Most college athletes have been perfecting their craft since they were young. But for University of North Florida freshman forward standout Dezuray McGill, her basketball journey didn’t start until the eighth grade. 

Growing up, McGill played every sport she could think of except basketball. Her mom became nervous once McGill asked to play the popular American sport due to its physicality. 

“I was doing every sport besides it [basketball], so my mom was like ‘ok, let’s put you in basketball’. She was scared because of the physicality of basketball. She was hesitant because I am her first [child] and she didn’t want me to get hurt,” she said. 

Growing Up

McGill grew up in Miami, Florida, playing basketball for American Heritage School. It was around her sophomore year when McGill decided to take basketball seriously. But before that happened, she spent a lot of time on the bench. 

“At the beginning I didn’t get a lot of minutes in the game, and my favorite memory was watching and learning. I got to see how close everybody was just because of the sport itself,” she said. 

In her senior year, McGill was ranked 34th in the state of Florida within the 2025 graduating class. She also assisted her team to four state tournament appearances and two FHSAA 4A State Championships. 

Becoming an Osprey

During her senior year of high school, McGill was fully committed to Long Island University, mainly because of the coaching staff. However, when the staff abruptly changed, McGill felt confused as to what her next steps should be. 

“The coaching staff was the reason I was going there [LIU] so it was a no for me going to LIU after they left,” she said. “One of the coaches from that school knew one of the coaches from here [UNF] and I think they sent over my film and told them about me. One thing led to another and I got a call and committed.”

McGill states that the coaching at UNF, specifically Head Coach Erika Lambert, made this an easy transition process for her. She only got the offer to come to UNF a month before summer conditioning began. 

“We were panicking, we didn’t know what we were going to do,” she said. “I never saw the campus until a week before summer started, after I already committed.”

Accomplished Goals at UNF

As a freshman on the team, McGil dreamed of becoming a starter. Aware that it would be something she would have to work hard for and prove herself for, she did it in no time. 

“I thought it would be a reach, and the fact that I did do it is kind of crazy,” said McGill.

On top of working hard, her teammates made for such a healthy and inspiring team to be a part of. The team working together to further everyone else rather than further themselves is what makes the team so strong. 

“My favorite moment so far was my [30-point] game. The way we all played that game, how we all shared the ball, and how everyone was happy for me. It’s usually never been like that in the past with other teams, so for everyone to be happy and there were no jealous faces, I think that was the best,” she said.

So far, McGill has been named the ASUN Freshman of the Week twice in December 2025. On top of that, she is the team’s highest point-scorer so far this season, with 184 points scored. 

What to Expect

As far as the future with McGill and the Ospreys, she plans to make it a college career that no one will forget. 

“I just want to continue to grow and expand my game. I want to continue to learn basketball in a deeper way,” she said. “Coming to college it is more serious now so I am just hoping that throughout the years I continue to be guided by my juniors and seniors and can become that person for future freshmen I play with.”

McGill’s plans for the future continue to show her dedication to this sport. She does not take these accolades lightly as she will continue to work hard and further herself through the years. 

“I want me and my team to win it all,” she said. 

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