Dream comes true for students awarded scholarships to play basketball in America

Two New City College students will be flying off to the USA this summer after winning a full scholarship to study and play top level basketball for a college in Louisiana.

Josiah Asentwa-Philip and Suhayb Choaibi, who study Level 3 Sport and are part of the London Lions Basketball Development Partnership at NCC Hackney campus, will have their American college fees, books, food, living expenses and an apartment, all funded through the scholarship for two years.

This amazing opportunity for the boys, who are both 19, has been offered by America’s Baton Rouge Community College after they were spotted by scouts when playing in the European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) – the most prestigious youth competition in Europe.

Josiah captains the London Lions U20s team and is ‘the best player in the league’ according to his coach at New City College, Andre Lockhart. He will travel with his fellow player, Suhayb, to Louisiana in June, for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Josiah said they were both ecstatic and determined to make the most of this incredible experience.

Andre, Director of Basketball and Head Coach at NCC, said: “They have a bright future ahead of them. It is most young basketball players’ dream to make it to America – and they are getting to do it at no cost to themselves.

“They will have to leave their families and friends and it will be a huge culture shock but it’s such a great opportunity that will change their lives.”

While they attend Baton Rouge, Josiah and Suhayb will study for an academic associate degree as well as playing basketball in the Junior College League ­– travelling to towns and cities across Eastern USA.

Meanwhile, before they leave, they are working hard at New City College to get the best grades in their Level 3 course and they continue to play in the EYBL, having travelled recently to Romania and Slovakia for tournaments.

Andre added: “They are focused students who are aiming high and I’m sure they will make a great success of their scholarship in America.”

New City College is partnered with the London Lions – one of the UK’s top professional teams competing at a national level. On the Sport London Lions pathway, students develop their basketball alongside studying for a vocational qualification.