Through Injury Former Panther Taft Finds New Calling

June 16, 2016

Story written by: Michael Nicastro

PITTSBURGH -- This past week, former Pitt basketball star Chris Taft returned to Pittsburgh. A place that felt so much like home for Taft during his recruiting stay, he cancelled all other visits with schools.

"I had visits with North Carolina, Villanova, Syracuse, Miami, and I cancelled all of them. I didn't need to see anybody else," said Taft.

Taft's basketball odyssey was a roller coaster of triumph, injury, recovery and rebirth. The 31-year old big man with an NBA pedigree last played professional basketball in 2012 in Finland, but would tell you that was just the beginning of his career.

Today, Taft aims to inspire through ministry work and by sharing his story. In 2007, his girlfriend (now wife) Dana encouraged him to become more involved in the church throughout the trials and tribulations of his professional career.

"She's my rock. She's had my back more than anybody."

He found himself growing spiritually, and began serving in the ministry. He is currently working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; which is an international non-profit Christian sports ministry based in Kansas City, Mo. Through FCA, Taft travels to schools across the country to spread his message.

"I try and tell these kids you can literally be down and out by yourself, but with God you always have somebody. I didn't have FCA growing up. You guys have something really special and great to take advantage of. Do everything you can to be the best basketball player or football player, but make sure it's all centered on God."

This past week he was back in Pittsburgh talking to children about his journey. His stops included visits to Highlands, Fox Chapel, and Armstrong school districts, where he was moved by the support.

After speaking to over 2,000 kids at Armstrong, Taft was overwhelmed by the response from the audience.

"We filled up that gym. I shared my story and had people coming up to me giving me hugs, taking pictures, and saying I remember you! My parents remember you! I can't believe you're here."

He described the experience as "rewarding" and has several upcoming speaking tours scheduled with schools throughout the country.

"It's amazing how powerful it is and I'm happy to be able to share what's been going on in my life, and how far I've had to come."

Taft overcame many obstacles throughout his playing career including injuries and self-doubt, which helped shape him to take on his current role.

A graduate of Xaverian Prep in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a consensus top-25 recruit, Taft joined the Panthers in 2003. Pitt was coming off of a 28-5 season in 2002, and Taft was excited to join the talented crop of returning starters, including Jaron Brown, Carl Krauser, Julius Page, and Chevon Troutman. He knew that the recent success of the team and their strong mentality would push him to become a better player.

"We had a great team. Our practices were so intense, it was so tough, and it made the games easy for us. We were happy to beat someone else up cause we were beating each other up so much."

When Taft arrived in Oakland, Page nicknamed him "The Franchise". He defended that nickname- averaging 10.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game en route to becoming Pitt's fourth Big East Rookie of the Year Award winner. Behind Taft, the Panthers secured the Big East regular season championship and reached the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.

In 2005, Taft built upon the momentum he established as a freshman. He averaged 13.3 points per game, and led Pitt in blocked shots (50). His impressive season included leading the Big East Conference in field goal percentage (58 percent). The team went a combined 51-14 and made a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in his two years.

After considerable deliberation, Taft elected to enter the 2005 NBA Draft following just his second year with the Panthers. There was uncertainty on whether he would remain at Pitt for his junior season, but for Taft the decision was an easy one that came down to family.

"I was chasing my dream, chasing the ability to take care of my family. I can move my grandmother to Georgia with my mom, these are the things that are coming across my mind, and I don't have another two years to wait."

Taft became the University of Pittsburgh's 25th all-time NBA draft pick when he was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 42nd pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. Early in the process, draft experts pegged Taft to go in the lottery, but he fell to the second round.

Taft felt great about Golden State, but 41 teams passed on him before he was chosen, which drew speculation about a potential injury.

"I started slipping a little bit, some medical red flags, reports, and certain things. During my pre-draft workouts I always felt a little more tired than normal, and my muscles would be weak and sore, but where I'm from you just have to man up and deal with it and never say anything is wrong, just keep pushing"

Shortly thereafter, injuries began to put a stranglehold on his professional career. Taft hurt his back in summer league play, but went on to appear in the first 17 games of the regular season with the Warriors. While playing, his back worsened, and he was told to seek a second medical opinion. He was diagnosed with a rare inflammatory muscle disease called polymyositis, which causes weakness and pain, often in the trunk area.

He put on 80 pounds, and was receiving IV's daily to treat the muscle disease.

"Anything you could think of it hurt so much to do, to a point where it wasn't about basketball; it was about my health and my life. I had doctors tell me I'd never be able to play basketball again, I'd never be able to walk again without pain."

In 17 NBA games Taft scored 47 points, pulled down 36 rebounds, and shot over 60% from the field. He was released by the Warriors in October of 2006.

All the while Taft stuck to his mantra growing up in Brooklyn, and he kept pushing.

Through rigorous rehabilitation he earned his way back onto the hardwood, signing with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Developmental League in 2008. However, he suffered another setback- a dislocated ankle, which landed him on the shelf once more.

"I was always trying to prove myself and get back, but injuries kept happening, I can't control that and god had greater things for me. Those experiences I would never take away, without God all of these things wouldn't be possible."

As his journey continues, Taft finds himself back in Pittsburgh with countless memories for "The Franchise" coming back to the surface.

"The Oakland Zoo was awesome. My two years in Pittsburgh were probably the two best basketball years of my life."

An item he checked off his list during the return to campus was getting back on the court at the Petersen Events Center. This time around, he was shooting jump shots with his son David and former teammate Carl Krauser.

When asked if he is still a big follower of Panthers hoops, Taft says he is always tuning into games.

"These last couple of years I have been watching. Looking forward to coach Stallings and what he's going to do here. Pittsburgh will always have a special place in my heart. There are so many people here that have been praying for me and believing in me, I'm honored."

Taft isn't receiving any IVs, and he hasn't taken any medication for polymyositis in almost five years. He currently lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife Dana, daughter Kayla, and sons David and Ethan. He is "always proud" to return to Pittsburgh and plans on coming back as frequently as possible, to the place that he will always consider home.

Back at home and at peace with his basketball journey, "The Franchise" has now set out on an odyssey to educate and encourage spiritual growth.

To book Chris Taft for an appearance, please visit www.christaft.org

University of Pittsburgh Athletics

Through Injury Former Panther Taft Finds New Calling

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