Newcastle Eagles go into a third consecutive weekend where they have two games in less than 48 hours, and both are on the road. They go to Leicester Riders on Friday night before having to journey to Scotland to take on Caledonia Gladiators on Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles prepare for such an eventuality as they look to come back from a loss at Liverpool last Sunday with a positive mindset as they look for a positive outcome.
Head Coach Marc Steutel, said: “It’s not just a double-header weekend in isolation it’s a double-header weekend on the back of two double-header weekends with a squad that’s not fully healthy. So, for sure there are some challenges to try and manage.”
“The guys have been exceptionally professional this week. All of us have tried to learn from last weekend improve and get better to make sure we’re in the best possible position we can be for Friday.
“We never look past the game that’s in front of us. All of our focus has been on Friday and that’s where it will remain until Friday’s finished.
“There’s definitely a consideration about trying to find how we can maximise the impact and the play but understanding physiological considerations as well.”
Leicester have had a very poor start to their SLB season especially given their standing in top-flight British Basketball. They have played six and lost all six so far.
“Leicester are a really talented team. Their record at this stage of the season is probably not what they hoped for,” Steutel added.
“Their average margin of loss at home is three points so they are there or there abouts.
“Rob (Paternostro) has got that much experience in the League and their roster is talented. We’re prepared to try and take away what we think there strengths are and see how best we can try and attack them.”
Newcastle had to do without guard Kyle Carey for both games last weekend and then forward Cam Christon also missed last Sunday’s game. However, with such a heavy schedule it is about responding to whatever the circumstances are.
“We want to control what we can. It’s always the balance of hopefully trying to make the other team adjust to us. Then the flow as the game happens try to make those reads in real time how we can continue to be better,” the Eagles head coach concluded.
“We know we’ve got a tough task on our hands. Hopefully, the guys feel positive about the work they’ve put in to this date particularly this week and how they’ve bounced back from Sunday. Let’s see what performance we can get this weekend.”
As always, Steutel will look to guide his team through the challenges ahead. They face two games where they very much will need to be at their best to get the results and performances they want and need.
Tip-off at the Mattioli Arena, Leicester on Friday night is at the usual time of 7:30pm as both sides look to renew what is season on season always a fierce rivalry and the game is free to watch live on DAZN.
