Marc Steutel claims it was ‘critical’ to retain the services of Darius Defoe with the Newcastle Eagles favourite set to play on.

The most decorated player in British basketball history suits up for a 21st consecutive season on Tyneside.

And Steutel is convinced Defoe’s experience and leadership will help steer a new-look roster through the traditionally tough opening weeks of the Super League Basketball (SLB) season.


Defoe’s 20 seasons at the club was celebrated in an Eagles Legends testimonial game in June. (Photos: Gary Forster)

“Everyone associated with British basketball and Newcastle Eagles knows the importance of Darius Defoe,” said the Eagles and Great Britain playcaller.

“He has been the ever present and is as hungry as ever to bring the best version of our team every single day.

“His leadership and experience, along with Josh Ward-Hibbert, will be so important for our group.


“Darius’s play last season, both domestically and internationally, was timeless and we will need the best of him again as we look forward to the season ahead.

“It was critical to retain our captain for this season and I’m excited to continue to see his leadership develop further.”

Dubbed “Mr 27” for his trophy haul, the most decorated player in British basketball will continue his hunt for silverware with Newcastle.

Defoe may have one eye on a move into coaching and ultimately following in the footsteps of friend and mentor Fabulous Flournoy.

But for now the 39-year-old powerhouse is fully focused on leading a transitional group into SLB and European North Basketball League (ENBL) action.


Stuetel has retained an experienced core of domestic talent following last season’s run to the playoff semi-finals.

But the Eagles have signed a raft of overseas talent with no previous experience of UK hoops.

And Defoe’s knowhow and nous will be vital as the men in black seek to forge early bonds on and off the court.

Defoe captained the Eagles into their first season of European competition when they reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 ENBL Playoffs facing eventual Champions Denmark’s Bakken Bears. (Photo: Gary Forster)

“I’m excited to be locked-in for my 21st season at the club,” said Defoe.

“The love and support I got from our amazing fans at my testimonial this summer was incredible and it was a truly special moment for me and my family.

“Everyone asked me if I was going to be back in September and, as I said at the time, I’m really looking forward to season 21 and to see what we can achieve.”

The one-club legend played a key role at home and abroad last season, averaging an incredible 20 minutes per game across 33 Championship games.

Defoe proved his enduring class with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists in just 26 minutes as Newcastle overcame Caledonia Gladiators in game one of the 2024 playoff quarter-finals.

But following a hugely successful post-season exhibition game — when former team-mates descended on the Vertu Motors Arena for a night of action-packed nostalgia — rumours of an impending retirement started doing the rounds.

The Eagles Legends who suited-up for Darius Defoe as he marked 20 seasons as an Eagle in a testimonial game this June. (Photo: Abbie Orwin)

Newcastle fans needn’t have worried. Defoe is back and on the hunt for a record 28th piece of silverware as his beloved Eagles chase success on five fronts.

Fans will get to see Darius back on the Vertu Motors Arena court at The Launch this Friday night. Tickets for this first-of-its-kind team introduction event are available from the box office.