He is a basketballer and a missionary too -- he plays with a ball on court and carries a bible off court.

That is the life of national basketball rep David Whippy.

David is the eldest son of national women's basketball coach Michael Whippy, a former national rep.

Basketball runs in the blood and Whippy (David) has decided to carry on the family legacy.

Whippy started his playing career at age nine.

He made his first break in the top flight with the Waikato basketball team in the U18 and U21 grades in 2000-01 while in Church College of New Zealand.

The Bau man has represented Fiji at many international games.

He made his debut during the 2003 South Pacific Games in Suva.

Whippy was again selected for the Fiji U22 in 2004 before his new journey as a missionary.

Three years later, he missed the Pacific Games in Samoa because of his mission.

Whippy said playing basketball had groomed the best person in him before taking the gospel of Jesus to the world.

"I really enjoy what I am doing right now. Basketball has really changed my life and it has moulded me to be a disciplined person.

"I have learned a lot of new things playing the sport."

Whippy spent three years on mission before again reclaiming his spot in the national side this year. He was named alongside the likes of Laisiasa Puamau and Manoa Puamau to play in the Asian Pacific Championship in Hawaii next month.

"Missionary is part of my life now. I love taking the gospel when I am not playing basketball.

"I missed the 2007 SPG because I was on mission."

During the three years, Whippy never looked backed but has learned to trust God.

He went through difficulties, sometimes without food but his passion to spread the gospel to his friends challenged him to walk the extra mile.

"It's enjoyable and very challenging. Doing mission has motivated me to be an independent person but at the same time to rely on the power of Jesus to take me through each day while on the mission field.

"When I'm on mission, I know I am away from my families so the only closest friend I have is Jesus and I only turn to him during those tough times."

Whippy has given up alcohol and smoke. Earlier this month, he returned from the USA.

However he earned his spot into the national men's team for Hawaii.

He said he had no time to relax but try to come up with new skills to stamp his mark in the national team.

"It's always an honour for me to represent my country.

"I feel proud and I can say I'm lucky because there are a lot of other players out there that want to take your spot in the national team.

"I train hard everyday to maintain my fitness and try my best to keep my spot in the national team," he said. "I want to thank my parents they have been great supporters throughout my career."

The Fiji Times Online

Monday 23rd November 2009

By Emoni Narawa