UConn Co-Captain Wants To ‘Give All Glory’ To God Following NCAA Tournament Win
By Movieguide® Contributor
The University of Connecticut’s basketball team took home the title at this year’s NCAA Tournament and co-captain Andre Jackson Jr. gave all the glory to God.
UConn’s win made them the first team ever to win all six games of the tournament by 13 or more points. It was also the first national championship for head coach Dan Hurley.
Jackson was one of the stars of the game, with six assists, three rebounds, two steals, and three points.
Jackson’s basketball coach, Clyde Clymer, is also a pastor, and the player has always seen basketball and religion as connected.
“I feel like God has put me in this position,” Jackson said of his collegiate basketball career. “I feel like I’ve went through a lot of trials and tribulations in the past when it comes to basketball. So for Him to present me with a great opportunity like this, I’m really just looking forward to trying to seize it and give all glory to Him, as always.”
Jackson was initially unsure if he would even be able to participate in the tournament, as he had to undergo surgery for a fractured pinky finger. He missed just three games.
“I think everything happens for a reason,” he said of his return to the game. “So I think that this is definitely a message from God to just stay consistent in my work and stay on the same path.”
Jackson is far from the only basketball player with a strong Christian background. Movieguide® previously reported:
The Tennessee Volunteers men basketball team are ranked No. 4 in the country, led in part by star Jahmai Mashack.
For the 2022-2023 season, the Volunteers are 16-3 and according to head coach Rick Barnes, it starts with the team’s defense—something Mashack excels at on the court.
Despite the Volunteers rich history, Mashack said that Barnes’ faith was what initially attracted him to the school.
“I think Tennessee really stood out to me because of one, they really announced that they were close with the Lord and that was a big thing for me,” Mashack said. “Coach Barnes has been outspoken with his Christianity and his religion. I think that was one of the biggest things for me with joining this program.”
Mashack said that Barne’s boldness reflects his own desire to use his platform to share Christ.
“I’m encouraged by him because he’s not afraid to talk about [his faith],” Barnes said of Mashack.
“I want to use this platform I have with basketball to reach other people and bring others to Christ,” Mashack said. “That’s probably the biggest thing for me, just trying to bring others to Christ and using this as something just to reach out to people.”
Did your bracket have UConn winning the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament?
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
