It’s impossible to put a value on ‘Money’ Mike Okauru as the US star’s rich vein of form continues to reap rewards for Birmingham-bound Newcastle Eagles.

That’s the verdict of head coach Marc Steutel after the do-it-all guard’s game high 34 points fired the men in black into next month’s SLB Trophy final.

And as Newcastle return to Championship action against Sheffield Sharks, Okauru is being tipped to scale new heights in 2025.

“I think Mike’s shown multiple times this year how good a basketball player he is,” said Steutel.

“You can see how much of a special talent he is. But outside of all of that he’s honestly an incredible team-mate and an incredible person who cares so much about winning.

“He’s super, super competitive and I think he always does a job of trying to figure out what the team needs.

“Mike was incredible offensively against Leicester and of course he carries that scoring threat.

“But there have been games this season where he’s been our primary defender and games where he’s been our primary playmaker as well as games when he’s been our primary scorer and facilitator.

“Mike carried us down the stretch at Leicester — like he’s done before this season — and that’s what we needed in that moment.

“We try to empower guys like Mike and recognise when it’s his time to shine.”

Okauru doubled his league scoring average in last Sunday’s Trophy semi-final second leg at Leicester.

But his 17 points per Championship clash still places the North Carolina native comfortably inside this season’s top 10 SLB scorers.

And Okauru will be desperate to outshine prolific Sharks duo Rodney Chatman III and Prentiss Nixon when top-flight hoops returns to the Vertu Motors Arena.

“I always thought that Mike had what it takes to make it over here,” added Steutel.

“And he’s showing each week why the fans love him and why they should love him because of who he is and what he brings to this team.

“I love Mike’s commitment, his intent and his approach — I really don’t have enough positives to describe him.

“And I guess one of the scary things is that he’s still got some areas that he can consistently improve on.

“I’m not talking about massive things but when he does make some little tweaks and fine tunes things here and there he’ll be in a position to take another huge step forward.

“That’s the exciting thing where Mike’s concerned. I’m so glad we’ve got him in an Eagles jersey.”

Longstanding rivals Newcastle and Sheffield haven’t locked horns since October 25 and since then Atiba Lyons’ men have emerged as serious contenders.

A narrow three-point loss at title rivals London Lions earlier this month saw second-placed Sharks cede top spot in the Championship — for now.

But Sheffield head to Tyneside confident of making it third time lucky against the Eagles, following two narrow early-season defeats against Steutel’s men.

“Sharks boast a lot of balance and a lot of strength,” added Newcastle’s playcaller. “They’re playing so cohesively right now.

“We need to find a way to slow them down and disrupt them but there’s no doubt Donovan Clay has added to their frontline.

“When a player like Nixon is their second guard — with Chatman as the lead guard — you know Sheffield is going to be in a good spot.

“It’s one heck of a game for the festive period and it should be a real treat for the fans.”

Tickets are selling fast for the 7:30pm tip and limited remaining seats are available from the box office.