JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville University's Robert McCray V has been named the ASUN Preseason Player of the Year the league office announced Thursday.

McCray earned Third-Team All-ASUN honors upon the conclusion of last season but has now been predicted to finish as the league's best player by coaches around the conference. Outside of being the first Dolphin since 2010 to be named Preseason POTY, McCray also landed on the league's Preseason All-ASUN team and was voted the league's Fan Vote Preseason Player of the Year.

"Rob being named Preseason Player of the Year is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the hard work and commitment he has shown," head coach Jordan Mincy said. "However, it's just the beginning—now comes the challenge of proving why he deserves that recognition. I have no doubt he  will rise to the occasion and set the standard for the season ahead."

The transfer from Wake Forrest led JU in scoring last year with 18.4 points per game. The athletic guard also notched splits of 4.2 boards and 2.9 assists per game. McCray's 589 total points scored was the highest mark by a Dolphin since the 2015-16 season.

McCray made his name known around the country during his time in last year's ASUN tournament. In the ASUN semifinals against eventual league winner Stetson, McCray dropped a career-high 36 points. In total, McCray's 91 tournament points set a new league record.

On the defensive end, McCray also made a strong impact, finishing seventh in the ASUN in steals during conference play with 18 for an average of 1.2 per contest. 

As a group, the Dolphins have been predicted to finish fifth in the ASUN in the Preseason Coaches Poll. In the Preseason Media poll, the Dolphins were picked to finish eighth but received a trio of first place votes.

McCray and the rest of the Dolphin squad will open their season at home on Nov. 4 against Trinity Baptist College. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. In last season's opener against Johnson (FL), McCray dropped 19 points on 8-11 shooting.