Grayson “The Professor” Boucher is one of the most popular players on the highly stylized, international AND 1 Mixtape Tour and arguably the most popular streetball player ever.
Born and raised in Keizer, Oregon, just outside the state’s capitol of Salem, his love for basketball began at age three when his father bought him a Larry Bird Hoops set. After many years and countless hours in the gym, practicing in his driveway, attending basketball camps, playing in youth leagues and AAU basketball he developed first rate skills. Grayson always has taken pride in outworking all of his peers and showing improvement every year.
In high school, he was always shorter than most of his teammates and thus undervalued by his high school coaches. Even in his junior year at McNary High School, Grayson was relegated to the J.V. team. He knew he had to become a starter on the varsity level in order to get a look by a college team. So, he transferred to a smaller private school, Salem Academy. He won the starting point guard spot and was determined to work harder than anyone else. This paid off, and he became an All-State selection averaging 20 points and 7 assists. Grayson was just one vote shy from league MVP.
Despite impressive senior year stats, he didn’t receive any offers to play college ball. To increase his chances for a scholarship, he walked on at Chemeketa Community College. His assistant coach at the time, David Abderhalden, saw the promise others had overlooked. He mentored Grayson in the gym and on the court, pushing him to reach new heights. As a result, Grayson made vast improvements in his game.
Grayson had always been a fan of the AND 1 Mixtape Tour. When it stopped in Portland in 2003, he grabbed his brother and went as a fan. Although he knew that AND 1 was having an open run, he had no idea what was about to happen. On a whim, he decided to go for it and instead of watching the game that night, he ended up playing in it. After an impressive performance, he was invited onto the tour bus and ESPN viewers voted overwhelmingly to keep him on the tour. During this time, MC Duke Tango dubbed him “The Professor” for “schooling people on the court.” His trademark moves and his last second game winners have made him a fan favorite ever since.
After years of hard work and chasing his passion, Grayson Boucher had found his home with AND 1. He has played in over 20 countries and has been featured in 6 seasons of “Streetball” on ESPN, 4 AND 1 Mixtape DVD's, and 4 AND 1 Commercials. Not one to ever remain content, he continues training and playing every day even when he’s on tour year round.
Grayson continues playing organized basketball aside from AND 1. While still contracted by the company, he has played for the Salem Stampede in the IBL (Intercontinental Basketball League) in the 2006 season and played for the Atlanta Krunk in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association) during the 2007-2008 season.
He also has embarked on an acting career with a lead role in the upcoming “Ball Don't Lie” which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival and will be released in theaters May 2009. In 2009 he begins shooting “Phenom” opposite Vanessa L. Williams and Chris Brown, directed by David Anspaugh (“Rudy” and “Hoosiers”).
