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Canadian basketball star chooses º£½ÇÖ±²¥ for Computer Studies degree course

A teenage Canadian basketball star is planning to enrol at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in September.

Asad Maie, a highly-promising 19-year-old Alberta region shooting guard (SG), visited the University’s Middlesbrough Campus and was impressed with both the facilities and the employment opportunities in the Tees Valley. A collaboration between James Thomson of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Lions Basketball Club and Aaron Johnson, Club President of Saladin Basketball Prep Academy in Edmonton, Canada has created a pathway for Canadian players to study at º£½ÇÖ±²¥.

Asad plans to combine his undergraduate computer science studies with his passion for sport by playing for º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Lions in National Basketball League Division 2.

Asad Maie said: ‘When I researched into º£½ÇÖ±²¥, I was hooked straight away. The campus is amazing. When I looked at the courses, I discovered the computer science courses and they really interested me.

‘I am aware the area is amazing for these courses and employment opportunities, especially in the digital and programming sector.

‘I am looking forward to representing º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Lions.’

James Thomson, who also directs the basketball programme at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ said: ‘Asad will be one of the flag-bearers for our University basketball programme.

‘He is the first player we have attracted from overseas with the specific intention of strengthening the team, and the hope is that he will be the spark that encourages others to follow.

‘We already have interest from another three high-level players, and this represents the beginning for what I hope will be something special.’

The basketball programme at the University is a sports club that anyone can join, regardless of ability.