During his two previous BBL seasons, the playmaker has averaged 14.27 points, 2.83 rebounds, 5.98 assists and 1.45 steals per game, perhaps considering three to be the magic number after scooping League MVP, Club Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season last campaign. This will also be his third season with the Eagles.

Managing Director Paul Blake is certainly delighted to see Fletcher return for another term and stated, “It’s fantastic news to be able to announce the return of last season’s BBL MVP. Rahmon has been key to our plans for the coming season and it’s great to be able to announce his return for a third season with the club.”

Eagles’ head coach Fab Flournoy confirmed how important he felt the presence of the point guard was to his plans for the 2016-17 BBL campaign by adding, “Fletch is a great start to our recruitment for this season. Whilst he has he shown his ability in the previous two years, it is our view that we have only scratched the surface with him and that there is a lot more to come. We believe that with him leading a vibrant and athletic team, the future is extremely bright.”

It’s certainly the news that all Eagles fans have hoped for since the end of last season. The huge crowd favourite and mercurial play-maker has very much been the man pulling the strings on court for the Eagles and leading their charge for silverware over the last two seasons – a fact that the player himself acknowledged as his return to the fold was confirmed.

“It feels good to be returning back to the Toon,” said Fletcher.

“It’s very rare that Americans play on the same team for multiple years, but I feel this isn’t a regular situation as this organisation is ideal for anybody that wants to play professional sport.

“After having two pretty good seasons here, things happen in threes!

“So, I’m really looking forward to returning and to be honest, this is the most excited I have been to play basketball in a long time.”

He continued, “I’m ready to get back to work, to the grind of the season and am looking to bring trophies back to the Castle and I hope everyone is as excited as I am. I’m ready to see all the supporters and hear their cheers when we play.”

The return of Fletcher is the first step in Eagles build-up towards the 2016-17 campaign and reflects a fantastic start to their recruitment campaign, as they bid to remain amongst the elite of professional British Basketball.