Elite Basketball Player Joins University's Masters Programme
Friday, 29 January 2010
One of the world's top basketball players has signed up to the first MSc in European Basketball Coaching Science, delivered by the University of Worcester in partnership with the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education.
Linas Kleiza, who recently joined Greek League team Olympiakos from NBA team the Denver Nuggets in a multi-million dollar deal, has applied to study on the course.The course, endorsed by the Federation for International Basketball in Europe (FIBA Europe), involves teaching in both Worcester and Lithuania, taking two years to complete. It will enable potential students, who may be coaches and players, to participate in lectures and seminars at mid and end of the playing season, while online classes and tutorials will be available throughout the year.
The unique Masters degree has been created by the University of Worcester and the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education (LAPE) in collaboration with the Lithuanian Basketball Federation.
One of the course leaders, Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Worcester, said: “Linas is exactly the type of person who this course has been designed for. I’m sure that he will make a major contribution while also developing as a student. It will be interesting to see how all of our students interact in the seminars and the ongoing discussions should be enlightening to say the least.”
Kleiza played college basketball with the University of Missouri Tigers and was drafted to the Portland Trailblazers before joining Denver and eventually Olympiakos, where he is currently the leading scorer in the Euro league.
He has also enjoyed a distinguished international career which has included playing with the senior Lithuanian national basketball team. He played at the 2006 FIBA World Championship and won the bronze medal at the 2007 FIBA European Championship. Kleiza also played with Lithuania at the 2008 Olympics.
He said: “My main commitment is clearly to basketball but the opportunity to study on such an exciting course is very attractive and to gain a masters degree would be very rewarding. It will open many doors when I do finish playing; it will also be interesting to reflect in an academic setting upon my own experiences in the game which I love so much. The way the course has been structured allows me to do this and use my spare time in a meaningful way.”
Mindaugas Balciunas, Doctor in Basketball of LAPE and Secretary General of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, said: “The majority of the Lithuanian Men’s Basketball team has expressed a wish to join this programme and I’m sure we will attract many more stars. I am very happy and delighted that the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, along with LAPE, are an important part of this tremendous project which will offer new ways to become an advanced basketball coach for everyone.”
The University of Worcester has a strong basketball reputation in the UK; this year both the men’s and women’s sides were crowned British Universities Champions and the University has a unique partnership with British Basketball League side Worcester Wolves.
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