[1] Slay was poised to have another strong year as a junior, as he became a regular starter for the Volunteers and again showed improvement in his production, raising his averages to 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

He averaged 21.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game and was named the Associated Press SEC Player of the Year[3] and a third team All-American.

He took part in the Orlando Summer League as a member of the Miami Heat's entry, however he did not make the team.

This began an international basketball career that would take Slay to Israel, Venezuela, Italy, Spain, and Puerto Rico.

In their first-round matchup, Slay scored 14 points in 21 minutes in the City of Gods' 88–86 loss to Gael Nation, a team composed of Iona College basketball alum.