Newcastle's player news, 2006-7

Springfield Honda Newcastle Eagles have been dealt a bitter blow to their league and play-off hopes after influential captain TJ Walker sustained a broken hand during the BBL Trophy Final against Plymouth.

Walker, currently in his seventh successive season with the Eagles will have his hand in a cast for at least a fortnight, with several weeks rest subsequently required to ensure the healing process is successful and a full recovery completed. It is therefore with great regret that both the club and the player acknowledge that he will not be able play again for the remainder of the season.

TJ will be flying home to California in the next few days to start his rehabilitation and Eagles Managing Director Paul Blake has thanked Walker for his tremendous contribution to the club's success. "We will all miss TJ both on and off the court. He is the team captain, hugely experienced and has done a terrific job for the club in seven great years."

Blake added "He has been our so-called franchise player for many years and it is a cruel blow for us that he has suffered this injury. We want to thank TJ for everything he has achieved and accomplished and we wish him a speedy recovery and we certainly know he will be behind the guys in their bid to finish the season on a high."

The big question on everybody's lips is whether Walker may have played his final game for Newcastle. Blake explained however that this is a question that can only be answered in several months time. "Myself and Fab will certainly sit down when the season ends and talk about every player. We are continually discussing future plans but in respect of TJ we have some discussions to complete.

"Besides, as we still have a fairly decent chunk of this season still to play, we need to focus all of our efforts on the play- offs."

Walker himself meanwhile has paid testament to the club's fans and has apologised for having to leave Tyneside explaining he needs to get his rehabilitation underway as quickly as possible. "I am sad to be leaving and it hurts. However with one hand in a cast and through a support sling, it makes it difficult to do everyday things on my own. I know I can have a more effective period of recuperation and get better more quickly with the help and support of my family back home. I am sorry that I have to leave in a hurry and haven't had a chance to say goodbye but my hand needs to get put in the cast as soon as possible.

"I just want to thank the club and the fans for everything. I hope I can come back and we will have to see whether that happens but in the meantime I just want the supporters to get behind the players for the rest of the season."

BBL Championship Career Statistics
Appearances - 232 (229 Games Played)
Points - 3697 (@ 16.14 per game)
Rebounds - 1331 (@ 5.81 per game)
Assists - 1473 (@ 6.43 per game)
Steals - 544 (@ 2.38 per game)
Minutes - 8164 (@ 35.65 per game)

Dorsey, who has dual citizenship has represented England and played in various leagues across Europe including Israel, France, Belgium and Italy.

Eagles Managing Director Paul Blake is thrilled to have finally landed his man after a lengthy chase to capture the star.

He said "This is one of our biggest ever signings in terms of bringing in a proven player with a wealth of experience and someone who has an undeniable pedigree. We are just so happy that Tony has chosen to come and join us and having twice been named the league MVP, I think our supporters will be absolutely thrilled with this news.

"It is obviously great for us as a club that we have been able to add to our squad but we also believe that fans around the country will hopefully be excited at seeing Tony Dorsey back in British Basketball."

Player coach Fab Flournoy meanwhile can't wait to link up with his old team-mate having played with Dorsey in Birmingham earlier in his lengthy BBL career.

"When I was younger everyone learnt from Tony and he is a classy player. I am excited that he will be part of our team. He can certainly show our younger guys a thing or two and they will get the opportunity to learn from one of the best." explained the play- caller. "Our fans love to give the players nicknames but I can tell you that he already has one that describes him perfectly and that is Dynamite. He has played in Europe and has shown he can be the premier player in this league.

"I am sure that he will be a huge favourite once again and someone of his class and experience might help us to reach even higher standards."

Dorsey is expected to make his debut at Plymouth on Sunday when the Eagles return to Championship action in their bid to retain the BBL title.

Springfield Honda Newcastle Eagles have moved to strengthen their roster with the addition of 6ft 6in guard Jeremy Hyatt.

Hyatt has committed to a sixth season on Tyneside after originally joining the Eagles during the 2001/02 campaign and subsequently establishing himself as one of the most highly rated players in British Basketball.

Having departed Newcastle back in April, Managing Director Paul Blake explained the club’s decision to bring back the star. He said "It has been well documented that Jeremy left the club earlier this year due to off-court activities in relation to driving offences.

"In all honesty, it has been a difficult decision for us in some ways. As far as on-the-court is concerned, it has been a no-brainer as we all know how talented and experienced Jeremy is and the kind of exceptional things he can offer us.

"However, we did obviously have to take other factors into account and having done so, we have decided to offer Jeremy another opportunity. He served his punishment by completing his community service and we are now looking forward to seeing him repay the supporters, sponsors and the club in the best way possible - by being an important part of a successful Newcastle team once again.

"We are convinced that the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be excited to see Jeremy back in an Eagles vest."

"It is also the case that without the continued support of the Metroradio Arena we might not have been able to complete the signing of Jeremy."

Colin Revel, Managing Director of the MetroRadio Arena explained, "We are pleased to continue and strengthen our partnership with the Newcastle Eagles and by supporting the club to help bring back a player of Jeremy Hyatt’s quality, we know that the club can continue their recent success."

Hyatt will make his debut against Plymouth Raiders on Sunday in the Eagles opening home game of the new campaign when they will be looking to record a first victory of the season.

The Springfield Honda Newcastle Eagles have added two British players to their squad for the 2006/07 BBL season after they both impressed at the club's recent open trials.

Player coach Fab Flournoy has secured the services of 6ft 8in forward Tom Sherlock and 6ft 1in Brian McCotter.

Sherlock, who hails from Derby, graduated from Wayne State College in Nebraska earlier this year averaging over 9 points and 5 rebounds per game and is looking forward to his first professional season.

He admitted "It has all happened quite quickly for me. I was working a summer job in Derby having finished College and I saw an advert for the trials on the Eagles web-site. I booked some time off work and here I am and raring to go."

"I knew my College was okay and I knew I had a chance of playing professional basketball but it was not until the trials that I was given this tremendous opportunity." continued the 24 year old. "I will be playing and practicing with some great players every day and I can't wait. I will be part of the team that plays Cork on Friday and I am looking forward to it."

McCotter meanwhile played his basketball north of the border with Troon Tornadoes last season, ironically now in the same BBL Trophy Group as his new club this term. The versatile guard helped Troon to the double last season and is looking forward to making the transition into the BBL.

He said "I was at University in Glasgow last year and played BUSA for Scottish Universities with my highlight captaining the side. I also enjoyed a successful year with the Tornadoes doing the double and it is great to be making the switch to another successful club. I know that you have to earn everything at Newcastle and it will be a learning experience but with hard work and playing alongside great players I am really pleased to be part of the team hoping to defend so many trophies."

Both players will make their debuts for the Eagles in Friday's clash with Cork Blue Demons.

Springfield Honda Newcastle Eagles are delighted to announce the arrival of 6ft 2in guard Shawan Robinson ahead of the 2006/07 BBL campaign.

The Clemson graduate will join the club for his first season in the professional game and will be aiming to help the Eagles continue their recent success of having landed six trophies inside 18 months.

Player-coach Fab Flournoy is pleased to have signed Shawan and is looking forward to the challenge of working with a new face having previously re-signed five players from last year's side.

He said "We became aware of Shawan through a combination of Team USA Select and the fact that Olu Babalola played with Shawan at Clemson for a number of years.

"We needed a two-guard but also one that had the ability to play the point position if necessary. Shawan has great shooting ability and is a scorer which is something that we need.

"He is the kind of player we feel we can mould into our team and I am looking forward to welcoming him into the side. He works hard on defence and we are expecting some good things from him." added Flournoy.

Robinson, who hails from Raleigh, North Carolina averaged over 12 points per game for Clemson last year and is a solid three-point shooter who also shot 91% from the free-throw line.

Shawan will meet his new team-mates next week when he is due to arrive ahead of the pre-season friendly on 22 September against Cork Blue Demons.

Fab Flournoy is currently putting the finishing touches to this year's roster and further announcements are expected within the next week.

Springfield Honda Newcastle Eagles have swooped to bring forward Darius Defoe back to Tyneside. The return of the Londoner means that player-coach Fab Flournoy has ensured five of last season's title winning team are now back on the roster ahead of the new 2006/07 BBL campaign.

6ft 9in Defoe has made great strides in the last few years since arriving from Hackney White Heat and was instrumental in helping Newcastle secure the BBL league title after some particularly impressive performances towards the end of last season.

Flournoy has expressed his joy at the return of his forward with the BBL Coach of the Year eager to ensure Defoe makes an even greater impact as the club prepares to defend the four BBL trophies they won last year.

He explained, "Darius is back and from a coaching standpoint it is absolutely great to have the young fella back in our side. Just like everyone else on the team he had other offers to go and play else where but he wants to come back."

"Darius is definately a project in the making as he still has plenty to learn and can get even better. I happy that he will be returning although my expectation for him is far greater than for anyone else in my side." continued Flournoy.

"That is because he has a willingness to learn and to play hard and we have seen this across the last couple of years. I have seen him become more confident in his own ability and I expect him to become a really big factor for us this season."

Eagles Managing Director Paul Blake has also been quick to endorse Flournoy's decision to bring back the forward and explained, "It is pleasing from a continuation aspect that Darius will be able to continue his development with us. Our fans have seen him arrive as a a raw talent and begin to mature into an important member of our side.

"We made a decision to invest our resources in British talent a number of seasons ago and it is satuisfying that the likes of Darius have played their part, worked hard and are keen to return. I know that we are all looking forward to him continuing his progress."

Further signings are expected to be announced next week as Fab Flournoy looks to put the finishing touches to his squad ahead of the club's pre-season friendly on Friday 22nd September against the Cork Blue Demons.

Springfield Honda Newcastle Eagles have re-signed England guard Andrew Bridge for the 2006/07 BBL season.

Bridge becomes the fourth player from last season's team to return with player coach Fab Flournoy, Olu Babalola and TJ Walker already on the roster. The Chesterfield born guard has established himself as a firm favourtite amongst Eagles supporters and has been a cornerstone of the team's recent success.

Fab Flournoy was keen to snap up his England team mate and is hoping Bridge can continue his progress and have an even bigger impact this season. He said "I'm happy to be bringing Bridgy back onto our team. He is a player that has grown each and every year and has improved way beyond the expectation of most people.

"This is going to be a season where he will have a chance to really come into his own. I am very proud of Andrew and from a coaching standpoint I can watch him listening and always get to see just how keen he is to learn and improve his game" added Flournoy.

In addition to the progress Bridge has made domestically, he has also established himself on the International scene having won a Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games with England earlier this year.

This was later followed up by being drafted into the Great Britain camp during the summer. Bridge himself is now looking forward to another season with the Eagles and is expecting an expanded role after the departure of the likes of Charles Smith and Andrew Sullivan.

He revealed, "This year is going to be a big one for me as I am hoping that I can be more agressive and contribute more offensively. We all need to pick up some of the slack left after the departure of the likes of Andrew Sullivan.

"Perhaps it isn't a bad thing that we have to start again in some areas and in particular because the new guys will have a lot to prove in terms of coming to Newcastle and trying to replace the players who have been so successful during the last couple of years. For those of us who have decided to return, it is probably our biggest challenge yet and we are fired up for what lies ahead."

Walker, who is nicknamed "The Daddy" can't wait to get back to Tyneside and face the new challenge of helping Flournoy mould a new side in the quest for yet more honours this season, "It is a special feeling to be coming back and I am excited about it. Newcastle is a home from home for me. It is going to be interesting for everyone this year. We could have some new faces and yet our aims will be the same as last year in terms of going for every piece of silverware on offer.

"We know it will be a greater challenge for everyone concerned to achieve that and this is what appeals to me right now." added Walker.

Brought to the club by former Eagles coach Tony Garbelotto way back in he summer of 2000, Walker has established himself as one of the most popular and widely resepected players in the BBL with Eagels Managing Director also underlining his value to the club.

Blake explained, "It is a massive move coup for us in getting TJ back in a Newcastle vest. The only question at the end of last season was how we would ever be able to replace TJ. To get our franchise player for another year is a tremendous boost for everyone at the club and of course our fans who have idolised him for quite some time.

" We worked hard to persuade him to return and we are just thankful that any thoughts of retiring the number five vest in his honour can now be put firmly on ice!"

The Springfield Honda Newcastle Eagles have re- signed Olu Babalola for the forthcoming 2006/07 BBL campaign.

Having joined the club mid-term last season, the powerful forward went on to play an important role in helping Newcastle secure the BBL league title and the Play-Off Trophy.

Eagles Managing Director Paul Blake is pleased to have recaptured the Londoner and believes he will play a vital part in helping to maintain the club's recent success. "We chased Olu for a long time to bring him to the club and it took a lot of work to get him to sign. That is why we are so pleased he wants to be part of our side again. He will benefit from having a full season with us and I know he his hungry and really wants to show what he is capable of.

"Everyone has been impressed with Olu since he joined us last year and I am glad he has committed himself to spending more time with us. Our fans know how much he contributed last season, especially defensively wise.

"He is a quality English player and he has just joined the Great Britain squad which is a boost for both him and the club." added Blake.

The Clemson graduate is already relishing the challenge ahead and believes 2006/07 will be a huge season for both himself and the Eagles. He said "I feel comfortable in Newcastle both on and off the court. Coming to Newcastle was great and it is always good when you join a winning team that is so successful. Having won things it is something that I am eager to repeat and I know I am hungry for more success.

"There are a lot of people who are already doubting whether we can be successful again and if I am honest that really appeals to me as a player with the new season ahead.

"I know that this will be a huge season for me. I am focused 100% on having a better one than I did last time. I will be fitter and stronger than ever. I feel in great shape and am ready to go."

Babalola is player-coach Fab Flournoy's first signing of the summer with the club expected to have further announcements in the next week or two.