Canadian basketball player Asad Maie travelled 4,053 miles to visit Teesside University with one eye on studying for a bachelors degree in computer science and the other on playing basketball.

A link between James Thomson of Teesside Lions and Aaron Johnson, Club President of Saladin Basketball Prep Academy in Edmonton, Canada opened an opportunity for Canadian players to consider Teesside as the next destination in their academic pathway.

The result was a surge of interest, and ahead of the curve was Asad Maie who travelled to the UK from Edmonton to see what Teesside has to offer.

Maie who is 19 years old, plays shooting guard and is one of the top basketball prospects in the Alberta region. He represented Queen Elizabeth High school in Edmonton and led the team in scoring with 24 points per game. In his second year he inspired the team to the city finals.

A late starter to the game at the age of 14, he was initially coached by Aaron Johnson and at the age of 17 he won athlete of the year in his senior year. He also made the second team All Star selection for the entire city.

The star now has his sights set on Teesside and is looking forward to representing Teesside University and Teesside Lions.

Asad enjoyed a lot of media attention when he arrived on campus with a media crew capturing his visit and interviewing him.

When asked why Teesside, he replied: “Coach Johnson told me about the links with Teesside and as soon as I did my research I was hooked. The Lions look an incredible team and organisation. I am excited about the potential to be part of the club.

“When I looked into Teesside University, it just got even better. The Campus is amazing. I immediately researched courses and discovered some computer science courses that interested me. I am aware the area is a hot bed for these courses and employment opportunities, especially in the digital and programming sector.”

Asad was so keen on Teesside he travelled from Canada to meet with James Thomson, who also directs the basketball programme at Teesside University. Seeing first hand; the campus, facilities and basketball opportunities confirmed his desire to make Teesside his next destination.

James took Asad on a tour of the campus and met with Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Mark Simpson who, along with James, is driving the basketball project at the university.

“The facilities are some of the best I have seen. Teesside has some amazing academic programmes but I was also impressed with what Professor Simpson told me about the training and recovery facilities and expertise for elite athletes.” Added Asad.

James was pleased with the outcome, adding:

“Asad will be one of the flag-bearers for our Teesside University basketball programme. He is the first player we have attracted specifically from overseas with the 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 arrival of Asad and his positive comments about Teesside University are epitomic of the changing perception of Teesside and the North East of England. Coming from one of the most picturesque regions on the planet in Alberta, Canada and referring to Teesside University as the most beautiful campus he has seen is testament to the significant and continuing investment the University has made in its campus and the area.

Photos by Toni Iyiola