Uncommon Sports Group seeks to develop Christ-centered future leaders of the college and pro sport industry. A large part of how USG goes about developing future leaders of sport is by providing funding for its members to attend conferences, conventions, and events that develop them both spiritually and professionally. Earlier this month, USG attended the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Convention in Houston, TX, with a group of ten of its members. The NABC Convention offers aspiring and present college basketball coaches the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the game, develop their skills as coaches, and network with coaches from across the country.
Two of our attendees from the trip were Caleb Muthiah, who is presently the Director of Basketball Operations at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) with the men's basketball team, and Wright Kimbro, who is presently a student assistant with Covenant College men's basketball. Below are testimonies from Caleb and Wright on their experience at the NABC Convention:
"Attending the Final Four with USG was a life-giving and incredibly supportive experience. Being able to build relationships with fellow believers in the basketball industry revealed the strong community in a world that can often be perceived as very lonely. USG did a great job connecting us to other Christian coaches, and the entire week opened my eyes even greater to how basketball can be a ministry. I found a lot of joy in seeing the acts of servanthood and willingness to help aspiring coaches learn from current basketball coaches. Similarly, I was struck by the heart of the USG organization, from working with local ministries to praying for members of the local community. Having the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and grow closer with other believers who share similar values and passions was incredible. USG has heled me recognize a lot about myself as a person and as a Christian, and I am looking forward to more transformational experiences that USG has to offer. They have equipped me in several ways to be strong in my faith and be a successful coach, and I firmly believe that I can now take much of what USG has taught me and instill that in the people I spend time with."- Caleb Muthiah, IWU Director of Men's Basketball Operations
"Coming into my week in Houston, I had no idea what to expect. The coaches that I know gave me a run down of what the week will look like and a few suggestions on what to do, but they were all surface level suggestions. I was a bit apprehensive all the way up to getting off the plane and getting into the Uber, but as soon as I was greeted at our Airbnb by the USG guys, I knew I was in good hands. I met a great group of Christian men who struggled with the same anxieties as I do. It was an amazing support group as we all navigated throughout the week and the convention. My experience with the NABC convention was amazing. I was able to meet great people in my profession. Alongside that, the ability to go to the Final Four and the championship game was awesome. Even in the midst of all of the chaos, Mikey and Noah were still able to find some time for our group to give back to the Houston community through service. All-in-all, I had an amazing first experience at the NABC convention in due thanks to USG and their great members!"- Wright Kimbro, Covenant College Student Assistant
It is encouraging to see the many ways that God is impacting future leaders of sport through events like the NABC Convention. We are grateful to Caleb and Wright for their testimonies!
If you desire to get involved with our community of Christians within the college and pro sport industry, apply to join or connect with our staff!