Eagles seal deal for Rex
NEWCASTLE Eagles have made former University of Notre Dame captain Rex Pflueger their sixth signing ahead of the new season.
The 6ft 6in guard will begin his professional career on Tyneside after five years with the NCAA Division I powerhouse.
The 24-year-old had a stellar stint with the Fighting Irish, breaking the school record for basketball appearances, playing 141 games.
Pflueger comes to the Eagles with the advantage of already holding a UK passport, courtesy of his late mother, who was English by birth.
“It feels great knowing that I will be starting my professional career in a country that I am very much familiar with”, he said.
“My mother was born and raised in Andover before eventually meeting my father in the US and moving out here full time.”
The guard was eligible for a fifth year at following a season-ending injury in what would have been his fourth and final campaign in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Newcastle had a hand when it came to recruitment with former Eagles star and Notre Dame alumni Scott Martin, who spent four highly successful years on Tyneside, now on the coaching staff at his alma mater and able to impart his experience of the BBL, the club and the city.
“I am truly excited to compete and hopefully play in front of my extended family members, many of whom have not been able to see me play in person yet”, he said.
“Scott [Martin] has been an amazing resource during this decision process and I know he is always looking out for what is best for me.
“His experience with the team definitely facilitated towards my decision to join Newcastle, but I still believe the most prominent reason was for the chance to be closer to my English family and experience a culture that is part of my heritage.”
He added: “My personal aims are to not only help the team win, but also improve my skills and leadership along the way to become the best basketball player I can be. I’m excited to be a part of the Eagles family and now let’s go get it!” Head coach Ian Macleod (pictured) is hoping for a great contribution from his rookie recruit, a player he’s had his eye on for some time.
“I’ve been watching Rex for around four years and his high-level NCAA experience combined with British passport makes him a great addition”, he said.
“He has played well over 100 games in one of the toughest conferences in America and has a reputation as a great decision maker and a player who does not shy away from responsibility. “A captain, a leader and someone who will contribute to multiple phases. I expect big things from Rex.”