All routes led to Newcastle this summer as Mike Okauru set out on the road to redemption.

And following an injury-hit 2023/24 campaign, the US guard is ready to kickstart a previously explosive professional career.

Okauru dropped a game high 21 points on debut as the homecourt Eagles squeezed the life out of Sheffield Sharks last Friday.

But the 25-year-old has already bought into head coach Marc Steutel’s ‘defence-first’ mantra following a winning start to his Newcastle career.

“This is a redemption year for me in so many ways and I have a lot to prove to myself,” said Okauru.

“I’ve been through some injuries and I wanted to find the right place to get back on track.

“I thought Newcastle was the perfect place to do that — I’ve landed at a great organisation, in a great team and in a great league.

“When coach Marc called me up in the summer I just knew this was where I was meant to be.

“And after the first few weeks here it already feels right.”

Okauru might boast a reputation for scoring clutch baskets in big moments.

And the gutsy guard did just that with a killer triple in the closing stages of last Friday’s opening night win.

But Okauru proved his defensive mettle against both Sheffield and Manchester as the Eagles went 2-0 in the Super League Basketball (SLB) Trophy.

And he added: “I love that side of the game — I really do.

“I don’t think my defensive game was as good as it should have been at the weekend but I’m going to improve.

“If I’m not at my best then I take that personally.

“Next time out I’ve got to pick things up defensively and do what you see the likes of Josh Ward-Hibbert do every week.”

Returning Great Britain international Ward-Hibbert looks like a man possessed in his second season in an Eagles jersey.

And the former London and Leicester star has set the benchmark for Okauru and the rest of Newcastle’s new breed.

“What you’ve seen already from this Eagles team is a high level of commitment,” added a player who averaged 18 points and four boards per game as a first season pro for USK in Czechia.

“Josh led the way in that respect. He’s our leader and we follow his lead.

“Defensively we’re strong as a team and I’m confident the offence will follow.”

Perhaps underlining his point, Okauru had less of an impact against Manchester on Sunday, missing all five of his three-point attempts.

But Steutel expects one of his marquee summer signings to become one of the stars of the SLB and cause chaos on the European stage.

“Coach preaches the importance of defence every single day and as a team we’re locked in on that,” added Okauru.

“We’re trying to get better, develop our chemistry and learn how we can move forward.”

The Eagles defend their unbeaten SLP Trophy record against cross-border rivals Caledonia Gladiators on Friday (7.30pm tip).

Tickets are on sale via the Box Office.