“One of the things we are trying to build is an environment for people to develop and grow as players.” Tope Alli-Balogun, UEL Women’s basketball coach Today on National Basketball Day, we’re celebrating athletes like Chanel, whose journey reflects what basketball at the University of East London is all about. UEL isn’t just where the world’s elite have trained - from Team USA on our courts, to Michelle Obama and NBA legends on campus, to previously being the official training home of the londonlions. It’s where our own athletes build pathways to the professional game. For student and player Chanel Michaels, the UEL advantage goes beyond the court and through to our facilities. It’s the elite support system, the on-site medical clinics, professional physios at uelsportsdock and strength & conditioning programmes that build both physical and mental resilience. From award-winning wheelchair basketball, to a dominant women’s programme and high-performance BUCS squads, basketball at UE...