“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
-Phillippians 4:13
No one ever expected to see Jason Preston play basketball past the age of 18. Averaging just 2 points out of high school, Preston sat with 0 offers and had enrolled at UCF to begin classes as a normal college student, studying journalism. After deciding to play on an AAU team for fun with a friend, Jason proved he had a knack for the game. Preston enrolled at Believe Sports Academy on the C Team, before eventually working his way to the A team. An offer arrived from Ohio, and soon Preston would become a star. While Preston has shocked so many with how far he has come, he knows it was all God’s plan and says it reflects his belief that everything happens for a reason.
Jason Preston grew up in Orlando, Florida, with the support of his mom and biggest supporter, Judith Sewell. Growing up, his mom instilled in him his love for the game of basketball and always encouraged him to chase his dreams. His mom also made sure he was a great man away from the court, always encouraging him to keep his faith first. That impact has led Jason to where he is today, who says faith is the guiding force of who he is.
That belief was challenged more than ever before when Jason’s mother, Judith, passed away from lung cancer when he was a junior in high school. With his father absent from his life, Jason moved in with the son of his mother’s friend and began spending countless hours in the gym. Living in a whole new world, Jason says he talked to God through the highs and the lows to help get him through and trust His plan. Although handed a difficult card, Jason would not let it keep him down. After becoming a part of the Ohio Bobcats’ team, Preston immediately made his impact known. Playing in 30 games his freshman year and starting 22 of them, Preston was thrust onto the collegiate scene and quickly took advantage.
After a tremendous freshman year, Preston’s success continued throughout the next couple years of college. During the 2020-21 season, Preston helped lead the Bobcats to a first round upset win in the NCAA Tournament over Virginia. While on the court, Preston says his faith is key in keeping him calm and focused.
“God is always someone I can talk to when I’m playing and before and after games. Tough times come with basketball, whether bad games or losses, but having my faith in my Lord and Savior allows me to stay grounded and show my true self whenever adversity may arise.”
It was also at Ohio where Jason met Micaylah Nash, an Ohio student with a heart for serving others. Micaylah grew up with a similar foundation as Jason, saying faith helps guide her everyday of her life.
“Faith has helped me throughout my life because I know with every struggle God is with me and with him I can get through anything. If I ever worry about the future, I read scripture or remind myself that God has great plans for me. I’m also always thanking God for the blessings in my life.”
“Being with him step-by-step and knowing our faith, we are constantly praying and talking with God and through situations to make the best decisions! We also do a daily couples devotional book together every night even throughout our experience being in a long distance relationship.”
Jason reflects those same words, saying that the support from Micaylah has been paramount in leading him to where he is.
“Micaylah has helped me more than words can express. She has been the best and most supportive person ever, while still holding me accountable to all of my goals, and making sure I get to my true potential. I am very grateful to have her in my life.”
Now a guard with the LA Clippers and hoping to soon make his impact known at the professional level, the support from family, friends, and Micaylah have given Jason the support and encouragement he has needed to succeed.
Although the 2021-22 NBA season didn’t start the way Preston had hoped, with him undergoing foot surgery before the season began, Preston trusts his time will come as he continues to rehab the injury. As he works his way back to the court, his goals of always trying his best to inspire others remains the same. Although Micaylah says she loves watching him on the court, she says she is even prouder of who Jason is becoming away from it.
“I’ve always known how special and talented he is, and how he had the potential to inspire so many people with his story and his amazing character traits, so it was great to see when his story started to become really big on social media. That gave him the platform he deserves to change peoples lives.”
And changing people’s lives is what Jason continues to do, every chance he gets.
If you know which daily couples devotional book Jason and Micaylah use, please share the title.
May the goodness of God follow you all the days of your life Jason. Stay strong and faithful to God and He’ll be there for you always,as you well. Be blessed of God today and always.