Seneca Knight has gone from Redbird to Eagle after Marc Steutel snapped up one of the breakout stars of last season’s European North Basketball League (ENBL).

The ex-Illinois State star impressed Newcastle bosses with a fluid display for Valmiera Glass Via against the men in black last November.

A free-scoring performance stuck in the mind of playcaller Steutel and the Eagles coach explained: “Seneca is an exciting addition to our team and to the league.


Eagles fans will recognise Knight from ENBL last season where the guard became the European league’s top-scorer. (Photos: ENBL)

“He is exceptionally skilled and has a great combination of size and speed at the perimeter.

“Seneca proved his ability to compete at a high level and score the ball under pressure in the ENBL last season.

“We saw at first hand what he could do with Valmiera and I’m delighted that he gets to compete in a Newcastle jersey this season.”


Knight added five rebounds and five assists to a 19-point haul as Valmiera slipped to a 90-74 loss at the hands of ENBL rookies Newcastle.

The 6ft 6in shooter led the league in scoring with an average of 20 points per game — eclipsing Eagles trio Jordan Johnson (18ppg), Rickey McGill (17ppg) and Tajh Green (17ppg).

The 6’6 guard played against Steutel’s Eagles side in Latvia last season when he was the home team’s MVP. (Photos: ENBL)

And Knight proved to be cool under pressure from the bonus stripe to lead the ENBL free throw standings with 6.6 successes per game.

“⁠I’m overjoyed to be joining such a respected club such as the Newcastle Eagles,” said the 24-year-old guard.


“They have an amazing and passionate fanbase, and are considered a prestigious club around the world.

“The Vertu Motors Arena provides an energetic and spectacular atmosphere that look forward to playing in.

“⁠Being named the ENBL’s Leading Scorer and receiving an Honourable Mention in my rookie year was a blessing that I worked extremely hard for.

“Both the Eagles and I had success in the league last season and we will strive to achieve even more. We’re doing into this second year with something to prove.”

Coach Steutel’s newest signing will be an exciting addition to the 2024/25 roster. (Photos: ENBL)

Knight averaged 12 points and five boards per game in the NCAA after switching to Illinois State’s Redbirds for his senior year.

The Louisiana native signed his first professional deal with Valmiera ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and averaged 14 points and four rebounds across 28 Latvia-Estonia Basketball League regular season games.

Fans will have their first chance to meet Knight at ‘The Launch’ on Friday 6th September in a first-of-its-kind event at the Vertu Motors Arena and tickets are available now.

2024/25 season tickets are still available with an All Access bolt-on option to include all British and European games from the box office.