Sports scholar aiming for top in basketball

UEL sports scholar Lamar Roberts has been playing basketball since he was seven years old.

Hackney born and bred, the 21-year-old will be studying Sports Coaching at UEL, looking in future to give back to the community that has helped him achieve such success in his chosen sport.

Although he had always enjoyed playing basketball, Roberts had not necessarily considered turning professional but a surprising find led him to take matters more seriously.

“When I was about 16 or 17 I found a letter from my mum. My mum passed away when I was four, she was young - in her late twenties or early thirties - and had cancer,” said Roberts.

“In the letter she told me I should never forget that she loves me, and was saying to me when you get older play basketball!

“Since then I haven’t stopped playing. It’s been tough, but I have my faith. My faith has helped me get through some hard times. Following my faith has given me a purpose.”

Now standing at a statuesque six foot nine inches, Lamar’s mother clearly saw his potential early.

By his own admission, he got into trouble in school and did not expect to be studying further adding: “I am doing a New Beginnings course, which is designed to boost my study skills to degree level. I grew up in east London so to come to UEL is amazing.

“The sports scholarship is a very big opportunity. I believe education can change lives, it has helped me transform my life. I never thought I would get to university and start studying for a degree.

“My plan for this year is to make it a good year for basketball at UEL. I want to win!

“I want to keep developing as an athlete. For the future I would like to play professional basketball and represent to a high standard, and become a really good coach.

“I really want to reach my full potential as a basketball player both on and off the court.

“The fun that I found playing basketball when I was seven, I still have it now. It’s truly natural. I really enjoy playing. The scholarship means a lot to me.”