Will Neighbour returns to Newcastle Eagles
Newcastle Eagles have secured the services of the ultimate professional after snaring big man Will Neighbour for a second successive season.
That’s the verdict of head coach Marc Stuetel after the men in black made another key signing ahead of the 2024/25 Super League Basketball (SLB) campaign.
Neighbour battled back from a painful mid-season injury to play a key part in Newcastle’s thrilling playoff push.
And the free-scoring centre will hope to get back to the blistering form that saw him bag 13 points in just 15 minutes against European North Basketball League (ENBL) rivals Zastal earlier this year.
“Returning Will aligns perfectly with our determination to develop a strong British core for this season,” said Steutel.
“As a proven and exceptionally skilled player in this league we are delighted to retain his services for another campaign.
“We are really looking forward to Will showcasing his abilities with our roster this season both domestically and internationally.
“He is one of the best professionals I have had the pleasure of working with and his experience will be needed for the challenges that are ahead this season.”
Steutel moved fast to secure Neighbour’s services this time last year and the former Cheshire, London and Plymouth forward benefitted from a full pre-season on Tyneside.
Six points, three rebounds and three assists in just 12 minutes on debut for Newcastle underlined the 6ft 10in star’s versatility.
And Neighbour — as dangerous from downtown as he is destructive in the paint — proved a regular disruptor off the bench until he was sidelined with injury at the turn of the year.
The Aldershot-born veteran spent two-and-a-half months recovering from surgery before bouncing back against Zastal in February.
And Neighbour will be keen to up his minutes and his productivity across both the SLB and ENBL campaigns during his second full season at the Vertu Motors Arena.
“Last season was a great step forward for the club,” Neighbour said.
”I’ve had a great summer and off-season, I’m feeling really good and I can’t wait to get started and bring a championship to Newcastle!”
Neighbour joins returning Brits Josh Ward-Hibbert and Malcolm Delpeche as Steutel builds on a tried and tested core of proven top flight talent.
And fans can expect news on further transfer breakthroughs within the next few days.
