Indiana Hoosiers basketball player Anthony Leal isn’t just playing for wins—he’s playing to glorify Jesus Christ. The standout athlete recently opened up about his faith journey, emphasizing that his time on the court is about more than personal achievement; it’s about living out his purpose in Christ.

In an interview with Sports Spectrum, Leal shared how his faith has shaped his perspective on basketball and life.

“We talk about it a lot as a team—be humble or be humbled,” he said. “I think college, my first few years, was a pretty humbling experience because I had come in with a certain set of expectations and quickly realized it’s not really about my time schedule or my expectations, but it’s God and His plan for me.”

Leal has deep ties to Indiana University, where both of his parents attended and worked. Growing up in that environment fueled his passion for IU basketball, but he always knew he wanted to be part of something greater than himself.

“I always wanted to be a part of something that was bigger than myself, and obviously that takes sacrifices,” he explained. “Sometimes you don’t get to be the star. Sometimes, you do have shining moments. It was never really a ‘should I transfer’ sort of thing; it was more, ‘How can I make the most of my time here at IU, and how can I find a way through the hardships or the struggles that I feel like I might be facing and buy into God’s plan?’ Because I know God has put me here for a reason.”

Leal’s mindset reflects a commitment to faith over fame. Whether he’s a star player or playing a supporting role, he’s determined to honor God in everything he does.

“It’s just about continuing to stay steadfast and working as hard as I can to glorify God, whether I’m a star player or just a role player,” he added.

His faith doesn’t stop at the basketball court. Leal also balances his athletic career with real estate, working for 92c Partners, a woman-owned commercial real estate firm. The company praised his leadership, sharing a photo of him with his family after a game.

“His leadership and dedication shine both during the game and in his everyday actions, setting a great example for his teammates and peers. It’s inspiring to see someone who balances skill with such admirable character. Keep up the fantastic work, Anthony!”

For Leal, basketball is just one avenue for living out his faith. Whether through athletics, business, or daily interactions, his goal remains the same—to bring glory to Jesus Christ in all he does.