Never-say-die Will Neighbour is braced for an emotional and physical rollercoaster in tomorrow’s Super League Basketball Play-Off Final following one of the toughest seasons of his celebrated career.
The experienced centre has come in from the cold to contribute key minutes at pivotal stages towards the business end of a challenging campaign.
And Neighbour is determined to do his bit one more time as fierce rivals Newcastle Eagles and Leicester Riders lock horns in tomorrow’s showdown at The O2, London.
“At the start of the year I did have a nasty injury but I came back from it,” he explained. “After that I was just trying to get back into the squad.
“But obviously there were times where the guys were rolling and it was hard to force my way into contention.
“I was just trying to be the best teammate I could be. It was a tough situation and the last few months have tested me more than any other season.”
Neighbour turned 35 on Thursday and the veteran of 10 successive top-flight British basketball campaigns could still play a vital role against the Riders.
The former London star was one of just four Newcastle men left standing the last time the two teams met — an explosive night on Tyneside when injuries and ejections fanned the flames of a bitter rivalry.
And if Neighbour’s own emotions will be heightened following a frustrating campaign then he expects tensions to be running high through both rosters.
“It is a massive rivalry,” he added. “I think when you talk about British basketball rivalries, there’s no bigger than Newcastle versus Leicester.
“So it’s very exciting that fans get to see that rivalry played out in front of a full house at the O2 Arena.
“You just have to look at the last time we played them at home — that speaks volumes in terms of what sort of game it’s going to be.
“We went down a lot of men in that game because of the way it was played. So I think there’ll be a lot of emotion heading into Sunday.
“You work your whole season to reach the playoff final and it just happens to be a game against Leicester.
“For me, this year has been more mentally tough than it has physically tough. For the other guys it’s been physically tough.
“But every player that steps on court this weekend will throw everything they’ve got at those last 40 minutes.
“It’s going to be an exciting and an emotional game. Emotional in different types of ways for different players — but everybody wants the same thing.”
Nobody could have predicted Neighbour would emerge as such a key man just 48 hours before Newcastle’s biggest game of the season.
But with Malcolm Delpeche, Darius Defoe and De’Sean Allen-Eikens ruled out of the Riders’ clash it’s all hands to the pumps for the shorthanded Eagles.
And that means Neighbour — who played 22 minutes across two semi-final legs against London — is on red alert to suit up against Leicester.
“Whether it’s in practice or whether it’s on the court I’ve always felt part of what’s a very close-knit group of guys,” he added.
“Being a veteran it’s about staying locked in with what’s going on and being ready to contribute in a number of different ways.
“That might be something as simple as being able to tell the young boys like De’Sean when to react and when to take a step back.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to make this team better and to put Newcastle Eagles back where they belong.
“That’s what’s helped me to stay engaged this season even when I’ve not been playing.
“I’ve been able to pass on things that I’ve learnt over the years to help the younger boys adapt to different situations.
“If that’s my role then I’ll take it.”
Neighbour, of course, can offer so much more with his eye for a three-pointer, physical presence in the paint and legendary wingspan.
And after missing the chance to step on court in January’s SLB Trophy final, a trademark cameo against Riders would represent the perfect conclusion to a testing season.
“I’m coming towards the end of my career and this weekend’s all about winning,” he added. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
