Leading the League: Two Former US College Athletes Thriving Overseas

Discover how the UK offers postgraduate student-athletes more than just a master’s degree by providing opportunities to continue competing at a high level.

One of the unique benefits of studying and competing in the UK as a postgraduate student-athlete is the opportunity to play beyond the university system.

While many postgraduate student-athletes represent their universities in BUCS (UK version of the NCAA), a significant number also compete in external leagues and national competitions, gaining exposure to a higher volume of games, experienced opponents, and professional environments.

In basketball, that pathway often leads to the National Basketball League (NBL)— England’s nationwide competition structure that runs alongside university sport.

The UK’s Extended Playing Pathways

In the UK, postgraduate student-athletes are free to compete without limits on age, years played, or previous experience, making it an ideal destination for graduates who want to extend their playing careers while studying.

The NBL and WNBL features clubs from across the country, many directly linked with UK universities, with players ranging from current students to experienced domestic and international competitors.

And this season, two Play Overseas athletes are not just competing — they’re leading the league.

Earl Burgess NBL Division 1 Total Points Leader in 2025 Converse University graduate, Earl has made a huge impact during his postgraduate year in England. The 6’7 forward closed out 2025 as the NBL Division 1’s leading total points scorer, finishing the calendar year with 246 points — the most in the league. Competing alongside his MBA studies, Earl has consistently delivered on the offensive end, establishing himself as one of the most effective scorers in Division 1 and making a seamless transition into the English basketball system.

Ciani Montgomery WNBL Points Per Game Leader in 2025 On the women’s side, Lincoln University graduate, Ciani Montgomery has been equally dominant. Whilst working towards her master’s in Education, Ciani is leading the WNBL in points per game, producing a standout first semester in England. The CIAA recorded five 30+ point performances, including a season-high 35 points. Beyond scoring, she also ranks 2nd in the league for steals (4.1 per game), underlining her effectiveness on both ends of the court.

Want to experience playing overseas in 2026?

Nothing makes us prouder than watching our athletes grow, adapt, and excel once in the UK.

Earl and Ciani’s success is just one example of what’s possible through the Play Overseas postgraduate pathway. Their impact on the court underlines how postgraduate student-athletes can step into prominent roles and thrive immediately within national level competitions.

Our free recruitment service supports former US college student-athletes who want to:

• Continue competing at a high level after US graduation
• Earn a master’s degree
• Explore additional playing opportunities in leagues like the NBL alongside university sport
• Secure a placement that aligns academically, athletically, and financially

If you’re graduating soon and want to extend your sporting career while studying overseas, we’re here to help you identify the right opportunity – for FREE!

With scholarship opportunities still available in a number of sports for fall 2026 entry, take the first step toward an extraordinary student-athlete experience by registering your details with us today.