Rising basketball star helps secure national cup win

For the third time (and the first since 2022) Solent Kestrels - a basketball team whose NBA standard home court is at Solent University - have stormed to victory in the national cup. Luke Busumbru, a Solent student and SEP athlete, played a key role in that win. Named Most Valued Player (MVP), Luke is quickly making a name for himself in the basketball community across the country. 

In the deciding game, which took place at the University of Worcester Arena, Solent Kestrels beat Manchester Magic 93-74. During the game, Luke scored 28 points, hitting an incredible 10/12 shots. On being crowned MVP and the win, Luke says:

"It feels great. It was one of those games where I felt like I couldn't miss and just rode that through the game. The guys did a great job executing, and I was able to take advantage of the opportunities given.

"Being able to win a national competition with multiple academy players on the team contributing to the win showcases the level of talent throughout the club, and to do it in front of our Kestrels community was amazing as well."

Luke is studying BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and, as part of the 2025/26 Sport Excellence Programme cohort, receives support to help him become a basketball player at the top of his game. 

SEP currently supports 20 student athletes representing 15 sports. Students receive tailored guidance - from successfully managing a dual-career to strength training - as well as funding to ensure they thrive in both their studies and their sport. "The programme has been great for me so far," Luke says.

"It helps me navigate through my studies while balancing my busy schedule. It also provides me a strength and conditioning programme to follow, as well as insight into what I can improve as an athlete."

For Luke, studying at Solent not only enhances opportunities for him on the court, but off it too: "It has enabled me to further my coaching career with Solent Kestrels while improving my theoretical understanding of coaching. This blend of learning will help me set the foundation of my future endeavours in sport and hopefully help me achieve the career I desire."