Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles are delighted to announce an new addition to their Women’s British Basketball League roster. New Head Coach Matt Newby has landed a former star from the League to be an on-court General for his team.

Ex-Cardiff Met Archer Lauren Saiki arrives as Newby’s first confirmed signing in his reign and the point guard is seen as a player that can bring a skill set to his side in a position that they wanted to strengthen.

Saiki who graduated from NCAA Division I University of California-Irvine in 2020 sat her first year after college out before signing at Cardiff for the 2020/21 season. It was Saiki’s first campaign as a professional and she had an impressive rookie return.


The 5’ 3” USA import averaged 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and was second in the League’s standing in assists with 7.8 a game. All statistics that saw Cardiff bring her back for last season for a second year.

That time around she improved her points per game to 15.3 whilst still contributing 4 rebounds but her most impressive statistic was the 8.2 assists per game she dished out to teammates to lead the entire league in that category.

The Californian earned a move to Ferragudo Basquetebol in Portugal’s top Women’s League where she played three games before a parting of the ways allowed The Eagles to swoop in and secure her signature.


Eagles fans will recognised Saiki from her time with Cardiff Met Archers in the Women’s British Basketball League.

Speaking about the move to Newcastle, Saiki had this to say, “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be back in the Women’s British Basketball League with a competitive Club and I’m really looking forward to getting to know the team on and off the court.”

For Newby securing his first signing as the Head Coach for Newcastle was an important moment and one that he is happy to announce as he assessed Saiki’s abilities and what she can bring to the roster.

“Lauren is a pedigree guard with a great blend of natural talent and high-level work ethic. She’s already familiar with The League and this bodes well in terms of the quick transition we have undertaken in the last couple of weeks.”

“Critically her presence will ensure we have a pedigree creator on the floor who can equally facilitate and score the ball. She has a great basketball IQ and I feel she will improve our offensive output and defensive integrity”, Newby concluded.


Saiki will make debut as an Eagle at the Vertu Motors Arena this coming Saturday night against Durham Palatinates in the fierce local derby environment that tips off at 7:30pm.

Tickets for ‘The Derby’ are available now on the box office.