Newcastle Eagles third signing to their 2025/26 roster has been confirmed as Ray’Sean Taylor, who comes to Tyneside after a record-breaking senior season at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE).

The Illinois native led his college team to the Ohio Valley Tournament (OVC) Championship and the NCCA Division 1 Round of 64.

“⁠I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the programme and I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing fans”, said Taylor.


Taylor averaged double-digits scoring in all four years with the SIUE Cougars. (Photos: SIUE)

“As a player who loves to put on a show and entertain the crowd, it is exciting to bring my level of play to Vertu Arena”.

Taylor topped the OVC in scoring at 19.1 points per game and in free throw shooting at 84%. Backed up by being fourth in assists at 4.29 per game and steals 1.91 per game. He was also third in the tournament in 3-point percentage at 34% and second with 3-pointers made per game at 2.71.

The guard’s impressive resume brought him to the attention of Eagles head coach Marc Steutel, who is bringing in some new names alongside returning players for the forthcoming season.


The 6’1″ guard played four seasons at SIUE where averaged over 30 minutes per game every campaign. (Photos: SIUE)

“Everyone associated with Newcastle Eagles is thrilled to have secured Ray’Sean for this season”, said head coach Marc Steutel.

“Ray’Sean had such an incredible and impactful time at college, and I know he is hungry to make the next jump in his career in an Eagles jersey.”

6’1″ Taylor was named the OVC’s Male Athlete of the Year, was a finalist for the Lou Henson Award for Mid-Major Player of the Year and was also honoured as a member of the Scholar-Athlete team by the Division I-AAA Athletic Directors Association.

During his senior season, Taylor became the all-time scoring leader at SIUE with 1,962 points and the all-time leader in three-pointers made (298) and attempted (842). His 380 career assists are third most all time and his 184 steals rank second.


“Ray’Sean proven he is a skilled competitor who can impact the game on both sides of the ball and understands what it takes to win”, Steutel added.

“I’m excited he will be competing with us this season and can’t wait to welcome him to the Vertu Arena”.

More announcements about coach Steutel’s summer signings are expected next week in the build-up to an expected late-September start to the 2025/26 Super League Basketball season.

Season tickets are still available from the box office with the extended Early Bird offer open until the end of the month to be sure fans don’t miss a moment of the action with the new-look Eagles roster.