Newcastle Eagles have signed Tavis ‘Pistol’ Smith as the latest import player to land in their Super League Basketball (SLB) roster for the 2026/27 season.
The 6’3″ guard brings a wealth of international experience to Tyneside following spells in Albania, Armenia, Canada, Georgia and Slovakia, averaging double-digit scoring figures wherever he has played.
Michigan native Smith took an unconventional route into the pro game, spending just one season at NCAA Division 2 Belmont Abbey College in 2019/20, where he averaged 24.3 points per game before beginning his professional career.
Michigan native Smith took an unconventional route into the professional game, spending just one season at NCAA Division 2 Belmont Abbey College in 2019/20, where he averaged 24.3 points per game before turning professional.
Smith said: “I chose Newcastle because after speaking with Coach Marc, it was clear that we share the same competitive drive to win championships, which is a rare and special thing.
“I really believe in the roster he is putting together and think our chemistry will click early. I did a lot of research into the SLB and Newcastle’s history before making my decision.
“As a combo guard, I look forward to bringing my speed, playmaking, athleticism, and defensive energy to the floor to help us bring silverware back to Newcastle.”
Last season, Smith played in Israel’s National League for Maccabi Rehovot, following a successful campaign with the Montreal Alliance in Canada’s CEBL. However, his standout professional season came in 2024/25 in Slovakia.
For MBK Banik Handlova in Slovakia’s Tipos SBL, he averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Those performances earned him selection to the All-Defensive Team, All-Imports Team and League First Team, as well as Guard of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honours.
“Tavis is a player we are incredibly excited to bring to Newcastle,” said head coach Steutel.
“Throughout the recruitment process, he consistently demonstrated the character, ambition and competitiveness we want within this programme.
“He has the ability to impact games in a variety of ways, whether that’s scoring, creating for others or making big plays at important moments.
“We believe he has all the attributes to become a real favourite with our supporters because of the energy and confidence he plays with.
“I’m excited to begin working with him and to see him embrace the challenge of leading this team throughout the season.”
The Eagles’ roster continues to take shape, and Coach Steutel’s side are poised for pre-season action, with three exciting fixtures set to be announced at 9am on Friday, 7 August.
