Super League Basketball rookie Jaelin Llewellyn accepts Newcastle Eagles have significant work to do in order to become serious contenders this season.

But the former Princeton point guard is determined to do everything in his power to propel the men in black forward — a can-do attitude shared by his fellow players.

A refashioned Newcastle roster was left reeling by Friday’s 90-69 loss at the hands of Cheshire — a second defeat this season to in-form Phoenix.

And yet Llewellyn’s display was his best yet in an Eagles jersey as the Canadian came off the bench to show flashes of his college form.

“We’ve got a lot of talented guys and all of them want to work and want to get better every day,” said the 25-year-old playmaker.

“I’m of the same mindset. I try to progress in practice and my only aim is to help this team win.

“When we look back on that Phoenix loss it’s clear that we have a lot to sharpen up on moving forward.

“Cheshire had the better of us in transition, we fouled them too much and allowed them to box out and get a bunch of offensive rebounds down the stretch.

“But we’re back at it on Tuesday and we’ll keep learning.”

Llewellyn added three boards to his 11 points against the Nix in what turned out to be his breakout game for Newcastle.

Two turnovers will inevitably play on the improving guard’s mind but his willingness to direct the offence and take responsibility continues to impress coach Marc Steutel.

Llewellyn arrived on Tyneside with a big reputation after suiting up alongside the North East’s NBA star Tosan Evbuomwan at college,

And despite a testing start to his time on Tyneside, he added: “This is a great team, a great organisation and a great city. I’m loving every minute here.

“From coaches to support staff to team-mates I couldn’t ask to be in a better position and it’s a fantastic place to be.”

Newcastle have little time to dust themselves down in the wake of a sobering loss to Cheshire, with Spartak Pleven in town on Tuesday.

European North Basketball League (ENBL) action returns to the Vertu Motors Arena with the Bulgarian big hitters due on Tyneside for a 7.30pm tip off.

And Llewellyn can’t wait to build on last Wednesday’ s impressive win in Slovakia — an experience the former University Of Michigan star relished.

“Going into Europe last week was awesome and we’ll be looking to step things up against Pleven on our floor this week,” he added.

“Homecourt advantage is huge in the ENBL and we have to make it count.

“We need to keep things rolling in that competition and I think we’re set up well to go deep this season.

“I’m new to the ENBL but from what I’ve seen already of this team we have the tools to do well.

“European basketball is physical as well as fast-paced but we love that.”

Tickets for Tuesday night against Spartak Pleven in the ENBL are available from the box office.