Trailblazer Smith to reconnect with Steutel at Eagles

IN a move basketball pundits may consider overdue, Newcastle Eagles head coach Marc Steutel will be reunited with 6ft 5in forward Malcolm Smith for the 2025/26 Super League Basketball (SLB) season.

- By JEFF KING

Many Newcastle fans will already be familiar with Smith, who as the club's fifth signing 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 organisation for making it happen.