A Hoop Dream Come True

CBN.com Last night the University of North Carolina clinched the NCAA championship. Winning 75 to 70, the Tar Heels beat Illinois in a nail-biter that came down to the last minute.

This win for UNC capped what was a tremendous NCAA tournament. Every year interesting story lines develop. This year, perhaps nothing more interesting than no. 43 of Illinois.

Roger Powell is nicknamed “The Rev” and “Preacher Man” by his teammates and for good reason. Powell is an ordained minister, and while he may be NBA bound, he is looking into the ministry.

Roger Powell was not bashful about speaking about his faith in the NCAA Final Four.

“Jesus means everything to me. Look at my shoes,” he said before last night’s championship game.

He's not kidding. His favorite Bible verses were written on his shoes. He has a deep love for Jesus Christ. “I am a minister,” he said. “I really feel that God has blessed me so much.”

He showed that in the victory over Louisville this past weekend. In a media frenzy after the game, he shared what was on his mind.

“I said thank you, Jesus. Pointed up. I wasn't doing number one. I was pointing to the Lord.”

He added, “The Bible is true. You can do all things through Christ.”

Teammate Brian Randall saw his faith grow with the season. “Having Roger Powell has brought our team together as a family,” he said. “I think the Lord has played a huge part in our team.”

For many of the players, God is essential.

“Everything I do -- not just in basketball but just the way I live my life -- I do it for Him,” said Drew Neitzel, Michigan State's point guard. “Without Him, I wouldn't be in the situation that I am in. And through all of the ups and downs especially in the freshmen year, He is always on my side. Even when everybody is down on you, you can look to God for support and guidance. My faith has gotten me through this year.”

Talk about faith getting you through the hard times. Carolina’s David Noel injured his right hand before the start of the season. He is a better player because of the injury.

“During the off season, I talked to God,” said Noel. “One of my weaknesses is in my left hand. God said, ‘Okay, I will take your right hand away from you.’ I have worked on my left hand every since. I never looked at it as bad. I asked for this, this is what [God] gave me, and I appreciate that.”

Louisville's Larry O'Bannon also sees the faithfulness of God. “He helped me to persevere. Without Him I don't know where I would be. He helped me in my life not only in basketball but off of the court, too. When you look back and see what He brought you through to where you are at now, you understand why He took you through the things. He works in wonderful ways. “