BUCS
About
Each year we enter three teams into BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport), two men’s and one women’s. Our Men’s First Team competes in Western 1A, our Women’s First Team in Western 1A and our Men’s Second Team in Western 1A. Last year we were hugely successful with our M1 finishing second. Our W1 finished second in Divison 1A, which is a record finish for the team. The M2 almost went unbeaten and won their league, gaining promotion to Western Division 1A. Come down and watch us on Wednesday afternoons! You can find home games in the schedule section and advertised on our Instagram.
Training and Benefits
Each BUCS team trains three times a week and participates in BUCS competitions on Wednesday afternoons. Weekly team meetings enable our players to break down film and build team chemistry. Athletes also have access to Strength and Conditioning with qualified coaches (subject to availability) helping to develop and manage their bodies. Hydrotherapy sessions are also available for recovery.
This year the Men’s First Team will be benefitting from a dedicated sports psychologist working with them in a variety of ways.
Example M1 Schedule:
- Tuesday 7-9 AM - Practice
- Wednesday Afternoons - Gameday
- Thursday 8-9 AM - Prehab or Conditioning
- Friday 8-9 AM - Hydrotherapy
- Friday 5-6:30 PM - Team Meeting (Film etc.)
- Friday 6:30-8 PM - Practice
- Sunday 3:30-5:30 PM - Practice
- 3x Strength and Conditioning Workouts - TeamBuildr App
Coaching
Men's 1st Team Head Coach - Antonio Wilburn
Antonio Wilburn, originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, is currently in his 5th season with Bath as head coach, being named Head Coach in Summer of 2018. Prior to Bath, Antonio played professional basketball in Europe. Antonio played collegiately in NCAA III and NAIA II in NYC and Vermont.
Antonio brings a strong pedigree and experience after starting his coaching career with Pro Skills Basketball in America. There he developed the knowledge from working with elite youth athletes on strengthening specific skill sets and also bringing a unique coaching concept which has helped Bath be competitive over the years.
In his five years, Bath has always challenged for top position which has seen the Men’s 1st team compete for Premiership position in 2021-2022 falling short in the championship.
Antonio’s goal is to continue to build a successful environment for every student athlete to progress within the program.
Men's 2nd Team Head Coach - Justin Chan
Following a four-year playing career at the University of Bath, Coach Justin took up the mantle of Women's Head Coach Under his coaching the team had their two most successful seasons ever, finishing second in Western 1A in 2022/23. Alongside coaching, Justin plays in NBL D3 for TeamSwindon.
Preseason
Each year we run a preseason for returning BUCS players, which generally runs from early September until the start of term. Incoming players, either undergraduate or postgraduate, can register their interest in participating in this through this Preseason Interest Form. Players who can evidence exceptional performance will be contacted with more details.
Trials
Trials for our BUCS teams will occur the week after freshers week, on October 4th. More details will be made available closer to the time. Please note, if selected, you will be required for a period of time after the trial for registration etc.
High-Performance Athletes
If you are a high-level junior player looking for a great university programme to be a part of, then look no further. In addition to outstanding academics, the University of Bath also offers several benefits for elite athletes.
Dual Career Scheme
Talented players looking to combine basketball with a prospective degree at the University of Bath may be interested in the Dual Career programme. Dual Career athletes enjoy financial support to access various fitness and physiotherapy facilities at the Sports Training Village.
Sports Scholarships
There are a number of sports scholarships available at the University of Bath. These come in the form of a bursary from the university for a certain duration.
For more information, please get in touch with us by email or on social media.
Varsity
Each year we compete in Varsity against Cardiff Met in the biggest sporting event of the year! Thousands of students spectate multiple sports on the same day to see who will be crowned victorious with Bath undefeated so far. Our men’s basketball team is also yet to lose and draws some of the biggest crowds creating a great atmosphere.
Check out last year’s games on our YouTube channel!
Prospective Students
If you are thinking of applying to the University of Bath and basketball is a factor in your decision-making, or you want to know more, please contact us via email or social media. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Captains
Men’s Firsts – Carlos Becker (Captain), George Goates-Smith (Vice-Captain)
Women’s Firsts – Hannah Brown (Captain), Serene McKeaveney (Vice-Captain)
Men’s Seconds – Boris Karov (Captain), Tim Dunning (Vice-Captain)