Troy University Athletics
The Moment You Dream About | By Jackson Fields
3/19/2025 12:54:00 PM | Basketball (M)
This is the kind of moment you dream about as a kid—the chance to compete on the biggest stage, to put everything you've worked for on display.
March Madness.
The NCAA tournament is where legacies are built. The world is watching, and the stakes are higher than ever.
And we're here.
But above all, we wouldn't be here without the Lord.
He has guided every step of this journey, lighting our path when the road wasn't always clear.
Before every game, I make it a point to read my Bible and share a verse—not just for myself, but for anyone who might need that reminder.
Win or lose, the Lord is our Savior. We trust in Him completely, and He directs our path.
And so, as we step onto the court for the biggest game of our lives, we carry the same mindset we've had all season:
All gas, no brakes.
The Stairway to Success
What makes this team special isn't just talent—it's grit.
We have a saying: "Take the stairs."
Coach Cross always preaches this, and it's not just a phrase.
It's a way of life.
At hotels, airports, or anywhere we go, if there's a staircase available, we take it.
No elevators.
No escalators.
No shortcuts.
That's how we've built this program—step by step, grinding every day.
My path to Troy followed the same mentality.
I wasn't supposed to be here.
First, I was a football player.
I committed to a college for football before deciding to switch to basketball my senior year.
I bet on myself.
I worked.
And in the last live recruiting period of my high school career, Coach Cross saw me.
I visited Troy on a Thursday, committed on a Friday, graduated on Saturday, had my graduation party on Sunday, and was on campus by Monday.
No handouts.
No guarantees.
Just an opportunity.
And just like this team, I took the stairs.
All Gas, No Brakes
From the opening tip to the final buzzer, we play with relentless energy.
We push the tempo, attack in transition, and pressure teams 94 feet from the basket, making sure they feel us every possession.
And now, we get to do that on the biggest stage in college basketball.
March Madness isn't just another tournament—it's the tournament.
It's the one we've watched for years.
The one we've dreamed of playing in.
And now, we're here.
I can't describe what it feels like to see our name in the bracket.
To know that we'll be stepping onto that court with everything on the line.
We know the challenge ahead, and we know the competition is fierce.
But we also know we belong here.
There's no holding back now.
All gas, no brakes.
Faith in the Fire
But our journey to this moment didn't start with Selection Sunday.
It started long before—in the quiet moments when no one was watching.
Last year, we faced challenges that could have tested any team.
Adjusting to new environments, long road trips, and unexpected obstacles—it would have been easy to let distractions creep in.
Instead, we leaned on each other.
We shared meals at Waffle House, spent time together off the court, and built a bond that only grew stronger.
And that bond?
It became our foundation.
Then came Boot Camp—the toughest week of the year.
Last season, we dreaded it. We did the work, but our energy wasn't there.
This year? Different story.
On day one, we walked in loud, hyped, and ready.
We weren't just surviving it—we were attacking it.
Our coach expected to see exhaustion.
Instead, he saw fire.
That's who we are.
A team that refuses to be broken.
A team that embraces challenges instead of running from them.
A team that believes in something greater than itself.
And now, that belief has carried us here.
The Glory Belongs to Him
This opportunity—this stage—isn't just about basketball.
It's about showing the world what happens when you put in the work, trust in your team, and, most importantly, trust in Him.
Every sprint, every rep, every sacrifice from this summer to now has led us here.
And now, the world is watching.
I'm honored that God has placed me in this position—to showcase my talent and glorify Him on one of the biggest platforms in sports.
Because when you put your faith in Him and commit to the process, the rewards will come.
This season has been remarkable.
But we're not done yet.
March Madness is here.
And we're ready to make history.