Let the EuroBasket celebrations begin — that’s the message from proud playcaller Marc Steutel as glory-hunting Great Britain wrap up Group F on Tyneside tonight.
The hosts face Czechia at the Vertu Motors Arena with their ticket already stamped for August’s championship tournament.
And after Friday’s nailbiting win in Holland secured qualification with a game to spare, Steutel is stoked to bring the hoops party back home.
“This was always going to be a monumental window for us and I’m feeling so grateful that we’re going back to EuroBasket with this group,” said the man who doubles up as Newcastle Eagles’ head coach.
“I feel huge pride and I feel honoured to be a part of such a special and committed group of players and staff.
“Friday was the best GB game that I’ve been involved with. We played the right way and I’m so, so proud of the guys.
“I know the Czechia game’s already close to a sell out but I’d encourage as many Eagles fans as possible to join us for what’s going to be another special night of international basketball.
“I’d like to see those supporters who transform the VMA into a fortress week in, week out do the same for the GB guys. They deserve it.”
Steutel has added consistency and focus to a GB men’s roster that’s never lacked quality.
And while EuroBasket 2025 — featuring multiple host countries — will be another stiff test for the national team then qualification, in itself, represents a huge achievement.
It’s another CV-boosting string to Steutel’s bow and is just reward for a coach who’s committed years to GB’s evolution, often in the face of serious financial and administrative challenges.
“I’ve asked myself time and time again whether I can keep doing this but nights like Friday make it all worthwhile,” he added.
“Of course, I see the guys at Newcastle heading off for a well-earned mid-season break and getting the chance to recharge the batteries while I’m jumping straight onto a plane for a EuroBasket qualifier in Holland.
“It’s relentless but I love it.
“I have to invest a lot — emotionally and physically — into this role but I’ve repeatedly said that I’ll walk through a brick wall to represent my country.
“I’ll always make myself available to do this job even if these international windows are sandwiched in between busy schedules at home.
“And mentally it is a shift of focus. It’s a refresh of sorts because, for a week, I’m fully focused on the national team.
“As soon as the Czechia game’s done and dusted I’ll be ready to jump back into our double header road trip to Bristol and Manchester.”
Newcastle’s Josh Ward-Hibbert made a brief appearance in Den Haag on Friday and the Eagles’ guard is in line for more minutes for his country tonight.
The hometown favourite — like Steutel — is guaranteed a hero’s welcome ahead of tip-off as GB look to finish 4-2 in Group F and secure a top two spot alongside European giants Greece.
The action gets underway from 7.30pm and the final few remaining tickets are available from the box office.
