2024 wrapped up on a high for student-athletes Lachlan Bertram and Josie Bulman. They may not have found themselves on court for their respective teams for a championship game, but instead were accepting MVP awards.
Studying a Master of High Performance Sport at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Josie Bulman had an incredible season on court in the New Balance University Basketball League (UBL). Helping UTS make the semi-finals in the women’s competition, Bulman lead the stats across the league during the regular season thanks to an incredible 168 points, 34 free throws made, 118 rebounds and 51 assists.
Meanwhile in UBL men, Lachlan Bertram scored a spectacular 220 points across the regular season, averaging an outstanding 31.43 points per match, made 42 free throws, 27 steals and made 24 three-point shots. Studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Curtain University, Bertram is no stranger to competitive basketball, also currently playing in the NBL1 league.
Having travelled to Melbourne for the Men’s UBL Grand Final to accept his MVP award, Bertram said he was grateful for the acknowledgement after a strong season, despite not taking part in finals.
“It always feels good to be rewarded for the effort through the season.” Bertram said upon receiving the award.
“It’s a little disappointing we couldn't get a bit further with the team and be here at the Grand Final. But I have another piece of hardware to go home with so happy with that.”
Reflecting on his involvement in the UBL, Lachlan Bertram was originally looking for a bit of fun and physical activity, but his competitive streak quickly got the better of him, and the ever-growing competition was too much of a good opportunity to pass up.
“I thought I'd just pick it up, play a little bit of basketball with some friends. I'm a competitor though, so as soon as I started playing I got competitive and then there were stakes, medals and trips over to the east and I was like okay this is serious,” Bertram admitted with a laugh.
“That level of professionalism in the UBL was kind of what kept me going. The more I went on, the more I enjoyed playing, I enjoyed competitiveness.”
Despite his great results both on and off the court, Lachlan admits that he’s like many other student athletes and doesn’t necessarily love the hours sitting at a desk in preparation for assessments, but his university experience has been hugely enriched by being involved in university sport.
“One of the reasons that I even picked up the study this year was to play with the team. It makes the time at university special. Instead of just going to the classroom, you get to go to class, then I'm playing basketball. The improvement of the Curtin University team this year has been amazing, it just makes it so much better.
“I think we always look at athletics and student athletes from college in America and this is part of that college lifestyle. Sport brings people together, brings people to the stands, to the games, you get to play, you get to be involved in something bigger than yourself.
“One of the reasons why I keep continuing to do uni is because I'm enjoying this.
“The league is expanding. The UBL added University of Tasmania and what a hell of a team. The sky is the limit. Within the next five years, I think it can take off. I think it can be Australia's college system.”
Despite a slightly intimidating number of assignments on his immediate to-do-list, Lachlan won’t be off court for long, his NBL1 team Mandurah Magic currently sitting fourth. His competition experience is only an asset as Bertram aims for a spot on a National Basketball League roster, university providing career pathways both on and off the court.