David Robinson

Robinson dunking (Google images)

“I can run. I can jump. I can block shots. I can dunk. But I can’t take pride in that. I’m successful because God gave me the ability.” These are the words of a renowned basketball player and dedicated Christian, David Robinson. The way he lives his life on and off the court makes him my hero. On the court David was ranked as one of the top centers along with Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwan, and off the court he is the epitome of a godly man. Because I love basketball and want to be a godly man, David Robinson is a better example to me than other basketball players. A look at his life and his priorities make this especially clear.

The admiral celebrating a shot (Google images)

People are one of David’s big priorities. Once he told ninety-four fifth grade students that he would give them money for college if they stayed in school and out of trouble. Ninety of those students are still in the program today. This shows me that David cares for people and their welfare more than money. He acts on these convictions and I hope that I will be a person who does the same. His love for people includes his family. He spends a lot of time with them, teaching his three sons, who look up to their superstar basketball dad in everything, more than just his sport. I admire that David Robinson loves more in life than basketball.

Living up to his reputation as one of the best centers in the NBA, David did not disappoint. He was one of the only players ever to score a “quadruple double,” which is scoring double digits in points, rebounds, assists and blocks in one game. (He scored 34 points, had 10 blocks, 10 assists and 10 rebounds.) By doing this, he achieved what few other basketball players ever have. I admire both his hard work and excellence in basketball. Unlike other players at his level, David uses his fame and money to help other people in need and to proclaim the word of God. In conversations with David, the subject often turns form basketball to Jesus and how God uses him on and off the court.