Caledonia Gladiators in Scotland celebrated the graduation of their star player, Prince Onwas, from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Prince, aged 31, successfully completed his Masters degree at UWS while juggling professional basketball commitments. The Texas-born player joined the East Kilbride basketball franchise in 2022 and was offered the opportunity to study at the university through a special programme for Gladiators players.
Playing for the club in various prestigious basketball championships, including the Super League Basketball and FIBA Europe Cup, Prince has been a key player for the team. Despite his busy schedule on the court, he managed to balance his studies with his passion for basketball. Furthermore, during his time in Scotland, Prince met his partner, Zoe, and they recently welcomed their daughter, Amira.
With an extensive basketball career that includes stints in Australia, NBA G-League, Germany, and Spain, Prince’s contribution to Caledonia Gladiators has been invaluable. His achievements include winning the 2023 British Basketball League Trophy and being named the UWS Sports Personality of the Year. Prince expressed gratitude for the opportunity to study while pursuing his sporting career, highlighting the importance of preparing for life after professional sports.
Tony McDaid, CEO of Caledonia Gladiators, commended Prince’s dedication and highlighted the importance of providing players with opportunities beyond the basketball court. The collaboration between the club and UWS has allowed players like Prince to excel both athletically and academically. Professor James Miller, UWS principal and vice-Chancellor, praised Prince for his exceptional achievements and welcomed the continuation of their partnership with the Gladiators franchise.
The Graduation ceremony took place at the historic Paisley Abbey, where Prince received his well-deserved Master’s degree in Business Administration. Looking ahead, Prince aims to leverage his business degree for future opportunities in the basketball industry. Caledonia Gladiators and UWS are proud of Prince’s accomplishments and look forward to supporting him in his future endeavours.
In summary, Prince Onwas’ journey from professional basketball player to university graduate is a testament to his hard work, determination and the support of Caledonia Gladiators and the University of the West of Scotland. His story exemplifies the importance of balancing sports and academics, and his success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes looking to pursue higher education alongside their sporting careers.