FLETCH AGAIN ON TYNESIDE
Newcastle Eagles have inked a new contract with Ramon Fletcher.
The former BBL Most Valuable Player insists he is happy to remain on Tyneside where he averaged 16 points and nine assists last term which ended with the Eagles capturing the BBL Trophy.
“It feels good to be coming back,” the American point guard said.
“Last season got cut short and as always I’m grateful to get interest from the club to have me back for another season.
“I felt it was the right decision to return, especially how last season ended so suddenly and it was a bittersweet moment at the Trophy Final.
“There wasn’t enough time to enjoy what we actually did and also to use it as momentum to finish the regular season strong headed to a playoff run.”
With Drew Lasker also returning, it offers head coach Ian MacLeod some additional permanency with centre CJ Gettys leaving Newcastle to join an as yet un-named Japanese team.
“I’m very glad to have Fletch back on board for another year,” said MacLeod. “Rahmon is a consummate professional who led by example last year and is a proven winner.”
Newcastle Eagles announce @GiveToLocalUK is replacing Esh Group as main sponsor on BBL and WBBL jerseys pic.twitter.com/3enzJJopwN
— Mark Woods (@markbritball) August 11, 2020
Elsewhere, in a long forecast switch, London Lions have completed the signing of Josh Ward-Hibbert from Leicester Riders and made it a domestic double by bringing home British forward Shane Walker from Sweden’s Koping Stars.
Contributing 8 points and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes of action last term, Walker hit 50% from the floor and 37% from behind the arc. Koping were strongly placed in third position as the season was cancelled. A graduate of Loyola MD in NCAA division One in 2012, the versatile forward has experience across Europe in Greece, France and Germany, whilst also capturing the BBL Championship and Playoff crowns amongst others.
He said: “I’ve always had a respect for the organisation and have admired the strides they have taken in recent years. Of course it will be a little different this time around as my time in the UK is usually related to my success in Leicester. So I’m even more motivated to continue that success and bring Championships to the capital.
“The organisation has done an amazing job putting this team together and the support around the players is top notch. Speaking from experience I can say that every player is dedicated to making this season a special one and we’re putting in the work every day.”
Elsewhere, GB cap Justin Sears is remaining in Germany for a fifth successive year by agreeing a deal with Wurzburg while Manchester Giants have completed the signing of Bulgarian forward Alex Ouandie from Italian Serie C side New Basket Agropoli.
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