KADEEM Jack isn’t just winning games early in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup physically through his undeniable skills, but also spiritually through his unwavering faith.
Jack is averaging 29 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks for NorthPort, a major contributor to the impressive 3-0 start of the Batang Pier this conference.
READ: NorthPort takes win No. 3 as Munzon baskets foil Magnolia comeback
At the same time, though, Jack is bringing positivity to NorthPort, serving as one of the squad's spiritual leaders.
“Nandoon ‘yung energy and aggressiveness niya not only in the game but in practice, talagang binibigay niya lahat, that’s why the locals are inspired playing with him. ’Yung leadership factor ni Kadeem, mas vocal, mas maganda sa team,” said assistant coach Rensy Bajar.
“He is also one of our spiritual leaders kasi more on Christian siya, very religious person siya,” he added.
When asked about his faith, Jack said his family was a big influence in bringing him closer to God. He makes it a point to show his faith and bring positivity to others, as seen very prominently on his Instagram account.
“I grew up in a church. I grew up with my grandmother, my aunt, just everybody, they always take me to church. If we don’t go to church, they make sure the whole service is in our house. I just always still kept that with me,” said Jack, a Trinidadian-American who played college basketball with Rutgers and had stints in the G League, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, and United Arab Emirates.
“I’ve been through a couple of rough patches in my life. And just leaning on God has helped me keep my spirits up and always understand that just me being able to come out here in the Philippines, go different places, is a blessing. So I think just always keeping that in mind has helped me bring that to other people,” he continued.
More than basketball
The 32-year-old Queens, New York native believes sharing his faith with the Lord is part of his purpose as a basketball player.
“I think more than basketball, that’s my purpose,” said Jack. “You know, just bringing God in the mix wherever I am, wherever the relationship takes me. Like I said, God is great,” he said.
Aside from his basketball highlights, Jack’s posts on Instagram also include prayers and inspirational words.
Here is one of his recent Instagram posts:
“It’s just prayers. I think if I have an outlet or if I have some type of platform, I always want to make sure that that’s the focal point more than anything: God before myself,” said Jack.
With his team’s blistering start, Jack is definitely hoping that his presence on and off the court continues to be a big boost to NorthPort.
“I hope so. I love winning games. I love playing basketball. But I understand why I’m able to do that. You know, so yeah, I hope it is bringing us all closer together,” he said.
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