Esh Group Eagles Newcastle have moved quickly to replace outgoing US guard Ricky Taylor with the signing of 24-year old 6′ 2″ guard Andre “Dre” Jones.

Jones is a graduate of NCAA Division One Winthrop University where he started in the same team as Reggie Middleton who had such a successful season with Cheshire Phoenix last season.

Since leaving Winthrop he played in the NBA-D League for Erie Bay Hawks before signing for BC Nokia in the Finnish 1st Division in February of this year averaging 21.2 points a game on his way to being selected for the All-Imports Team.

Described as an athletic combo guard who plays mainly at two he can also play at the point when required as he has good ball handling skills. An explosive scorer with good range on his shot he’s excited to be coming to Newcastle.

“I’m happy to be signing for a great club like The Eagles and grateful for the opportunity they have given me. I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting down to business.”

Eagles Managing Director Paul Blake commented: “We felt we needed to move quickly to fill the gap left by Ricky Taylor’s departure but we have not just signed the first available player we looked at.

“We’ve seen his videos, recommendations and Fab has spoken with Andre and we feel he will fit the team ethos we have.”

Jones’ debut will be against BBL newcomers Bristol Flyers at Sports Central this coming Friday, 17th October with tip-off at 7:30pm.