HIGH FLYING PERFORMER TOSAN EVBUOMWAN

HIGH FLYING PERFORMER

BY TOSAN EVBUOMWAN (01-19)

It has been an incredible 12 months for ON, Tosan Evbuomwan, who achieved straight As in his A Level results, while being selected for the second successive summer for the U18 British Basketball team.

The 18-year-old’s achievements have been admirable both on and off the court, resulting in him receiving a college place at the prestigious ‘Ivy League’ Princeton University. Joining the Tigers, Tosan will play in the top college tier of NCAA Division 1, competing against some of the best young basketball prospects in the world; a challenge we are sure he will relish.

Having worked his way through the ranks of the Newcastle Eagles Academy, Tosan led their U19 Academy squad through their first season in Basketball England’s Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL). During the competition, he averaged an impressive 16 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, making it clear why he is considered one of England’s hottest young prospects. This came after his first summer playing with Great Britain’s U18 squad, where they finished seventh at the 2018 European Championships in Latvia.

At this summer’s FIBA U18 Men’s European Championships, Tosan demonstrated how he had made the transition from a young talent with huge potential, to a developed and mature player with a significant role to play in the team. The squad made it to the quarter-finals and enjoyed victory over reigning champions Serbia in the last 16. Tosan finished as the second-top-scorer in this game, with his performances in the competition giving followers of the sport a taste of what is to come from the greatly talented player.

Speaking about his bright future, Tosan, said: “I’m really looking forward to the next four years. This is something I never

Until less than a year ago, I had no plans to play in the NCAA or even study abroad, but now everything is happening so quickly.”

imagined would happen. Until less than a year ago, I had no plans to play in the NCAA or even study abroad, but now everything is happening so quickly.

“My coach, Ian Macleod, reached out to Princeton as I had identified it as a school where I am able to play basketball at such a high level while continuing my education at a prestigious institution.

“There were other schools that Coach and I were in contact with, although after my visit to Princeton, I knew it was the right one for me.”

Tosan’s accomplishments extend off the basketball court, as he has also thrived academically, achieving As in Chemistry, Economics and Maths at A Level.

Speaking about his ability to achieve success both in sports and at school, his coach, Ian Mcleod, said: “Tosan’s always been good at time management and getting his life balance right. He’s a very laid back character and never lets anything get on top of him.”

Tosan emphasised this commitment to both his sport and his academics stating: “My plan to major in Economics and academics are absolutely as important as basketball. I’m not entirely sure what I would like to do after graduating, although I would like to be in a position where I have the option to play professionally, as well as the option to work in the financial sector.”

Regardless of which path Tosan chooses to take, with his work ethic and levelheaded nature, we can be sure he will succeed.