Eagles Flying The Flag For Great Britain

It may be the summer break from the BBL season, but as we all know by now basketball never stops and especially for two familiar faces of the Eagles and our community foundation programmes.

Eagles BBL team assistant coach Ian Macleod and our academy star Tosan Evbuomwan are currently in the Spanish city of Melilla for a 4-day training camp and a tournament as part of the Great Britain Under 18s team.

Macleod is now in his second year as assistant coach for the national programme and has already seen success with a silver medal and promotion from Division B last time around. Evbuomwan is also no stranger to representing the country having been called up to the national programme with England as an Under-18s player last year.

Speaking after the team attended a Royal reception at Melilla City Hall yesterday afternoon, Macleod told us: “This year will prove to be a huge year, as we go against some of the best junior players and coaches in the world. A great experience!”

Eagles and GB Under 18 assistant coach Ian Macleod at a Royal Reception in Melilla City Hall

GB U18s head coach Alan Keane, with Ian at his side, will whittle down the 14 strong squad in Melilla to the final 12 who will go on to represent the country in their European Championships Division A games at the end of July in Latvia.

Ahead of the championships GB have some friendly face-offs with a number of European opposition to warm-up and continue the process to find the final squad.

Last night in Melilla they had their first encounter to test the team over the next few days against Spain which finished 82-50 to the hosts.

Turkey and Israel are lined-up next in the Spanish city followed by an onward journey to Campobasso in Italy for three further preparation games against Italy, Ukraine and Finland.

Newcastle Eagles Academy and GB Under 18 player Tosan Evbuomwan at a Royal Reception in Melilla City Hall

Good luck to Ian and Tosan from everyone at the Eagles.

You can follow the competitive Team GB games live on British Basketball’s Facebook Page and find out more about the championships on the FIBA website.