‘All the Glory to God’: Raptors First-Round Pick Steps Into NBA with Unshaken Faith

Published: July 6, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

Toronto Raptors first-round draft pick Allen Graves let faith guide his journey to the NBA.

“We just did a family prayer outside at the NBA Draft. Faith is the biggest part of who I am and why I’m here today,” Graves told the NBA. “Why I’m able to be on this stage that I’m on, God has blessed me to be here, and just keeping that as I take this next step in my journey. Really carrying that one with me and carrying on that legacy and giving Him the glory in this moment.”

On April 7, Graves announced that he would declare for the NBA Draft, thanking God for the incredible opportunity.

“This journey has been nothing but a blessing, and I give all the glory to God for every opportunity and every challenge that has shaped me,” the former UC Santa Clara forward wrote. “I’m beyond thankful for my family that has supported me every step of the way. I’m grateful to Bronco Nation for believing in me. This path is not one that I have walked alone.”

Graves then referenced James 4:10, which reads, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

“With that faith and foundation, I’ll be declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft,” he concluded.

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Throughout his career at Santa Clara, Graves became increasingly known as the guy who led Bible studies on Instagram. He started a new account, @allen_studies, where he would invite people to study God’s Word with him.

So far, the forward has led 780 studies on social media, a movement that quickly garnered attention from basketball and faith-centered social media. Through his studies, Graves has also highlighted the increasing number of athletes becoming more unashamed about their faith in God.

In his only season at Santa Clara, the athlete collected both Freshman of the Year award and Sixth Man of the Year award.

It’s obvious, though, that those awards aren’t what matters the most to Graves. From leading Bible studies on Instagram to being selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, Graves’ rise has been nothing short of remarkable. But as he trades his Santa Clara jersey for Toronto Raptors colors, he isn’t letting the sudden fame shift his focus. Guided by the principles of James 4:10, Graves is stepping into the NBA with the same humility and devotion that got him there, ready to tackle the next chapter of his basketball journey while keeping God at the center of it all.

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