Tar Heels' Meeks raised with faith, great-grandmother says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While the University of North Carolina weighed heavily on the shoulders of 6-foot, 10-inch forward Kennedy Meeks in its Final Four win over Oregon on Saturday, his great-grandmother, Rosalie Davis Meeks, was watching from home in Charlotte.

“If you serve God, this is what happens,” Rosalie Meeks said.

Channel 9 spoke with her and Kennedy Meeks’ two great uncles, who showed how much faith the family has.

The clock chimed, "Praise God."

“Even the clock says praise God,” Johnnie Meeks said.

Kennedy Meeks, a West Charlotte High graduate, scored 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the Tar Heels’ 77-76 victory over Oregon.

They will play Gonzaga at 9:20 p.m. Monday in Phoenix in the national championship game.

“Big fella, but he has always been a good child, and of course, a mindful child,” Davis Meeks said.

That "big fella" made his great-grandmother proud.

Not because of the numbers he put up, but because of the person he is.

Meeks is on track to get his degree in May, and he is donning jersey No. 3, which he chose to represent the Holy Trinity.

“I’m not a sports person,” Davis Meeks said. “Now all this stuff you're talking about, numbers, I don't know that much about it.

“All I know is No. 3 and when I see my baby.”

Cox Media Group