From Jadwin to Abbey Road: Sophomore Trio Soaks Up Summer in London
8/13/2025
For Princeton men’s basketball rising sophomores CJ Happy, Peyton Seals, and Jack Stanton, this summer offered something rare as they each got a chance to step outside the bubble of college basketball and experience life through a wider lens. Through a study abroad program in London, the three teammates immersed themselves in a new city, took classes tied to their future careers, explored Europe, and most importantly, deepened their bond as teammates.
The program placed them in the heart of one of the world’s most historic cities. The trio juggled lectures, local travel, and pickup games all while they navigated the highs and lows of living in a new place. From adjusting to a new city to adjusting to the lack of indoor courts, it was a summer that challenged them in new ways and brought them closer.
There were a bunch of museums. The best one was definitely the British Museum ... Walked by Big Ben a bunch. We did the London Eye.Peyton Seals
For Seals, the trip was a mix of academic growth and cultural curiosity. London’s iconic landmarks offered a different pace of life than the routine of campus. Every day was a new opportunity to learn something, whether they were exploring while riding city bikes through the famous streets of London, learning from a classroom professor, or meeting athletes from other schools.
That spirit of discovery continued beyond London as the trio were able to travel elsewhere while on this journey. Happy was able to attend a music festival in Paris along with a group trip that the trio took to Amsterdam. The group took advantage of their time in Europe as they realized the convenience of flights away from the United States.
We went to Amsterdam our first weekend ... We spent our last day in this old fishing town ... It was honestly one of my favorite parts of Amsterdam because it was a different way of life.CJ Happy
Happy appreciated the contrast between big cities and quieter, more traditional European settings. That final day in a fishing town outside Amsterdam stuck with him, which is more proof that sometimes the best moments abroad come from slowing down and stepping off the beaten path.
While Happy and Seals enjoyed the travel and immersion, Stanton was also using the trip to evaluate something deeper as he looked at his potential future.
I wanted to see Europe in a state where I could actually remember things and have a good idea of what's going on around me, also seeing how I could live in another country if I want to live in London someday.CJ Happy
Not only is it common for Princeton basketball players to go on and play overseas after they graduate, but it is also a very unique experience for collegiate athletes to have the opportunity to live overseas and see what it could be like.
On the academic side of the program, class was centered around global finance, giving all three players practical experience beyond the typical summer routine. Stanton found the coursework refreshingly applicable to what he sees as his long-term career interest.
The class was literally perfect, exactly what I needed to know if I liked it or not so that was a big motivator for me to do this.Jack Stanton
I thought it was a lot like Princeton because our classes are just like that too with a lecture then class. I got to actually work on spreadsheets and different things within financial statements and investment banking.Jack Stanton
For student-athletes at Princeton, opportunities like this are rare. During the academic year, training, travel, and competition make it difficult to commit to a full semester abroad. Summer sessions like this one offer a unique window to step away and take something meaningful from the experience.
I think it is popular especially for athletes because we don't really have the opportunity to do a full semester.Peyton Seals
Even while exploring and studying, basketball never disappeared from their minds as the group had to stay in shape for the upcoming season. The group worked to keep their bodies moving even though training overseas definitely came with a different set of challenges. The facilities in London were limited, especially when it came to basketball.
I got a monthly pass at a gym right by our dorm ... There was an outdoor court right by our dorm ... We met a couple guys from different schools and played pickup ... It is a little bit tougher because there are a lot less indoor basketball gym facilities.Peyton Seals
As they hunted down half-decent rims, the players’ determination to get better let nothing stop them from staying on track with their basketball goals. Happy had even tried to arrange sessions with a trainer close by after reaching out to a Princeton alum from England, Tosan Evbuomwan ‘23, but it wasn’t easy to coordinate due to distance.
Still, the experience achieved something bigger than academic credits or basketball workouts. It brought three already really close teammates even closer. While dealing with day to day problems in a new place to sharing the same class, their time together in London deepened their bond.
“Stanton and I only did one session,” said Seals. “We were there for three weeks and then Happy is doing two session so he's there for six.”
I thought we got a lot closer this summer.Jack Stanton
Now back in Princeton, the trio is focused on what lies ahead. Their international experience hasn’t derailed their competitive edge or the goals that they have on their mind for the team and individually. In fact, it sharpened their goals for the season.
We want to go to the tournament and we want to win more than we did last year ... We want to have our page signed in history at Princeton.Jack Stanton
From iconic landmarks to outdoor courts without nets, finance lectures to friendship forged through travel, this summer abroad gave Happy, Seals and Stanton something that can’t be found on a syllabus. This experience gave them a broadened worldview, a strengthened bond, and new fuel for the season ahead.
