REX IS EAGLES’ LATEST DAME

Rex Pflueger is following in big footsteps after joining Newcastle Eagles.

The 24-year-old guard steps on a trail blazed by fellow Notre Dame product Scott Martin in making the switch to Tyneside.

Pflueger had a five-year career with ‘The Fighting Irish’, during which he broke the school record for games played featuring 141 times in the line-up.

And he arrives with the benefit of holding a UK passport in his possession, courtesy of his late mother who was English by birth.

“It feels great knowing that I will be starting my professional career in a country that I am very much familiar with,” the one-time England Under-18 call-up said.

“My mother was born and raised in Andover before eventually meeting my father in the US and moving out here full time.”

During his tie at Notre Dame, he twice averaged over 8 points per game and ended his college years averaging 5.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

And Martin was quick to help sell him on coming to Newcastle.

“I am truly excited to compete and hopefully be able to play in front of my extended family members out there whom many have not been able to see me play in person yet”, he added.

“Scott [Martin] has been an amazing resource during this decision process and I know he is always looking out for what is best for me.

“His experience with the team definitely facilitated towards my decision to join Newcastle, but I still believe the most prominent reason was for the chance to be closer to my English family and experience a culture that is part of my heritage.”

Home on the Range

Cheshire Phoenix have brought back Mark Rangeley for the 2020/21 season.

The Manchester-born small forward joined the Nix half-way through the 2019/20 season and made four appearances in Nix colors before the season was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Worcester Wolves are replanting Josh McSwiggan to his homeland after finishing his term at the University of Portland.

At the conclusion of his senior year, the former Leicester Riders forward averaged 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists from 32 games played, including 25 starts.

McSwiggan showed his potential and talent prior to his college career, earning international status with Great Britain at U18 and U20 levels in Euro Division A.

“In signing Josh, we have added a player who I feel will strengthen our perimeter even further and also provide some relief in the forward line at times,” said Wolves coach Matt Newby.

“He has the ability to stretch the floor and create some interesting matchup problems for the opposition. He is athletic and shoots the ball with consistency and will contribute across several statistical areas including the glass.

“His selfless play will fit the mould of this program and the squad we are putting together.”

Manchester Giants have completed the signings of local duo Joe Heyes and Charlie Britton.

Britton is a 20 year-old forward who returns following a year in the United States, playing at OnPoint Academy in Oklahoma.

Heyes  18 year-old guard from Bolton who has recently finished playing for Myerscough in the EABL. In 2019-20 he averaged 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, shooting 64% from the field in EABL games.

“Both know that they will have a lot of work ahead of them to earn BBL minutes, but we can give them a great opportunity to do so and to learn alongside a talented group of established pros,” said Danny Byrne.

“We want to demonstrate that we have a commitment to up-and-coming local talent, and give them opportunities to pursue professional basketball within their local area.”

 

Photo: Courtesy Newcastle