Why America Isn't The Only Option for Basketball Student-Athletes

Meet Jade Mbam, a postgraduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Politics, Communications and Data Analytics whilst competing in her fourth season as a shooting guard with the Essex Rebels. She has played a key role in the team’s success in the BUCS women’s basketball league, contributing to their national championship victory in 2022. Now serving as team captain, she has led the Rebels to two consecutive appearances in the national finals.

Originally from Manchester, Jade started her journey as a student athlete in the U.S., returning to the UK with a renewed passion for the game and a fresh perspective on what it means to balance academics, athletics, and well-being. In her own words, she shares what led her to America, the challenges she faced, and why she believes the UK offers student-athletes incredible opportunities that are often overlooked.

Introducing ... Jade Mbam

What initially attracted you to studying and playing basketball in America? Did you feel any pressure to go there?

Initially, the scholarship was the main attraction to play and study in America then after a while it was the facilities and access to resources that I wasn’t aware were available within the UK. I did feel pressure to go and study, it was the route that most of my peers were going down and I didn’t feel like there was another option.

Did you have any specific goals or expectations before going?

I didn’t have goals or expectations per se as it was a completely different environment, and everyone I had spoken to had varying experiences. However, in the end my goal was always to get a good degree, playing alongside, against good competition, was a plus.

How does the level of basketball competition in the UK, particularly with BUCS and Essex Rebels, compare to what you experienced in the U.S.?

The level in the UK, particularly with BUCS, once we reach the playoffs and compete with teams in the northern division is extremely comparable if not better than I experienced within the US. I think there is a misconception about UK university competition that it is just comprised of UK-born players and players that perhaps did not get to compete in the US. However, especially when talking about the more elite programmes like Essex within BUCS, you are playing and competing against US college graduates that are studying for their Masters, and a lot are also playing professionally with associated clubs on the weekends. Alongside that, there has been a wave of elite UK players staying within their programmes in the UK and playing BUCS.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while playing basketball in the U.S.?

The biggest challenges I faced when playing basketball in the US was definitely the struggle of academic work, basketball and life. It was extremely overwhelming for me personally, and I struggled to really commit myself to my academic work.

Another challenge I faced was feeling like my worth to the university was solely my athletic output, I did not particularly feel valued for my academic work.

Can you talk about the emotional and mental challenges you faced, and how you coped with them?

I would say a significant mental challenge I faced whilst in the US was feeling homesick, and I coped with that by making sure I was constantly in contact with my family and staying updated with everything.

What prompted you to return to the UK, and how did you feel about that decision at the time?

I would say from almost the moment the season started in the US; I was already researching my options if I was to come to home. Once I realised there was an option to study in the UK, get an athletic scholarship and play a high-level of basketball in a programme with good facilities, it was a no-brainer for me. I felt incredibly happy about my decision, I loved the course options I had and loved all the universities I had looked at.

How has being in the UK, with easier access to home and familiar environments, impacted your overall experience and performance as a student-athlete?

Being back in the UK has completed shifted by university experience both as a student and as an athlete in the most positive way. This is due to the culture within UK university sports allowing me to study at a high level and compete at a high level whilst also having fun and gaining work experience.

What’s the biggest misconception you had about playing and studying in the U.S. versus the reality you encountered?

The biggest misconception I had was that it is the only and the best way. For some, they may find programmes that really resonate with them, and they’ll have a great experience but for many, that is not the case. Studying and playing within the US is not the only way to gain a top-class education whilst playing extremely high-level basketball.

Also saying that, I would think another misconception is that the level is completely above the UK. I thought that studying in the US would mean harder competition with better funding and facilitates but I don’t agree with that after I’ve experienced both.

Are there specific warning signs or red flags that you think others should be aware of before committing to a U.S. sports scholarship?

Obviously, what one determines as a red flag is extremely subjective to the person. However, I would say that others should be aware that US sports is a business, and they will sell you the world when you’re being recruited. This is often through fancy gear and fancy official visits but the reality once you are a student is much different. In my opinion, no one should commit to a school in the US for the sake of playing basketball over there. Unless there is a programme that really resonates with you, and it’s your dream school. Often, you’ll have a better experience.  

Jade is a key member of our professional women's basketball team, the Essex Rebels.

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