward.

Early Life & Background

• Full name and origin: RayJ Dennis (Raymond Patterson Dennis) was born on March 30, 2001, in Plainfield, Illinois.

• High school development: He first attended Montini Catholic High School, then transferred to Oswego East High School. At Oswego East, he became a dominant player—averaging around 23.2 points, 5.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game in his senior year. He earned MVP honors and led his school to its first sectional championship.

• Early challenges: Dennis was born with clubfoot, requiring casts and braces in early life. Many doctors had low expectations for athleticism, but with rehabilitation and resolve, he defied predictions.

His upbringing was deeply supported by his parents—his father Ray played college baseball (at TCU) and encouraged athletic discipline, while his mother Carla emphasized faith and persistence.

College Career: Growth, Transfer, and Stardom

Boise State Beginnings

Dennis started his NCAA journey at Boise State University in 2019. As a freshman, he played in all 32 games, earning experience running an offense and gaining confidence.

In his sophomore year, he became a full-time starter and averaged ~8.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He also earned attention for a clutch game against Utah State, where he scored 19 points in just a few minutes to spark a dramatic comeback.

Transfer to Toledo & Breakout Seasons

Dennis transferred to Toledo and achieved his greatest college success there. In the 2022–23 season:

• He averaged 19.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds, scoring in double figures every game.

• He set a career-high 32 points plus 7 assists against Ball State in a key regular-season game.

• He earned MAC Player of the Year honors and First-Team All-MAC recognition, while leading Toledo to a conference title.

His efficiency stood out: he had one of the top assist-to-turnover ratios in the nation (~3.0), placing him among elite decision-makers.

Final College Season at Baylor

In the 2023–24 season, Dennis moved to Baylor University, competing in the Big 12. There, he averaged around 13.6 points and 6.7 assists per game. He earned Big 12 Second Team and All-Newcomer honors, showing he could compete at a high major-conference level.

His assist totals that season (236) ranked among the top all-time in Baylor’s single-season history.

In short, his college path demonstrates steady growth—from role player to star in mid-major, then adjusting to elite-level competition.

Professional Journey & NBA Entry

Undrafted but Undeterred

Despite a strong college résumé, Dennis went undrafted in 2024. That did not deter him. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the LA Clippers that September. However, he was waived in October.

Following that, he briefly signed a two-way deal with the Washington Wizards, only to be waived after two days. He then joined the Clippers’ G League roster.

Signing with the Pacers

On January 3, 2025, Dennis signed a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers, allowing him to split time with the team’s G League affiliate (Indiana Mad Ants / Noblesville Boom).

During his 11 appearances in the prior season, he averaged 2.7 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 6.4 minutes per game.

His 2025 preseason burst—16 points, 5 assists in 19 minutes, hitting 4-of-6 triples—grabbed headlines and signaled his readiness to expand his role.

Playing Style, Strengths & Areas for Growth

Style & Role

Dennis is a traditional floor general / point guard: he thrives in playmaking, court vision, pick-and-rolls, and controlling tempo. He often plays in the second unit, providing spark and direction.

He consistently shows defensive activity, using quick hands to create steals and disrupt passing lanes. That defensive intensity, combined with solid basketball IQ, makes him more than a passer.

Strengths

• Playmaking & court management: His strong assist numbers and decision-making stand out from college to pros.

• Scoring burst ability: The preseason display showed he can take over offensively in short spurts.

• Efficiency & adaptability: His track record suggests he can improve shooting and adjust under pressure.

• Resilience & mindset: Overcoming a physical challenge (clubfoot) and navigating an undrafted path show strong mental toughness.

Areas to Improve

• Consistent three-point shooting: In college, his three-point percentage hovered around ~32%. That needs to rise in the NBA to stay relevant off the bench.

• Physical strength & durability: Guarding bigger NBA backs, absorbing contact, and maintaining stamina across seasons will be important.

• Usage balance: He must learn to balance playmaking and scoring so defenses can’t exploit a one-dimensional trait.

• Defensive consistency: Continuously improving footwork, lateral quickness, and anticipation.

Recent Highlights & Impact

His most notable recent moment was in a Pacers–Timberwolves preseason game, which he influenced decisively:

• 16 points in 19 minutes

• 5 assists, tied for team-high

• Hit 4-of-6 three-pointers

• Scored 14 points in the 4th quarter alone

• The Pacers won 135–134 in overtime

• The display raised expectations for a larger role this season, especially with the absence of Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) from opening rosters.

Suited for increased opportunity, Dennis may see more minutes, especially if injuries or rotations open space in the backcourt.

Additionally, he has shown improvement in shooting—his 50% three-point mark during Summer League indicates his potential to step up scoring.

What to Watch & Future Outlook

1. Expanded playing time
   If Dennis translates his energetic preseason performances into regular-season contributions, he may earn more consistent minutes.

2. Stat growth under pressure
   Look for his assist-to-turnover ratio and scoring efficiency when matched against stronger defensive units.

3. Shooting improvement
   A 3-and-D profile is highly valued; boosting three-point accuracy will deepen his NBA viability.

4. Role evolution
   Dennis may mature into a hybrid role: primary ball handler in some lineups, spark plug scorer in others.

5. Longevity & contract status
   Being on a two-way deal gives flexibility—but he needs to prove he deserves full NBA contract status.

RayJ Dennis is a compelling NBA story in progress—one fueled by resilience, development, and flashes of high-level promise. His path from overcoming clubfoot to excelling at mid-major and major-college levels, and then forging an entry into the NBA, speaks to his grit and potential.

His recent preseason explosion suggests he’s knocking at the door of relevance in the NBA. But to cross it, he must sharpen skills, maintain consistency, and adapt to the pace and physicality of pro basketball.

For now, Dennis is no longer just a name to know—he’s one to watch.