Newcastle Eagles have a chance to make history in the ENBL, but this is bigger than silverware.

Newcastle head coach Marc Steutel will have the sole focus of bringing the illustrious European North Basketball League trophy back to Tyneside, although it feels like the Eagles carry a heavier burden than just victory.

Money over morality

Super League Basketball fans have again become victims of the greed and political agendas served by directors that are only interested in increasing the weight of their pockets at every opportunity.

After the debacle of the alarming 777 era of British basketball, it felt like the sport was ready to take an upward trajectory under the stewardship of the nine member clubs who salvaged a ship that appeared to have a date with destiny at the bottom of the ocean.

Fans of the league have been enamoured with the quality product of basketball they have witnessed this year – London Lions, Sheffield Sharks and now the Surrey 89ers all creating their own storylines in the process.

However, after back-to-back successful Finals weekends in the SLB, for both the men’s and women’s game, the dastardly British Basketball Foundation – led by Chris Grant – have decided, on both occasions, to issue a statement in relation to the licensing tendering process.

The constant controversies plaguing basketball on these shores should serve as a reminder that loyal fanbases are just another number to any person who holds an ounce of power in sport.

At what point do these directors realise that sport was created as an escapism from the dark realms of reality and not a platform in which they can push their own agendas.

Newcastle carry the hopes of a nation

It feels like Newcastle’s heroics in the ENBL have united a nation. No matter the club and no matter the rivalry, every British basketball fan will rooting the Eagles in their hunt for the championship.

Despite their stuttering record during the SLB regular season, the Tynesiders have been in electric form throughout their European campaign – defeating the reigning champions, Bakken Bears, 177-160 on aggregate to make it to the Final Four.

If the franchise are to have any hopes of achieving eternal glory and lifting the prestigious ENBL trophy, Mike Okauru will have to back to his devastating best as he averages 18.7 points per game during his SLB campaign.

Nevertheless, ‘Magic’ Mike has struggled to return to full fitness during a frustrating month for the star – only appearing on four occasions in March.

Newcastle will be confident that their SLB Trophy triumph experience will put the side in good stead ahead of their Final Four Semi-Final match-up against Dziki Warzsawa.

Super League Basketball fans deserve an escape from the turbulent drama of the domestic game – Newcastle Eagles, bring it home!