We Speak Men's British Basketball League

Three ways Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles could get back on track in the British Basketball League

Published

5 months ago

November 26, 2023

Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles have had a rough start to the 2023/24 British Basketball League season. With this in mind, we look at three ways they could change to push themselves back into contention.

Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles have had a rough start to the 2023/23 British Basketball League season. Currently seeing themselves seventh in the standings with a 3-7 record by their names, the Eagles need to change quickly before they slip out of contention.

Expectations became much higher after their incredible offseason acquisitions, which included the likes of Tajh Green, Jordan Johnson, and Larry Austin Jr.

However, this team has not stepped up as many expected, and because of this, we delve deeper into what they could change to take themselves closer to the expectations set at the start of the season.

Hang your Hat on Defence

While the Eagles added some great offensive power in Green, Johnson, and many more, their defence has been struggling through the first 10 games of the season.

While using base stats such as steals and blocks doesn’t tell the whole story, the Eagles are currently dead-last in steals per game and only seventh in blocks per game. If you combine both base stats together, the Eagles are last in the league.

In pre-season, the Newcastle Eagles were touted to be the best defensive team in the league, with Austin and Green being ranked in the top three for most likely to win this season’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Other players such as Johnson and Malcolm Delpeche also received votes.

Going into game week eight, the Eagles had a defensive rating of 112.3, only behind the Plymouth City Patriots and Manchester Giants for worst in the league.

One argument could be made for more minutes for Larry Austin Jr., who has primarily come off the bench this season. However, one easier way to fix their defensive issues is to play riskier regarding fouling.

The Eagles are one of the deepest teams in the league with incredible defensive potential, and if they want to impose their will onto the opposition, they need to be less worried about fouling and trying to get more stops.

Let it Fly

In modern basketball, one thing is for certain: the three-point shot is one of, if not the most vital shot in all of basketball.

We have seen across the pond how dominant teams can become when they embrace the three, and it’s no surprise that the London Lions make the most threes in the league and what their win record is currently.

Newcastle are fifth in three-point percentage in the British Basketball League, but are also ninth in threes attempted.

With only Rickey McGill, Jordan Johnson, and Devin Whitfield making more than one three-pointer per game, more threes need to be taken.

Even if there are some growing pains in a few games, having someone like Will Neighbour, who is one of the rare stretch-fives in the league, should give the Eagles an inherent advantage over many teams.

Though the percentage may drop, it would help to keep the opposition defence honest on the perimeter if the threes attempted jumped up, even just a little bit.

Feed the Big Man

Arguably, Newcastle’s biggest signing was the acquisition of Tajh Green from the Manchester Giants. The big man had a great debut season in the British Basketball League when he averaged 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.

Of course, it was expected for those numbers to drop when playing next to all the added talent, but when the going can get tough, it’s best to go back to the basics and ride the superstar.

Only averaging 12.2 points with 7.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists, his numbers have dropped. His best game of the season was arguably in Newcastle’s thriller against the London Lions when the Eagles arguably should have won.

Green had 23 points off 12 shots, and is the only game he’s had this season with over 20 points. The big man needs more than his 9.9 field-goal attempts per game to inflict his will onto the game, and this should be the go-to move when the Eagles are struggling.

Conclusion

It has only been 10 games in the British Basketball League season, and a team like the Newcastle Eagles has all the chances to catch up.

But this team has ways to go, and if things can change for the better, then we will have another contender in the League. If not, this could be a rough year for Eagles fans.

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James Allen

We Speak Men's British Basketball League

Star-studded entertainment lineup revealed for the 2024 British Basketball League Trophy Final Fours weekend

Published

5 months ago

November 26, 2023

James Allen

We are proud to announce an incredible entertainment lineup for the 2024 Trophy Final Fours Weekend, with the Men’s Trophy Semi-Finals taking place on Saturday, January 27, and the Men’s and Women’s Trophy Finals on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Utilita Arena Birmingham.

As the basketball world converges on Birmingham for this coveted and highly anticipated event, the League is committed to delivering an unforgettable experience.

A star-studded lineup

Blending the excitement of top-tier basketball with outstanding live acts, fans will be treated to musical halftime performances from Birmingham’s very own Lady Leshurr and Jaykae on the Sunday.

Additionally, the entertainment lineup boasts a dance performance by the internationally acclaimed Flawless Dance Group following the Women’s Final, the gravity-defying acrobatics of Les Barjots Dunkers at halftime during Saturday’s first Semi-Final, and a halftime showcase performance from AshOnCam during Saturday’s second Semi-Final.

This array of talent is sure to delight fans with an extraordinary fusion of sporting excellence and artistic brilliance throughout the event.

Women’s Final Halftime Show: Jaykae Takes to the Court

Birmingham-born and bred, the acclaimed grime artist Jaykae will grace the stage during the halftime show of the Women’s Betty Codona Trophy Final. Celebrated for his lyrical prowess, Jaykae’s hits collection includes the singles Every Country, Moscow and Toothache.

He has collaborated with some of the UK’s biggest artists, including Ed Sheeran and Skepta, and has supported the likes of Stormzy and performed on stage with Drake. His appearance at the Women’s Finals promises to add a local touch to the event as he proudly represents his hometown.

Flawlessly Warming Up the Court for the Men’s Final

Following the Women’s Trophy Final, the stage will be set for an incredible dance performance by the internationally renowned group, Flawless. Renowned for their impeccable synchronisation and innovative choreography, the Britain’s Got Talent Finalists are set to charge up the audience in anticipation of the Men’s Final.

Men’s Final Halftime Show: Lady Leshurr Takes Centre Stage

MOBO Award winner, Lady Leshurr, will headline the halftime show during the Men’s Trophy Final. Since breaking onto the scene in 2015 with her Queen Speech freestyle series, Lady Leshurr has hit the big-time musically, and has been a regular on our TV screens too.

Beyond her hit records and collaborations with the likes of Will.i.am an Nicki Minaj, the rap star reached the Dancing on Ice Semi-Finals and is also the new host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride.

On performing at Birmingham’s biggest halftime show in January, Lady Leshurr said: “I was here as a fan at last year’s Final and it was an incredible day of basketball. I’m super excited to perform in front of a sell-out crowd at the Utilita Arena Birmingham. Any time you get to perform in an event this big is amazing and given it taking place in Birmingham makes it extra special for me.”

Taking to the court to perform in front of his hometown, Jaykae said: I’m honoured to be one of the acts performing in such a prestigious event like the Trophy Final in a city that means a lot to me. The competition is always fiercely contested and I’m looking forward to seeing who wins the first bragging rights of the season.”

Tickets and Event Information

The 2024 British Basketball League Trophy Final Fours Weekend promises an exciting mix of basketball excellence and a feast of entertainment. Saturday will showcase two Men’s Semi-Finals games, where four teams battle it out on the court to reach Sunday’s Final. Fans attending on Sunday will be treated to a double-header, with the Women’s Final and Men’s Final both taking place that day.

From Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 November, there is 30% off for Black Friday, with tickets starting from £17.50. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of this spectacular celebration of basketball and music.