Return ticket for Lasker is boost for Fab

THE final piece of Newcastle Eagles’ 2018/19 jigsaw has been slotted into place with the confirmation that fans’ favourite Drew Lasker is returning for his sixth consecutive season.

One of head coach Fab Flournoy’s most trusted lieutenants, the veteran England international guard heads into his 14th BBL campaign determined to bring a mix of energy and experience to an evolving roster.

“It feels great to be back in an Eagles uniform again,” he said. “It will be good to be back among the most passionate fans in the BBL.

He added: “I’m excited to be part of the club during this new journey as we prepare for the Eagles Community Arena to open.

“We are creating a new legacy for the Eagles and I’m blessed to be a part of that.

“The team is looking very strong from one through 11 and the staff has done a great job putting together another exciting roster.

“I feel confident that we will compete to become the top club in the league again.”

Flournoy was delighted to confirm the re-signing of Lasker and underlined his importance to Newcastle ahead of this week’s pre-season trip to Belgium.

“It’s great to have Drew back,” said Flournoy. “He’s extremely professional and has an enormous knowledge of our league.

“He remains a very talented basketball player.”

And the Houston native continues his development off the court after he was confirmed in a new role.

“I am extremely excited to be named head coach of Gateshead College,” he added.

“I am very thankful that the club believe in me and feel I am able to balance the two roles and be successful in both.

“I am going into this season with very high expectations of myself.”

Lasker lines up alongside his team-mates in friendlies against Spirou Charleroi and Okapi Aalstar this weekend.

Newcastle continue their pre-season programme next month with backto-back clashes against BBL rivals Sheffield Sharks and a Team USA Select side. For ticket details visit www. newcastle-eagles. com