The University of Worcester’s Basketball programme is gearing up for a thrilling run of fixtures. All five university teams set to take to the court in key league and cup matchups. From crucial home games to important cup ties. The closing months of 2025 will be full of action for fans of Worcester basketball.
Men’s 2nd Team – Midlands Conference Cup Showdown (Wednesday 12th November)
The action begins on Wednesday 12th November. Our Men’s 2nd team host Loughborough University Men’s 4th team in the Midlands Conference Cup. Still looking for their first victory, our Men will be looking to get some momentum going.
Men’s 1st Team – Return to Action vs Birmingham City University (Wednesday 19th November)
The Men’s 1st team make their return to BUCS league action on Wednesday 19th November against Birmingham City University. With weeks of preparation under their belt, Worcester will be eager to showcase their trademark intensity and teamwork. This matchup is expected to be a high-energy encounter, and the home crowd’s support could prove vital as the 1st team looks to continue their winning form.
Men’s 2nd Team – Home Battle with Aston University (Wednesday 19th November)
Also on Wednesday 19th November, the Men’s 2nd team take to the court at home to face Aston University Men’s 1st team. The 2nd have been making progress in practice. A win here would mark a key step forward for the team as they aim to finish the term strongly in league play.
Women’s 1st Team – Clash with Oxford University (Wednesday 3rd December)
The Women’s 1st team return to the court with a challenging fixture against Oxford University Women’s 1st team on Wednesday 3rd December. This matchup will test Worcester’s defensive resilience and fast-paced offence, as they face one of the top academic and athletic institutions in the country. Expect a competitive game with plenty of tactical battles on both ends of the court.
Women’s 2nd Team – Home Game vs Aston University (Wednesday 10th December)
Rounding out the term’s action, the Women’s 2nd team will face Aston University Women’s 1st team on Wednesday 10th December. The 2nds have built strong chemistry this season and will be eager to finish 2025 on a high note. Playing at home, they’ll look to use their energy and teamwork to secure a win.
Men’s 3rd Team – take on Aston University Men’s 2nd (Wednesday 10th December)
It’s been a tough start for our 3rd team. But they will be looking to close semester 1 with a win under their belt.
Come down and help push the teams to victory! #TogetherOn3 #LetsGoWorcester
Our women’s 2nd team returns for the 2025-26 season. Our women will take the court for the 1st time today in over 5 years. Their last game was against Aston University. A fixture they won 43-39, concluding their season (2019-20) in 2nd place, behind league winners Oxford Brookes.
This season, we will compete in Midlands 3a, alongside Oxford, Birmingham and Aston.
The first game today (Wednesday 29th October), we face University of Birmingham, 5pm tip.
Coaching the team this year will be Liliana Overcash from Oregon, who attended McDaniel College where she was a guard for 4 years and is here studying a Masters in International Management. Liliana said “I’m excited to be with the team. The team are a good group, who are all eager to learn. The goal is to win the league and we’re excited to get the season going.
Assisting Liliana is Stephanie Oliver. Stephanie is a second year student, who plays for our first team. To compliment her Sports Coaching degree, Steph gets involved with coaching Basketball during community sessions.
Steph said “We’re all excited for the season to start. The team really enjoy playing and have been working hard. Bring on Wednesday!!”
The game tips off, 5pm at University of Birmingham.
After another strong statistical season. Wilfrid was voted to the British Team of the Year for NBL2 North, announced by Basketball England announced Wednesday 23rd April. Wilfrid is the first Wolves player (post COVID) to earn a team of the year nod. Having won Defensive Player of the Year for the 22-23 season. Making it the second time Santhe has been voted by opposing coaches in the NBL.
“I’m grateful to be chosen by the other coaches in the league. It’s a testament to the hard work and time invested by Coach Lucio over the past summers during workouts and Coach Dean for all the help over the past season,” Wilfrid said upon seeing the post on instagram.
With team leading 5.7 apg (2nd in the league) 2.4stpg (4th in the north conference) and scoring averages of 15.2ppg. Coach Dean was pleased for Wilfrid “We’ve always believed we have one of the best guards in the league. Knowing Wilfrid’s aspirations, it’s great that other coaches recognise his abilities also. I know how hard he works and the sacrifices he makes. I’m sure he’ll be pleased, but he wont be satisfied.”
We spoke with Coach Lucio on the phone, who was beaming with praise, for the London based guard.
It’s fantastic to see Wilfrid Santhe recognised with this well deserved nomination. Having coached Wilfrid as a junior and now during the offseason I’ve witnessed his growth. His commitment, resilience and his relentless work ethic to master the details and fundamentals have been essential. Wilfrid is not only a standout player. He is also one of the most humble and empathetic individuals I’ve had the privilege to coach. This nomination feels completely right! It reflects both the player and the person he continues to grow into. I’m incredibly proud of him.
The 4th year PG leads Worcester Wolves in games played (65) career points (666) and career assists (255). In addition to leading in steals (109) and rebounds (235). “Wilfrid has worked hard from the moment he got here as a first year student. So in some ways, him leading in all these categories is no surprise.” said Coach Dean.
Wilfrid winning the award means that a Wolves player has been recognised for an award each of the four seasons the team has competed in the NBL. In the 2023-24 season Humberto Ferrier won Defensive Player of the Year. The 2022-23 season saw Wilfrid win DPOY honours. Our first year returning to the NBL saw Coach Dean win Coach of the Year and Lucas McGregor win Player of the Year.
Matthew Williamson is a former student athlete here at University of Worcester. Sport Business Management student who played for the Worcester Wolves. Upon graduating from Worcester in 2020 Matthew played for Cheshire Phoenix, Regnitzal Baskets (Regionalliga, Germany) and Sambendettesse (San Benedetto, Serie C Gold). This season he played a few games for Manchester Magic in NBL2, but stepped away due to personal reasons. Matthew is exploring how he can utilise his degree in Sport Business Management to stay involved in the game of Basketball. We caught up with Matt to reflect on his time at UW
You came to Worcester in 2017, how did you here about the University?
MW Before attending UW, I was a student at the Franconia International School in Germany. I completed my International Baccalaureate, whilst playing Basketball. I’d been asking about basketball programmes over there. I was told that Worcester was the best University for Basketball in the UK. So I started researching it. I wanted to study Sport Business Management. I found out that Worcester offered the course. So I thought, it will be really good, if I can combine the two. So my academic qualifications and basketball. Also, getting a new experience moving outside of Germany. I thought that would be cool.
“You obviously have to put the work in. Actually, one of the biggest takeaways I got out of it. If I put that work in, the opportunity will come my way and you kind of just have to forge it for yourself. I enjoyed my time. I have very fond memories of everything that happened there.“
So once you got to UW, what was your experience like being a student?
MW – I think it was honestly the best time I’ve ever had. I made, so many friends, that I still speak to today. Just having that opportunity to get better, with being able to practice everyday. It was crazy for me because I was actually put on the third team when I arrived. So obviously I wasn’t too happy about that to begin with. I slowly worked my way up to the first team, then got the Pro team. You obviously have to put the work in. Actually, one of the biggest takeaways I got out of it. If I put that work in, the opportunity will come my way and you kind of just have to forge it for yourself. I enjoyed my time. I have very fond memories of everything that happened there.
You got the opportunity to play and train with the pros. What was that like? MW – Yeah. So my first year when it happened, it was absolutely surreal to me. Prior to being selected I was going to the games on Friday as a spectator. So to be in a practise with them, was crazy to me. Absolutely surreal experience. Being able to go up against them and compete. Unreal! I realised by my second year that I needed to come out with a different mindset again. I was like, OK. I’ve got here now, but I need to actually maintain it. So I think I came out with a better mindset in the second year. Always trying to level up. I took that with me into third year and fourth year as well. Just continually trying to level up and just learn as much as you could from these pro guys. Obviously this is what they did for a living and that’s what I was aspiring to get to.
“having that persistence and resilience just to continually come back and working towards something..”
This wasn’t going to be easy, this was going to be a tough process. As a young guy, practise doesn’t go your way, a lot of the time. Being able to have that mental resilience and persistence to come in every day and compete, was really important. Just to try and get on court, because obviously you don’t get much game time as a young guy. So like I said, just having that persistence and resilience just to continually come back and working towards something that’s in the future. That you’re still aspiring towards.
“I think I was very spoilt in my opportunities at Worcester, everything was there for me. I had the weight room I had, court access whenever I wanted. I was training with professionals everyday.“
BBL Cup Trophy Winners 2020
You’ve mentioned working towards something in the future. Do you think your experience as a student athlete at University of Worcester set you up for the things you went to on to achieve later on? MW – Yeah. Yeah, 100%, I mean.I think I was very spoilt in my opportunities at Worcester, everything was there for me. I had the weight room, I had court access whenever I wanted. I was training with professionals everyday.
What was a typical day like for you at University? MW – A typical day. I’d wake up at 5:45am. I’d practise with the BUCS team from 7:00am till 9:00am. We’d have individuals with wolves from 9:00 till 10. Lift with wolves from 10am till 11am. I’d go home, get a quick bit of food and take a quick nap. Go to my lecture, then back at it from 4:00pm till 6:00pm with the Pro team. I’d get home around 7:00-ish, have my dinner. Get some studying done and go to bed. That was my schedule for 3-4 days a week. Unless it was gameday. But it was all there for you. If you’re willing to put the work in and make those sacrifices.
You mentioned that word ‘sacrifices. What sacrifices do you feel you made to achieve your goals MW – To be honest, I wish I hadn’t said sacrifices. To me it wasn’t really a sacrifice. I just did what I felt was necessary. Lots of people go out and stuff. Obviously still doing that every now and then, but you can’t go overboard with it. Stuff like prioritising sleep as opposed to hanging out with friends. Prioritising practise and recovery as opposed to going out to the club. As I said, to me it’s really a not a sacrifice. You’re working towards something bigger. For me that was playing professionally. I had to do, what I needed to do, to get myself there.
When I left the BBL and went over to Germany to play Regionalliga. It was kind of like a step down to a semi pro type of level. So I felt like I was very spoiled in Worcester and the opportunities there. In Italy I didn’t have the same access to like weight rooms or courts etc. It definitely set me up just in terms of preparing me mentally for what was to come.
You left Worcester after the Covid season. Once the University decided Wolves wouldn’t compete in the BBL. MW – Yeah, so when Worcester left the BBL (now known as SLB), I didn’t want to play in NBL 3. So I went on to play Cheshire Phoenix in the BBL for a season, won BBL (SLB trophy). I then went on to play in Germany in the Regional league for Bamberg. Really cool experience because they were affiliated with Bros Bamberg in the Bundesliga. So I got the opportunity to practise with the Bundesliga team every now and then, which was really cool. I had my best season statistically, average 14 points a game and I took a losing team when I joined. We won seven out of the first nine games that I played in, so we were on a 7 game win streak after I joined, so really cool experience.
I then went on to play in Italy in series C the next season. Again, crazy experience. That was a very different experience, as no one on my team spoke English, so I was kind of by myself for a lot of it. It was a challenge, but I think all the lessons that I’d learned leading up to that point, helped a lot. In terms of persistence, keeping in mind why I’m there and what I’m there to do.
I was looking to play again this season, but unfortunately didn’t find anything. So I kind of just worked for my own business that I’d set up in terms of WWS worldwide sports. And that actually led me to work for Thomas Politi at the player agency now, so working as a basketball agent.
What advice would you give to someone coming to University of Worcester? MW – Be a sponge! Be completely open to anything. All the information you can get, take it all! The training you can get, take it! Make use of the time that you have there because you won’t get it back. I think I used to be a victim of, “Oh, I’m still only 19, 20 years old. I’m going to play basketball forever.” I’m 26 now and I realised that’s not the case. So really if you have that goal of playing professional, grab it and take it. You don’t get that time back and like you’ll regret more if you dont. But you won’t regret trying and failing. But you’ll regret if you didn’t try because you’ll never know if you could have done it or not. Make use of that time to the best of your ability. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. At least you can be proud of yourself for giving it all you’ve got.
They’re headed to the FINALS! Our Women’s 1st team beat Derby University to book their place in this years Midlands Conference Cup Finals. Another solid team performance saw them secure the win in front of a supportive crowd. This week it was the turn of Steph Oliver to lead the team in scoring. Shooting her way to a game high, 19pts (6 of 9 from 3pt).
We caught up with Player of the game Steph Oliver, who lead the team in scoring with 19pts. “As a team we performed very well. Our defence created a lot of fast break lay-ups for us.” When asked about her own performance, she said “I think i performed well, I was shooting when open. Making 3s at the end of the plays or shot clock and also creating opportunities for my teammates.”
We asked Steph how the team was feeling after Wednesdays win. “As a team we are so excited to make it to the Finals, it is such a great feeling and we have been working hard and stayed consistent in games to be able to reach this moment.”
Our team take on Cambridge Women’s 1st team in the Midlands Conference Cup Final on Wednesday 5th March at University of Birmingham at 11am tip. Cambridge are currently 2nd in Midlands 2B. 3pts behind league leaders Nottingham Women’s 2. We managed to speak with Coach Alexis to hear this thoughts on reaching the finals in his first season
We got the opportunity to catch up with some of our scholarship students within the Basketball programme and talk with them about life at the University of Worcester as Scholarship athletes. Within the group of student athletes we spoke to there are Performance Potential Athletes, Dual Career Athletes and Worcester Wolves Scholarship Athletes. All of them are at various stages of their University of Worcester journey.
Below you’ll read excerpts from conversations with our Men’s 1st team players, Matei Balteanu (MB), Thomas Grayling (TG), Wilfrid Santhe (WS), Malaki Cunningham-Pitterson, Jacob Dearman (JD), Liam Langridge-Barker (LLB), Ian Vivero Rodriguez (IVR) and Isaiah Walker (IW). Some of our wheel chair Basketball team Abderrahim Tagrest (AT), George Gray (GG) and Jack Long (JL) and our Women’s first team players Caitlin Collier (CF), Charlotte Finn (CF)
What attracted you to the university of Worcester?
CC – I was recruited by Ryan (former womens coach Ryan Emery), who came to one of my games at college. He spoke to a couple of us about the programme. When I had my individual visit I saw the facilities and I really liked the set up. I like how the University is heavily linked with Worcester Wolves. Practice’s are regular and scheduled around lectures. Other programmes didn’t seem to work that way.
WS – The basketball program and history attracted me to Worcester. They have a proven track record of developing and make players better. It’s was a program I wanted to be a part of.
JL – What attracted me initially was the facilities that we have access to such as the S&C suite. All the courts we have here and they’re an amazing standard for Basketball in the UK. Our coach is one of the best in the country. It was easy for it to be a first choice of mine
IVR – The basketball program in specific was the main aspect that attracted me to Worcester University but also the city. I wanted a city where almost everything is relatively close by bike or walking. A city with university environment to enjoy the university lifestyle and meet new people.
GG – What the University could provide me. Not just academically but the support it was willing to provide me for my wheelchair basketball career. The ease of everything, is a huge factor.
LLB – I’d been around Worcester previously during my stints in the BBL. I always loved coming to play at the arena. Getting to practice here daily and it being our home court for BUCS and NBL is great. It’s easily one of the best facilities at this level in the country.
TG – The basketball programme as a whole and the course I wanted to do was here. Once I graduate, I’d like to complete my PGCE, or an MSc and I can do that here. At the time of my application Wolves were in the BBL and there was already a plan of having an NBL side, like a wolves second team. So, I figured I’d either get to train with the BBL side and or play in the NBL in addition to playing for the University team in BUCS. Now the team has left the BBL, it has kind of elevated the team that competes in the NBL. We now get to play in from of 500 fans at home games which is always great.
CF – The basketball programme and the benefits you get from being a scholarship athlete. I also liked the feel of Worcester when I visited.
MB – The opportunity to have a dual career as an athlete and student attracted me the most to come to Worcester. Back in Romania I have seen how a lot of athletes struggle to continue studying at higher education level whilst performing in their sports.
MCP – What attracted me to worcester was the basketball program with its past history and facilities they have to offer. Also as people around me said it was a smaller uni which I liked as it will allow me to focus on my studies
IW – I was attracted to Worcester as it was recommended by a coach of mine. On top of this I already had knowledge of Worcester with their link to the Wolves basketball team and the great facilities.
You’re part of the university of Worcester/ Wolves scholarship programme. How does it benefit you as a student and student life?
AT – The demands as an elite athlete are high, with camps, training and games. The scholarship programme provides support in various ways. So I’ve received support to ensure my education isn’t effected due to my sporting commitments
MB – As a student, being part of the UW/ Wolves scholarship helps me financially, to pay for my tuition fees and any sports related costs (supplements, shoes, bucs membership, training equipment etc.). Secondly, across the year there are free workshops you can attend that are aimed at providing advice on time management, wellbeing, and any type of support if needed.
CF – It gives me loads of different benefits like free access to the gym, being able to get a S&C programme made for me, ice baths and more. This is good for me as a student as it is saving me money and can help me improve my basketball.
JL – It’s great, it comes with a lot of benefits and support. You receive a kit bundle, the extra money is a bonus also. The facilities, massage, free physio and psychiatrist are all available to help us as athletes
LLB – It gives me a bit more freedom,it helps me out with my studies. It allows me to enjoy my time here, rather than stressing about things.
What do you enjoy about the basketball programme?
MCP – I enjoy the professionalism of the programme and the resources that are given to us to become better playersÂ
IVR – As a basketball player being able to train and play in one of the best facilities in the country is great, having personal training creating strength and condition program specific for your body is awesome and being able to represent the university and the wolves organisation and get the recognition of the fans in an amazing feeling.
CC – I like how the University team and the wolves teams are the same. I really like the connection between the University team and Wolves. It’s the same coach and players playing for both The training sessions are the same and it’s all connected
IW – It’s great the amount of on court time we have access to, along with having team strength and conditioning. I also enjoy the fact that the team is so close knit, everyone is a good person and being part of the team feels like being part of a family.
WS – I enjoy the constant practices and the accessibility of facilities as it provides chances to improve at any moment
JL – Just the fact that I get to train every day. My friends are here and I’ve known them before attending UW, due to the nature of wheelchair basketball, it’s a small community
CF – My team as we all to stick by each other through the tougher games and make sure we hold each other accountable but also making sure we pick each other up. The facilities are very good as we have access to the court every day of the week, we also have an S&C suite which is only for performance athletes, as well as the campus gym. We also get the use of ice baths after practice or games to help with our recovery.
LLB – I love being around the guys all the time. Creating those relationships on and off the court is one of the biggest things for me.
MB – The chance of having an all-around and integrated programme that fits my academic schedule, and helps me achieve my potential.
How is your season going so far? (Personally)
IVR – My season personally is being good but really busy because as a third year student in sport therapy I don’t have too much time to spend in training my skills and have some social life due to exams, assessments, placement and dissertation but this is something to expect from a good university. On the other side here in the university if you ask for help there is always people happy to help and sort any problem.
CF – Personally, I’ve seen a lot of improvement in my game this season, I feel this is because I’m being given the opportunity from my coach (Kieran Howell) to show what I can really do. I’ve also become a lot more focused on basketball and I’m in the gym 3/4 times a week trying to get myself fitter and stronger, which is being shown when I play.
IW – I feel as though my season has had many ups and downs so far. However I’ve always had my teammates, coach and club staff there to support me through the difficult times. I currently feel that my season is heading in a positive direction and I am able to contribute to making the team better when I’m on the court.
AT – We’re currently unbeaten and want it to remain that way and win the trophy at the end of the season.
MB – For me, the season hasn’t started the way I expected, as I had to deal with ongoing injuries for a couple of months. Although, since coming back from the Christmas break, I haven’t been bothered by any injuries so far and I’ve managed to be more consistent with participating in practices. I’m feeling positive for the rest of the season.
What’s it like playing for and being coached by your team coach?
JL – Being coached by Simon at worcester has helped me as a player since I got to this uni. He is always available to have a 1 on 1 and organises as many training sessions as possible for the team.
MB – Being coached by Dean Blake for the last couple of years has been a continuous learning cycle. He created a very competitive environment that puts a positive pressure on me, in a way that makes me push harder and helps me achieve my potential. Moreover, I feel that my opinions are fully valued in my team, thus creating a culture of openness and mutual trust.
CF – I really enjoy being coached by Kieran because he is very enthusiastic and has helped our team grow. He’s really given me a chance to play his confidence in me has helped me a lot.
TG – Dean is a demanding coach on and off the court and wants to see the human/and player develop. He also gives players freedom of speech and will never shut someone down because he disagrees with you. His honesty keeps player’s grounded and heading in the right direction. Â
AB – Simon’s a great coach, he’s always pushing us to perform and to train at our best
If you’re interested in attending University of Worcester and would like more information on our Sport Scholarships please click here
The deadline for Sports Scholarships applications is Monday 25th April. If you’re a student looking to apply to study at the University of Worcester and wondering how we support our performance athletes then keep reading.
We decided to catch up with some of our sports scholars to find our how the sports scholarship they received at the start of the season has helped them. As performance athlete’s their schedule of study, practices and games is quite hectic. The University offers support in various ways to help ease the load on our athletes, so they can hopefully apply more focus to their studies and athletic performance.
Nathan playing for Worcester Wolves during the 2020-21 season
Nathan’s in his final of a Sports and Exercise Science degree. Nathan competes for our men’s 1st team and plays for City of Birmingham Rockets in NBL2
“The scholarship programme has helped me throughout my time at Worcester tremendously. Having access to strength and conditioning suite, psychological support, nutritional advice and the list goes on, The support you receive for your support, doesn’t come close to the academic support that is offered to Scholarship athletes. the ability to workout around timetables and assignments really does go along way to be successful in both areas of your sport and studies.”
Grace Roberts is just completing her first year of her undergrad in Sports Therapy. Since joining us from up north, Grace has been a member of our Women’s 1st team and the Worcester Wolves
“Being part of the sports scholarship program at the university is a massive privilege that highlights everyone’s hard work and dedication to their sports. The facilities at the university are outstanding as well as the sports therapy and S&C support alongside, so we are able to perform to the best of our ability.”
Matei Balteanu – 3rd year undergraduate student, studying Business and Human Resource Management. Matei plays for our Men’s 1st team and Worcester Wolves.
“Having a scholarship at University of Worcester has enabled me to compete at a high level in my sport, and maintain focus on my studies at the same time. Benefits of being part of the scholarship programme included a personalised strength and conditioning programme, alongside injury clinics which were very helpful throughout the whole season. Especially considering the amount of games and trainings we have. On top of this, the 1 on 1 meetings gave me the possibility to discuss any issues I had regarding sports or academics. I also got to talk with my Scholarship mentor about time management strategies and how to successfully manage both my studies and my sports career.”
Nuri – 3rd year student, studying Sports Exercise and Science. nuri plays for our Women’s 1st team and Worcester Wolves
I have been a sports scholar for 3 years and it has made my experience of playing sports whilst studying smoother, happier and less stressful.
“As a sports scholar at the university I have been able to meet with my scholar tutor and talk about any concerns I’ve had in relation to anything I needed to talk about which really helped alleviating thestress I’ve experienced through out university. It has also been really good for me as I was able to discuss my future steps and what is best for me within what I want. In addition to the personal support from tutors, I have also been able to talk to nutritionist, use the sports therapy team for any injuries I’ve had and the additional funds given by the university have allowed me to get any equipment I needed for the season or university.”
Wilfrid is a 1st year student, completing a course in Sport Business Management. Wilfrid plays for our Men’s 1st team, while also competing for Worcester Wolves
“The sports scholarship helped me as a student as it’s allowed to purchase things that have benefited me, both on and off the court. Also I have been given nutritional advice which I think has improved my performance.”
I really appreciate being awarded the sports scholarship as it meant I was able to have individual sessions along with team sessions in the gym to work on my performance. Additional along with this we all benefited from having physio sessions each week which helped keep us all fit for game. Overall I think the scholarship program helped me improve both on and off court and I would highly recommend that other students apply.
For information on how to apply for a Sports Scholarhip please click here.
Just under 30 young men attended our inaugural Next Step Basketball Camp this summer. Lead by Basketball Development Officer Dean Blake, the camp took place in early August. All Basketball players in attendance were eligible for University enrollment in September 2022.
For 3 days campers were put through their paces, as if they were student athletes here at UW. “From as north as Liverpool and as south as Sussex, we wanted to show them what the next step on their academic and sporting journey could look like.” said Coach Dean.
The weekend started with fitness testing lead by our Strength and Conditioning staff, and evening games. The games were utilised to assess players and split them into competitive teams for the remainder of the camp. Days 2 and 3 were full of skills and drills and competitive games.
We wanted to see what was out there. With the pandemic, we didn’t get the opportunity to see players play. So we thought the best way to see them was to invite them here. The camp seemed to work well and the campers enjoyed it which is the most important thing.
There’s already talk of the camp being held next year and it being expanded so we can invite more players. “We definitely want to host the camp again next summer and make it bigger and better for the participants. To include girls in the camp or maybe even have a girls only camp as well, would be amazing.” Coach Dean added
Please stay tuned for announcements of camp dates.
Due to lockdown, Basketball wasn’t a part of this years Varsity celebrations. Men’s 1st player Wale suggested we create our own event to celebrate this years graduates. Daniel Johnson-Thompson pointed out that 2020 graduates didn’t have a Varsity event due to 2020 lockdown. So the Men and Women’s Basketball committee’s, got together and came up with the idea of ALUMNI SUMMER SLAM.
Alumni Summer Slam, was a mini tournament, showcasing our third year students of the past two years. The event took place on Wednesday 23rd June. The same week of Graduation.
Kieran Howell who formed part of the committee said. “We chose that week as we felt it would be the best time to engage as many of last years graduates as possible as they would be returning for graduation anyway.”
The committee organised the players into four teams and gave each team a captain, with the captains having the free reign to name the teams. The captains Grace Brownell, Layla Hall, Kieran Howell and Matthew Williamson announced their teams on instagram, which was followed by the Alumni Summer Slam Draft hosted by the committee’s very own Llifon Torr. Once the teams were sorted the committee, posted the days schedule and the teams.
In the midst of all the games Coach Dean bought out NBA 2Ball! Typically at these events, we see Dunk competitions or 3pt shootouts. We caught up with Coach Dean to find out the reason NBA 2Ball was included. “It’s an opportunity to continually bring people together, which is what the whole event is about. Dunking is individual and so is the 3pt competition. So we included something that’s inline with the premise of the event,”
The 4 hour event was streamed live on our women’s facebook page, click here to watch
Each graduate was given a framed digital version of their jersey. Coach Dean said “we don’t have the budget nor the kit supplies to give the players an authentic framed jersey, so we did the next next next best thing.” It was also a thank you, for their time and commitment to themselves and the Basketball programme.
2021 Graduate Wale said he liked the fact that it’s an event run for the students to enjoy their time and appreciate their time at University. Whilst 2020 graduate Layla “really liked seeing everyone again.” Estella who graduated in 2020 said “I love the idea that we got to be part of a new tradition that started with the classes of 2020 and 2021
Our 2020 and 2021 Alumni, gather at the end of Alumni Summer Slam for a group photo
Will we be seeing Alumni Summer Slam again? Coach Dean gave a resounding yes when we asked him. “we need to build on it and make it even better. The event was missing spectators. Having students and fans to watch would have been the cherry on top, for this year but it wasn’t to be.” said Coach Dean. He added “Next year we will invite parents, families, friends, fellow students and more alumni students to the event. Next year the event will be even bettere the event improves year after year.
Check out the some of the pictures of the event below
Hands down, man down! Mike New Jr gets up high for the mid range J
low man always wins, Wale got to the hoop on this one
Shanice attacking the lane
Lucas at the rim for the finish
Raph with the great shooting form
we're having fun so it's okay for Jess to be jogging up the court with a smile on her face lol
