Bob Jones University Hosts National Hoops Ministries Tournament
July 23, 2014
GREENVILLE, SC – Bob Jones University, in partnership with National Hoops Ministries (NHM), is hosting a national 3-on-3 basketball tournament this week on the BJU campus.
Players from across the country are participating in the tournament camp and BJU Bruin coaches and players are serving as counselors and assistants to the NHM staff. With daily skills sessions, chapel and 3-on-3 tournaments, players are able to develop both basketball and life skills.
“We’re pleased to host this national tournament at BJU as it promotes our mission of using sports as a platform for ministry.” Bruins’ Athletics Director and men’s basketball coach Neal Ring said.
Mike Washer, a 1999 graduate of BJU, started NHM through his church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The church hosted a 3-on-3 basketball tournament annually where participants would compete with the eventual prize being a trip to the NBA All-Star Game festivities. Participants were also given the Gospel through devotionals and one-on-one interaction.
“Basketball is just a simple tool,” said Washer. “This ministry is not about basketball, but about Christ – and seeing needy souls come to know Him.”
As the tournament’s popularity grew, many recommended taking this unique ministry “on the road.” NHM began as a small-town event in Spartanburg and has become a nationwide tournament with dozens of teams.
“Through opportunities such as NHM, I trust our coaches, players and others will have a renewed passion to effectively use sports as a platform for ministry,” Ring said. “My prayer is that we will see young men whose lives are impacted through this ministry make a difference on their teams and in their communities.”
Members of the Greenville community are welcome to attend a special Friday night “showcase” in which players will compete in a skills competition, 3-point shooting contest as well as the 3-on-3 championship. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. in the Davis Field House on the BJU campus. There is no charge for the event.
