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NBA Star Jaden Ivey Tells Fans, "Jesus Is Coming Back"

  • Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
  • Updated Mar 14, 2024
NBA Star Jaden Ivey Tells Fans, "Jesus Is Coming Back"

An NBA All-Rookie player has a message for the world: Jesus is coming back.

Detroit guard Jaden Ivey said as much during a post-game interview following his team’s 118-112 victory over Brooklyn last week in which he scored 34 points and connected on six of nine three-pointers. The youthful Pistons have one of the league’s worst records, but that’s not stealing Ivey’s joy.

“I give all the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me these gifts and... just being able to glorify Him in heaven,” Ivey said, according to Church Leaders.

Asked about his growth as a player, Ivey added, “I sow the seed every day, just continuing to trust God to… grow my game. I still have more growth to go.”

Detroit picked Ivey fifth out of Purdue in 2022 after an All-American season, and he responded by landing on the NBA All-Rookie team and finishing sixth in Rookie of the Year voting. He is averaging 15.4 points per game this season.

Before leaving the podium after his team’s victory, Ivey brought the topic back to faith.

“I just want to say that Jesus is the way, the truth, the life,” he told reporters, according to Church Leaders. “And to any of… the world that’s hearing this message, the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Jesus is coming back, and we all have to repent for our sins. And we have to put our faith in Jesus.

“He will come back when you least expect it,” Ivey added. “It’s time to wake up if you haven’t put your faith in Jesus Christ.”

Ivey often has discussed his faith during his playing career. When he declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year in college, he said he was following “God’s plan.”

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the game of basketball,” Ivey wrote on X. “He has given me the passion, confidence and drive to pursue this dream of mine.”

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Image credit: ©Getty Images / Michael Reaves / Staff

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.