We’re pleased to welcome Callan Low to the ranks. Callan is the newest basketball player to join us here at FirstPoint USA. Hailing from just outside of Glasgow, Callan is a former pupil of Gryffe High School and is currently studying at Myerscough College. We recently caught up with Callan to hear about his sporting background, what he is most looking forward to upon becoming a US student athlete, and his aspirations for the future.
Throughout his basketball career, Callan has played for several teams including BasketballPaisley (St Mirren); the Scotland U15, U16 and U18 teams; the Scotland Senior Men’s team; and the Great Britain U18 3x3 team. Whilst playing for these teams, Callan racked up a number of successes – the Scotland U18 team beating Wales U23; competing at the European Championships Division B with the Scotland U16 team; BasketballPaisley U16 went undefeated in 2016, winning the Scottish League, Scottish Cup and Playoffs; and beating Switzerland and Hungary at the 3x3 Europe Cup Qualifiers with the GB U18 3x3 team.
As well as successes with his squads, Callan has achieved many individual feats too. He was the second youngest player in Scottish history to be selected to play for the Scotland Senior Men’s Squad, at aged just 16; he was the Vice-Captain of the Scotland U18 team and top point scorer in every game played; and at the age of 16, was selected for Deng Camp – a camp for the top 50 players in the UK under the age of 19.
We asked Callan to tell us about his favourite sporting memory to date – he wasn’t able to narrow it down to just one, but told us about his top three...
“The first was playing for Scotland Senior Men against Ireland and Wales, June 2017, at the age of 16 – I was the second youngest player in Scottish history to play for the squad (after Kieron Achara in 1999).
The second was representing GB in the FIBA 3x3 Euro Cup Qualifiers in Hugary, August 2017.
And the third, was training at the Pavelló Olímpic de Badalona in Barcelona; the historic arena that the 1992 USA “Dream Team” played on ay the Olympic Games.”
Callan explained to us why he wished to pursue a scholarship to the US. Stating that he has been to the states many times, for both vacation and to play basketball, and feels that both his playing style and personality will be a great for the attitudes and game in the USA. Adding that he has worked with American basketball coaches in the past, and wishes to do so again, in order to maximise his performance and achievements in the sport.
Upon becoming a US student athlete, Callan tells us that he is looking forward to immersing himself in the US basketball culture, building relationships with coaches and teammates, and working to the toughest training regimes. Stating, “I enjoy both the academic and sports side of education, so I’m also looking forward to balancing and developing both of these areas at an American college.”
To find out some more about our clients, we often ask them who their top three sports men or women are, here are Callan’s...
[caption id="attachment_11924" align="aligncenter" width="444"] LeBron James[/caption]“LeBron James – for his relentless drive and determination to achieve his goals, and because of his ability to tackle and overcome all physical and psychological obstacles and challenges in the game.
Andy Murray – for his unfailing determination to succeed, his work ethic, and for smashing all limitations and barriers in order to become number one in the world. He has been a true pioneer in Scottish tennis and has established the sport in this country for future generations.
Kieron Achara – The GB Basketball Captain has achieved unparalleled success in the sport in the UK. He is a phenomenal ambassador for the game, and as well as leading GB and Scotland Senior Men, he dedicates his time and experience to promoting and developing basketball within Scotland and the UK.”Finally, we asked Callan where he sees himself being in 10 years time. He stated he sees himself following one of two paths. Either playing professional basketball after leaving college, and pursuing his on-court sporting goals. Or, using his degree in sports psychology to work with fellow athletes in the basketball world, ultimately to make an impact in the game off-court.
We’d like to thanks Callan for taking the time out to speak with us, and we wish him the best of luck for throughout his scholarship process. We will keep you updated on his progress through our various social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
