West Earn Elite Eight, Last Scots Standing in National Trophy

UWS 73-52 Glasgow BUCS National Trophy

UWS take down Glasgow University for the third time in 2021-22 to advance to the quarter finals of the BUCS National Trophy behind Daniels’ 24 point outing.

UWS West men began their National Trophy campaign in November as they took down Edinburgh University less than 24 hours after booking their spot in the Scottish National Championship Final. A second round match up versus rivals Glasgow University was next on the cards, a well established match up this season after the the two sides have met twice previously this season alone. The West would look to their previous outings of knocking the current BUCS Tier 1 holders out of the Scottish Trophy and taking the league match up too, to spur on a third consecutive victory over the side.

A slow start saw a galvanized Glasgow run up an early 12 point lead during the opening quarter. A defensive emphasis and change of personnel from Head Coach Johnathan Macleod saw a 36-6 second period, giving UWS a 21 point half time lead.

A call up from the 2nd team saw debutant Paul Doherty play a crucial role with his new team mates, supporting sharp shooter Javon Daniels. Guards KiShawn Monroe and Jack Thomson would prove key on the defensive end that allowed Jaylen Franklin and Javon Daniels to run out in transition – who remained hot from the Scottish National Title game as he posted 24 points as UWS ran out 73-52 winners.

The West will now face Sheffield Hallam in the last eight of the tournament, a historic milestone as UWS Basketball plays its first English opponent, rising from the bottom tier of BUCS Basketball.

Head Coach Johnathan MacLeod commented

“Brilliant game, fantastic to go 3-0 over such a fantastic opponent like Glasgow. Last Scottish team standing in the bracket, so we fly the flag for Scotland with pride.”

Johnathan MacLeod, Head Coach

Team captain and Scottish Internationalist, Jack Thomson, also commented post game,

“It’s fantastic to make it to the next round, coming back from Myerscough, I came looking to play at the highest level and I am proud to say we can do that at UWS. The journey continues and we have a tough game coming up and a busy schedule, preparation will be key.”

Jack Thomson

UWS will next be in action with partnership side Renfrew Rocks in the Scottish National League as MacLeod and a number of UWS players look to remain undefeated, before returning to BUCS competition against Strathclyde.

UWS Crowned Scottish National Champions

Four league titles, two Conference Cups and now the Scottish National Championship has been added to the trophy cabinet in Paisley, as the West took down Aberdeen 90-75.

The West faced the toughest draw to get to the final of the newly created Scottish Student Sport National Championships, that aimed to pit all 1st teams in the country against each other regardless of BUCS tiers.

An opening round win over Strathclyde was followed by a tough 48-hour double header against Glasgow before the Men welcomed Edinburgh College to Kelvinhall for a scintillating semi-final match that saw UWS run out 93-82 winners to book their place in the first ever National Championship final.

The West were set to take on Aberdeen, who they had already taken down earlier in the season, 112-69.

A confident first half saw the two sides feel each other out but it was Javon Daniels who would light it up from 3, hitting 6 in the opening two quarters. Stellar play from Finals MVP Jaylen Franklin saw his side run out to an early first half lead. The West continued to shoot well from 3 with former Scottish International Jack Thomson and Kenyada Lattimore contribute their own deep range makes. The game was closed out through crucial defensive plays from KiShawn Monroe and Victor Sauzeat with the side lifting the trophy, 90-75.

Sugars Stays in Scotland, Signs with Falkirk

UWS Women’s Basketball Centre Tianna Sugars Signs has signed with Scottish Basketball Championship side Falkirk Fury to extend her stay in Scotland for another year.

A product of NCAA III side Colby Sawyer, Sugars committed to UWS ahead of the 2020-21 Season to help guide the side to a return to the Scottish National Title game and turn the score around, following the narrow loss to Dundee the season before.

Sugars finished her career at Colby Sawyer ranking third on the all-time scoring list with 1,363 points, third in rebounds with 963, fifth in blocks with 140, fourth in field goals made with 511 and third in free throws made with 327.

UWS Basketball Head Coach, Johnathan MacLeod commented,

‘I am delighted to see players make the step from UWS to the highest level of women’s basketball in Scotland. I brought Tianna in knowing she’d play a huge role for the program and contribute to our success. Whilst that never came to fruition on the court due to the pandemic, Tianna has achieved those goals off the court and shown it is possible to come to UWS and make the next step. I wish her all the best in Falkirk and know JB will take good care of her.’

Six Stars Selected for Team UWS Scholarships

Paisley, Scotland – Earlier this week, Team UWS – the department for Sport at The University of the West of Scotland – announced it’s list of Sport Scholarship Athletes for season 2020-21.

The Sport Scholarship Programme aims to support those with the potential to be at the top of their sport. The criteria is set to a high standard with hundreds of applications each year being cut down to an elite group of select individuals, with past Scholarship athletes including athletes such as Callum Hawkins (British Olympic Distance Runner), Rebekka Findlay (2014 Commonwealth Games) and currently this year boasts professional MMA fighter Paul Craig.

In the announcement, an incredible 6 athletes from the UWS Basketball were included as Scholarship recipients, the highest number of any sport. The achievement is a huge boost for the club and a testament to the calibre of player dawning the kit for the University at the highest level. Those awarded were,

  • Jonny Bunyan, Guard
  • Kayleigh Sellar, Guard
  • Marke Williams, Guard
  • Morven Robertson, Guard
  • Nick Arthur, Centre
  • Tianna Sugars, Centre

Commenting on UWS Basketball having the highest number of scholarship athletes, Team UWS Sports President Joe Gilfillan said,

“At Team UWS we are delighted to have such a strong calibre of Scholarship athletes representing us across a multitude of Sports. This year saw an increase in the number of Scholarship Athletes representing the Basketball club. This is testiment to the appeal of Team UWS Basketball club, regularly competing at a high level, and these additions will only serve to strengthen this position even further“

Club Head Coach Johnathan MacLeod also commented,

“We are delighted to have so many of our players recognised with Sport Scholarships this season. This is testament to the work the club has done to have such a talent level in our playing squads and also to those selected for their hard work and reaching that level. It’s a huge boost for everyone involved to know of the calibre of athlete included in those awarded this year and to know our players are right up there with them as the very best.”

UWS Welcome Lockhart Back

Milo Lockhart rejoins UWS Basketball for another year.

Paisley, Scotland- UWS Basketball are delighted to welcome Men’s captain Milo Lockhart back into the fold. The 2 time Scottish Champion had a summer to mull over the possibility of coming back to UWS and the programme. An eagerly awaited decision that will prove fruitful for UWS as we look to get back to competing.

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Arthur Commits to the West

American Big Man Nick Arthur Commits to UWS for ’21 Season

Paisley, Scotland – UWS Basketball are delighted to announce the commitment and arrival of incoming Forward/Centre Nick Arthur. The 6-7 Big graduated from SUNY New Paltz where he played 4 years in the NCAA system.

The native New Yorker made 44 appearances for New Paltz, starting in 22 of those games over his career. Arthur started 16 of the 23 games he appeared in, where he averaged 14.3 minutes per game and four points per game. The Big man grabbed 74 rebounds and blocked 32 shots this season and enjoyed a 12-point game against SUNY Maritime with a 100% field goal percentage.

Coming out of High School, Arthur played in Elite 80 Showcase (2015) and is a member of National Society of High School Scholars.

Speaking on his arrival at UWS, Arthur commented,

Coming to UWS I have high expectations for myself. I chose to travel across the world to play my favorite sport and follow my dream of playing Pro. When I landed in Glasgow and my feet touched international territory, I knew I was where I needed to be.

Head Coach Johnathan MacLeod commented,

We are delighted to be able to attract and bring in guys of Nick’s calibre, it really helps push us to the next level and achieve our goals as a programme. We started the process months ago and we were all sure Nick was the kind of person we want representing us, on and off the court.

Get to know Nick!

1) Why did you choose UWS?

I chose UWS because I was not going to let the opportunity to play for one of the best teams in Scotland pass me by. The school is elite and the chance to travel and see new sites, it was a no-brainer.

2) When did you start playing basketball, and what is your proudest basketball moment?

I started playing basketball competitively at around 14. I previously played American football. My proudest basketball moment would either be the game winning block I had at 14 or my first in game alley-oop at 18

3) Who is your favourite nba player, what do you like about his game?

Kawhi Leonard is my favorite nba player because he keeps his game simple and efficient. He is the one of the only players to lock up Lebron in the finals.

4) What are you most looking forward to during your year here?

I’m looking forward to learning new things about Scottish culture as well as furthering my career in basketball. I’m hoping to be the piece that continues Team UWS’ success.

5) Who is your greatest influence on or off the court, and why?

My greatest influence is Kobe Bryant. Ever since I started playing competitively I looked to him as a reference of greatness. I try to model his work ethic to push myself further each day.

6) Pregame hype song

Space Jam theme song

UWS Welcome Back Stevenson

Former National Title Winning Captain, Liam Stevenson, Makes UWS Comeback

Paisley, Scotland – UWS Basketball are delighted to announce that former club captain Liam Stevenson is making his return to Paisley, for his fifth season, after graduating with Honours at the end of the 2019 season.

Stevenson was integral to the development of the club and saw the club through 2 League Titles and the club’s first ever National Title, with a win over Strathclyde.

Speaking on his return, Stevenson said,

“Will be amazing to be back with the team after a year away. Had some amazing experiences and significant life moments while playing for the UWS team and I look forward to coming back and getting back to winning ways just like the way I left it.”

UWS Basketball secure Partnership

Team UWS Basketball Secure Playing Partnership with Renfrew Rocks

Paisley, Scotland – Team UWS Basketball are today delighted to announce a new and exciting partnership with one of Scotland’s biggest clubs, Renfrew Rocks. The partnership will provide all players in the UWS programme a chance to play club basketball across an array of leagues levels.

The deal between the two clubs will also see UWS Head Coach Johnathan MacLeod take charge of Renfrew’s first team as they look set to prepare themselves for a new challenge in the upcoming season.

Speaking on the partnership, UWS and Renfrew Head Coach Johnathan MacLeod commented,

We are thrilled to be able to strike this deal between the two sides. We started conversations before summer and there was many possible outcomes discussed, but we believe this is the best for both sides and the local basketball community. This gives us an extra development opportunity as we strive to get BUCS Premier status, we can now have all members playing club basketball in some form, all in house – which is great. Our number one goal is competing at the highest level and this will certainly help us achieve that.

Team UWS Sports President Joe Gilfillan commented,

It’s always fantastic when our clubs can form meaningful relationships within a local community that is so important to UWS. As Team UWS continues to grow as a whole, it is exciting to see Team UWS Basketball take the initiative as they continue to thrive as a club.

Chairman of Renfrew Rocks, Kevin McDonald concluded,

We’re delighted to announce the partnership with UWS bringing together two of the fastest growing basketball programmes in the country. We named Johnny as men’s head coach earlier in the summer so it made sense for this to be the next move, bringing the club and uni together will propel us on to bigger things in Scottish basketball.

Hall of Fame: Ali Fraser

Ali Fraser is the first member of the 2020 UWS Basketball Hall of Fame Class having spent two successful years at The University of the West of Scotland.

Guiding UWS to two BUCS League title, Ali was a part of the School’s first ever league title in 2017-18 and was pivotal to their first ever national title the following season, posting 44 points in the Final and picking up MVP honours.

Ali split his two seasons with the West, spending his summer of 2018 in the Gold Coast and team Scotland where he and the team ha a historic tournament, placing 4th overall and shocking the world on their way there. Their tournament was highlighted with an opening day win over bitter rivals England.

Coming to UWS as a professional athlete with BBL side Glasgow Rocks, UWS Basketball are thankful to Ali for his commitment to the success of the team and never missing a game.

Speaking on his induction, Ali said;

It was great to be able to represent UWS and contribute to the success of the basketball team. UWS supported me throughout my MSc program and helped out a lot so it was great to help guide us to a cup win and top of the league finish. It has also been great to see that the success continued after I graduated with the team getting promoted again this season! I am really happy to be part of the first class of Hall of Fame and wish everyone involved all the best in the future!

Ali Fraser, Class of 2020

Hall of Fame: Neil Harrow

Basketball at The University of the West of Scotland has come a long way since its inception, but we must always be grateful and thankful to those who started our journey. Graduating in 2010, Harrow was one of the founding members of Basketball at the Lanarkshire campus.

Prior to his two seasons at Valdosta State, Harrow spent three years with the men’s basketball program at F.C Martinenc in Barcelona. 

After playing for F.C. Martinenc in 2010-11, Harrow spent the next two seasons coaching for the club, starting as the head coach of the U18 boy’s team in 2011-12.  He helped the team to a 24-2 record and a championship in the Catalan “Nivel C” league, leading to promotion into the “Nivel B” league.

In 2012-13, Harrow served in a dual role as head coach of the U16 boy’s team and assistant coach for the U21 men’s team. He led the U16 team to a 13-1 record and a league championship while helping the U21 side to a 23-7 overall record, a league championship and a regional championship.

Harrow joins Houston Baptist head coach Donna Finnie and assistant coach Becca Allison as the only three Scotland natives coaching in NCAA women’s basketball.  He is one of just two foreign coaches currently in the Sun Belt, joining ULM associate head coach Eun Jung Ok.

I am proud to have been one of the people to get the basketball team going at UWS. We were just a bunch of guys who weren’t scared to put ourselves out there and start something new. We literally started with nothing, but that’s how it goes. We hoped to have fun, represent the college well, and let it grow over time into something better. I think we achieved all 3. It showed me that sometimes all you need is the courage to start something, and not worry about what everyone else has or where their journey is. Being inducted into the sports Hall of Fame there is both a surprise and an honour. I love the game of basketball and I am excited to be a small part of the history of something special. I am excited to watch the team at UWS grow from afar.

Neil Harrow, Class of 2020
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