Fab’s prodigy makes an emotional return

Oct 25 2007 The Journal

FORMER Newcastle Eagles favourite TJ Walker has a penchant for success – a desire well satisfied during his time on Tyneside. But when the point guard takes to the court tomorrow, he may well have a lump in his throat.

Because when he lines up under the bright lights of the Metro Radio Arena, it will not be alongside his much-loved Eagles team-mates but with his new roster from the Cheshire Jets.

The point guard formed the backbone of the all-conquering Eagles roster that clinched every domestic trophy in British Basketball 18 months ago. But having been groomed for many years as Fabulous Flournoy’s prodigy, Walker traded the North-East for the North-West as he assumed the position as Cheshire’s player-coach – a role the American is relishing. “I can’t complain,” said the Azusa Pacific graduate. “The weather is a lot warmer down here, and we’re doing well. We started off a little slow, but we brought in some new players late, and now we are starting to find our feet a bit.

“I’ve been in the BBL seven years so I know this league. Honestly, it’s the first time in my career that I’ve been in this position, but I love the ownership and I love the guys who are here, so I’m happy.”

When Walker comes face-to-face with his former Tyneside team-mates it will be his first outing on Newcastle soil in which he has not lined up in an Eagles vest, but the BBL veteran maintains he still has a strong relationship with his former coach Flournoy.

“I speak to him all the time,” he said. “We talk probably three or four times a week but I just don’t see him every day so our phone calls are a little longer. We are friends as well as colleagues. He’s like my big brother and I know I’m younger than him but sometimes I’m like his big brother.

“We had a great relationship when I was in Newcastle and that’s why we did so well together because we complemented each other. This Friday won’t be the first time I’ve played against Fab. We met when he was at Sheffield but that was a long time ago.

“The game will be just like the training sessions we had when I was at Newcastle. It’s always going to be hard going back for the first time and not being in an Eagles vest, but once the lights come on it will be just like every other game.

“I learned a lot from Fab when I was there. I was there when things went well, but I was also there when things went wrong, and so now I’m in Cheshire doing the same job, I know what to look out for.” Filling the shoes of Walker has been problematic for the Eagles play-caller, but Great Britain star Richard Midgley has made that task a little simpler.

The Eagles’ new asset has been instrumental in helping the side to their six-game unbeaten run, and Walker is wary of an opposite number in such form.

“He is a very tough guard,” said Walker. “I met him when he was 16 or 17 when he moved near me in the States. I always thought he was one of the best point guards in California.

“He had an injury last year and there was a lot of concern that he wouldn’t be able to make it back to the same form. But he’s proving he’s back and letting people know he has got over it.

“I don’t know how well we are going to match up. People who are part of the Eagles team know what is expected of them. I’ve brought that to the Jets.”