Esh Group Eagles Newcastle go in to this Friday’s BBL Championship home clash against Glasgow Rocks buoyed by last weekend’s fine 95 – 89 victory over Bristol Flyers. The Eagles fine all-round team performance was highlighted by no fewer than six players scoring in double figures.
One of those was rookie shooting guard Kyle Williams who’s 17 points in only sixteen minutes of playing time was a great energy boost from the bench and certainly helped his side to seal an important victory which the young man out of Norfolk State University was delighted about.
“It felt great just to get another win in our own arena of course. It’s a great environment with great support and it really helped us get another good win in the gym against a tough side that never gave up.”
It was the Eagles third home win in a row and they’ll go for a fourth on Friday feeling that the Eagles Community Arena is really starting to feel like home as Williams freely admitted.
“It does feel great to play there now we’re starting to win there. The support we get is fantastic and when you have fans like that it really makes it feel like home. I’m just enjoying the environment and everything about it.”
Williams’ own contribution certainly had the fans off their seats at times as he continues to impress in his rookie professional season averaging over 12 points a game for his side.
“I just try to do what I can off the bench. Just bring some energy on to the court and try to do what the coaching staff want and what my team-mates need me to do. I think I’m doing alright this season but what is more important is that we’re winning.”
“As long as we’re winning that makes me feel good and if I can help with that it’s a bonus. But the important thing is to try and keep winning and having everyone play their part.”
Everyone connected with Newcastle, coaches, officials, players and fans alike will be hoping that Williams can keep his form going this Friday as the Eagles face up to another tough game against the Rocks.
When Glasgow arrive at The ECA on Friday it’ll only be three weeks since they left after a superb game which was a great advert for British Basketball. That one went to over-time before Newcastle prevailed 104 – 98. This Friday looks every bit as mouth-watering with an additional twist.
Since that game Glasgow have changed their Head Coaching position bringing in 47-year-old Frenchman Vincent Lavandier to replace the outgoing Darryl Wood. It could make it an even tougher test for Newcastle on Friday night although Williams knows his side have to concentrate on themselves.
“It could be tougher with their change but whatever it is we’re going to be prepared for it. We just have to make sure we’re ready and I’m pretty sure we can get another win as long as we take it one game at a time and prepare in the right way.”
