Herald-Sun Feature Story in PDF Format

Ayala is the lone starter returning for the Eagles in 2007-08.

2006-07: As a sophomore, averaged a team-high 31.1 minutes per contest in 26 games played, including 23 as a starter. Averaged 9.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Led team in scoring in five games, including a career-high 33 points in a season-opening 95-82 victory over Columbus State University (Nov. 17, 2006). Distributed a career-best 10 assists versus Saint Augustine's College (Jan. 13, 2007). Ranked fifth in the conference (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) in assists with 117. Ranked third in the CIAA in steals with 57. Connected on a running jump shot as time expired to give the Eagles a 67-65 win over the eventual NCAA Division II national champions, Barton College (Nov. 18, 2006). Voted as the CIAA Player of the Week and the BC Powder Classic Most Valuable Player (Nov. 17-18, 2006).

2005-06: As a freshman, played in 28 games, including 18 as a starter, averaging 22.4 minutes per contest. Started the last 14 games of the season. Topped team with 43 steals and finished 14th in the conference in steals per game (1.54). Ranked second on the squad with 59 assists. Placed third on the team in free throw shooting (71.4 percent). Selected CIAA Rookie of the Week (Feb. 25) after amassing season-highs of 17 points, five assists and two blocked shots, to go along with six rebounds and a steal against Johnson C. Smith (Feb. 25). Scored in double figures for five consecutive games from Feb. 2-14.

High School (Granby H.S.): Voted First Team All-District, First Team All-Tidewater, Second Team All-Region and Honorable Mention All-State. Averaged 19.6 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists per game as a senior. Averaged 21 points per game during the playoffs, helping team win Eastern District Championship. Honors graduate.

Personal: Born January 20, 1987, in Philadelphia, Pa. Mother is Susan Ayala. Major at NCCU is Criminal Justice. Received the 2007 NCCU Men's Basketball Academic Award as the student-athlete with the highest grade point average. Dean's List student at NCCU.