Andre Jackson — the junior guard and co-captain of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team — is using his platform to point others to God.
Jackson’s star is rising in the wake of the UConn Huskies’ 76-59 NCAA men’s championship victory Monday night against the San Diego State Aztecs, earning UConn its fifth national title in the history of the men’s program, according to Sports Spectrum.
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He led the team with six assists and added three points, three rebounds, and two steals. This comes after his future on the court was uncertain following an Oct. 12 injury to his right pinky finger.
While Jackson only ended up missing the first three games, he said the incident taught him to trust God.
“I think everything happens for a reason,” he told the Journal Inquirer at the time. “So I think that this is definitely a message from God to just stay consistent in my work and stay on the same path.”
The UConn athlete often used his platform to acknowledge God, even noting to reporters that he feels a direct connection between basketball and his faith.
In fact, in the lead up to the championship game, he told reporters God “has put me in this position.”
“I feel like I’ve went through a lot of trials and tribulations in the past when it comes to basketball,” he said. “So for Him to present me with a great opportunity like this, I’m really just looking forward to trying to seize it and give all glory to Him, as always.”
Much of that perspective is likely the result of his relationship with his longtime trainer, Clyde Clymer, who is also a pastor. Over the years, Clymer has become a role model and father figure to Jackson.
“Clyde is my heart,” Jackson told CT Insider in March 2022. “The three most important things in my life — he is. He is my connection with God, and he’s been my connection with basketball. He was always there for me as a kid, when I was going through a lot. Didn’t have too much. He was a great role model.”
Jackson — who uses his Instagram and Twitter accounts to declare “All glory to God” and “Jesus loves you,” respectively — indicated after Monday’s victory he plans to return to UConn next season.
“Only way I’m not coming back is if coach tells me to leave,” he said.
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