The City Of Leeds Basketball Academy would like to congratulate the 2024 graduating class on their A-Level results and securing their choices for their next destinations.
A-Level Results Day is always a nervous day for students up and down the country, but today we shine a light on the successes of our City Of Leeds Basketball Academy 2024 graduating class.
We are filled with pride every year as our athletes continue to impress in their ability to combine their A-Level studies at Allerton High School with the intensity of our Academy basketball schedule. As a truly academic-focused basketball offer, we are acutely aware of the importance of prioritising the 'student' in student-athlete.
Congratulations to this year's graduates on their decisions and destinations:
Akil Simpson - Physiotherapy at the University of Worcester
Marcello Maffezzoli - Biology/Biomedicine at the University of Newcastle
Jai'Von Hamilton - Philosophy at Manchester Metropolitan University
Sean Engbison - Sports Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University
Philo Mensen - Deferred University offers to travel
Wah Ming Pang - Deferred University offers to explore professional opportunities
COLBA Director Matt Newby was delighted at the success of our 2024 cohort:
“With another class graduating from the City Of Leeds Basketball Academy, I am delighted to see so many of our players moving on to higher-education destinations and continuing to fulfil their academic potential. Fundamentally, our Academy proposition is about our students using sport as a platform and a bridge to their next steps and each of the young men moving on to bright futures. It’s impressive to see diversity in their destinations and academic aspirations.
It’s exciting to see Akil Simpson taking the opportunity to attend the University of Worcester and compete for a place in Coach Dean Blake’s NBL Division 2 roster, while Marcello Maffezzoli has gained entry to the prestigious Newcastle University to begin his Medical route and will be looking to impress NBL Division 1 Coach Mark Elderkin who presides over one of the most competitive D1 sides of recent years.
Sean Engbison & Jai’Von Hamilton have both been accepted at Manchester Metropolitan University and will be vying for places within their BUCS programmes following two of the most significant improvements we have seen over their time at COLBA. Wah Ming Pang and Philo Mensen will enjoy the fruits of their hard work as their A-Level Results give them the opportunity to embark on gap years and explore the world of work and future opportunities both Academic and Professional.
We are incredibly proud of all that they have achieved and thankful for the support of all the staff at Allerton High School who have contributed so much to their journeys. We wish our 2024 graduating class all the very best and look forward to seeing them back in the gym in the future."
Academy Assistant Coach James Quinn wished to share his best wishes with this year's graduates:
I am very proud to see this stellar group of young men earn the well deserved opportunities that their excellent A-Level results have given them. They have been a pleasure to work with over the last 2 or 3 years, I wish them all the very best for the future and I look forward to seeing them back during the University holidays."
Our Academy graduates shared their thoughts on their time with the City Of Leeds Basketball Academy as they move on to exciting new chapters in their lives:
Akil Simpson: "Being at the City Of Leeds Basketball Academy for 3 years has made me a better player overall and has helped me become better at balancing academia and my basketball performance. It has exposed me to different opportunities that have shaped my skills to higher levels."
Marcello Maffezoli: "Attending the City Of Leeds Basketball Academy was a pivotal experience for me. It’s where I honed my skills and pushed my limits as a basketball player, but more importantly, it’s where I grew up as a man. The discipline, the challenges, and the camaraderie here shaped me into who I am today. This place gave me more than just a better jump shot. It introduced me to friends who have become like family—people who had my back on and off the court. To those stepping into this journey, know that it’s about more than basketball. It’s about growing and learning from the amazing development brought by very high level coaches and building connections that will last far beyond the game."
Sean Engbison: "I had a great time playing for the Academy during my 2 seasons at Allerton High. I was able to gain skills from my Coaches and teammates throughout every game and practice session that will be invaluable going forward in my life.
As the new Academy season grows near, we look forward to welcoming back our returning cohort into Year 13, alongside our exciting new group of Year 12 students who will join us in September.
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