An American professional basketball player who graduated from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) says it was a “relief” to walk across the stage.
Prince Onwas, who plays for British Basketball League side Caledonia Gladiators, graduated with a buisness Masters degree after two years of juggling studies while playing hoops.
The 31-year-old who was born in Texas has been studying at the UWS with education bosses allowing flexibility for Prince’s studies while he continues to fulfil his dream of playing “ball” for Scotland’s professional team.
While playing and studying in Scotland, Prince met his Italian-born partner, Zoe, and the pair welcomed their first child, daughter Amira, in July this year. Theywere in attendance at the UWS graduation which took place at the historic Paisley Abbey.
And Prince insisted being able to walk across the iconic venue’s stage knowing he had graduated was worth all of the hard work off the court.
“To say that it’s an amazing feeling to be graduating is an understatement,” he said. “After two years of hard work on and off the court, balancing basketball, university studies and now fatherhood, has been a struggle but it’s all been worth it and what a relief to walk across that stage.
“Scotland has become my second home since signing with the Caledonia Gladiators and to have earned a university degree now here, too, is something really special.
“Being able to study while playing professional sport is an incredible opportunity that many in this field don’t come by and I’m lucky that the club and my professors have been accommodating to allow me to do both.
“I’m really interested in all aspects of the world of business and I’ve learned a lot during my time with the university. All professional sports have a shelf life and my hope is that, with my business degree, I’ll be able to work within the basketball space long after I leave the court.”
The 6ft 6in player hasn’t let a joint focus on basketball and university studies slow him down.
From winning the 2023 British Basketball League Trophy, Caledonia Gladiators’ first in 20 years, to picking up the UWS Sports Personality of the Year, Prince has managed to stay on top form both on the court and in the lecture hall.
Professor James Miller, principal and vice-chancellor at UWS, said: “Graduation is a highlight in our university calendar, giving us the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the fantastic achievements of our students alongside their families and friends.
“Congratulations to Prince for gaining his Masters degree while also contributing significantly to his basketball team at the Caledonia Gladiators.
“He has been an inspiration to many of our students and the wider UWS community and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Caledonia Gladiators.”
Don’t miss the latestRenfrewshire headlines –sign up to our free daily newsletter here