Basketball wins big at Teesside Sport Awards

Teesside University basketball wins Sports team of the Year.

Basketball players and coaches took home major awards at the 2026 Teesside Sports Awards at Teesside University.

Teesside University BUCS basketball team took home the Sports Club of the Year Award (see above). The team had a fantastic campaign, finishing as champions of Northern Tier 4 and going unbeaten with a record of 10-0.

On winning the award, Teesside BUCS basketballer Benas Maldutis said: "It's a great honour on top of winning the league. We had a great campaign and it feels great to be recognised for it."

The basketball teams' coach James Thomson also won the Sports Coach of the Year Award. Players from the team accepted the award on his behalf. On winning the award, James Thomson said: "Unfortunately I was not able to attend the awards but I am honoured to have won. The BUCS team have been superb this season and I thank them all for their efforts."

Teesside BUCS Basketball players accept the Sports Coach of the Year Award on James Thomson's behalf.

Benas Maldutis had a incredible night, taking home the Male Athlete of the Year Award on top of his team award with BUCS basketball. On winning this award, Benas Maldutis said: "To win two awards in the same night is incredible. I have worked really hard to improve myself as a player, not only as a university player but for semi-pro club Teesside Lions. I am in the first year of my degree so hopefully I can build on what I have done.”

Benas Maldutis with his Male Athlete of the Year Award.

Basketball youth coach Toby Scully (who is also a player on the BUCS basketball team) took home the Sports Leader of the Year Award for his commitments to coaching. On winning the award, Toby Scully said: "It's a great feeling, I really enjoy the game of basketball so teaching it to the next generation is a great privilege. I'm honoured to be recognised for my contributes to coaching."

Toby Scully with his Sports Leader of the Year Award.