Kenneth Faried, a 6′8″ forward for the Cangrejeros de Santurce in the BSN, is a Muslim who prays before each game. Faried, 36, has played in the NBA for eight years, including seven with the Denver Nuggets. He says his faith helps him stay focused and calm, even in intense games.
Faried's teammates respect his faith and give him space to pray in the locker room. In a recent game, Faried scored 17 points and grabbed 24 rebounds, helping his team take a 2-1 lead in the semifinals. He faces the Criollos in the playoffs for the third consecutive year and acknowledges the series will be physical, but hopes for consistent refereeing.
Faried has played for the Nuggets, Brooklyn, and Houston in the NBA and previously played for the Leones de Ponce in the BSN.