Anthony Tolliver did not hit the game-winner vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves last Friday night. In fact, there was no need for a buzzer-beating basket as the Charlotte Bobcats continued their hot streak with a 105-93 victory.
Tolliver (@ATolliver44), in his first year with the Bobcats has been a key contributor and spark off the bench, averaging six points, three rebounds and shooting 40 percent from three-point land in addition to making nine starts in his first year with the team.
While AT didn't have a significant contribution, his actions on this night will perhaps have the most lasting impact. See the defensive juggernaut, who is just as relentless slowing big-time scorers as he is consistent knocking down shots from the perimeter, didn't see a single minute of action against his old team and although many would've been crushed, Tolliver was not only upbeat but he beamed as if he'd scored 25.
"How you doing big guy," Tolliver asked Carver Robinson, 3, a die-hard Bobcats' fan. Normally as introverted as can be, when meeting a stranger, Carver took to the 6-foot-8 product of Creighton. "Good," Carver said as he high-fived his new friend, who was hunched over to do something Tolliver always does-- meet you where you are!
And that's part of what makes Tolliver special. Although he makes six figures and has made it to the pinnacle of his sport the NBA he gets on your level. "He's like the nicest guy in the world. I've met a lot of professional athletes and he is by far one of the most down-to-Earth, just a good dude. He's a great ambassador for Christ," Joey Robinson (@JoeyRobinson), Carver and Caden's Dad, who leads FCA at Tuscola High School, said.
Another Bobcats' fan, who attended the game with Robinson, Damien Luce echoed those sentiments. "Although large in stature, and obviously big in talent, his words and demeanor make him seem as a mere servant of God, willing to do his part in his plan."
That's exactly the way Tolliver views himself-- an ambassador. "Of course I would love to have a huge impact on people! But I know that everyone who is put on this Earth has a specific purpose so if God's purpose for me is to affect five total people then I pray that I'm able to do that."
In an ego-driven sport, and world, Tolliver is the anti-thesis. As humble as he is sincere, any encounter with the gentle giant instantly sets fans at ease. The Kool-Aid smile, one that would make Magic Johnson proud, found on his face that night, and often, was a tangible sign of the joy and peace having Jesus in your heart brings to believers' lives. He was 1st Thessalonians 5:18 personified, which says, "Give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
"Jesus is the reason for all of my joy! No matter what the circumstances are, good or bad, I always trust that the Lord is with me and He will see me through," the 28-year-old Tolliver said.
The man, who wears No. 43 for the Bobcats, partnered with Lanny Smith (@Lanny_Smith) to make up the brain trust of Active Faith (@Active_Faith), a Christian clothing company. One of the staples, and best sellers, are the rubber wrist bands, which feature the phrase, "In Jesus Name I Play." No matter when you catch Tolliver he always has at least two of them on his wrists so he can, yep you guessed it, give them away.
"That's why I wear them. I want to give as many away as possible. Any time someone asks about them, it becomes their's at that moment. It gets our name (Active Faith) out there, but more importantly it plants seeds," he said.
After every contest, Tolliver, a fan favorite, can be seen handing supporters, young and old alike, the bands he has worn during the game. . . win or loss and when he does it's hard to determine who has a bigger smile on their face-- the fan or Tolliver.
"It's Bigger than Me"
When grammy-award winner and the face of Christian rap Lecrae, a multi-platinum selling artist, was in town for Winter Jam Jan. 5, a Christian concert series that appears in 48 states across the country, Tolliver was in attendance. A friend of the rapper for a few years, Tolliver found himself in an unfamiliar place that night-- a fan.
As Lecrae (@Lecrae), who doesn't view himself a Christian rapper but rather a servant of Christ, blew up the stage, Tolliver rapped right along with him, every single word, with that familiar smile on his face. The night was a special one as the name of Jesus was exalted far above any other agendas . . . whether it be fame, community or entertainment. An enjoyable concert for Tolliver, who had a friend in tow, an evening of fellowship with Lecrae and his band also turned into a personal appearance for Tolliver. Hundreds of fans, mostly excited teenagers, lined the aisle in hopes of getting an autograph or taking a picture.
In typical anti-diva style, Tolliver obliged them all with hugs, handshakes, pictures, signatures and high-fives. Every single person, who approached him, who other 'famous' people might view as annoyances or a damper to their night, walked away satisfied and felt special. For some it was their first encounter meeting an NBA player. After Lecrae's set, Tolliver took time to mingle with Covenant Bible Church's youth group from Lincolnton, N.C. The smile and stories they will tell, along with memories made, of meeting him, like so many other youth groups, make it more than worth it to Tolliver.
"Do you think I wanted to take every single picture," he asked afterward. "No, but for some that might be the only time they ever meet a famous person. And who am I . . . I'm a freaking nobody," Tolliver in self-deprecating fashion said.
"If I can take a few minutes, or take one picture, then I'm more than happy to do it because in the grand scheme of things, basketball won't be here forever. God has given me a tremendous platform and I just want use it for His glory."
"I mean I'm not even a star. I'm not Lebron (James) or Kevin (Durant). I'm just a role player . . . but if they want a picture or my autograph, so be it."
Tolliver is not perfect, but while flawed, as we all are, he has something many don't have-- gratitude. He's just grateful to be in this position, serving the God he loves, alongside the two families he loves . . . his wife Jessica and son Isaiah and the Bobcats.
That gratitude doesn't stem from one place. Is it the grace that has given him eternal life? Is it appreciating life, each and every day, even more after losing his Mom at the age of 56 due to unknown causes? Or maybe his gratitude is so abundant because he has the chance to make a living playing the game he loves? Could it be he is so grateful due to the fact he's carved out a niche in the NBA, but the ride has been anything but smooth evidenced by the fact he's on his sixth different team since 2008? It's all of that.
"God has humbled me throughout my journey in many different ways. Through basketball and through life experiences I have never ever been able to get prideful," he said.
"Gratitude was instilled in me through my Mother from day one. She really taught me to appreciate the small things in life, so now that I'm blessed how I am, it's easy to be grateful for everything."
Tolliver has seen his minutes dip, in recent games, as Charlotte attempts to make the playoffs for just the second time in franchise history. If the Bobcats make the post-season, which they will barring a major collapse, or if they don't . . . one can expect Tolliver to be a contributor. Whether waving a towel from the bench and cheering on his teammates, playing lock-down defense or knocking down a big three, AT will be right there with that same contagious joy and smile.
Sure question marks remain. Will Tolliver, who has a year remaining on his contract, be back with the Bobcats, winners of 7 of their last 11, next year? Will he see his minutes increase and become a key member of the Bobcats' playoff run? Who knows. But one thing's for certain, Tolliver is too busy appreciating the present to worry about what tomorrow may hold.
In short, he clings to the knowledge, and Truth, far too many lose sight of-- there is plenty of reason to cheer every day, no matter what it may hold because Jesus nailed the ultimate game-winner on the cross!
Carver Robinson gets an autograph from Anthony Tolliver while Dad Joey proudly takes in the moment!
