Newcastle Eagles Academy star Tosan Evboumwan continues to make a name for himself, having picked up a duo of awards this month.

Tosan has represented both England and Great Britain, and now competes in the Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL) for the Eagles newly formed Under-19 side.

The 6’8″ forward was recently voted EABL player of the week earlier this month, following straight on from receiving the same award in NBL Division 1 the previous week when he was representing Team Newcastle.

At only 17-years-old he is attracting a lot of attention both at home and across the pond, with visits planned to NCAA Division 1 colleges in the states very soon.

Tosan started playing when he was 14 after he was introduced to the sport by his dad, who played basketball throughout his education and also briefly in local leagues.

“After I stopped enjoying my other sports as much I thought I’d try something new and I was quite tall,” Evboumwan explained. “I started playing for the Newcastle East Griffins in the Eagles CVL. Head coach Graham Heath invited me to join after watching my first school games.

Now playing at the highest level of basketball in England just below the BBL and also in the EABL, in which only players who are in further education are eligible to participate, there’s a lot to juggle for the Tynesider.

“Balancing education and basketball is difficult, especially this year with my commitment to basketball being even greater. I any younger players, sacrificing is almost necessary and inevitable, although for me, your education should never be sacrificed.

“Now a team from the North East is in the EABL it’s great and we have already began to show we are very capable of competing at this level. I feel that this academy programme will be very successful in developing players. This is as players will be receiving more, quality training sessions a week, as well as playing in the top colleges and schools league in the UK in terms of standard.”

Proud EABL head coach Ian Macleod, known also for his role as our BBL team assistant coach, knows it has been a very exiting year for the young player.

“Tosan has gone from strength to strength over his 4 years in the programme, but in the last 12 months he has really impressed,” said Macleod.

“GB and the European Championships was a big step up for him and, once he adapted to the level, it was a challenge that has done him wonders.

“He has lead from the from this season in the EABL and I think there is a lot more to come from him in the future”.

We will follow your progress closely Tosan.