International Hoops

Hassan and Johnson get set for Eagles-Patriots battle live on Sky Sports

Hassan and Johnson get set for Eagles-Patriots battle live on Sky Sports

In what is fast becoming one of the most exciting rivalries in the BBL, Newcastle Eagles welcome the Plymouth City Patriots to the Vertu Motors Arena this evening as Marc Steutel’s side take on Paul James’ team live on Sky Sports!

The Eagles and Patriots have been thorns in each other’s
sides since the latter’s formation at the start of last season, as Plymouth ensured
Newcastle would miss out on the Play-offs last year with a last-gasp win at the
Pavilions, before roles were reversed a few weeks ago as tonight’s hosts
knocked the Patriots out of the Cup.

Ahead of tonight’s latest showdown between the two sides, we
caught up with Plymouth’s Rashad Hassan and new Newcastle signing and Great
Britain Olympian Kyle Johnson to look ahead to the game.

“Losing to Newcastle in the Cup was a rude awakening for us
that showed we’ve all got to step up and do our part.” Hassan said.

“It was a close game but losing humbled us and made us realise
we’ve got to step it up a notch if we want to achieve what we’re capable of
this season.

“We didn’t appreciate them coming into our arena and beating
us for our home opener, so we’re out to get some payback tonight.

“There is definitely a rivalry developing between us. We stopped
them getting into the Play-offs last year and they knocked us out of the Cup
this year, and its great for the BBL that we’re building a rivalry, I think.”

“I’ve always wanted to play in the BBL.”

A legend of British Basketball and part of the London 2012 Men’s
Olympic Basketball Team for GB, Kyle Johnson is a much-loved figure in the game
and the recent announcement of his acquisition by the Newcastle Eagles was met
with much excitement.

Signing for the Eagles reunites Johnson with Marc Steutel,
who coached ‘KJ’ extensively as part of the national team, and the Olympian
discussed his excitement at the prospect of playing in the BBL.

“I’m super excited to be here and to play in front of family
and friends. I’ve obviously been playing for the national team since 2011 and
usually it is only in the windows or summers where my family gets to come and
see me play, so to be here for a whole season is something I’m really looking
forward to.

“Timing was perfect for me to come here, I think. I’ve
always wanted to play in the BBL at some point, so to find a place in Newcastle
that I’m…

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