The Newcastle Eagles begin a very tough if not brutal run of three games in five days in three different competitions on Wednesday night. The visitors to the Vertu Arena are Iraklis B.C. of Greece for a European North Basketball League group game.

Head Coach Marc Steutel’s side go into the first of the three games having already lost their opening two encounters in the European competition. Indeed, last time out it was Iraklis that were the opposition in Greece where Newcastle fell to an 85-71 defeat.

Steutel is well aware of the schedule and how they are going to contend with the task ahead as he began his preview of the game.

“Three games in five days with the biggest challenge we have got at the momentum is the health state of the group. We’ve got some guys that have been trying to use the international break to try and get healthy.”

“It’s going to be tough and go with a few guys although I don’t want to give any more information than that. But the biggest challenge for us is trying to get as many healthy as we can.”

That loss out in Greece against a very good side may well have given Steutel and his players an insight into the style and ability of Iraklis and help the preparation for the game although the GB International Head Coach does not necessarily see it that way.

“Whether you play a team recently or not for me doesn’t make a massive difference. The players obviously understand the personnel a little bit more. (Justin) Wright-Foreman kept them in the game and made big shots for them.”

“But we know they’re a high-level team playing in a high-level league so we’ve got to figure that out.”

Steutel himself only arrived back on Tyneside on Monday night to reacquaint himself with his players after leading GB’s International side over the weekend in the FIBA World Cup qualifying games but again he doesn’t think his absence affects preparation.

“The guys are used to the daily grind. I’m accustomed to being away and I’ve really trusted Assistant Coach Roberto Fois who’s been running practice. He and I have been in daily contact and it’s been good for the guys to try and get healthy and sorted.”

“I’m looking forward to getting back with the group and trying to build on that positive momentum and positive performances that we’ve had recently.”

Steutel then went on to discuss the keys to the game and what he’s expecting on the night and from his team.

“Wright-Foreman was really tough for them last time. Their front-line is really tough and athletic. (Dimitris) Moraitis is a National team point guard for Greece who are ranked the 6th best in the world. So, we have to find a way to limit his impact on the game.”

Sage words as Wright-Foreman netted 32 points in that Eagles loss in Greece including six of seven from 3-point range whilst Moraitis led from the front with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. But as ever, Steutel is focusing on his own team.

“I honestly think its about us and playing the best that we can. The ENBL schedule in terms of playing Dziki Warszawa who are a club with a different level of resource than we are.”

“Then playing one of the favourites for the competition in Iraklis back-to-back means the schedule has not been kind to us. But by the end of the season, we want to make sure we’re pushing for ENBL playoff basketball and we have to make sure we string a good performance together.”

Tip-off at the Vertu Arena on Wednesday night is at 7:30pm as Steutel and his players look for a vital win to kick-start their European campaign and roll into the tough five-day schedule ahead.