Landen Lucas will be a freshmen at Kansas University in the fall. He has committed to play for the Kansas Jayhawks Men’s Basketball Team. We have heard all about his great athletic skills and will continue to hear about them and see them firsthand. Just check out youtube.com to watch Landen excel on the basketball court. This story is not about his skills but about the most important part of his life, his faith and his walk with Christ.
Landen is from Portland, Oregon and will graduate from Westview High School in May. He just finished his high school basketball career and even tweeted this “Its crazy to think the next time I’ll be playing an official basketball game will be with Kansas!” Not only will KU get a great basketball player but will also get a great young man who strives to be like Jesus.
Landen chose Kansas because of the great coaching staff, the tradition and his opportunity to develop as a player and the chance to play. Watching videos of him score, rebound and defend show why Kansas fans are ready for him to come and continue the winning tradition.
I asked Landen some questions about his walk with Christ and his faith. Here are his answers:
Tell me about your spiritual journey in life:
Landen- I have always had had Christ in my life and I’m following his path to impact others through my talents.
When did you start your journey with Christ?
Landen- Every Sunday going to church ever since I could remember.
Is there someone who instilled your faith in you and who spiritually influences you?
Landen- My mom had a big role in it and so did my pastor. My mom always brings things back to God. Good or bad, and it really has made an impact on me.
Do you ever have to choose between faith and sports growing up and today?
Landen- Yes, just the normal perception of sports players makes it hard to chose what route to take in my spiritual life.
Is it hard to be a Christian and play high school sports?
Landen- Yes expectations make it very hard.
Does your teammates know you are a Christian?
Landen- Yeah I’m sure its pretty clear to them by now.
What church do you go to and are you involved in a youth ministry?
Landen- New Song since I was 3 and when I have time I try and get involved with it.
Has sports challenged your faith?
Landen- Yeah especially during the downs and times it was hard to believe and trust in Him.
Is it hard as a Christian athlete with temptations that are all around you?
Landen- Yes, many are put in front of you when you are in the spotlight and it’s one of the hardest things to resist them.
Are there other teammates who share your faith?
Landen -On my current team there are a few.
Can u tell me about a time where God has really impacted your life?
Landen- When I was out at Findlay away from my family in Vegas it helped a lot to have Him there.
What verse has been the most powerful to you with your walk with Christ and how has it?
Landen – “I can do all things through christ who strengthens me.” I’m never going to get a tattoo but if I did that would be it. It can be put in so many situations.
I have a 10 yr old son who plays basketball-what advice would you give him?
Landen- Stay focused. Don’t go with the crowd, people who arent conforming with the crowd go far on and off the court. An example on the court would be like when I was a kid focusing on rebounding even though everyone was worried about scoring more than anything.
So KU fans everywhere, are you ready for the next KU Superstar that not only will score on the court and rebound every ball but will serve Christ with all of his heart. This 6-10 and 240lb C/PF young man is ready to make it 9 straight Big 12 Championships with the rest of the team next season. So look out for #33 this fall living like Jesus on the KU campus and dominating in the Phog.
