As the various sporting seasons come to a close, the men’s basketball teams at the University of East London are starting to reflect on the past nine months of action. But it’s the future that two of the University’s players are looking towards the most.
Champions
The men’s 3rd team are confident of wrapping up the league title, with shooting guard Jalil Allen saying: “I’m very confident our team will finish in first.”
Having won seven out of eight games this campaign, the East Londoners will be looking to wrap up the South Eastern 4B title come the end of March. A win against Canterbury 1st will secure the division.
Targets
However, the 20-year-old is looking ahead to his own personal targets of making the big jump to the professional level:
“If training keeps going the way it’s going the way it is right now and I keep getting better, then I am bound to become a professional basketball player sooner rather than later.”
Facilities
The facilities have a huge positive impact on the players, with state-of-the-art training regimes, fitness classes, arenas and a multi-million-pound fitness suite contributing to the improvement and development of UEL players.
Jalil added: “you’ve got the gym, the open court sessions and the free bookings so you can come in and shoot around mornings, afternoons and sometimes night times.”
Men’s 2nd team centre Stephen also had high praise for what Sportsdock had to offer to the teams.
“They are very good quality and we often use them as they are in good condition. The courts are free and we are thankful for it.”
Unfortunate 2nds
The second team narrowly lost out on the title, after losing the final by just six points to London School of Economics 1sts team.
Stephen has also set his eye on his future as a pro basketball player. “After our basketball, I would like to go to America and earn a scholarship.”
Only time will tell if Stephen and Jalil can make it to the very top, but they are certainly on the right path to glory.