CJ McCollum Shares Why Trusting God Matters as NBA Players Unite for Preseason Bible Study
CJ (Christian James) McCollum, an American professional basketball player for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, is known for his smooth moves on the court, but this time it's what he's doing away from the hardwood that is getting some attention, as he's taking time to talk about and share lessons from the Word of God, specifically why trusting and having faith in Him is so important.
Named the Patriot League Player of the Year in 2010 and 2012 when he played college basketball for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, it’s clear that McCollum has natural talent and works hard. In a recent video series many players are doing, however, we see McCollum credit the Lord for his success and fame.
Described as a 12-Day Preseason Bible Study on Instagram, Relevant Magazine reports that McCollum is just one of many NBA players lined up to share their faith and reliance on the Lord. While the preseason is often just as important as the actual season itself, this preseason is being marked by Scripture, fellowship and prayer.
On day seven out of twelve, McCollum presented Proverbs 3:5-6, highlighting the importance of trusting and waiting on the Lord. After reading the passage, McCollum explained that this particular Scripture is very near and dear to him.
“It’s something that I can appreciate,” he said.
When we struggle to surrender ourselves and our thoughts, he believes we may feel like we have a lot of control over many outcomes. The reality, however, is that we only have control over how we respond.
“I think oftentimes, we’re not surrendering ourselves,” CJ added. “We’re not surrendering our thoughts, and we feel like we have control over a lot of outcomes, and but in reality, we really just have control over how we respond to most outcomes because it was all written by our Lord and Savior. I think understand that He’s the Creator. He’s the One who formed the heavens and traced the rivers and, you know, kind of helped put this place together.”
Trey Jemison, another player, added that McCollum and his words are something “he really looks to.” Calling one another "bros," many NBA players highlighted scriptures that emphasize being brothers and sisters in Christ when we learn to rely on and trust Him. Highlighted Scriptures have included Isaiah 40:29-31 and Psalm 119:71.
Boston Celtics center Luka Garza has also been blessed by the series. In a recent interview with Movie Guide, he shared that his chosen Bible Study passage was Galatians 6:9. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up," that verse reads.
Garza explained, “I think there are moments that you feel like God is speaking directly to you, and when I heard this verse for the first time, it was before a game,” the athlete recalled. “This was a stretch of the season where honestly I wasn’t playing much, and even if I was playing, I wasn’t playing very well, and it’s tough in those moments. It’s easy; it’s human, it’s natural to almost fall into becoming weary or becoming frustrated or stagnated, and hearing this just rejuvenated me.”
Photo Credit: ©Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Originally published October 16, 2026.
