In a move basketball pundits may consider overdue, Newcastle Eagles head coach Marc Steutel will be reunited with 6’5” forward Malcolm Smith for the 2025/26 Super League Basketball (SLB) season.
Many Newcastle fans will already be familiar Smith, who as the club’s fifth singing of the summer is preparing to suit-up on Tyneside as an Eagle, following an outstanding NBL Division 1 career.
Coming to the UK in 2016 to play under Steutel, then head coach at Northumbria University, the Tennessean was awarded MVP honours in NBL Division 1 and the National Cup as they lifted both titles in Smith’s first season.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to put on an Eagles uniform and to put the work in to make this a successful experience”, said Smith.
“I’m thankful and excited for this opportunity, so thanks to Paul and the Eagles organization for making it happen.
“I want to come in and just add to the culture that’s already been established here, I was able to see it up close my first two years playing in this city, and now this time around I have the privilege to try and add to it, and I won’t take the responsibility lightly.”
The forward moved to Derby in 2018 where he’s led the Trailblazers in scoring every season since and has been one of the top points-getters in NBL Division 1, recently replaced by the British Championship Basketball (BCB), winning three trophies and multiple MVP awards across his nine seasons at that level.
“I’m excited to link back up with Marc obviously”, Smith added. “I know the main thing with Marc has always been winning and I know the expectations that come with being coached that way.
“I’m looking forward to being able to work together again and embrace the grind of a season and with everybody returning as well that made last year such a special season. It’s my hope that I get to experience some of that too.
“My experience against the SLB teams was exciting to go through with my guys back in Derby, and I think it does prepare me in terms of having a feel for what the league is like.
“But every year is different, and I just want to prepare for the challenge of this upcoming season by making sure I’m the best version of myself going in and to move forward from there.
“I think that will give me a chance to have a successful campaign this upcoming season and help the team in any way they see best.”
Smith of course will team-up with Mitch Clarke, a player he’s pitted his talents against over the last two seasons in D1. They will no doubt be looking to help each other make the adjustment to SLB as teammates.
If the former NCAA Division 1 Liscomb University graduate can bring his NBL achievements to the higher league and fulfil what lots think has always been his destiny, then the Eagles will be delighted with his return to the city.
“Malcom is a welcome addition to our team this year. He will add toughness and a competitive drive to our frontline”, said Steutel.
“Mal is a team first player who has always been exceptionally efficient and productive in whatever role he has been asked to play.
“I know how driven he is to come back to Newcastle and to play at this level and I am looking forward to seeing him compete with us in an Eagles jersey.”
The 2025/26 SLB season schedule is expected within weeks and season tickets to be in the Vertu Arena for the action are still available from the box office with the extended Early Bird offer.
Fans can look forward to more exciting signings to coach Steutel’s side in the coming days as the pace picks up with the club’s summer announcements.
