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I’d like to thank Kris Rosales for sharing his basketball journey with me. He was a star on the Hope International University Royals in the GSAC when I was the team manager of The Master’s University Mustangs who are fellow GSAC members. As a member of the Royals, Kris averaged 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.2 blocks while shooting 44.4% from the field, 30.2% from deep and 70.6% from the free throw line per game. He scored 1,542 points, grabbed 494 rebounds, dished out 414 assists, had 229 steals, blocked 21 shots and made 51 threes as a member of the Royals.

In sharing his basketball journey with me, Kris wrote, “I never really planned on going to Hope International University. It turned out to be a great decision now having been through it all. I actually ended up going to HIU because of a knee injury I sustained during my Senior year at St. John Bosco. I was playing well, but got hurt in a pre-season tournament. My lack of games throughout the season lowered my chances to get scouted for collegiate basketball.

I ended up rehabbing and joining an unsigned Senior showcase held by Coach Todd Malecki. I played well and caught the attention of some Junior Colleges, NCAA D2, and NAIA schools. I ended up visiting HIU and working out with Coach Czech late in the Summer. I loved how close it was to home and the gym was beautiful. I ended up signing with HIU as a late signee. My favorite part about HIU was he journey. In 4 years, we went from last place to a berth in the NAIA National Tournament. Looking back on what my teammates and coaches accomplished was amazing.

The friendships and memories are something I will cherish the most. I learned a lot on and off the court. One thing I am grateful for is how much my Faith grew. I never really read the Bible until I went to HIU. That was really big for me especially as I transitioned into professional basketball. Playing basketball professionally has been quite an experience. I am currently in my 5th year across the waters. Being alone is probably the hardest part. Not only have I been alone, but I’ve been injured.

I went through the toughest time of my life so far in 2018. I was hurt and didn’t know what my next move was. My contract was expiring and I wasn’t healthy enough to play. I could only pray and work as hard as I could. Fast forward to today, I have been playing for 9 months now and continue to work everyday to get my knee stronger. I thank God everyday for giving me these trials and tribulations. My advice to anyone reading this is to simply keep going. You never know how close you are to breaking through. “