UTAS students set to join national comp
THE term ‘student-athlete’ has taken a huge step forward for basketballers at the University of Tasmania with UTAS hoopers given a new pathway to participate in an elite national competition following entry into the University Basketball League (UBL) for 2023.
Running since 2021, the UBL is a national 12-week competition that from next year will see 13 universities from across six different states battling it out in both men’s and women’s divisions in a home and away format held on University campuses.
UTAS Sport Operations Manager Anthony Jusup said UTAS’ inclusion in the UBL would provide great new opportunities for students both on and off the court.
“This program gives students the opportunity to experience a semi-professional level and a pathway to future opportunities such as WNBL1/NBL1 and then WNBL/ NBL,” he said.
“This is a great chance for Tasmanian students to play at a competitive level.
“And to experience what it’s like to play at that professional level, while they remain in the state to pursue their studies.
“A few weeks ago, we had an information session where 70 Year 11 and 12 students attended and at least five of those have since enrolled with UTAS due to the UBL opportunity.
“The program also offers the chance for integrated learning for media students assisting in the live streaming and commentating of home games, exercise science students supporting players with a range of testing, developing athlete programs, and even physiotherapists working on game days.”
UTAS student, and Hobart Chargers player Zoe Banks, said she been talking to colleges in the United States about her future in the sport before hearing about the UBL.
“Once I heard about this program, I decided to stay close to home and participate in the UBL with UTAS which has allowed me to study the degree I want to and still play basketball at a very high level,” she said.
Banks said not only did she hope to complete a degree in medicine, but also to some day play in the WNBL.
UTAS’ inclusion in the national competition comes on the back of its partnership with Swisherr Hoops Academy in 2021 which UTAS says has provided students with a high-quality universitybased basketball program.
The first trials for the 2023 UBL teams will take place on December 13 in Hobart and December 15 in Launceston.