Esh Group Eagles Newcastle are hoping it will not be unlucky 13 for ‘Prince’ Charles Smith as the BBL and Eagle legend returns to lead the team in 2014/15 after 12 previous seasons with the North-East outfit.

Ranked 9^th in scoring and 9^th in 3-point shots made amongst all BBL players, The Eagles all-time leading scorer has a chance of making the top 3 in both categories with another successful season this term.

A certainty for the Eagles Hall of Fame when he eventually retires (he’ll celebrate his 39^th birthday during this campaign), he would also be an automatic choice should The BBL ever decide to inaugurate their own similar institute.

Smith first flew into Newcastle in 1999/2000 before having spells in Austria and Portugal. He returned to The Eagles in 2002/03 and apart from a brief spell with Scottish Rocks and Turkey in 2005 and a season in Spain in 2006/07, has been there ever since.

A huge influence both on and off the court for The Eagles it was no surprise when Head Coach Fab Flournoy turned to his veteran forward and great friend last year to take on the Captaincy and lead from the front.

“Chuck is a natural-born leader and has one of the best basketball brains I know. To have him alongside me in training, on the bench and on the court is a true honour and privilege and he is such an important part of Newcastle Eagles.”

“His input and insight is invaluable for me and the team and one day I think he’ll make a great coach but for now I’m just happy to have back on our roster and to be able to call upon him as a player, a role in which he has never let me down.”