Toronto Raptors first-round pick Allen Graves started NBA Draft night by leading a group of fellow prospects in prayer outside Barclays Center.
Graves, who was selected No. 19 overall Tuesday night, later explained why he wanted to begin one of the biggest moments of his basketball career by publicly pointing to his faith.
“Faith is the biggest part of who I am and why I’m here today,” Graves said. “Why I’m able to be on this stage that I’m on. God has blessed me to be here.”
The former Santa Clara forward has become increasingly known for being outspoken about his Christian faith. Along with regularly sharing Scripture and messages with his followers, Graves hosts online Bible studies through his Instagram account @allen_studies, inviting people to study the Bible with him each week.
The pre-draft prayer quickly gained attention online, where clips of the gathering circulated across basketball and faith-focused social media. It also highlighted a growing number of young athletes who are comfortable expressing their faith publicly before some of the biggest moments of their careers.
Graves said that perspective is one he intends to carry with him into the NBA.
“Just keeping that as I take this next step in my journey, really carrying that on with me and carrying on that legacy and giving Him the glory,” he said.
