As the local sports world buzzed with anticipation of the NBA’s 2025 All-Star Weekend, some supporters of the league, and perhaps future stars, took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center basketball program and 94 FEET.

“To a man, what we were looking forward to the most is not the All-Star weekend events, but being here with the Lord and all of you,” said Portland Trailblazers Chaplain Mike Tatlock.

94 FEET recruited 14 chaplains from 13 NBA teams and assembled them in Chapel A for a Q & A session with four of the rehabilitation center’s incarcerated tour guides: Tommy Wickerd, Marque Thompson, Marcus Casillas, and Trevor Lawson.

The chaplains headed to the gym for pre-game prayers and an assembly of members of the basketball community for an exhibition game between the SQ Warriors and a team from Athletes in Action, a college preparatory school. SQRC’s basketball community celebrated their annual season-ending banquet later that day.

Prison Sports Ministry and 94 FEET sponsored the weekend that also highlighted the completion of the first cohort of 94 FEET’s self-help program.

Athletes in Action, a globally renowned Christian preparatory school, has since 1966 solidified their students’ Christian faith as they traveled the country to compete while showcasing for college recruiters.

During the pre-game festivities, rap artist LeCrae, New York Knicks player Carl Anthony Townes’ father Carl, and Maurice Evans — the NBA’s retired players’ association president and former nine-year NBA veteran — spoke about their life experiences and relationships with God.

“Meeting the NBA chaplains was amazing,” said SQ Warriors player Jorge Lopez, 36. “Listening to LeCrae’s story was relatable and inspiring.”

“Having Correctional Officer Gil suit up and play for the SQ Warriors represented what we stand for at SQRC,” said SQ Warriors Head Coach Jerry “JB” Brown, 58. “Bridging the gap is what we do and Gil’s participation was one of the most significant parts of the game.”

As the team from Athletes in Action entered the gym, some spectators noticed that their training and talent level looked like that of Division I basketball programs.

The Warriors played with determination and handled the talent and youthfulness of the “D-I” recruits surprisingly well. The San Quentin team held a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter, 22-21.

The first half ended with a close score of 46-40 for AIA.

The game remained close in spite of the youths’ sharp shooting in the second-half as AIA finally pulled away from the home team to lead by 11 at the end of the third quarter, 65-54.

Still, the talented visitors felt the heat of the SQ Warriors.

Before the start of the final quarter, AIA coach Brian Weakly told his team, “Be smart, and don’t try to make a play that’s not there.”

The youngsters received the coach’s message as they pulled away in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning the contest by 18 points, 89-71.

After the game, players and coaches from both teams performed the traditional “circling up” at half-court for prayer, testimony, and fellowship.

“During my youth, basketball court was my sanctuary,” said SQ Warrior Jason Jenkins, 40.

“I think they [the SQ Warriors] performed exceptionally well, considering they were playing a younger team who travels and we’re an older team playing for redemption,” said Warrior Coach Brown.

“I thought it was very positive, very spirited,” said AIA coach Weakly. “It was a great experience for our team.”

Coach Weakly’s team agreed that the experience was rewarding and led by faith.

AIA forward Abib H., (#25) from Cincinnati, Ohio, said, “This was amazing, but nothing in the world matters except the fact that Jesus Christ’s love is constant, so put your faith in Him.”

AIA 18-year-old and seven-foot recruit Tim Finau (#33), who was held in check by the SQ Warriors 6’2” center Derell Sadiq Davis, spoke as well.

“As I am blessed to be recruited by San Jose State, UTEP, the University of New Orleans, and Holy Names colleges, I want these brothers-in-Christ to know we have tough times too,” said Finau. “And if you have tough times, remember everyone has a happy ending and if you know this is not yours, then it is not your end yet, so keep going toward Christ.”

Another 18-year-old, the South African–born Jordan Jonathon (#12), said the character and strength of the residents amazed him. “Make God a part of everything you do and follow Him blindly. Look at me, I’ve traveled the world and now have a future with Jesus,” said Jonathan.

“I think it went well. There was a lot of energy in the building,” said Bill Epling, facilitator for the 94 FEET self-help program and founder of Prison Sports Ministries. “I’d love to do it again, and it motivates me to get more college teams in here.”