Gabe McGlothan, a talented 6-foot-7 forward with potential for the NBA, is not afraid to share his faith in Jesus Christ with the world. As a member of the Grand Canyon University Antelopes, a division I basketball team in the Western Athletic Conference, McGlothan is not only leading his team in rebounding on the court, but also leading by example off the court. He has been spotted reading the Bible on the bench before games, a practice he has been following since his appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
McGlothan appeared on a podcast with Jason Romano of Sports Spectrum, a faith- and sports-focused news outlet, to discuss his pregame Bible reading. When asked if he spends those moments simply holding the Bible or actually reading it, he replied, “Reading it.” He went on to explain that the practice began with former teammate Jayden Stone and they would read a verse together before taking it out to the game. McGlothan sees this as a constant reminder that when adversity strikes, they know exactly where to turn.
Our latest podcast with @GCU_MBB player @GabeMcGlothan5 is out now.
Topics include:
-Reading his Bible on the bench before introductions at games
-His greatest accomplishment
-The 2023 Big Dance momenthttps://t.co/YjxTALFlFF— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) January 12, 2024
Although McGlothan did not start this practice to gain attention, he has received many positive reactions from those around him. He believes that it has had a positive impact on his teammates and those watching him. While being a successful athlete does not determine one’s ability to be a witness for Christ, when athletes do achieve their competitive goals, their public displays of faith can have a significant impact.
The 2023-24 season has been a successful one for McGlothan and the Antelopes so far. They currently have a record of 16-1 and have won all six conference games. Their winning streak of 13 consecutive games includes a victory over the then-25th-ranked San Diego State Aztecs, a team that was the runner-up in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. It appears that the Antelopes are on track for another conference championship and a return to the NCAA Tournament.
Head coach Bryce Drew is impressed with McGlothan’s skills on the court and believes he has a chance to play professional basketball. He also notes that McGlothan’s faith has grown during his time at GCU. The young forward has shared the development of his faith on social media, including posting a photo of his baptism in 2020 and discussing his faith in a podcast posted to TikTok in 2023.
For McGlothan, being a Christian means taking on a public responsibility. He explains that when we call ourselves Christians, our actions are a reflection of what a believer in Christ should be. Other athletes, such as basketball player Jonathan Isaac and quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and C.J. Stroud, have also been open about their faith in Christ. This serves as a reminder that not all athletes are caught up in the “woke” sports culture and that there are still many who are proud to share their faith with the world.
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Gabe McGlothan is a prime example of an athlete who uses his platform to share his faith and set an example for others. Through his actions on and off the court, he demonstrates the importance of bringing Christ into all areas of his life. As sports fans, it is important to not overlook athletes like McGlothan and instead, recognize and support those who stand firm in their faith.