After five consecutive defeats in all competitions, including four in the Super League Basketball (SLB) Championship and a biggest ever European North Basketball League (ENBL) defeat, the Newcastle Eagles are hoping to bounce back at home tonight in the Vertu Arena against Bristol Flyers.

It won’t be easier either as the high Flyers from the South West have had a very solid start to their 2025/26 campaign sitting third in the SLB standings with a 4 wins 2 loss record. They’ve also won two of the three games played in the ENBL so far.

“We’re looking forward to the Bristol game for sure. We know they’re on a really good run of form so excited to face them”, said Steutel.

“We’ve had a couple of tough games and some close games as well. We’ve got to try and find a way to start going in the right direction.

“There’re elements of our performances that’s the case. We’re excited to play Bristol and compete in front of our own fans and do all that we can and everything in our power to play the right way and get the win.

“Bristol are well balanced in terms of their roster. They’re the number one team in the League in steals so we have to value the ball.

“They’re top three in terms of efficiency and attempts from the 3-point line so we’ve got to guard that line with certain personnel. We’ve got to make sure we play Eagles defence for forty minutes.”

Steutel has been active in the recruitment market in the 10 days since his side last played. That was a big defeat against Dziki Warszawa at home in the opening ENBL Group game. He’s brought in 6’ 7” forward Gus Okafor who has been playing in Argentina’s top-flight division.

Club officials have confirmed Okafor will suit-up against Bristol this evening and Steutel feels when he gets going he’s going to be a bonus for his roster.

The head coach added: “Gus has not been in the country for much time. We’ve got to expect stuff from Gus longer term when he’s fully acclimated and settled in and we see where he can get too.

“He played last year at a good level in France and has proven his ability to impact games.

“He definitely takes pride on the defensive side and wants to take the challenge of guarding guys and his versatility on that side of the ball is going to be very useful.

“He’s a threat from the perimeter and he’s also a threat inside and a really good one-on-one scorer at the forward position.

“Hopefully he’s going to be able to give us some impact and give us consistent production in those spots. That’s absolutely what we hope he’s going to be able to do.”

Okafor joins another relative newcomer in explosive guard Deion Hammond, who is very much in the fledgling stages of his Eagles career.

“Deion has settled in better now. He’s had time to get acclimated in training and I’m really excited about his potential and I think he’s only  going to get better”, Steutel continued.

“He’s played in higher leagues and has played on a winning team from his time in the BNX League. I’m really excited about his experience his IQ and understanding.”

Head Coach Marc Steutel will be coaching against his GB International Assistant Coach and close coaching colleague Andreas Kapoulas, as he aims to guide his Eagles back to winning ways.

“I think Andreas and I always probably know each other’s playbooks inside and out”, the Eagles play-caller concluded.

“I don’t think there’s any surprises as such in that. It’s always about which team is going to execute better on the day.

“I know that our guys are going to come out with that character desire and will to make sure we get a much-needed home win.”

It’s another intriguing clash and another barometer as to where the Eagles can get to this season. Tip-off at the Vertu Arena is at the normal time of 7:30pm and tickets for this “Halloween Hoops” Friday night fixture are still available on the box office.