Eagles cut American ace Mitchell as Hussein looks to take advantage
POPULAR NEW YORKER’S EXIT COULD BENEFIT FRENCH STAR
NEWCASTLE Eagles have cut Bronx-based big man John Mitchell just hours before the club’s BBL Cup clash with Manchester Giants.
The popular forward made the BBL’s All Star Five for the first time this week following a dominant display at the Giants last Sunday.
But a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds in just 24 minutes failed to persuade interim head coach Ian MacLeod that he was the right fit for a team in transition.
“It is unfortunate that it didn’t work out for both parties,” said Newcastle’s playcaller. “But I want to wish John all the best for his future.”
A club statement added that Eagles bosses are evaluating the club’s roster ahead of the BBL Cup quarter-finals and the start of this season’s Championship campaign.
Mitchell missed a number of flights prior to joining Newcastle during a fraught summer.
But the New Yorker was determined to make a name for himself in the BBL when he finally touched down on Tyneside.
At the heart of the Eagles’ strong start to the season, the mobile forward emerged as an instant crowd favourite despite frequently falling foul of league officials.
And Sunday’s all-action display provided a snapshot of Mitchell’s undoubted potential – albeit against a weak Manchester outfit.
But it is understood the colourful American never got to grips with life off the court at a time when MacLeod is seeking to create a fresh ethos in the post-Fabulous Flournoy era.
Mitchell’s exit will inevitably mean more key minutes for fellow big man Sade Aded Hussein and the latter admits Newcastle need to sign off in style ahead of a five-week break in homecourt action.
Tonight’s BBL Cup showdown with Manchester Giants is the club’s last at the Eagles Community Arena until December 20.
And on the back of three home defeats on the bounce, a determined Hussein accepts the need for a powerful showing from the black and whites.
“Our last few performances at the ECA haven’t been good enough,” said the towering Frenchman. “We owe our supporters a big win.
“The fact that we’re already qualified for the cup quarter-finals won’t even come into it.
“We go into every match wanting to win.
“It’s been challenging in the last few weeks but it’s all good. That’s how we learn as players.
“That’s how we build as a team and that’s how we’ll get better.”
Hussein has become an even more significant cog in the Eagles’ wheel following the departure of Mitchell.
But the mobile big man has settled seamlessly into his Newcastle role following an injury-interrupted start to his career on Tyneside.
“From what I’ve seen of our North Group games in the Cup I’ve come into a very strong and competitive league,” he added.
“I’m impressed with what I’ve seen so far. There are some pretty good teams in the North and we’ve been involved in a number of close games.
“We’ve qualified for the quarterfinals but we must treat the Manchester
game like any other match.
“It’s our last home game until December 20 so we need to sign off on a high and give our fans something positive to reflect upon.”
Victory is imperative for Hussein and his team-mates despite tonight’s clash being talked about as a dead rubber.
A convincing win is hugely important for a number of reasons – not least the fact that the Eagles face such a long wait until their next ECA fixture.
Relative inactivity during what is traditionally a busy time in the BBL schedule is hardly ideal.
But Hussein insisted: “We need to use the next few weeks to our advantage.
“As things stand we have a cup quarter-final and an away game at Plymouth in the five weeks following the Manchester game.
“That means a lot of time to work on our game and a lot of long weeks of practice.
“We will use the time well knowing that the schedule will be pretty crazy after Christmas.”
Interim head coach Ian MacLeod will use tonight’s clash to assess his options given the club’s decision to cut Mitchell.
But one consequence of the Bronx-based player’s departure is that Rodney Glasgow Jr will be able to resume his backcourt partnership with Rahmon Fletcher.
Mitchell’s exit frees up another American spot and MacLeod is expected to recall the talented guard ahead in time to face the Giants.
■ Tonight’s clash tips off at 7.30pm with tickets still available.
It is unfortunate that it didn’t work out for both parties...But I want to wish John all the best for his future
Ian MacLeod