Four UEL students help London Lions win BBL Cup

Hero Carousel

Published

25 August 2021

Share

The University of East London (UEL) took a star turn on the basketball court this weekend, with four students helping the London Lions win its first BBL (British Basketball League) Cup in 11 years. The Lions defeated Glasgow Rocks 68-54 in the final in Birmingham on Sunday.

Brandon Peel, who is studying for an MA (Hons) in Media, Communications and Industry, was named most valuable player (MVP). Abraham Ekperuoh, Jonathan James, and Dzaflo Larkai also helped the team to victory.

 

I can't thank my UEL coach and team enough for the part they've played in helping me achieve my recent successes. I am absolutely thrilled to have won the MVP award. I am truly grateful to UEL for allowing me to study here, as well as train with both the Lions and UEL teams,"

Brandon Peel, UEL media student and MVP for London Lions, said.

Brandon, who is from Washington D.C., enrolled at UEL last year. In October, the University and the Lions announced a partnership which allows Lions players to study at UEL, and UEL students to do work placements with the Lions.

UEL director of sport, Matt Tansley, said, "We are the only London university with a partnership of this type, providing opportunities for student athletes to not only compete at the highest level, but also to receive world-class and industry-leading dual career support.

"Brandon has access to services including lifestyle and career development training and medical services which ultimately give him an advantage, whether that's in sport, a job interview or planning for his future.

"It is a privilege to see players like Brandon take full advantage of this collaboration, achieving success with both the London Lions and UEL Basketball, and gaining the tools that will allow them to continue to accomplish great things in life."

UEL is an accredited TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) site. This means that the University provides support for athletes to develop in both sport and their professional careers. 

  • Sport Science

Share