Three is the magic number for Justin Gordon as the Newcastle
Eagles fan favourite returns to Tyneside in a bid to fire Marc Steutel’s men
towards this season’s playoffs.
The eye-catching 29-year-old has committed to a third spell
in as many years at the Vertu Motors Arena ahead of Friday’s night’s BBL Trophy
trip to the Caledonia Gladiators.
“When Justin became available there was no doubt about
bringing him back.” Coach Steutel commented.
“He knows the club, knows the league and is a proven impact
player in the BBL.
“He’s shown his value to this club on a consistent basis and
been part of a successful period of Newcastle’s history. As soon as I knew that
Justin was as enthused about coming back as we were to bring him back then the
situation was a no-brainer.
“He’s a dynamic player who can impact upon multiple areas of
the game and some of those areas are where we still need to improve as a team. I’m
bringing him in to be the player we know he can be. I want Justin to be himself
and by doing that he can impact positively on the rest of the team.”
Gordon was crowned MVP at the 2021 BBL Cup Final after
bagging 18 points and 15 rebounds in a famous 84-77 Eagles win against London
Lions.
The Charlotte-born star had emerged as a key member of
Newcastle’s double-winning roster during the Covid-affected 2020/21 campaign.
Gordon averaged 16 points and six rebounds for the men in
black during his rookie BBL season — his athleticism and reach around the
basket ensuring a stacked highlights reel.
Returning to Newcastle for his second spell last February, Gordon
averaged 18 points, six rebounds and three assists per game and in returning to
the roster for a third time the high-flyer replaces Justin Everett on the
Eagles’ roster for the remainder of the season.
“I really feel for Justin Everett and he leaves the club
with our very best wishes,” added Steutel.
“He’s a player we’d been watching for a while and he showed
glimpses of what he’s all about during his time here. Justin Everett is an
extremely talented basketball player with an even better work ethic and he’s a
great person. It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve had to release him at this
stage of the season.”
