Opening-night Victor-y is new boy’s goal
NEWCASTLE Eagles get their 2018/19 season under way tonight with a home clash against Cheshire Phoenix, writes JEFF KING.
It is a much-changed roster from last season, when the Eagles failed to live up to their own high expectations and standards.
Two returnees, three new faces and six players retained make up the roster that head coach – and still player-coach – Fab Flournoy hopes will take the much-storied franchise back to the top of British Basketball.
A historic season lies ahead for the Eagles, who will move into their new purpose-built community arena just off Scotswood Road in Elswick shortly before Christmas.
Veterans Darius Defoe and Drew Lasker return as well as young gun Themba Yabantu, and the Williams brothers Jamal and Kai return to the fold.
The returnees are Geordie Eddie Matthew, who came through the Eagles’ junior ranks, and Rahmon Fletcher.
Fletcher, a two-time BBL MVP from his previous three-year spell at Newcastle, has a huge part to play as the Eagles’ court general.
His importance is heightened by the Eagles bringing in two rookie professionals straight from USA universities – Ahmad Thomas and Kyle Williams.
That leaves Victor Moses as the final piece in the jigsaw.
Moses played a solitary BBL season back in 2013/14 with tonight’s opponents Cheshire. In that campaign the power forward averaged a massive 22.3 points and 12.5 rebounds a game.
Numbers like that this season could make Moses the man to lead the Eagles back to the promised land – and he is very much looking forward to tonight’s game.
“I think it will be great to get back on the court and to be playing in the BBL again,” said Moses.
“I’m definitely looking forward to running out on Friday night as part of the Newcastle Eagles.
“The Eagles have a great history, they’re a great team and organisation and I’m happy to be playing for them this season.”
“I can’t wait to see all the fans on Friday night and hearing them get behind the team,” he said.
“I’m hoping we can get off to a good start and give them all an opening-night win to get us up and running.”
Tonight’s game at Sport Central tips off at 7.30pm.