Generational Great Britain talent Josh Ward-Hibbert will bring his wealth of experience back to the Vertu Motors Arena this season after Newcastle Eagles announced the club’s first signing of the summer.

The experienced former London and Leicester star emerged as a standout performer at home and abroad for the men in black after moving to Tyneside 12 months ago.

And Ward-Hibbert has gone on to establish himself as a key member of the GB squad under Newcastle head coach Marc Steutel.


Ward-Hibbert was a key part of the GB roster in their Subway Summer Slam last month. (This photo: GB Basketball / Featured photo: Gary Forster)

The talented swingman has amassed five senior caps and impressed during last month’s friendlies against Portugal, Argentina and South Sudan.

“It was great to see Josh having such a positive impact during the GB camp,” said Eagles and GB playcaller Steutel.

“He’s really growing into senior international basketball.


“Josh looked a lot more comfortable in that environment this summer and he’s a real asset for club and country.

“Josh may not be experienced within GB but he brings a wealth of professional experience to the group and that rubs off on the younger guys.

“We’ve seen how he used that experience and know-how in a Newcastle jersey last season and I’m sure we’ll see Josh exerting an even greater influence moving forward.”

Ward-Hibbert was often the glue that bonded a new group of Newcastle players last season — a transitional team that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 playoffs.


And after Steutel fought tooth and nail to bring one of his top targets to the North East this time last year there was no way he was going to allow the 30-year-old to move on this summer.

“I wanted to bring back a core of British players this summer and Josh is the first evidence of that,” he added.

“There needs to be continuity and an understanding of what it means to be a Newcastle Eagles player.

“I’m very excited by what we’ve been able to achieve so far in terms of recruitment but I see players like Josh as the foundation of this club moving forward.”

Ward-Hibbert suited up in 34 regular season games during his first campaign on Tyneside, averaging eight points and five boards.

But his experience really told during Newcastle’s debut run in the European North Basketball League (ENBL) with the Mansfield-born baller a steadying influence against top continental opposition.

And it was Ward-Hibbert’s consistency at ENBL level that persuaded Steutel that the time had come to elevate the Eagles star to senior international level.

“It’s great to be back at the Eagles with the great fans and everyone around the club,” said Ward-Hibbert.

“I can’t wait to get back to the court, to make more memories and achievements that haven’t been done yet.

“This season is another great opportunity to make strides in Europe and improve on what we achieved last year.

“This is an exciting time for me and Newcastle, and can’t wait to start!”

With a new league licence secured and its new Super League Basketball name revealed, action is set to resume in the coming weeks and Newcastle are poised to step up their recruitment this month.