Newcastle Eagles are delighted to clinch the services of last year’s play-off final MVP Olu Babalola for a third season. The forward’s match-winning performance in the Championship Final underlined his blistering form during 2007 – something that continued after the domestic season ended with several action-packed displays in the ULEB Summer Cup. The Eagles have fought off interest from clubs on the continent to keep Babalola on board and player-coach Fab Flournoy was buoyant when he explained just why it was so important to retain the Londoner

“I am so pleased to be able to continue working with Olu for another year because he is still full of so much potential. I truly believe he can have a really great season. If he begins in the kind of form that he ended last season then we are in for a real treat because he was contributing in all areas.”
Flournoy continued “Olu offers us a little bit of everything and is a powerful and energetic player who is now in his third year of playing within our system. To have a trio like Midgley, Bridgey and Olu in our team is so exciting. ”

“That is three British players who will be among the top home-grown players in the BBL this year. While the other two play in the guard spots, Olu offers us something different and he can be instrumental in helping us to achieve more success this year. It’s truly another great signing for us.”

Eagles MD Paul Blake meanwhile endorsed the comments of his player coach and revealed his pleasure at hanging on to the Clemson graduate. He said “Olu was sensational towards the end of last season and he really showed the level of his talent in the play-off final. What is so pleasing for us is that after he went to the ULEB Summer Cup he was made offers in Europe but he really wanted to stay with us.”

“That hopefully speaks volumes for both the club and Olu himself who is dedicated to playing his basketball with the Eagles and fully committed to continuing his development with court-time in the BBL.”

“We are thrilled to have him, on board again and is testament to our policy of continuing to both sign and retain quality British players to form the backbone of our team which is pleasing” added Blake.” I am hopeful we can sign some more home-grown talent in the coming weeks to further re-enforce our ethos.”