Published on July 30, 2021 with slamonline.com
At the age of 16, Jason Preston was faced with an obstacle well past the likes of the typical teenager in love with the game of basketball. Preston’s mother, Judith, lost her battle with lung cancer, leaving him without the closest figure he’s ever known.
Growing up in Orlando, basketball may have aided Preston through an insurmountable grieving process, but Ohio University’s perennial point guard says his faith guided him towards peace.
“Once I truly believed, in my faith, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the aspect of everything happening for a reason,” he says in a ZOOM call, just a few days before the 2021 NBA Draft. “So just to know that, it’s all a part of God’s plan. She’s in a better place now, instead of having to struggle the way she was down here. She’s in a much better place and you know, just having that mindset really helps you push through not only that specific obstacle but anything you might be dealing with in life.”
Everything happening for a reason might as well be the motto for Preston’s journey. After averaging only two points per game in high school and losing the closest connection he’s ever had, Preston has persevered and molded himself into an NBA draft pick. Last night, he was selected No. 33 overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. (READ THE FULL STORY HERE.)