Teesside University is rapidly cementing its status as a premier destination for elite student-athletes, with a basketball programme that seamlessly marries academic excellence with high-octane sporting opportunities.
Now in its seventh year of a fruitful partnership with the Teesside Lions, the programme remains unbeaten this season, offering a formidable platform for players aiming to climb the ranks while securing a world-class degree.
The collaboration with the Lions—who currently compete in National League Division One—provides a unique "dual-pathway" for participants. Student-athletes don’t just represent the university; they are integrated into a system that competes across both the National League and the Durham Regional League.
This high-frequency schedule is a key draw for the programme. "I am getting access to basketball almost every day of the week, and playing nearly sixty games a season," says standout recruit AJ Harris.
At the heart of Teesside’s unbeaten run is Harris, a dynamic playmaker who has lived up to his billing as the programme's "standout recruit." On the court, his impact is undeniable; in a recent 112-56 demolition of East Cleveland, Harris led the scoring with 22 points, helping the side maintain their charge for the league title and a County Cup semi-final berth.
Off the court, Harris is pursuing a degree in Animation—a field in which Teesside is nationally recognised as a leader.
“Animation is a passion of mine, and I was instantly attracted to Teesside because of the basketball opportunity and the reputation for animation,” Harris explained. “The facilities are incredible. I have access to professional-level equipment and studios.”
The Teesside model represents a growing trend in UK higher education, where sports programmes are no longer just extracurricular activities but professional-grade developmental hubs. For players like Harris, the combination of high-level coaching and academic rigour is a "dream scenario."
As the Lions hunt for silverware in the second half of the season, the university’s reputation as a creative and athletic powerhouse continues to grow, providing a blueprint for how to balance the books with the box scores.
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