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HAVING HEART

In the 1998 NBA draft, the 16th player chosen was not exactly known as a can't miss prospect. When this guard was in a high school basketball camp, he didn't even make the All-Star team.

But four years later, Bryce Drew was Mr. Basketball in Indiana. Another four years later, the Houston Rockets picked the little known player. After two years in the NBA the player once considered too skinny and small continues to earn more playing time and more respect.

How does a remarkable story like Bryce Drew happen? Drew himself attributes it to several factors.

One, Drew didn't quit even when he failed. "I think kids, sometimes when they fail, they will go on to something else instead of sticking with it. I think even though they fail, they should stick with it."

Two, Drew knew the power of hard work and was willing to make necessary sacrifices. "The biggest thing you have to understand is you have to work hard. I was at a high school camp in Indianapolis and I didn't even make the all-star team. And then four years later I was Mr. Basketball and it's just from making sacrifices to work hard."

Three, Drew's faith was in someone bigger than himself. He trusted God with his life. "He's going to lead you the right way."

Before Drew's high school senior year, he faced his third surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat. He recalls, "I knew I didn't really have control over what was going to happen with my life. I had to sign that paper that said if I died, the doctor is not responsible. That kind of woke me up and made me think about it a lot. So, before the surgery, I put my trust in God. Ever since then, I know He's the only constant, so I try to put everything on Him."

Those three important ingredients Bryce Drew found to be true will be true for you in life and basketball. When you fail, what is your attitude? Do you keep going? Are you determined not to quit despite momentary defeat? Don't quit even when you fail.

Do you have the hard work attitude of Bryce Drew? Do you sacrifice to practice your skills more often? Hard work and sacrifice are essential.

Finally, the Bible says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Have you put your life in God's hands? Just as God has a plan for Bryce Drew, God also has a plan for your life. If you will put your trust in God, you will discover His plan for you. Put your trust in God.

Christ my Coach,

Steve Teel