THE odds are seemingly stacked against you if you want to make it to the big leagues of the NBA as a player at a university in the UK, but as this deep dive into the topic finds out, it may not be entirely impossible.
Traditionally, players looking to join the National Basketball Association pursue an American education and college basketball. Nonetheless, historically, other pathways have existed, such as playing in the EuroLeague before declaring for the NBA draft.
To qualify for the draft, players must be at least 19 years old. Additionally, those who played college basketball must have already graduated and spent a year away from competitive action.
Given these established routes, it seems they offer the best opportunities to be noticed by NBA franchises and ultimately make it into the league. This raises the question: what options, if any, remain for those who choose to stay in the UK?
Jeremy Sochan is one example of what is possible for those starting out in the sport in the UK. The 22-year-old Power Forward began his basketball career with the MK Trojans in Milton Keynes before joining Southampton’s Solent Kestrels and then committing to play stateside for the NCAA Division 1 men’s team, the Baylor Bears.
He was selected by the San Antonio Spurs as the ninth overall pick at the 2022 NBA draft.
Similarly, Cameron Hildreth, who has featured for the Indiana Pacers’ NBA G League affiliate, The Noblesville Boom, was born in Worthing, England, and played for Sussex’s Holy Trinity School before joining Wake Forest at the college level. His journey further proves that there is a pathway to the NBA from the UK.
To provide further insight, Solent basketball player Freddie Herbert and sports journalist Josh Wyatt shared their perspectives for All Ball No Bias.
