On today’s episode of the Just God Pod down with my good friend Dave Kasanganay who shared a powerful, honest, and deeply encouraging conversation about basketball, faith, and purpose. We start by going back to our time at East Carolina University, where our paths first crossed and where Dave was instrumental in helping get FCA up and running on campus. That season wasn’t just about building a ministry—it was about learning what it meant to lead, serve, and fully surrender our gifts to God in real time. Those early days laid a foundation for both of us and continue to shape how we walk out our faith today.

From there, Dave takes us through his basketball journey, starting at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, NC, and the doors the game opened for him along the way. He shares how each stage of the journey—from playing to coaching—came with its own challenges, expectations, and lessons, ultimately leading him to where he is now as a coach at Alcorn State University. Throughout the episode, Dave reflects on how basketball was never meant to be his identity, but rather a platform God used to refine his character and strengthen his dependence on Christ.

We dive deep into conversations about identity, obedience, and trusting God when the path forward isn’t clear. Dave opens up about how his faith in Christ has shaped who he is on and off the court, reminding us that our value is not found in titles, roles, wins, or losses, but in being rooted in Christ alone.

He shared a couple of verses that have helped shape his journey with Christ:

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬ ‭

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬ ‭

“And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭20‬

We hope you have a merry Christmas, God bless!