New Eagle McKissic out to light up BBL
BRANDON McKissic has vowed to electrify the BBL after becoming the Newcastle Eagles’ latest summer signing.
The guard will make his professional debut with the BBL’s most successful franchise after spending last season with the University of Florida Gators.
New Eagles head coach Marc Steutel is excited to have added the American, who proved a handful at both ends of the court last season.
McKissic was named the 2021 Summit League Defensive Player of the Year and playing in all 34 of Florida’s games last season, dishing out 62 assists and grabbed 38 steals.
During his only season with the Gators, he averaged 5.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game but was considered to be a high-energy player capable of dazzling both crowds and team-mates alike.
“Outside of my defence, I will bring scoring, I will bring an electric energy which will get my teammates and coaches amped,” said the 6ft 3in star.
“I am a selfless leader who will do anything and everything needed to win games.
“Since I came in contact with the Eagles I started doing some research about the team most of all but also the league.
“It interested me and it seemed like a great opportunity for my first year as a professional.”
He added: “I’m happy to be a part of the Eagles family and really grateful and blessed for the opportunity.
“I am very excited to becoming a professional basketball player.
“It’s been a dream of mine for so long, to finally accomplish that is heart-warming as well.
“Coach Steutel reached out to me
I will bring scoring, I will bring an electric energy which will get my teammates and coaches amped Brandon McKissic
over the phone and we were able to set up a Zoom call where we had a great conversation.
“I really appreciated everything coach had to say and what his values are as a coach. I trust he is putting something special together and I am excited to be a part of it.”
McKissic is just the latest star to join the Eagles overhaul after a difficult 2021-22 campaign.
Proven forward Rowell Graham-Bell, showman Travon Broadway Jr, Great Britain star Ben Mockford and explosive guard Javion Hamlet have already signed up too, while the BBL’s most decorated player Darius Defoe is also back for another year.
For Steutel, the addition of McKissic is one which makes his life easier as the American has a whole host of positive attributes.
“We are truly delighted to have secured Brandon and look forward to welcoming him to Newcastle,” the head coach said.
“Brandon’s competitiveness and desire to win really stand out.
“He has had a really impressive college career – not only winning Defensive Player of the Year but showing his ability to make plays.
“His versatility will be a huge asset for us. With his high energy and toughness on display every week I know he will be warmly welcomed by the fans.” McKissic also played four years of college basketball in his native Missouri with the Kansas City Roos.
There he averaged 11 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game in the Summit League, proving himself to an all-action figure before joining Florida as a graduate student.
McKissic, who is also seen as a vocal leader and brings physicality, added: “To all the Newcastle fans, I cannot wait to get out there and meet you.
“I am super excited about this opportunity and the privilege to play the sport I love in front of you guys!”