Brothers teaming up at the Eagles
NEW BOY JAMAL JOINS KAI ON TYNESIDE
NEWCASTLE Eagles have strengthened their squad with the addition of forward Jamal Williams, who joins brother Kai on the Sport Central roster.
Jamal played alongside Kai for London Lions last term before suffering a season-ending injury 12 months ago.
Now fully recovered, he goes straight into training to be considered for the game against Sheffield on Friday.
Like his brother, 6ft 5in forward Jamal holds dual-Canadian/British citizenship, and his signing is quite a coup for the Eagles as they prepare for a challenging year.
“We spoke to Jamal in the summer and were aware of his rehabilitation schedule. Now that he’s been given the all-clear to get back into training and play again we felt we had a space on our roster and could fit him into our plans,” said head coach Fab Flournoy.
“This is a year when our squad is going to be tested by international call-ups in both FIBA competitions and potentially the Commonwealth Games, as well as injuries.
“When we became aware that Jamal was interested in playing here it made a lot of sense for us to bring him in.”
Williams, who has played his whole professional career in the BBL since signing for Mersey Tigers in 2010/11, will make Newcastle his fifth stop after spells with Plymouth and Worcester.
At Worcester in 2013/14 and in the last two seasons at London he also played alongside his sibling, and is excited not only to be linking up with him again but also to be signing for the Eagles.
“Since my injury, I have maintained a good level of fitness,” said Williams, who had surgery after severing a nerve in his arm.
“I have recovered ahead of schedule. It has been a year since I have played in a BBL game, but the past four months I have been playing in a local league in Canada, along with practising with the University team.
“It is not the same skill level as the BBL, but it has been beneficial to my game and keeping a rhythm.
“I am very excited to be back in the league, I’m ready and very confident in my abilities. I have always admired Newcastle’s level of professionalism since I entered the BBL.
“They look after their players and have great fan support. I am looking forward to playing for Fab and his coaching staff.
“I have enjoyed playing against the Eagles, I know playing for the Eagles will be a nice change. Kai and I love playing together, it’s safe to say we are a package deal.
“I have followed the Eagles closely and have talked to Kai throughout the season.
“Kai is very happy with his decision to play in Newcastle and thinks it’s a great fit for me as well.
“The Eagles already have a great roster. I hope to fill in wherever needed, with my versatile skill set and BBL experience.”
Jamal, who turns 31 on the 26th of this month, is known as a rugged competitor who brings a hard-nosed blue-collar work ethic to every practice or game, attributes that will serve him well under Flournoy and with the Eagles.