When you arrive with a nickname like ‘Money’ it’s fair to say you have a lot to live up to. In which case it’s so far, so good for ‘Money’ Mike Okauru at the Newcastle Eagles.
Okauru leads the Eagles in scoring in the Super League Basketball Championship averaging 19.2 points per game, second overall in the player standings. He also is the Eagles top scorer in the European North Basketball League at 14.7 points per game.
Then, last Sunday, he added to his impressive 2024/25 season resume so far by picking up the MVP award in Newcastle’s superb 97-78 victory over Bristol Flyers in the SLB Trophy Final at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham.
His final tally of 19 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds giving him the nod to become MVP.
“It’s a blessing. It’s a testament to my hard work”, said Okauru.
“My teammates believe in me, my coaches believe in me and I’m just thankful that my God just lets me go out and be myself every day.”
It was a huge 17-point haul in the first quarter including 5 triples broke the game open and set the tone for the rest of the game for The Eagles. Bristol never getting back in touch after the opening ten minutes.
‘Money’ Mike added: “I remembered when we played them two weeks ago they beat us by four and at one point they were up by twenty and they were talking a little bit. I wanted to make a statement early and I guess I did.
“It definitely felt after the first quarter it was all over. I love moments like this. I love playing in big arenas. Some players shine in big arenas and some players’ break. I think I’m one of those players that shine.
“I’m just happy that I did it in front of the best fans in the league. I did it with a bunch of great teammates and great coaches.
“Defence was our big key. That’s our thing. The Eagles DNA is defence. When we lock teams up and follow the scout we’re a hard team to beat in this League and I think every team knows that in this league.
“If we just stay consistent and stick to our defensive principles then watch out!”
Okauru makes no secret of the fact that he had a tough campaign in 2023/24 after signing at Hermine Nantes Atlantique in France’s ProB Division only playing 7 games before he left in November. His move to Newcastle has been described as a chance for redemption.
“It feels great right now. Last year the injuries I dealt with, a coaching staff that didn’t allow me to be me wasn’t a good situation”, the Trophy Final MVP admitted.
“I’m thankful that Coach Marc [Steutel] took a chance on me and allowed me to be myself and I have great teammates that do the same.”
Okauru is a name that all Eagles fans and everyone at the franchise are happy to have on their roster as he continues to be right on the ‘Money.’
