Michael Redd spends time at the UWM Union

Michael Redd spent nearly two hours at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Thursday night, sharing stories of his Christian beliefs with students and area residents.

In addition to being an Olympic gold medalist and former NBA All-Star, the Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard is also an active member of the community.

Redd, who was accompanied by his wife Achea and members of the Michael Redd Foundation, said he came with the hope of sending a positive message to everyone who attended.

“We’re just trying to bring hope to young people, specifically on campuses,” Michael Redd said. “We were invited to come, and it’s been great.”

Michael’s wife Achea shared the stage with her husband, and together the two said they hoped to lift the spirits of everyone in the room.

“Michael and I love people. We love to help them. We feel like that’s what we’re supposed to do, to go and spread good news,” Achea Redd said. “To us, good news is a word of encouragement to people who may not have been exposed to that, and hopefully it can help their lives.”

Despite the event being relatively formal, Michael Redd took the stage dressed in a vintage Star Wars t-shirt, setting the tone that it was okay to relax and enjoy the night.

Laughing about the shirt, he said “I just happened to pull the shirt out of my closet. It just happened to be Star Wars.”

“It’s a junk food tee,” Achea Redd added.

Michael Redd’s positivity and good vibes are not only off the court, but on the basketball court as well. At the conclusion of every game, whether his team wins or loses, he walks to center court and gives thanks.

“Since my rookie year it’s been something that we do after each game. We thank God for no injuries and for safe travels back home, especially on the road,” he said.

Although he is sometimes only joined by a few teammates at center court, more often than not there are members of the opposing team standing by his side as well.

“Any player is welcome to come,” he said.

Redd, who is currently sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee, gave an update on the progress of his injury.

“No surgery yet,” he said. “Rehabbing, and getting it stronger for next season. That’s all I’ve been doing, rehabbing.”

The event was held inside the Wisconsin Room of UW-Milwaukee’s Union, and was sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ and Michael Redd’s organization Wave Ministires.

This is Michael Redd’s third time speaking at UW-Milwaukee, and student organizer Thomas Lacombe estimated that around 300 people attended on Thursday.

Michael Redd will also be back each of the next two months, on March 12 and April 9.

“We do speeches about once a month,” Achea Redd said.