‘Unknown Can Be Scary’: Arizona Basketball Star Leaned on Faith During Tough Decision

Published: January 9, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

Arizona Wildcat senior forward Tobe Awaka doesn’t just make an impact on the court; he lives a life centered on Christ.

In 2023-2024, Awaka transferred from Tennessee to Arizona, describing that choice as one of the toughest he’s ever had to make. He leaned heavily on his faith in God.

“Honestly, once I got the green light spiritually from God that I was making the right choice and moving in the right direction, it was tough going through on that, but I think ultimately, it’s been to my benefit and for my good,” he said on Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast. “Sometimes, as a believer, the unknown can be a little scary. The whole fact of having faith becomes real and true and something you have to put into practice, and that was definitely a moment where I had to.”

As it turned out, Awaka’s move to Arizona was the best thing for him. He has become open about his faith in his community.

“It’s been really cool just to see how God has moved,” he shared on the podcast. “Honestly, it just kind of started with two guys trying to dive deeper into their faith and learn more about it. It’s kind of grown into something cool and special. We’re still trying to grow it, still trying to get more guys on the team interested and bring them along, but it’s been a great experience.”

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Awaka’s faith became his own when he made the move from Tennessee to Arizona. He used to lean on the faith of his parents, but quickly realized he needed his own relationship with God.

“There’s a lot of things swirling, a lot of people in your ear, but internally you have this gravity telling you that it’s going to be OK,” he explained.

“Adversity is inevitable. We see that all throughout the Scriptures,” he continued. “But at the same time, Christ isn’t going to take that away, necessarily, but He’s going to help us walk through that. I definitely believe and feel that’s what He was doing with me through that time.”

Awaka has thus far posted a “double-double season, averaging 10.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, and shooting 59.8% from the floor — numbers that place him among the team’s and Big 12’s most consistent performers this year. And it’s all coming from a reserve role; despite starting 36 of 37 games last season, Awaka has come off the bench for every game this season,” per Sports Spectrum.

As the season head’s into the final stretch before March Madness, Awaka looks to continue his incredible play on the court and be a light for Christ.

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