If you’ve been keeping up with Curtin University’s Basketball League this season, you’ve probably heard the name Lachy Bertram. Lachy is the recipient of this year’s UniSport UBL Men’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, a prestigious award decided by the combined votes of coaches across the league.
On the court, Lachie tops the stats, with an impressive average of 31 points per game, accumulating a total of 220 points for the season. His exceptional skill in making 3-pointers and his strong drives toward the basket, often taking on larger opponents, make him a standout player in every game. But off the court, he’s a dedicated student juggling the pressures of finishing his degree, who loves travelling with his team and any chance he can get to pick up the basketball.
Being a student-athlete is not an easy gig. Lachy also plays basketball for Mandurah’s NBL1 team, works part-time, and studies a Bachelor of Commerce, double majoring in Business Contract Law and Accounting at Curtin. His journey into competitive sport began at 8 years old when he started playing basketball for a local club.
“It’s always an honour to be recognised, especially league-wide,” Lachy shared. “It’s special because it means we did something good with the season, and I got to be a big part of that.”
At 22, Lachy might joke about not being a “youngin'” anymore, but his enthusiasm and energy shine through both on and off the court. For him, the best thing about playing UBL for Curtin is the opportunity to become part of a collective spirit that goes beyond the individual.
“I always enjoy being part of the team, being part of something that’s bigger than you. And being part of a group of teammates who are all looking to achieve the same, is pretty special.”
Now in its 4th year running, the UBL is a national, student-only competition that exhibits each University’s best basketball talent. The unique blend of sportsmanship, mateship and skill within the men’s and women’s teams is exactly what makes their games an unmissable watch that keep the crowd on their feet.
Lachy describes his team as a tightly knit group, “I feel like it’s pretty shoulder to shoulder. Everyone’s open and willing to help you up because we’ve all got something going on.”
Over the years, the UBL has evolved into something much bigger than just a platform for university sports. It has become an avenue for young athletes to find a community, gain recognition from a crowd of enthusiastic fans, and escape the pressures of daily life, focusing solely on the game they love. The UBL champions the values of inclusivity and diversity, uniting people through a shared passion for basketball.
“If you want to play basketball, you play basketball,” Lachy stated. “Sports breaks barriers.”
“It’s as simple as that, you’re a basketball player you’re not an object or a race or a religion or anything like that. You’re a basketball player.”
So, what’s next for Lachy?
Looking ahead, Lachy has big plans. Currently in his first year of his degree, he’s considering further studies in America while continuing his basketball career. Whether it’s pursuing a degree overseas or playing for NBL1 with Mandurah and potentially returning for another season with Curtin, Lachy’s future is bright.
The UBL will be returning for another electrifying season next year with trials starting in November of this year, to keep up with the Carnaby’s visit the Stadium website
