Sport of The Month - Basketball

Who are you, and how did you end up on the university basketball team?

I’m Ben Donovan and I play for the Bournemouth Men's 1^st Basketball Team. I have been interested in basketball basically all my life. I am 6’5 so that’s helped me with playing basketball, especially as a power forward. 

 How can someone join the team? Any secret tips?

To join the team you you’ve got to go through trials. There are 2 stages of trials and then the coach picks his favourite of who makes it to the final stage. My secret tip when trying out is to be vocal on defense and play confidently. 

What teams are available here — social, varsity, and all that? 

There’re 2 teams for men but only one women's team. And the social team for players who didn't make the team, they don't have any games, but they train once a week.

Final year—what’s the biggest thing on your mind, basketball or academics?

Academics are definitely the main thing on my mind because it's my final year. Basketball is still very important though as we want to win the league this season. We have a good team thing year, so we have a very good chance. 

 How do you juggle training, games, and university work? 

Juggling it all is tricky with away games taking me out of uni for the whole day which makes it harder to focus on studies. With training taking place late every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday I have had times where I’ve been too tired and had miss several lectures. 

Have you ever had a meltdown trying to balance both? How’d you handle it? 

I don't think I've ever had a meltdown. I'm a pretty relaxed and chilled person so it doesn't really stress me out that much. Basketball helps me not to think about it, which is nice. But at the end of the day my studies come first. 

Walk us through a day in your life—basketball + studies! 

So, my typical day is; I wake up at 9 and go to the gym. Come back and eat quickly before heading onto campus. Then i have my lectures all day, I probably get back home for about 6ish. Then I have training from 9:30-10:30pm. 

What’s been the toughest part of balancing basketball and your degree?

The toughest bit is definitely time management between the two. You have to find the right balance between the two where you get the most work done on both sides. I still haven't mastered it. I still miss quite a few lectures but try to look at them after online. 

 What was the hardest part when you first joined the team? 

The hardest part was definitely finding my confidence. When you first join there are guys way bigger and stronger than you and it can be intimidating. Another thing is adapting to the fitness level required. I had to get used to running a lot more and working on my fitness. 

How do you keep the team pumped up during tough times or bad games? 

Be vocal, bring energy, and believe in your teammates and hype them up when they are having a bad game.  

  How has the University helped (or not helped) student-athletes like you? 

They provide good facilities but it's quite expensive to play though, it cost me £250 to play this year.  

How would you describe the team culture? What makes it awesome? 

Because there are only 8 players in the first team, everyone knows everyone really well. I also really like the fact that we have a lot of international students. 

What would you say to someone who’s nervous about joining the team? 

I would tell them that everyone is nervous when first joining the team and that your not alone. Try to be social because everyone is really nice. 

What legacy do you want to leave behind after your final year? 

I really want to win the division. I want to leave BU with my last season being a successful one. We won the division in my second year so its only right to do it again. 

How important is team chemistry on the court for winning games? 

It’s the most important thing. Without chemistry we wouldn’t win any games. We have to understand each others playstyles to know how to play with each other better and maximise our potential as a team. We also do activities together off the court like getting food or going out together. 

 What’s your most unforgettable moment on the team so far? 

My most unforgettable moment so far is winning the division in my second year. Cutting off a piece of the net to keep as a memento. That year we had such a fun, close team and i will never forget that ever. 

What’s the #1 skill every great basketball player needs? 

Obviously, a basic understanding and ability is essential. But to make you great? Probably knowing all the different plays. A couple of our plays are thumbs down and spin. If you don't know them perfectly then it can mess the whole play up. 

Favourite part of basketball—training, game day, or something else? 

Nothing beats game day. The excitement and competition are the best. 

How do you think your uni life would’ve been different without basketball? 

I think it would’ve been so much worse. I wouldn’t have met so many cool friends and people that share the same interests as me.  

Got any advice for first-years on balancing sports and studies? 

Try your best to balance them equally. As you won’t get far in the team if you don’t commit and put the time in, but you also need to make sure your studies aren’t suffering as ultimately, they are the most important thing. 

What role do you think basketball will play in your life after Uni? 

I plan on continuing with basketball after uni 100%, either somewhere professionally or if not then somewhere local. It’s become such a big part of my life so I will definitely continue playing somehow.