Evan’s the centre of attention at Eagles
CENTRE Evan Maxwell says he will bring ‘a hard-working and winning mentality’ to Newcastle Eagles this season.
The 6ft 10in American called signing with the BBL’S most successful franchise an ‘honour’ after he agreed to join the club after a year with Slovakian top-flight side Nova Ves.
Pennsylvania native Maxwell, who played college basketball for Liberty University and NAIA Indiana Wesleyan, takes the Eagles roster up to 12 and virtually completes the club’s 2020-21 roster.
The 25-year-old also spent time with collegiate powerhouse Kansas but he never played for Bill Self’s team, instead moving onto Wesleyan where he attained All-american honours and won a Division II Championship in back-to-back years.
His first season as a professional saw Maxwell move to Europe and he averaged 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds with Nova Ves. Now, however, he is keen to try the BBL and thinks the Eagles are the perfect fit for him.
“I’ve been spending the last few weeks researching and learning about the BBL and the Eagles,” he said.
“I’m blessed to be joining a league that has continued to get better over the past years, and a club with such incredible success in this league.
“I know I am joining a winning culture and also a community-oriented organisation and I’m extremely grateful to be wanted by the organisation and to be a part of it.
“I plan to bring a hard-working and winning mentality to the club.”
Two-time BBL MVP and Eagles point guard Rahmon Fletcher has also played in Slovakia and will be one of a number of BBL veterans able to help Maxwell adapt to his new home.
As well as Fletcher, Newcastle have brought back Darius Defoe, Drew Lasker and Eddie Matthew while also adding Cortez Edwards and Louis Sayers.
American imports Rex Pflueger and Justin Gordon, plus young guns Themba Yabantu, Sauveur Kande and Sean Murphy make up the rest of the Ian Macleod’s roster.
Maxwell is looking forward to joining the group and hopes to show he is worthy of wearing an Eagles jersey.
“I know I will be joining other great and experienced players so I look forward to learning from them and following their lead,” he said.
“As I understand and learn the culture of the team I also hope to come into my own as a leader for the team on and off the court.
“I plan to get better every day and do my part to add to the winning success of the program. I’m honoured to be a part of this organisation and I plan to represent the Newcastle Eagles to the best of my abilities.”
He added of playing on Tyneside:
“I’m extremely excited to be coming to such a historic place like the UK.
“I’ve never been, but throughout my life I’ve heard so many awesome things and am truly looking forward to experiencing the country and culture.
“Newcastle looks amazing and I am so happy to be able to continue my career in such a beautiful place.”
Eagles head coach Macleod has no doubts that he has landed a player in Maxwell who can play a big part.
“Evan is someone who has gone a little below the radar in recent years. A big body with a great touch from outside”, he said.
“I think he will prove a difficult match up. When I did the background research, I heard nothing but good things about Evan. A family man and a hard worker who will fill a big role in our offence. I am very happy to be bringing Evan to Newcastle.
“In Slovakia last year he performed extremely well and after talking with him it is obvious he wants to continue to progress and grow – I think this is a great place to do just that.”
The Eagles hope to have all 12 of their recruits available for the planned BBL pilot game on Friday at the Eagles Community Arena.