Athletes Changed By Christ Darren Brooks

Curtis played basketball at Jennings High School and after graduation moved to Chicago, Illinois to attend Rooselvelt College. Curtis continued playing basketball but hit a crossroad and wondered which direction to head into next. In a new city and not knowing many people, Curtis leaned on the Lord for guidance. That decision has helped pave the way for Curtis and he hasn’t looked back since.

Troy discusses how his uncle was a pastor and laid the foundation of Christ in him at an early age. Troy talks about starting his college career at Mizzou before transferring back home to Southern Illinois. He felt in his spirit Southern was the right fit for him. Troy ultimately fulfilled his dream of playing in the NBA for several different teams. Troy mentions staying humble and leaning on God not only during tough times, but during the good times too.

BJ talks about losing in the state championship game by 1 point at Lafayette High School. How his mother taught him at a young age to show love to people. BJ discusses going to play junior college basketball at East Central and how he faced some challenges there before going to Central Missouri State and collapsing on the court because of an irregular heart beat. God orchestrated it all and led BJ back home to finish his career at Harris Stowe in St. Louis, where it all started for him.

JP talks about growing up and nearly getting trapped alone in the car as a kid as the car began to move. He also discusses going from an all black school to an all white school and how social interactions affected him. He later dives into playing high school basketball at Ladue in St. Louis and college basketball at the University of Illinois- Chicago and how his faith in Christ played a huge role in it all.

Rasheeda talks about growing up in a family that sold, used, and abused drugs. How her father was sent to prison at a young age and she was looking for love in all the wrong places. She moved to another state and found basketball as an outlet. Rasheeda developed her skills and got a basketball scholarship to John A. Logan College where she was 3rd Team All American. She later played at Bradley University and made the All Defensive Team in the Missouri Valley Conference her senior year. There were ups and downs along the way but God had a plan that was custom made just for her.

Mo Jeffers talks about growing up in Arkansas in a single family home. How he was motivated to ease the burden on his mom by getting an athletic scholarship and going to college for free. He went to a junior college before heading to Saint Louis University to play for Lorenzo Romar. Maurice was selected in the 2nd round of the 2001 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings but injuries riddled him as he tried get started in his pro career. He later went overseas and played in several countries, got married, had his first child and realized how God had the perfect plan for his life, even though at times Maurice struggled to see that plan.