ORU's Issac McBride: Discovering a Purpose Bigger than Basketball
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Communication
Two stories could be told about ORU’s Issac McBride. One is a basketball story featuring a highly sought-after recruit from Arkansas who chose ORU over some of the top-rated programs in America. This version highlights a dedicated athlete who closely studies the greats, from Jordan to Kobe to Lebron.
While that story is a great story, today, there is a different story: It’s a story of a player who places his faith first, who works daily on humility, and who feels deeply blessed by the people around him. This is the story of how Isaac McBride discovered there’s something bigger than basketball and how God’s plan can lead to a more fulfilling purpose—in sports and in life.
“I Was Running from Something”
Coming out of high school, Issac was captivated by the idea of playing basketball to “show out” for his own glory. He looked at programs that seemed to foster this, but the closer he looked, the more unsettled he felt. The reason, he says, is because his faith and goals weren’t aligned.
“What I wanted out of high school wasn’t where God wanted me to be,” Issac said. “Just like the story of Jonah, I was stubborn, and I was running from something. I asked God for offers to play basketball, and He gave them to me. But my intentions weren’t about God’s glory. God was basically saying, ‘I’ll give you what you want, but ultimately, you’ll end up where I want you to be.’”
“If you strip basketball away, you strip away the status, I’m like any other student trying to turn assignments in at 11:59 pm. I’m part of this community, and I never want to exclude people."
The Road to Humility
What Issac wanted landed him at another university, but eventually, what God wanted brought him to ORU. In 2021, after two previous stops, Issac joined the ORU Basketball team. Since coming to ORU, Issac says he’s changed as an athlete. He still dreams about playing in the NBA, but at the same time, he’s practicing humility that’s grounded in his faith.
“Of course I have goals,” said Issac, “but my main focus is to simply get better and better. People tell me I’m humble, but I know I’m not always. I try to be so intentional about not feeding my ego. On the court, I say affirmations like, ‘Be the best version of myself for the team with the talent God’s allowed me.’ That helps me remember it’s not about me.”
“It’s not about me” is a way of life for Issac, which shows in his attitude toward people. With games and practice and travel, it would be easy for Issac to live in a bubble, to guard his time, and to overlook the world around him. But Issac refuses to be just a basketball player; instead, he’s made a conscious choice to be a member of the ORU community.
“If you strip basketball away, you strip away the status,” said Issac, “I’m like any
other student trying to turn assignments in at 11:59 pm. I’m part of this community,
and I never want to exclude people. Here, people really care for you—but you won’t
find that true love and support unless you go out and fellowship. Fellowship and community
are important to me.”
Where God Wants Him to Be
In many ways, coming to ORU was a stop-running moment for Issac. It was his opportunity to step out of Jonah’s shoes and into the shoes of the leader God wants him to be. And while Issac is a fierce competitor and still one of the best shooters in college basketball, he’s also an athlete who’s grounded, not in headlines or awards, but in his faith and his love for God.
“What I wanted wasn't God’s initial plan, so He brought me here,” said Issac. “It was as if He said, ‘Now you have a safe haven. You can find rest.’ I’m at peace in a way I wasn’t before. I know I’m where God wants me to be. It’s not about my own glory—it’s about what God does through me. I realize that what I want isn’t always the best thing, so it’s His plan over mine, and I’m happy. Being at ORU, around people I love … I couldn’t ask for more.”
UNIVERSITY BRIEF
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 16 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 165 nations in the last 5 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2025). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche has recognized ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, the # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and the # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest. Heritage.org classified ORU as a great option for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity, and civil society.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
