NBA stars Jonathan Isaac and Anthony Gill inspire students to realign their values with Christ

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac and Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill encouraged students at Liberty University’s Convocation on Wednesday to prioritize time with Christ, seek godly accountability, and never compromise faith during difficult times.

The event, moderated by Liberty Flames Basketball Head Coach Ritchie McKay and Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, marked Isaac’s second appearance on the Convocation stage. Last September, Isaac shared his testimony of refusing to kneel for the national anthem and wear a Black Lives Matter shirt, as other teams were doing, during the national social unrest following George Floyd’s death in 2020. He made headlines and gained both support and widespread criticism for his stance.

Isaac and Gill spoke on their unique paths to the NBA, how their walk with God has shaped them as professional athletes, and how their faith has empowered them to live as servants while competing at the highest level.

“I wish I had this experience when I was in college at Florida State, to be a part of a body, coming together worshiping,” Isaac said about Liberty’s Convocation, the largest weekly gathering of Christian young people in the world. “True freedom is identity in Christ, when we no longer allow outward circumstances or outward impressions to affect us. And we are able to live freely, boldly, and truthfully in who God has created us to be.”

Isaac was a 6-foot,10-inch standout when he was drafted into the NBA sixth overall in 2017 after playing one year for the Florida State Seminoles. Following his controversial decision to stand for the national anthem, Isaac wrote a book, “Why I Stand,” which explains why his faith prompted the decision. The author-athlete has since bolstered his testimony by launching Unitus Apparel, a Christian company that creates and sells values-based athletic clothing.

“Faith is believing and not allowing external circumstances to affect that faith and that belief,” Isaac said. “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. When I do stand up and recognize God (as my identity), I feel like I can do anything. And that’s what I want to instill in everyone here.”

Gill reminded students that a common misconception about professional athletes is that their careers provide ultimate meaning and satisfaction. He explained that attributing personal values to performance can hinder a strong relationship with Christ.

“Being an NBA player, people automatically assume that you are something, that you have it all figured out,” Gill said. “They assume that just because you’ve been blessed with a lot of money, life should be easy. … You have everything you’ve ever wanted at your fingertips.”

Gill played at the University of Virginia under McKay, an assistant coach at the time, and went on to play basketball professionally in Turkey and Russia before his NBA career. Both players have currently extended their contracts in the NBA.

Gill said the best way to represent Christ is to embody the spirit of a servant.

“I tell myself I need to be more like Jesus. And what was Jesus? The ultimate servant. So, I serve the people around me,” Gill said.

Isaac and Gill reminded students that it’s easy to attribute value to worldly circumstances, possessions, and careers. But escaping this bondage, they said, starts with resting in God’s purpose and placing your identity in Him.

“Let’s have revival,” Isaac said. “Let’s get outside of these four walls and continue to inspire people to stand and live for Christ.”

Convocation concluded on a high note with students competing in a lively free-throw contest for the chance to win Unitus apparel. The excitement reached its peak when Liberty’s president, Dr. Dondi E. Costin, showed off his dribbling skills before sinking a smooth jump shot.