Join Chrysandra Brunson as she sits down with ORU student and basketball phenomenon, Max Abmas, to explore the path of overcoming challenges and striving for greatness. Despite not fitting the typical mold for a Division I basketball star, Max reveals how his faith and work ethic propelled him to success. With a profound commitment to his studies in biochemistry and a heart for inspiring others, Max talks about the influence of heroes like Kobe Bryant and the unwavering support of his family. The discussion also touches on the power of community, the necessity of controlling only what one can,
00:24:41 Engagement and Support at Oral Roberts University
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Welcome, everyone, to The Calling’s radio show and TV show, To All the Dreamers. I’m your host, Chrysandra Brunson, and it is such an honor to be with all of you today. You know, at The Calling, we have realized that so many people are afraid to go after the dreams that God has put inside of their hearts because they are afraid to fail. And that’s just plain wrong because if God has given us a dream and we’re not living it out, We are wasting it, and we do not want to die with regret. That’s why The Calling loves to inspire, empower, and equip people to go after God’s dreams on their lives. And we know that nothing’s impossible, that we can do this through conferences, workshops, seminars, and especially through this radio program. Having incredible guests like we do today, the one and only Max Abmus. Max, welcome to the show.
MAX ABMAS :
Thank you. Appreciate you for having me.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Oh, it’s so great to be here. And we are on site at Oral Roberts University in-studio. It is such an honor. And we are here in your home court, actually, aren’t we, Max?
MAX ABMAS :
It is. It is. The Mabee Center.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Yes. Yes. And Max, what is your title right now? What do people know you as?
MAX ABMAS :
They call me Mabee Court Max. They call me Mabee Court Max.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
And why do they say that?
MAX ABMAS :
It’s because of my deep shots that I shoot. I’m getting like a little rhythm and can pull it up from deep and it’ll go in sometimes.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Oh my gosh. Well, we’re so excited to be able to hear about this and being a student at Oral Roberts University. What is your major?
MAX ABMAS :
I’m in biochemistry, so there’s a lot of science and some math classes within that too.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Wow. Well, we want to hear how you got into that and how did you pick Oral Roberts University to go to out of all the schools to attend?
MAX ABMAS :
Yeah, I mean, for first the major, I kind of got into it because of my interest in like forensics. That kind of stuff interests me. And then as far as Oral Roberts, I knew I wanted to play college basketball at the D1 level. I had a few offers coming out of high school, not a whole lot. I wasn’t really, you know, highly recruited. But the coaching staff here at Oral Roberts, they loved me and they believed in me. And that’s always what you want, you know, a coach and a coaching staff. Right. For me, I wanted to come in and have the impact on the program and kind of turn it around in the right direction.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Yes. Well, we have just, God has been able to let your fame in this mid-court, Max, be known throughout the nation. And Max, can you just take us to, when people are hearing about this, what have been some of the scenarios? If they haven’t seen your video clip, what is happening usually in one of those scenes?
MAX ABMAS :
I’m just out there playing. For me, I’m just out there being me. I’ve played basketball for so many years. It’s just basketball at the end of the day for me. If I get hot and I’ve hit a few in a row, I might pull one from deep and knock that one down too.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Wow. Well, it seems like it’s almost these impossible shots that are coming and you’re able to take them. Just what gives you the strength to do that?
MAX ABMAS :
I think just my confidence in myself and the work that I put in. You know, I put a lot of hours in the gym and, you know, I’m a believer in, you know, what you work on in the dark will show in the light. And so I’m always just preparing myself, putting myself in game situations so that when I get in those game situations, I can perform to my best.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Right. Well, we just are so honored to be able to be with you, Max, and to be able to hear your story and your background. How were you able to know when you were a child? Can you look back and see how God started dropping all these dreams in your heart that you were supposed to be a basketball player and trust him with your destiny?
MAX ABMAS :
Yeah, definitely. I think he’s always guided my journey. He guides everybody’s journey, and he has a special journey for each and every person. And I think for me, just at a young age, playing different sports, you know, football, did track too. I think basketball was the one that really stood out to me. And so from an early age, I knew that I wanted to go on and play in college and with the ultimate goal of going to the NBA. And so just doing that, if it’s God’s plan for me. And so I’ve just been committed to that and following along that journey.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Wow! Well, I think everyone tuning in and watching are rooting for you and can see God’s destiny unfolding before you. Isn’t it true, Max, that you’re fourth in the nation for the most shots in the game?
MAX ABMAS :
Yes, it’s fourth in the nation of scoring, yes ma’am.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Wow, and so how many points are you scoring per game? So I should be better in my basketball knowledge, but I do love basketball. Michael Jordan was one of my biggest role models growing up. But how many points per game?
MAX ABMAS :
I’m not sure, to be honest with you. I don’t really pay attention to all the stats and everything. I just go out there and do what I can to help us win.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Oh, well, we love your humility and heard that it’s around the 22 point range. But I do love that you said that you want to do things in the dark and let God bring them into light at the due time and due harvest. What have been some of the different giants that you’ve had to slay along the way to be able to pursue your God-given dream?
MAX ABMAS :
I think the biggest thing is kind of my size. I think that a lot of times when you’re getting recruited or trying to take the next step to the next level, you don’t necessarily pass the eye test of being big enough, strong enough and all that. I think that, you know, with the work you put in and the confidence you have in yourself, as long as you believe in yourself, you know, you can achieve anything. And so I’m just understanding that and controlling what I can control. That’s a big thing for me is not worrying about things I can’t control that are out of my hand, but just focus on what I can control.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Right. Well, everyone that can see us and that are tuning in, they would assume that you are a big guy. But for basketball, what’s the average size?
MAX ABMAS :
I couldn’t tell you. It’s taller than me. I know that for sure.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
A little taller. Well, that is pretty remarkable. What were some of these things that people have told you that you couldn’t do that God showed that you could?
MAX ABMAS :
Yeah, I mean, you know, just people saying that you can’t play at the next level. You know, you won’t have, you know, success in the next level. And, you know, at the end of the day, there’s going to be a lot of outside noise and you can’t let that build you up or tear you down. And so just like I said, controlling what I can control and making sure that I can go out there and perform.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Wow. Well, we know that it takes an army to go after our God-given destinies. And we just know that being a student, I’m also a student at Oral Roberts University for their doctorate program of strategic leadership and have just adored and admired the curriculum so far. It has been vigorous. I bet you can attest to that as well. But it has been life-changing. But that has been a huge part of the team dynamics. Has that community really built strength in your heart?
MAX ABMAS :
I think so, for sure. Just being in a community like Oral Roberts is so God-focused and keeping the important things where they’re supposed to be. You know, at the top priority. And so, you know, I think the coaching staff, too, they do a good job of, you know, implementing the faith aspect into basketball as well. You know, before games, we’ll have chapel and things like that. So making sure that our important our priorities are straight and focusing on the things that need to be focused on.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Wow. Well, when people are saying that you can’t do something or that you maybe have too much homework to do or being able to overcome maybe being invited, you know, we all have these temptations that come up. What has been one situation that you have seen God’s providence and a miracle to be able to get out of it?
MAX ABMAS :
I mean, I just say kind of just throughout my whole life. I mean, even going back to high school, I went to college preparatory high school, Dallas Jesuit. Just being in a position like that where it’s vigorous in academics and then athletics takes a lot as well. And so learning from an early age, you know, time management and that aspect definitely carried over to college.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
very nice it’s neat that God uses all these seeds to pour into our heart and then we’re able to see how he waters it over time and who has been your biggest so we know that your faith is very important to you a cornerstone in your heart who else has been an example to you their work ethic a hero of sorts
MAX ABMAS :
Yeah, I would definitely say my parents. And then growing up for me, my favorite player was Kobe Bryant. So his approach to the game was something that I admired in his work ethic. And then, you know, seeing that in my parents every day as well. And then the support that they have for me, you know, they make it to pretty much every game. And so just loving me and always supporting me is definitely something I admire, too.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Hmm. I love it. Well, Kobe Bryant is his work ethic was there was it was matchless, huh?
MAX ABMAS :
Right, right.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
And there’s a book called Relentless. It reminds me of you and your work ethic. And just being able to know that you do have to have a mindset that there’s always more.
MAX ABMAS :
Right.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Did he did he learn a lot from Michael Jordan?
MAX ABMAS :
He did. Yeah, he kind of tried to mirror Michael Jordan and try to take it to another level of just, you know, his approach and then the work ethic, you know, just understanding that there’s always more that can be achieved.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Right, right. Well, we just we can’t wait to learn all this wisdom from you, Max. And we’re excited to be able to just know that we’re going to take a short break. We have Max Abmas on with us. Stay tuned. Hi guys, this is Chrysandra Brunson, host of To All The Dreamers. I am so happy to introduce personal training, nutritional guidance, and behavioral change coaching. Healthy, happy, and heavenly for your wellness, spirit, soul, and body. Contact Mimi Kroger at healthyhappyandheavenly.com.
ADVERTISOR :
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CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
We are back. Thank you for tuning in to all the Dreamers radio show as well as TV show. We are here on site at Oral Roberts University and have the one and only Max Abmas on with us. And Max, I just have to be able to share your name. Do people, is it kind of confusing for people?
MAX ABMAS :
It is for sure. It’s been messed up, you know, my whole life. And so it’s German and the B is silent. I love it.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
So how is it spelt?
MAX ABMAS :
It’s A-B-M-A-S.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Okay. Well, we love it. And Max, you were just sharing about your inspirations, your heroes in life, and who you look up to. And you said Kobe Bryant, and he learned a lot from Michael Jordan. So when you come in for practice, what do your practices look like? What has been the best rhythm that you’ve found, even for a week’s worth of workouts?
MAX ABMAS :
I mean, coming into practice, you know, we practice every day, you know, two, three hours, whatever it may be. So that’s definitely an important part, building the team chemistry, playing with everybody. And then I also think, for me, I always get shots up after, too, you know. Every D1 college player in the country, you know, practices so many hours. So it’s, you know, what do you do to separate yourself? And for me, just making sure I maintain that consistency every single day.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
yes yes and when you so max when you’re in the middle of a game and you said that you had to get in the rhythm in the first part of our show and then you feel like you have the confidence and strength to be able to take those shots what has what take us to that moment what are you feeling what is going through your mind and then how do you how do you even throw a mid-court shot
MAX ABMAS :
No, I mean, I’m just playing with it myself. You know, I have the confidence from the jump. And just depending on how the defense is playing me, I’m just going to, you know, take what the defense gives me. You know, if they’re doubling me, you know, create for my open teammates. And, you know, if I’m hitting shots, then, you know, I get in a good rhythm and, you know, I can knock them down.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Right, right. Well, I challenge everyone to be able to go look at one of these videos because you feel like you’re watching a movie, but you are a real person, real life. And how many mid-court shots have you made?
MAX ABMAS :
I don’t know, honestly. A lot of my threes would be deep threes, and I kind of consider that the mid-course shot. I had a good one this year, though, from half-court for a game-winner, so that one was pretty special.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Wow. yes i you can even feel just the god’s favor over that and his providence over these incredible shots and the way that it’s opening up the nation’s eyes not only uh to you but also to the lord and being able to see his strength in and through you And you mentioned that your parents have been a huge part of your life and your strength to be able to be who you are today, to create that character and that molding. What was it like growing up for you? Where are you from?
MAX ABMAS :
I’m from Rockwall, Texas. So about 15, 15, 20 minutes from, you know, downtown Dallas. And just growing up, you know, having loving parents and, you know, always supporting, you know, me and my siblings as well. And they just want to see us do everything we do with the best that we can. And so they’re always pushing for that and always making sure that we know that we can always be better than what we are.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Wow. Well, it seems like they were able to create this character that allows you to now be a senior at ORU. And did you have siblings that encouraged you to, where are you at in the midst of that?
MAX ABMAS :
I’m the middle child, the best child. But yeah, I got an older brother and a younger sister. And just growing up, they did sports too. My brother played basketball as well. And then my sister did, you know, competitive dance. And so, you know, all of us just having a great work ethic and, you know, just supporting one another.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Right, right. And how old are all of you?
MAX ABMAS :
So I’m 21. My older brother is 24. And then my younger sister is 19, so…
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
I love it. Well, Max, when you’re looking at different opportunities for the future, you are on this big part of your journey, your life milestone where you have to choose what’s next and allow to have the faith to do that. Where would you want to go after ORU?
MAX ABMAS :
The plan is to go pro and try to go make it to the NBA. That’s always been a lifelong dream for me. I think it’s a lifelong dream for a lot of people. And so to be in the position I am today, I’m definitely blessed and just understand that there’s more that I can be better at and a whole nother level that I can reach to help better and put myself in a better position.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Right. Is there a certain team that you would or maybe a couple of teams that you would say are your favorite? Maybe they’re tuning in right now.
MAX ABMAS :
I mean, growing up for me, my favorite player was Kobe. So I like the Lakers. But any team is cool with me. You know, all I need is opportunity. So everything would take a chance on me. It’s all I need.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
You guys want to take a chance on this guy. You do not want to miss out. I’m, you know, I’m from Denver and so the Nuggets would love to have you. But when you’re pursuing your dream, what have you seen that was set apart, Max, from just an ordinary dream, a selfish one, compared to a God-given dream? You know, this show is all about going after your God-given dreams, and a lot of people mix that up. How have you been able to tell the difference and know that for your own life, especially for basketball?
MAX ABMAS :
I think just praying about it and just trying to follow God’s steps. You know, it might not be, you know, what you want to do, but it’s what God sees for you and the future you have. And He’s always putting you in a great position, you know, to go along the journey that He sees for you. And, you know, whether we see it or not now, we’ll definitely see it later down the road.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Right. He’s the master storyteller and being able to do that. And with your major, how did you pick your major out of all the ones? Can you share that again, what it was?
MAX ABMAS :
Yeah, it’s biochemistry. So just for me, I like math and science. And so forensics is what interested me into it. And so kind of, you know, the shows like Forensic Files and those type of nature shows kind of interest me. And so that’s kind of how I got into it.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
What kind of shows did you watch?
MAX ABMAS :
Forensic Files was one of them, the NCIS shows. I just thought it was pretty interesting how they can solve different things by something really small, just things like that.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
And for those such as myself that don’t know much about it, what is the smallest of details that you could trace someone back to?
MAX ABMAS :
I mean, something as simple as just touching something, you know, like fingerprints or, you know, just something really small like DNA, you know, just little things like that.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
And that can be in your hair.
MAX ABMAS :
Everywhere. Eyelash? Exactly. Everywhere.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
That is pretty fascinating. And for you to be able to pick a major like that, I think a lot of people with athletics in general might go on a route that wouldn’t be as vigorous as biochemistry. Right. But you picked the route that… not with the least resistance, but the one that Jesus wanted for you. And so that’s very admirable. I appreciate that. Yes. And so you said the Lakers would be one of your top places that you would want to be picked up on. Who’s the player that you admire right now?
MAX ABMAS :
Right now, I like watching Steph Curry. I think he’s one of my favorites. Just, you know, the way he plays the game, you know, the way he causes defenses trouble. You know, it’s one thing that I like to watch about him.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Wow. Well, I bet he’s listening to this right now. And he’s admiring this wisdom that you carry in your heart, Max, of just beyond your years. And I know that there’s so many people, everyone that’s tuning in has a dream. They’re identifying what God’s calling them to, but they don’t know how to go after it. What would you say would be your top three tips of wisdom to go after that dream?
MAX ABMAS :
One thing I would say is, you know, have a great work ethic, you know, be committed to, you know, following that dream and understanding that you can do that. Which would also be my second tip is just you can do anything, you know, you set your mind to it and you work at it and you can go and do whatever you set yourself out to do. And then third, one of the things that I really like is control what you can control. There’s going to be a lot of, you know, factors, outside factors that, you know, may say you can’t do something or, you know, things that might affect your journey along the way. But, you know, just keep pushing forward and you can see it through.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Amen. We completely agree. And next, what has, has there been some quotes? I know that, you know, for any task, there has to be a rhythm in our mindset of what we’re saying to ourselves, what God is speaking over us. Are there some scriptures and some quotes that help you run faster than ever before?
MAX ABMAS :
Yeah, I mean, you know, just I was saying, you know, you know, work in the dark so that you can shine in the light. I think that’s one of the big one of the big things for me. And then going back to high school, we kind of talked about be glad that you get to do it. You know, so approaching it with the right attitude and really just understanding that at any second, you know, these things can be taken away just like that. So really approaching it with the right attitude and and being grateful that you’re able to do it.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Hmm. Well, that’s so profound of knowing that, yeah, we don’t know if we have tomorrow. And we just saw one of the biggest athletes, you know, he fell down and they didn’t think that he was going to survive and was prayed over. And I think that was a wake up call for everyone to be able to know that God has a plan and purpose for our lives. So that is very profound wisdom. And when you… When you’re in that moment, Max, of being able to be in these games and you want to be able to encourage your teammates, they’re probably nervous. How do you deal with all this excitement, anxiety, even fear? How do you cultivate that?
MAX ABMAS :
I think, I mean, for all of us, we’ve been playing basketball for so long and, you know, we’ve had dreams that we’ve set out to reach. And so to be at the Division I level and so to be at a high level, understand what it takes to win games, I think that definitely helps us. And then for me, just being a leader for the guys. You know, making sure we just stay together the whole time, especially on road games. You know, it’s really just us and, you know, the opposing crowd cheering against us. So being a leader, just keeping us together. I mean, like I said, it’s always encouraging my teammates. You know, I know the work that they put in. So I have confidence in them that they’re going to go out there and perform just, you know, just as well.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Right, right. Do you have any funny moments that you can share with us? I know a lot of team dynamics are pretty hidden, but can you tell us about some of the dynamics that are going on in the team this year?
MAX ABMAS :
Yeah, I mean, I don’t know if I have really any, you know, just funny moments that, you know, just happen on the court or anything, but, you know, just off the court, just, you know, in the locker room, just building that bond that we have with one another, just joking around, you know, it’s always great to see. Yeah.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Yeah. I know, a lot of the things you have to keep hidden. So we will respect that. But we have heard such amazing things. Who is your coach?
MAX ABMAS :
Coach Paul Mills, that’s our coach.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Okay, and the captains of the team are?
MAX ABMAS :
We don’t really have captains. I try to be a leader for the guys, and we have other guys that take that next step and be leaders as well. I think we have a veteran group of guys, so an older team, and everybody chips in the knowledge that they have, and if they have something to say, they’ll say it, and we all hold one another accountable.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Right, right. Well, we just we know that you are a leader of leaders on the team, but also at this university. And Max, what has been your favorite thing about Oral Roberts University that has allowed you to be the man you are today?
MAX ABMAS :
I would say just the community aspect of it, you know, and the support that they bring, you know, to my teammates and I, you know. If you were here my freshman year, you would kind of see how much just the support has grown, especially, you know, coming out to games, you know. It’s grown so much, and it continues to grow, and I’m glad to see that.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
Yes. Well, we have. Yeah, it’s just I think that God is honoring your heart and this humility and being able to know that God wants to be able to show the world what is possible. And so we just thank you for that. And we want we people want to be able to get in touch with you, Max, and with Oral Roberts University. How can they do that to be able to stay in touch?
MAX ABMAS :
And for us, just following the Oral Roberts basketball page. They tweet and post every day, every game. We’ll let you know how you can watch it, how you can listen in. So follow the Oral Roberts page for sure.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
OK. And then how can they get in touch with you, Max, to be able to cheer you on? And they want to be able to see you go. to the nba yeah i believe it and i believe everyone tuning in believes in it as well i appreciate it yeah for me i’m on instagram and twitter um so just at max abmas it’s just all one word okay and can you spell your last name just so everyone who is tuning in via radio i know on our show our tv show they can see that on screen but uh a b m a s Okay, perfect. Well, we just honor you so much, Max, for being on with us today and your life, your legacy. I know you’re mid-season, so taking the time to do this interview in the midst of your academics as well, we really appreciate it. And we cannot wait to see these upcoming mid-court shots and to be able to really just get a look at your incredible heart for the Lord and for this team and for the future of what’s going to happen in this world to be able to see heaven come through earth through basketball.
MAX ABMAS :
yeah for me i’m on instagram and twitter um so just at max abmas it’s just all one word. We love it. Definitely appreciate you for having me.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
okay and can you spell your last name just so everyone who is tuning in via radio i know on our show our tv show they can see that on screen but uh a b m a s Okay, perfect. Well, we just honor you so much, Max, for being on with us today and your life, your legacy. I know you’re mid-season, so taking the time to do this interview in the midst of your academics as well, we really appreciate it. And we cannot wait to see these upcoming mid-court shots and to be able to really just get a look at your incredible heart for the Lord and for this team and for the future of what’s going to happen in this world to be able to see heaven come through earth through basketball.
MAX ABMAS :
We love it. Definitely appreciate you for having me.
CHRYSANDRA (Host) :
yes thank you and highly recommend everyone go follow max be able to tune in go follow him on instagram facebook twitter everywhere watch this journey if you’re just getting a part of it you’re not too late you can join in now and welcome everyone to go to oru.edu to be able to find max and the basketball team follow them on this incredible journey i’m an oru doctorate student If you guys wanna be part of this community, we just admire all that the Lord is doing here in this world renowned community. Till next time dreamer, keep dreaming big.
