Eagles’ latest signing shows off region’s talent
TEAM RE-SIGN YABANTU AHEAD OF ARENA MOVE
NEWCASTLE Eagles’ determination to promote homegrown talent ahead of this season’s move to the club’s new Community Arena has gathered pace following the decision to re-sign teenage talent Themba Yabantu.
The 2017 Eagles School of Excellence Player of the Year follows local favourite Eddie Matthew through the door as the club’s third signing in three days.
The coach who spotted Yabantu’s potential at Gateshead College is confident the 5ft 10in guard can only progress alongside returning twotime BBL MVP Rahmon Fletcher.
Newcastle assistant coach Ian Macleod said: “I am very proud of Themba and the mature and determined approach he has shown over the last three years.
“He has a long way to go and it is important we are patient with his development.
“Right now we are only scratching the surface in terms of what he can do.
“We all agree after the work Themba put in last year he deserved the chance to progress further.
“Another huge factor in that decision was the opportunity for him to learn from Rahmon Fletcher.”
When Eagles’ veteran Drew Lasker received a call-up to the England Commonwealth Games squad last term Yabantu was promoted to the Newcastle bench.
A series of cameo appearances for the men in black persuaded Mcleod and his fellow coaches there was much more to come from the exciting guard.
The Eagles staff agreed the time was right to hand Yabantu his first full season as a British Basketbal League professional.
The hot prospect will also play BUCS basketball for Northumbria University as he begins a sports development degree on Tyneside.
Yabantu becomes Newcastle’s ninth signing of the summer, the club’s final roster expected to be completed ahead of next week’s preseason trip to Belgium.
The Eagles host Sheffield Sharks and Team USA Select at Sport Central next month, tickets on sale now via www.newcastle-eagles.com.