Basketball is more than just a game; it is a transformative experience that profoundly shapes athletes in lasting ways. Who better to tell these stories than the coaches who spend countless training hours with their pupils, sharing in their victories and disappointments, growing not just as players but as people.
“Sports help with academics because they have been playing basketball for a long time, so they have to learn organisation and be responsible, take care of their body, and take care of their mind,” said German men’s coach Alan Ibrahimagic.
“Sport helps a lot, not just for study but also in the working sector. You need discipline because you have to balance academics, exams, and sports. That takes a lot of mental strength.”
College basketball involves juggling rigorous training schedules, academic responsibilities, and social commitments. This balance teaches student-athletes how to manage their time effectively and prioritize what truly matters. At the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, numerous basketball stars expressed the benefits of being in school and how that has shaped their development and hunger to excel.
“You cannot play basketball for long cause it’s a young man’s sport, so you have something else,” said Scott Drew, sideline boss of the United States men.
Perhaps you can say the greatest gift of university basketball is the lasting impact it has on a student-athlete’s mindset and character. The lessons learned about discipline, perseverance, leadership, and humility develop fully on the court.
When players know their coaches truly care about them as people, not just performance, they’re more open to guidance, feedback, and growth. This bond often becomes a key source of stability and support during their college years. As the saying goes, “The best coaches prepare their athletes for more than the next game, they prepare them for life.”
Especially to those far from home, their coach becomes a support system. Whether it’s through offering advice during a tough stretch, or celebrating personal milestones, they create a deep impact on the student-athletes they come across.
Team USA guard Cameron Carr said, “I had an injury in my junior year, and my coach will always check on me, he told me to stay confident during my recovery, and they just care about me as a person, not just me as a basketballer. They showed me how much they cared even when I wasn’t there for them.”
The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.
Written by Jagunna Iretomiwa, FISU Young Reporter, Nigeria
The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.
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