Newcastle Eagles are delighted to announce the return of 23-year old Irish guard Brian McCotter for his second season on Tyneside. The Belfast born enjoyed his rookie season in the BBL with the Eagles last season so much he’s made sacrifices to return this.

The ex-Troon Tornado who won a league and cup double in Scotland in 2006 as well as being named to the league’s all-star team actually qualified as an optician during the summer and faced a difficult decision as to his future employment.

“I could have taken a more lucrative job away from the region but instead decided that I wanted to continue to combine my employment with my basketball career so settled for a job in the North East instead. This will give me the opportunity to continue to play for the Eagles and hopefully progress my game under the tutelage of Head Coach Fab Flournoy. My time at Newcastle last year was so enjoyable and I loved every minute of it that I really could not see myself playing for any other organisation at this time.”
McCotter will be a full time member of the Eagles squad again this term whilst also forging a career as an optician and it is this work ethic that pleases Head Coach Fab Flournoy so much.

“Brian is a workaholic and puts so much in to his game and life. He’s a model professional in that he listens to everything he’s asked to do and goes out and gives 150% to try and achieve it. When he arrived at the open trial session previous to last year he was unknown. But his determination and effort caught everybody’s eye and landed him a spot in last year’s team. He didn’t let us down and continued all year to put the same amount of effort in on and off the court. He just loves playing basketball.”

McCotter played in 22 games for the Eagles last year averaging 2.3 ppg and had the unusual distinction of shooting more 3-point baskets than from inside the arc. It’s that shooting ability and his capacity for hard work that made him a firm favourite with Eagles fans and management alike.

Eagles Managing Director Paul Blake was also enthusiastic about McCotter’s signing. “Brian is a quality all round individual and another example of the Club being able to give young British talent the chance to play in the BBL. He’s an important part of our squad, fits in with the rest of the guys and brings a real hard-working attitude to everything he does. We’re delighted that he took the decision to accept our offer to play for the Eagles again this year and is another great addition that we hope can continue to progress.”

McCotter will take his place in the line-up for this Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Team Select USA and he and everyone else at the Eagles will be looking for him to increase his playing time and numbers to help the Eagles in their search for more silverware this season.