Veteran Hoopster Relishes Playing for God

Ben Beran is a veteran when it comes to Athletes in Action basketball. In total, Beran has participated in six AIA basketball tours and played in four different nations. He has been a part of the past three AIA fall basketball tours that play pre-season exhibition games against non-Division I schools in North and South Carolina, including the 2011 tour held in October and November.

“Playing with AIA lets me make playing for God a priority, because you’re playing for something bigger than yourself,” Beran says. “In college and pro basketball, it is all about winning and performance. When you play for God, there is grace and forgiveness, and you are just free to play.”

“We conduct ourselves with a high level of professionalism, we have got to show up every day and work out on our own and develop our leadership abilities,” Beran explains. “The difference is because guys are here to grow their relationship with God; it’s not just about developing our basketball skills.”

Beran said the spiritual side of life became more important to him after experiencing the death of his father during his junior year at South Dakota State.

“I was having a hard time processing everything,” Beran says. “I had grown up going to church and knew about Jesus, but my coach, Scott Nagy, asked me one day if I knew Jesus personally.” After a brief conversation about what that meant, Beran committed his life to following Christ and noticed how his spirituality began to blossom.

“I had several friends that began to invest into my life, and my faith became real to me,” says Beran. “I began to grow in my spiritual journey and started looking for ways to help others see their faith come to life.”

Beran was introduced to Athletes in Action basketball tours and was immediately so impressed that he had to get involved.

“I see how AIA makes developing the individual’s spiritual walk a priority and how the AIA staff deeply cares about the individual,” says Beran. “They only want the best for you and love on you, not because you are an athlete, but because you are loved by God.”

Beran truly enjoys the time he gets to spend with his teammates on the tours.

“It is a time to get real with each other,” he says. “There is always a sense of grace even when we are going through personal struggles; we are there to encourage and support one another. It is a real sense of community.”

Beran believes the time spent with players from the other teams is significant.

“We always have the opportunity to share a meal with the guys from the other team and have a chance to share our testimony with them. We get to have real conversations about God and how He can be part of our lives every day, including our basketball lives.”

When not touring with Athletes in Action, Beran plays for the Lakeside Lightning in Western Australia’s State Basketball League. During the 2011 season, Beran finished second on the Lightning, averaging 24.9 points per game. He has also played professional basketball in Germany.

Beran encourages athletes from any sport to consider taking advantage of Athletes in Action’s touring opportunities.

“Going is a real life-changing experience,” says Beran. “It is an opportunity to experience the truth that God is real and Jesus works everywhere. He is relevant for all times and all people.”

By Tommy Young, AIA Communications

Photos: Top: Ben Beran (14) goes for a free throw in a game against Lander University on the Fall 2011 tour in North and South Carolina. Bottom: Beran collects comment cards from fans during a game against Catawba College on the fall tour.

Sports Teams | Featured