Perhaps no surprise to anyone as head coach Marc Steutel completes his 2025/26 roster with the return of Eagles legend Darius Defoe.
The man known as ‘Mr. 28′ will begin an astonishing 22nd season on Tyneside and in top-flight British basketball.
Defoe has been a member of every single one of the Eagles’ 28 national title wins, earning him legendary status and the nickname.
Coach Steutel and everyone at the club are delighted to return the veteran forward to the 2025/26 Super League Basketball (SLB) and European North Basketball League (ENBL) roster.
“I’m not sure what I can say about Darius that hasn’t been said about him already,” Steutel began.
“But what I can be certain to say is that his influence on our programme is immeasurable.
“Darius Defoe is Newcastle Eagles and being able to utilise his vast experience in a variety of ways to help guide his teammates is so important.
“What Darius has achieved in his time here, winning 28 major trophies and inspiring an incredible amount of young players and fans, will never be replicated in any sport ever in my opinion.
“The fact he has the hunger and desire to continue to give blood, sweat and tears to our programme epitomises who he is as a man and I’m delighted to be able to work with him one more time”.
Defoe’s contribution last season came mainly from the bench, playing an average of 19 minutes in the SLB with 4.1 points and 2.7 rebounds over 28 games.
In the ENBL, the forward played every game as the Eagles went all the way to a club and men’s British basketball history-making first European Final, averaging 4.7 points and 3 rebounds a game.
As he turns 41 this November, Defoe has long been one of the cornerstones that has helped build the most successful top-flight basketball franchise in the UK.
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A remarkable career has seen the 6’8″ Dominica-born adopted Geordie play 639 games, 2nd highest overall in the highest level of British basketball.
Defoe’s legacy on the court has him soaring in the stats tables at 3rd on the all-time rebounds list with 3,577 , 6th in points scoring with 6,702 points and 7th in steals with 621.
In 21 seasons at the top professional level, the forward averaged 10.5 points shooting at 53.3% from 2-point range and 5.6 rebounds a game.
On this announcement of his return one thing is for sure, Defoe will continue to showcase his extraordinary longevity in a stellar career.
Hear from the returning legend and his 2025/25 season Eagles teammates at The Launch tonight, Friday 5 September, at the Vertu Arena.
Pre-season action also tips-off this weekend for our Eagles with their first game in front of fans this Sunday 7 September at 4:30pm against USA Select with tickets for the game and tonight’s launch event both available from the box office.
