Basketball

Virginia basketball player grateful to God after receiving scholarship

By Jason Romano Jan 5, 2018
Virginia's Justice Bartley (right) with his teammates in a 2018 game. (Photo Courtesy: Virginia Cavs Basketball/Twitter @UVAMensHoops)

On Wednesday Night, No. 8 Virginia defeated Virginia Tech 78-52. But it was what happened after the game that had the Cavaliers players ecstatic.

Following their win, Virginia coach Tony Bennett opened his press conference by announcing Justice Bartley was put on scholarship after the game. Thursday, Virginia posted the video of the players showering Bartley with water and praise after the announcement.

Bartley shared on his twitter page how excited he was to find out the news.

“I can’t put last night into words. Great win for my team and what a blessing I received afterwards! Coach had the perfect surprise! God’s timing is always greater than my own. Thank you for all the congratulations and a huge thank you to the coaching staff and all of my teammates in this program past and present. This brotherhood is special.”

He then ended his post with the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  – Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) 

“He really embodies, we talk about being a servant in our program a lot, and that’s a walk-on that does all the little things,” Coach Tony Bennett said after the game. “You should have seen the joy in his eyes and the excitement in the players eyes. To see that happen was pretty special.”

Virginia is ranked number 8 in the country and has a big game on Saturday January 6th at home against number 12 ranked North Carolina on ESPN.  

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