Newcastle Eagles are playing the Long game after adding a sharp-shooting small forward to the club’s ever-expanding roster.

Cole Long arrives on Tyneside following an eye-catching season in Sweden’s Basketligan with top five side KFUM Nassjo Basket.

And Newcastle head coach Marc Steutel is confident the Canadian native’s do-it-all attitude can help propel the Eagles to success at home and abroad.


Long comes to Newcastle from Nassjo in Sweden.

“Cole is a true blue collar, hard working player who can impact the game in many ways,” said the Great Britian playcaller.

“He enjoyed a run of excellent games in Sweden last season and is a real threat from the perimeter.

“It’s obvious he is solely focussed on winning and doing whatever it takes to win — that’s the type of player I want to see in an Eagles jersey.


“I’m excited to see him join our campaign this season as we look to progress at home and abroad.”

With Super League Basketball (SLB) bosses announcing the return to four domestic competitions this season, Newcastle’s new-look squad will have to dig deep.

Championship, Playoff, Trophy and Cup titles are all up for grabs starting in September.

And the Eagles are set to resume European North Basketball League (ENBL) action the following month.


Long’s overseas experience will be key after the 6ft 8in star suited up for Nassjo 32 times last season.

Averaging 10 points and five boards per game, the Ontarian kickstarted his professional career in style following brief spells in Norway and Newfoundland.

And the former NCAA Division One college star — Long played 79 games in three years for the Detroit Mercy Titans — looks set to light up the Super League at the Vertu Motors Arena.

The 6’8″ player brings experience from European competition to our Eagles second season in ENBL.

“It was always a goal of mine to play in the UK, and to finally be doing that with the Newcastle Eagles feels surreal,” said Cole.

“I’m very excited to contribute to a great season with the club and bring winning efforts in both the Super League Basketball and ENBL competitions.

“I’ve currently played professionally in three different countries, Canada, Sweden and Norway, all of which have prepared me for this stage of my career.”

The Eagles tip off their pre-season programme with a derby against city rivals and performance pathway side Newcastle University Knights on September 8.

And Steutel’s men will step things up the following week with clashes against Super League rivals Bristol and Surrey at the VMA.

Newcastle’s head coach expects to have a full roster at his disposal by then with club bosses working around the clock to finalise the 2024/25 squad.