New boy Mockford is shooting for top three with Eagles
GB STAR RELISHES LINKING UP WITH COACH STEUTEL AGAIN
BEN Mockford is confident Marc Steutel can build a top-three team on Tyneside after the shooting guard signed for Newcastle Eagles.
The experienced international admitted the chance to hook up again with Great Britain’s assistant coach played a big part in his closeseason switch to the Vertu Motors Arena.
Mockford - who knows Steutel’s style, ethos and quality inside out believes there is no better man to helm Newcastle’s muchneeded reboot.
The 32-year-old said: “Marc’s involvement was a big factor when I was approached by the club.
“We have built a strong relationship over the years through the national team and I believe we can bring that same dynamic to the Eagles.
“I have a huge amount of respect for Marc as a coach and a person and I know he trusts me as a player when it comes to doing what is needed to help the team win games. “His approach, leadership, honesty and knowledge of the game sets him apart.
“I know we will be as prepared as we can be every time we step on to the floor.” Crowd-pleaser Mockford joins the Eagles following eyecatching spells with Cheshire Phoenix and Bristol Flyers in the BBL.
The 6ft 2in star cannot wait to make Newcastle his permanent home following successful trips to Tyneside with the national team. He added: “When you think of the BBL and the history of the league then Newcastle Eagles are right there at the top.
“The club is run very well, it has the best fan base in the league and it is one of the best places to play - if not the best.
“Add Marc into the mix and becoming an Eagle was a relatively easy decision for me.
“There is no reason why we should not be a top-three team this season.
“It will not be easy but I am confident in Marc’s abilities as a coach. He can lead us to where we need to be.”
Mockford averaged eight points per game across 16 BBL Championship fixtures last season after rejoining Cheshire.
However, Newcastle fans might know him best for his all-action displays in a GB jersey under then acting head coach Steutel.
The Eagles’ faithful will be hoping Mockford slots in seamlessly to a new team as he makes the Vertu Motors Arena his permanent home.
He went on: “I just want to help Newcastle in any way I can.
“I intend to bring my experience to the team and to get the Eagles back to winning ways.
“Roles always change throughout the season but I am ready for whatever role I need to play to help this fantastic club win games.”
Mockford’s first appearance as an Eagle at the Vertu Motors Arena is expected to be against Latvia on August 28 as Great Britain’s World Cup campaign gathers pace.
The ex-palma star could miss a chunk of pre-season on Tyneside if he is selected to represent his country at Eurobasket 2022 next month but Steutel knows Mockford is capable of slotting into his new Newcastle role at short notice.