Teesside University are attracting interest from some top college basketball players, and have ambitious plans for the short, medium and long term in partnership with Teesside Lions.

Teesside welcomed two elite athletes and their families for a tour of the campus and introduction to Sports Science, following Teesside’s UK ranking of third in the country by The Guardian University Guide 2025.

The two players were introduced by Teesside Lions in an ongoing recruitment drive to showcase Teesside University as a top destination for elite basketball players considering university placements.

6’1 guard Zion Lawson and 6’5 wing Daniel Emenogu are graduates of Charnwood College, which is one of the best basketball academies in the UK. Both are interested in studying sports science and are interested in continuing their basketball careers whilst studying.

Zion, originally from Portsmouth, has his sights set on becoming a professional basketball player and is considering Teesside as his next destination. His father Nii Lawson is a financial auditor and was impressed by the education on offer at Teesside, saying:

“We are very supportive of Zion and his basketball ambitions, but are also serious about academics and the importance of having options after basketball. We were very impressed with the facilities and staff we spoke to at Teesside.”

The partnership with Teesside Lions provides students a platform to develop and showcase their game to the next level. Structured training programmes and extensive competition include BUCS and Regional League, as well as campus CVL for recreational players.

For elite athletes, there is potential to train and play for the Lions National League team which is based at the Olympia Arena on University campus.

Teesside University Head Coach and Lions owner James Thomson was on hand to welcome the players, along with Lions National League Head Coach Serge Bojev.

Coach Bojev, from Lithuania, was impressed with the tour and facilities, and said:

“The basketball at Teesside University and with Lions is a great offer. Players can train like professionals with more than eight hours of team court time plus additional individual sessions, access to fitness suites, rehab and physio. 

“I was very impressed by the University facilities, especially on the sports science. It was interesting to hear about equipment and expertise available to students that can support their development as an elite athlete.”

James Thomson was also impressed, adding:

“The University programme has been developed to work in sync with the Lions to ensure players who attend Teesside University gain a valuable experience. There are multiple teams, including the potential of national league, ensuring plenty of competitive games in addition to BUCS.

“It was great to hear from the staff, many of them elite athletes themselves, who have a knowledge and passion to strive for the highest standards.”

Striving for the highest of standards epitomises Teesside University in general as the £290 million Campus Heart investment continues to catch the eye. The latest £40 million Digital Life building is due to open soon.

More specifically, Sports Science was ranked third in the UK and top in North East by The Guardian University guide 2025. Teesside is also highly ranked, and regarded in animation, biomedical research, physiotherapy, computing, and health, among others.

James is looking forward to next season and hopefully a host of new recruits, adding: 

“I am really grateful for the University to be as ambitious as I am in wanting to level up the basketball programme here at Teesside. We are working on developing links and attracting players from across the UK and globally. Players joining now will enjoy a great experience over the next few years as we rapidly scale up. We look set to have a really exciting team, and look forward to putting Teesside on the map.”

Abbie English, Deputy Director of Student Recruitment & Admissions organised the visit and was pleased to show off the Campus Heart. She also welcomed any interest from other prospective students adding:

“We have three Open Days here at Teesside University on 11th March, 19th April and 21st June, and welcome any prospective students to book in and come and join us for an exciting view of what University life will look like here on Teesside.”

For more information please visit www.Tees.ac.uk 

If you are interested in playing basketball at Teesside University, get in touch with James Thomson via Roar@TeessideLions.com