The Final Four is set and familiar teams Kansas, Villanova, and Michigan are joined by the best story of the tournament. The 11-seeded Loyola Ramblers surprised us again by impressively beating Kansas State 78-62 on Saturday.
Led by "international superstar" Sister Jean (the team's 98-year-old chaplain), they've had a remarkable run with game-winning buzzer beaters and a true team-first mentality.
With contributions from many different players, Loyola hasn't relied on one individual carrying them. Donte Ingram was the hero in the first round after his crazy game-winning three over Miami. Clayton Custer stepped up against Tennessee to hit a shot in the closing seconds for a one-point win.
Marques Townes provided the exclamation point with a three against Nevada to finish them off...and Ben Richardson’s career-high 23 and 6 of 7 shooting from the 3-point line helped secure their trip to San Antonio.
After the game, Richardson said, "But you know, I've got to credit my teammates for finding me. That's what's so special about our team. We've got so many unselfish guys, and we have so many weapons. And like we've been saying, 'It can be anybody's night.' We've shown that so far this tournament. Each one of these guys has had a big night."
With five of their players averaging double figures during the regular season, and a different player having "his night" throughout the tournament, Loyola has placed value on the collective contributions of the team.
Instead of putting an emphasis on who gets the credit or is more important, the players have trusted each other and have had a team-first attitude that we can learn from.
All too often we want to take individual credit and receive recognition for our efforts. We have a tough time sharing the spotlight and valuing each other, but Romans 12:10 (AMP) challenges us to “Be devoted to one another with brotherly affection , give preference to one another in honor.”
As followers of Jesus, we are joined together for God’s purposes and His glory and should be willing to operate in unity with a team-first mentality. God didn’t design us to carry the team by ourselves or be the one to always take the “final shot,” but rather work together and share the load.
Romans 15:5-6 (ESV) says, "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
God uses us in different ways at different times, but together we're on the same team with the same goal. When we think about Loyola's team-first attitude, let's remember what Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) tells us: "He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."
Ben Richardson shared this about the Ramblers, as well: "You know, it was mainly just that we loved each other." Unity starts with love, so today let's recognize the special team we're on and link arms to accomplish God's purposes together. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I wouldn't try to operate on an island or seek my own spotlight. Help me work well with others to accomplish Your will, and to love well and be driven to seek unity. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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