Downing students take to the court for Varsity matches
This weekend, excitement is building as not one, not two, but three Downing students, Sidney Sarpong, Phoenix Sims and Dayi Feng, prepare to represent Cambridge in the annual Varsity basketball matches.
We spoke with Sidney and Phoenix about their journeys into basketball, their training routines, and what they are most looking forward to ahead of the big game.
Sidney Sarpong: Leading the Blues
For Sidney Sarpong, basketball has been part of his life for several years—and this season carries special significance.
How long have you been playing basketball and how did you get involved at Downing and Cambridge?
I have been playing basketball since 2018, when I visited family in North Carolina in the United States. When I arrived at Cambridge, I first got involved through College basketball. The Downing team was incredibly welcoming and it was a great entry point. I then tried out for the University team and made the first team as a fresher. The two-hour try-out was gruelling, but afterwards I was invited straight into another two-hour practice and things progressed from there.
How often do you train and play?
I train every day, whether that’s shooting by myself on the Downing courts, attending University basketball practice or going for runs in the College gym. The intensity and duration of my training vary throughout the season. In my first and second year I typically had two hours of University practice twice a week, one hour of College practice twice a week, University matches, College matches and additional plyometric and weight room training.
What is the best thing about the sport?
The best thing about sport, particularly at Cambridge, is the people you meet and the opportunities it creates. Through both College and University basketball I have made lifelong friends from a wide range of backgrounds. I have met people from countries I might otherwise never have connected with. I also had the chance to visit China over the summer - an experience I will never forget - and I formed lifelong friendships on that trip.
How has Downing supported you in balancing academics and sport?
Downing has supported my basketball journey enormously. The basketball court and gym are easily accessible and close to my accommodation, reducing travel time and allowing me more time for my academics. Downing’s sports grants have also made the costs of playing Blues basketball much more manageable. These grants alleviate financial pressure and give me more headroom for my studies. My sporting and academic progression is a testament to the generosity and commitment of the College and its donors to widening access to sport.
What are you looking forward to most about Saturday’s Varsity match?
I’m most looking forward to having my friends and family supporting from the stands. The environment and atmosphere at Varsity are unmatched. This will be my third Varsity first-team appearance, and this year I’m Captain of the Blues, so I hope the roaring crowd can help drive us to victory!
Phoenix Sims: Bringing the streetball spirit
Natural Sciences student, Phoenix Sims, discovered basketball slightly later but quickly found a passion for the sport and the community around it.
How did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball in Year 11 and decided to continue at University because I attended the pre-season training and try-outs, and it was fun. I also love my teammates.
What does your training schedule look like?
We train three times a week for two hours as a team, and I also train with the Downing team once or twice a week. We have matches nearly every Wednesday.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
To be honest, my love for basketball came from playing streetball in Thailand. Playing 3-on-3 pickup was such a big part of my study leave. Sometimes it gets really competitive for no reason, while other times it’s super casual. As with basketball, you also get to meet interesting people who play the sport.
What are you most excited about for the Varsity game?
I’m looking forward to being back in a competitive atmosphere. It reminds me of international tournaments we used to have back when I was in high school, and I’m excited to be there and support the other teams too.
Published 6 March 2026