Two days after Gordie was born, he came home to a brand new basketball in his crib. His dad
says he just wanted Gordie to be a well-rounded, not necessarily be b-ball crazy. By the
1st grade Gordie had a mini basketball court in his room and awakened every day to a
backboard, hoop and net over his bed. Eventually he and his dad put a court up outside and
it's the westernmost court in the continental U.S..
Gordie grew up in Petrolia and went to Mattole School. In the 4th grade, he and his school mates raised the money to transform the school's multi-purpose room into a gym. In his 8th grade year, Mattole School placed 2nd at the Crescent City tournament and Gordie made all-tourney.
Gordie has maintained straight A's and he's a member of the California Scholarship
Federation and the National Honor Society. Gordie says studies come first and his secret is
to be organized. His favorite teacher is Mike Benbow, and that Mr. Benbow is an
inspiration.
Gordie loves art in all forms and would like to have a career in film making, maybe
directing.
Gordie credits his dad with his love for basketball. Gordon, Sr. was his coach in grade school and his mom say they'll talk basketball year round. Gordie would also like to thank his Uncle Richard Graey, who was known as the "Shot" in the olden days, for coming up every summer to put on a clinic at Mattole Storm Basketball camp.
Gordie's advice for future players would be to work on your skills, play whenever and wherever you can and, if there is no one to have a game, you can use your imagination and get better by yourself. Basketball, Basketball, Basketball!