Hubert Davis, the University of North Carolina men’s basketball coach, understands that his purpose is more than just being a basketball coach. He said, “If I’m only coaching basketball, then I’m not doing my job. And so, I know that Jesus allowed me to be in this position, and He’s put me in this position to be a light, and that’s what I want to do.” Davis has been unashamed of his faith since he took on his role at UNC.
In one interview, Davis said, “[Faith is] the most important thing to me. My faith and foundation are firmly in my relationship with Jesus. It just is. My faith in Christ is the foundation of who I am. When I say that I will walk this path in my own shoes and my personality, my own shoes and my personality is my faith.” Davis joined the UNC coaching staff as an assistant in the 2012-2013 season and said that he wanted to share Christ through his actions.
Davis said on the “Unpackin It” podcast in 2014, “The reason why I made this decision, No. 1, is this is where I felt like Christ wanted me and my family to go. Wherever He wants us to go, I’m following Him. I’m not going in any other direction. This is not a job; it feels like a mission field, a ministry opportunity.” He added, “I’m here to serve and shed light on and be an example for Christ.” Davis has been that light and continues to do so for his team on the court and his family at home. In a social media post, he shared photos of his son’s commitment to the University of Lynchburg.
Davis wrote, “One of the things I pray for every day is for my kids to have the same college experience I had at UNC. I want them to be surrounded by GREAT people like Coach Smith, Coach Guthridge, Coach Ford and Coach Hanners. I want them to find GREAT friends like King Rice, Rick Fox, Pete Chilcutt and Justin Kuralt. I want them to get a GREAT education, and I want them in an environment that’s going to give them a chance/an opportunity.” He continued, “I believe my oldest son has found that at the University of Lynchburg. So many people asked if I want my kids to follow in my footsteps. The only footsteps I want my kids to follow is Jesus’ footsteps.”
Hubert concluded the post with one of his favorite Bible verses: Jeremiah 29:11, which reads, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”