BBL 2013/14 Preview: Esh Group Eagles Newcastle

Last season’s trophy-less campaign has resulted in a major personnel shake-up at Sport Central. For a club widely admired for their stability and low player turnover, just three key players remain in player/coach Fab Flournoy, the evergreen Charles Smith and long serving British centre Darius Defoe.

The biggest loss to the Eagles is former League MVP Joe Chapman, who left to further his career with Bambitious Nara in Japan, however the club’s ambition remains as high as ever. A last barren season in 2010-2011 was followed by a clean sweep of all four trophies and this year’s new recruits look capable of repeating that once more.

Former Notre Dame captain Scott Martin is a high profile acquisition who, despite previous injury problems, could set a standard rarely seen in British basketball. Joining him from another respected NCAA programme in South Carolina is guard Malik Cooke. Former Eagles guards Paul Gause and Drew Lasker return bringing a renewed athleticism and welcome BBL experience to the team. Gause’s explosive style was a significant factor in the clean sweep of 2011-2012 and his presence will send shivers down the spine of other BBL defences.

Eagles’ favourite Andy Thomson may continue to ply his trade in France but his younger brother Stuart has joined the Newcastle club adding further depth to a squad that came up short last term. Prospect Eddie Matthew completes the roster with the Eagles’ hierarchy hoping he can continue his development with a second season in the BBL squad. The squad has been together for some time now and there is a steely determination at the club to wrestle back some, if not all, of those missing pieces of silverware.

One further addition to the bench is new assistant coach, Ian McLeod, who has progressed through the junior coaching ranks to bolster the back room staff.

Esh Group Eagles Newcastle Roster:

Guards/Swingmen Paul Gause, Malik Cooke, Drew Lasker, Fab Flournoy, Stuart Thomson

Forwards Darius Defoe, Scott Martin, Charles Smith

(Bold) Predictions for Esh Group Eagles Newcastle:

BBL Championships: Winners
BBL Playoffs: Winners
BBL Trophy: Winners
BBL Cup: Winners