Star duo crucial to season finale

MARC STEUTEL wants more from his men of the moment as Trey Pulliam and Christian James continue to perfect what could be the ultimate postseason partnership.

- By SIMON RUSHWORTH

Newcastle Eagles’ mid-term signings are making April fools out of their non-plussed rivals with both guards enjoying a rich vein of form heading into the play-offs.

And as the men in black host Leicester Riders in tonight's penultimate regular season clash, Steutel insists it’s time to celebrate two key players in perfect rhythm.

“I think Trey can complement any team-mate because he’s such a high-level player,” said Newcastle’s head coach.

“At times expectations can be too high when a new player first comes in. When a point guard joins a team people expect them to be fully acclimated straight away. But these things take time.

“Trey is really invested in his team-mates and understanding how he can get people going. That hard work’s paying off.