Star point guard of the ABC Amsterdam team, Alton Mason, had the opportunity to sit down with EuroBasket. The Spencer's and the Mason's have had the pleasure of getting to know each other throughout this season, something that was clearly ordained by The Lord. In the interview, Alton discusses his passion for the game along with his desire to coach. Above all, The Masons have vowed to follow the path in which the Lord has paved. A path that has taken them all over the world. Our unity is not by mistake, for I know we will be working hand in hand to help build the kingdom. Congrats, on the big win against us last night.
The Mason that will carry on the basketball legacy for his father.
We came across this article the other day and have been reflecting on it ever since. Being a devout Christian Athlete, this seemed to be right up my alley. In a nut shell, the article discussed the clashing amongst religious principles and the actions that take place on the field. I can understand the writer's concern, he states that
Professional football is a heady mixture of toughness, violence, and piety -- vicious collisions coupled with post-touchdown genuflections, trash talk mixed with heaven-directed index fingers, anger and aggression interrupted by prayers." He says these "cheap advertisements of the faith" in big-time sports "smack of cheap grace.
This challenges all athletes whom say they play for the Glory of God to fully conduct themselves in a way that is pleasing to God. At the same time we must take head and not pass judgment. We are all at different walks in life; and none of us are where we need to be (if that were the case, we'd be side by side with Enoch and Elijah right now). I represent Christ on the court because it is my job. If I was working in corporate America I would represent Him in that arena as well. I am nothing without God, and as a Christian man I will let it be known that The Lord is with me at all times.
I disagree with a few of the points in this article. One main point being
...consider ditching those on-field prayer circles and "tired images of Christ as coach or Christ as teammate who is always on our side." That would seem to require a cultural revolution few are willing to join, even if some might cheer it on.
The question the article raises about separating church and sports is also a question with a not so complicated answer. For me, this separation is completely unnecessary. I believe it to be our duty to glorify God in any way possible. We are each blessed with different talents, gifts, abilities, and should use those to glorify the One who has bestowed those upon us. Do you have to point your index fingers in the air when you've reached your sales quotas in the office? No, but if that is how you chose to glorify your Lord and Savior, then by all means do so. We should in no way judge those who choose to pay homage to their Creator.
Let us remember that "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). This applies to everyone, including professional athletes. Take a step back, evaluate your walk, are you an athlete that chooses to outwardly glorify God on the field? If so, be sure to look at your actions on the court during competition. Let these be actions which are pleasing to God. Do not put yourself in a position where you are stumbling block (Romans 14:13) to others.
Can we be witnesses and missionaries for God as we play sports? Yes, I believe we can.
Couldn't believe our eyes and ears for a minute. Our own Alma Mater, UTSA, is facing some controversy over an on-campus atheist group. It's deeply saddening to know that things like this occur all over the world, and I mourn for these people. Almost 2,000 others have agreed to come together in prayer and fasting for these lost souls at UTSA. We pray not only for them, but for all in the world to have an opportunity to hear the good news that is Gospel of Christ and accept Him.
Today, we celebrate the day of a Queen being born. My wife has had her fair share a battles throughout her life, but she continues to remain steadfast in her faith and live every moment for the Lord. She has the strength of a warrior...heart for helping others... and her cooking will put you to bed. I am thankful to be the husband of such a woman of this caliber. I praise God everyday for entrusting me with one of HIS VERY BEST, and I vow to love her always like Christ loved the Church. Happy Birthday Mi Amor!
There has been a lot of player movement this past week in the NBA, one of them being a high school rival of mine, Dominic McGuire, whom was traded from The Washington Wizards to the Sacramento Kings.
In overseas professional basketball, to my knowledge there are no trades, but our team has recently experienced some uncommon movement. De Friesland Aris (our team) has a partnership and is sponsored by an opposing team in the league. Its similar to a D-League deal but in this case both teams participate within the same league competition. Four of our players are legally under contract with a team in the city of Den Bosch, the Eiffel Towers. So technically Eiffel has the rights to those players. Recently, the Eiffel Towers point guard Dean Oliver was injured and received word that he would be out for at least 2 months. Since then, they have experienced some tough loses, 1 of them being to us last Saturday the 13th.
Immediately after the game, our management team had received word that they wanted to call up our point guard, Tristan Blackwood, for the remainder of the season to compensate for the player whom they lost due to injury. This issue stirred up a lot of controversy between the two clubs, which took the entire week to settle. According to Eurobasket, there was an emergency rule within Tristan's contract which gave Eiffel the upper hand. Unfortunately for our team Tristan has played his final game with us, but ultimately this is a blessing for him.
Tristan is a phenomenal player who can do it all. His lightning speed, x-ray court vision, and soaking wet jump shot gives him the edge every time he laces up the Jordan 12's. Above all, T-Black is a genuine good guy with a giving heart. I have so much love for that boy, and will miss him dearly. On the bright side, we play Eiffel once more during regular season and I already got dibs on guarding T. To replace Tristan, the organization signed Sam Jones for the remainder of the season. A former Dutch Champion, Dutch national player, and a warm family man. We are looking forward to finishing the season strong.
Fred Roggen from Eurobasket got in contact with me and wanted to conduct an interview. I was so excited that many questions in the interview included my Christian faith. It feels so good to be recognized not only as an athlete but as a man who follows God. Check out the interview below!
Keith Spencer II, " I walk by faith " - Feb 2, 2010 (by Fred Roggen)
I had a chance recently to talk with DeFriesland Aris forward Keith Spencer (203-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) about his experiences playing ball in Holland and his devout faith as a Christian as well. It was truly a pleasure speaking with him and having the chance to know some of his thoughts.
Where did basketball begin for you? I began to play basketball at the age of 4. My parents placed me in many different activities, but basketball is the one that stuck with me.
Glancing back at college for a second. Do you have any favorite moments, shots, games, anything in particular that you like to look back on? When I think about my college career, the first thing that pops in my head is the intense training we were given. I'm thankful it, as it has greatly prepared my way for more competitive professional basketball. During that time, I would dread waking up for 5:00 in the morning runs, and intense military type training given to us by coaches. Looking back it now, I see the team building that took place, the unity it provided for us, and overall preparing me for where I am today.
What factors influenced your decision to stay another year in Leeuwarden? It was dropped in my spirit during the 2008-2009 season that I would return to Leeuwarden for my second professional year of basketball. During the negotiation process I lost sight for a moment of what God was telling me to do, and gave the team a hard time about coming back. In prayer I regained my obedience, and decided to come back to De Friesland Aris.
How is your year going so far in terms of basketball? The year is going well in terms of basketball. We are winning more games, and are a playoffs prospect. This is much needed for this program and I am happy to be a part of it.
This team has shown it can come back from any deficit and win a close game that can go either way. What's your mentality when the game is on the line in a pressure situation? Its just like you said. We have the ability to come back no matter what our standing is in the game. I keep this in mind throughout those close games, and focus on doing whatever I can to help the team.
In which areas do you feel the team needs to improve? As a team we need improve in sustaining our defense throughout the entire game. Once we have that down, we will really run teams out the gym!
Talk about your role on the team - what do you try to bring to the team? I really try not to get wrapped up in stats because I feel that throws my focus off on our collaborative efforts as a team. I really focus on the little things such as being THE defensive stopper on the team. That is one thing I take personal and feel that is one of the elements I bring to the team.
What do you most enjoy about playing for DeFriesland Aris? I really enjoy the community involvement that De Friesland Aris has offered. I commend the general manager and his staff for being such warm, approachable, and genuine people. They really make this experience that much more of a blessing.
Describe your relationship with coach Pete Miller? Coach Pete Miller and I have a healthy relationship. I respect him as a coach, and I feel he respects me not only as player, but as a man. I understand his philosophy and I do my best in helping him achieve his goals.
Keith, confidence-wise, do you feel that differently than a year ago at this time? I've always had confidence in my team. It feels better knowing that we have what it takes to win any game.
Talk about why you do what you do and to whom your emotions are directed I feel that God has blessed me with this ability to play basketball. In return, I owe it to Him to step out on the court, play my hardest, and give Him all the glory.
And what is your Christian story and background? My parents have always raised me in the Christian church. As a youth I didn't always fully know what it meant to walk in Christian values, and I had my times when I wasn't living the life God wanted me to live. I am happy to stand before you today and say that I walk by faith and continue to do so. My story is not a simple one, and is actually quite long. I have a blog in which I have written a story about my coming back to Christ, please feel free to check it out at http://tasteofablessedlife.blogspot.com in the About Us section.
How does your faith affect what you do on the court? My faith keeps me humble on the basketball court. I know that at any moment God can take it away from me, because as He gives, He takes away (Job 1:21). So I remain thankful, and grateful to be in the position that I am in.
Is it tough to be a Christian and a professional sportsman? Is it a hard thing to balance the two? For me it is not tough to balance the two because I am a Christian first. With that being held supreme in my life, there is no need to balance. Life can be tough, whether you are Christian, an athlete, or not. I can only personally testify of how great it is to allow God to direct my steps.
Have you had any opportunities to witness through your sports experience? Yes, I feel like I have had opportunities to witness throughout my professional career, and I am thankful for those opportunities. My main goal is to be an example, to be a living witness, and a sacrifice.
Have you ever been pressured by teammates to do something that you, as a Christian, werent comfortable with? If so, how did you handle it? I have not felt pressured by any teammates. My teammates are well aware of my faith and respect it.
What advice would you give to aspiring Christian athletes? My advice to aspiring Christian athletes, is to be firm in their faith, and not allow the world to conform them. Remember who you are, what you represent in all that you do. Remember through it all, it is God's plan, not ours, and His plan will prevail.
Finally, how far can DeFriesland Aris go this season? Which are the goals for you, personally, and for your team? As long as we continue to play as we have been, we can go as far as we want to go. Our goal as a team is to WIN. My personal goals are to continue to develop as a well rounded player and spread the gospel message. Thanks to you, I have been able to continue to make strides in that aspect of my goals.
Were done Keith, thank you for the time to spent on answering the questions.
The Mason that will carry on the basketball legacy for his father.
