Darius Defoe is tipping Newcastle Eagles to go back to the future by writing the next chapter in the franchise’s storied history in Birmingham this weekend.

It’s 20 years since the most decorated player in British basketball bagged his first medal as the men in black defeated Brighton Bears to lift the 2005 BBL Trophy.

Two decades — and 27 pieces of silverware — later and Defoe is determined to kickstart a new era of success on Tyneside as Newcastle face Bristol Flyers in the 2025 final.

Ahead of Sunday’s showpiece clash he said: “I’m really, really looking forward to it.

“The Trophy’s where it all started for this club and so it’s always been a special competition for everyone associated with the Eagles.

“It feels good to be going back — I’ve not been to a Birmingham final for a long time.

“To get there with a new team that’s full of talent is something to savour.”

Newcastle last won the Trophy during the Covid-hit 2019-20 campaign and Ian MacLeod’s men followed that up with Cup and Playoff success the following season.

But it’s four years since the Tynesiders last tasted victory in a major final and Defoe is on a mission to educate his team-mates on why this weekend is an opportunity not to be missed.

“We had a day off on Monday but since then I’ve been giving the guys a lesson in Newcastle history and why Sunday’s such a big day,” added the 40-year-old forward, who is looking to add an eighth Trophy winner’s medal to his name.

“Of course the focus is on the Flyers and the scout and what we can do to win this weekend.

“But it’s important that we make time to talk about the past and recognise the history.

“I want my team-mates to know what this means to me, the club and our fans.”

Bristol got the better of Newcastle in the Super League Basketball Championship earlier this month.

But what felt like something of a phoney war provided few real pointers in terms of what a bumper crowd can expect this weekend.

And Defoe concurs that both teams are likely to bring something new to the table when the Eagles and the Flyers lock horns for the second time in two weeks.

“Look, I can’t speak for Bristol but I know we’ll be ready come tip off on Sunday,” he added.

“We’ll have more to offer this time but I’m not about to give anything away!”

Wily campaigner Defoe has been part of numerous winning Newcastle teams during the last two decades and measures success in terms of the clean sweep rosters of 2006, 2012 and 2015.

But he sees plenty in the current line-up to suggest the Eagles’ wait for silverware could soon be over.

“This team feels settled now,” added Defoe. “I don’t think they know it yet but this group is special.

“All these guys can play but they do it for the team and there are no egos.

“We’re just hungry for the weekend and excited to see where we can go.

“Everyone can score and we’ve seen so many times already this season that it can be anyone’s night.

“That’s what makes this team special and it’s why we have to take plenty of confidence into Sunday’s final.”

Defoe’s ever-present record in winning Eagles’ finals is a huge psychological boost to Marc Steutel’s men.

And while Mr 27’s minutes might have been limited in recent weeks don’t be surprised to see the popular veteran play a pivotal role in Birmingham.

Experience counts double with silverware at stake and Defoe added: “I’m ready to do whatever coach asks of me.”