Teen Yabantu promoted to senior squad

WITH Drew Lasker off to Australia to represent England in the Commonwealth Games, Newcastle Eagles have taken the decision to promote from within to cover the veteran guard’s absence.

The 19-year old starting point guard Themba Yabantu will be stepping up after playing for the Eagles School of Excellence U23s, who are debuting in National Basketball League Division 4.

Yabantu has certainly led that side in some style often topping the scoring, and helping the inexperienced Eagles U23s to hold their own well in a largely adult league, against many older and more experienced sides.

The youngster has also been playing under Eagles senior assistant Ian Macleod at Gateshead College where he is head coach.

And Macleod has seen first hand the abilities of the lightning quick point guard with superb athleticism and huge potential.

This is Yabantu’s third year at Gateshead College under Macleod for whom he is averaging 18 points, 8.5 rebounds and eight assists confirming the emerging talent’s real promise since coming into the game, showcasing his all-round ability which led to his promotion.

That ability has also been recognised by Eagles’ head coach Fab Flournoy who invited, at Macleod’s suggestion, Yabantu to train with his senior players this season.

That was an invitation that the youngster was pleased to accept, and Flournoy is happy to acknowledge his efforts.

“Themba has practised with us consistently since the beginning of the season and earned the chance to be part of our senior match night squad,” Flournoy said.

The work of the Eagles in establishing their School of Excellence programme have seen the likes of Jack Wilson, Danny Horta and Eddie Matthew all graduate to the senior squad over recent years.

Now Yabantu can be added to that list and he’s delighted with the new challenge presented to him.

He said: “I never thought I would get this opportunity but I am very excited and very grateful about stepping up to BBL. This is a big step up and shows that the hard work I have been putting in is paying off.”

Yabantu will wear the No 2 shirt and joins the senior bench tomorrow night as the Eagles face rivals Leeds Force at Northumbria University Sport Central (7.30pm).