Ray Tolbert was a star that everyone looked up to because of his talent, his size and his heart. In 1977 He was selected as a High School All American and Mr. Basketball of Indiana. He took his talent to Indiana University where he was the MVP of the NIT championship in 1979, Gold Medal winner at the Pan-Am games, two time Big Ten champs, Big Ten MVP, All-American 2nd Team and NCAA National Champions. He was selected as the 18th pick in the first round of the NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets and played for 7 years with several teams including the Atlanta hawks, Seattle Sonics, New York Knicks and the 1988 World Champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Ray knew he had the ability to mentor and motivate others. He took his skills from his many years of experience and took a position coaching the Frankfort High School basketball team where he went on to win 2 State Championships and 1 National title. From there Ray took his talents into a variety of other areas from his Nationally acclaimed “Big Rays” Basketball camp to coaching the Anderson Champions of the ABA.

Along the way Ray found that he knew how to connect with people and make a difference. His journey of life led him to connections that went far beyond the basketball court. He was the director of the “Good Decisions” program and also served as the deputy Coroner from 1998 to 2004. Ray found that good decisions in life are in many ways like the ones that had to be made on the court. It takes teamwork, attention to details and the ability to be unselfish when working with others. It also takes leadership abilities to be on the team as well as coaching the team. Life, Ray determined, was an extension of all the skills and principles he learned through his mentors on the court.

Ray now spends his time speaking to Corporations, schools, conferences, Prayer Breakfasts and Church groups while also working with inner-city young people at the Shepherd community Jireh Sports program. He also does a program at the Juvenile Detention Center called “rising above”.

Ray is committed to taking a message of hope to young and old alike. He is available to bring his contagious smile and articulate speaking ability to your next event. Ray is an ordained minister and yet also knows how to direct a message for schools and corporations that meet all requirements for message content. You will learn quickly that Ray’s message is one that you will want to hear, a story of being on the mountaintop and then dwelling in the depths of the valley. Ray is an overcomer and when he is done speaking to your organization; you will walk away changed for ever.