US-born Basketball star graduates with Masters degree from Paisley University
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Professional basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has celebrated one of its star players, Prince Onwas as he graduates with a Masters degree from University of the West of Scotland (UWS) after two years of juggling studies while playing professional basketball.
The 31-year-old, Texas-born player has been studying at UWS for the last two years, with the university allowing flexibility for Prince’s studies while he continues to fulfil his dream of playing “ball” for Scotland’s professional team.
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Hide AdAfter joining the basketballfranchise in 2022, Prince was given the chance to study with the university through a Caledonia Gladiators programme that allows its players to study while playing professional basketball.
Prince stars for the club in the Super League Basketball championships, competing against rival teams across the UK, while additionally taking on European teams in the FIBA Europe Cup.
While playing and studying in Scotland, Prince met his Italian-born partner, Zoe and the pair welcomed their first child, daughter Amira, in July this year – both of whom were there to cheer Onwas on at the UWS graduation, taking place at the historic Paisley Abbey.
With a seasoned career spanning Australia, NBA G-League, Germany, and Spain, Onwas joined Caledonia Gladiators in 2022, adding crucial experience and leadership to the men’s team.
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Hide AdThe 6ft6 player hasn’t let a joint focus on basketball and university studies slow him down. From winning the 2023 British Basketball League Trophy, Caledonia Gladiators’ first in 20 years, to picking up the UWS Sports Personality of the Year, Onwas has managed to stay on top form on the court and in the lecture hall.
Onwas commented: “To say that it’s an amazing feeling to be graduating is an understatement. After two years of hard work on and off the court, balancing basketball, university studies and now fatherhood has been a struggle, but it’s all been worth it and what a relief to walk across that stage.
“Scotland has become my second home since signing with the Caledonia Gladiators and to have earned a university degree now here too is something really special.
“Being able to study while playing professional sport is an incredible opportunity that many in this field don’t come by and I’m lucky that the club and my professors have been accommodating to allow me to do both. I’m really interested in all aspects of the world of business and I’ve learned a lot during my time with the university.
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Hide Ad“All professional sports have a shelf life, and my hope is that with my business degree, I’ll be able to work within thebasketballspace long after I leave the court.”
Tony McDaid, CEO of Caledonia Gladiators, said: “What a fantastic achievement for Prince – to say that he has graduated with a Masters of Business Administration that he has completed while playing professional basketball across the UK and Europe is quite the feat.
“Within the Caledonia Gladiators franchise, we are passionate about providing our players with a home away from home while on our team but also opportunities that will set them up once they eventually move on from playing the sport at a professional level.
“Our associates at the University of West of Scotland have been the ideal partner, allowing us to provide our players with life beyondbasketballwhile being flexible to the schedule of professional athletes.”
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UWS Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Miller, said: “Graduation is a highlight in our university calendar, giving us the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the fantastic achievements of our students alongside their families and friends.
“Congratulations to Prince for gaining his Masters degree while also contributing significantly to his basketball team at the Caledonia Gladiators – he has been an inspiration to many of our students and the wider UWS community and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Caledonia Gladiators.”
Prince Onwas graduated from University of West of Scotland on Thursday 14 November before heading to London today (Friday 15 November) as Caledonia Gladiators take on London Lions at 7.30pm at the Copper Box Arena.
The men’s team will then take on Newcastle Eagles at 4pm on Sunday 17 November in a home game at their multi-million-pound Playsport arena in East Kilbride.
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