Leven likes Fab’s style

Feb 8 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

NEWCASTLE Eagles may have seen a high turnover of talent in recent months, but newcomer Steve Leven is insisting he is a permanent fixture on Tyneside.

Having lost the services of both Richard Midgley and Bryan Defares in a matter of weeks, the Australian star became the latest addition to Fabulous Flournoy’s high-flying roster.

And the 26-year-old is adamant that his pledge to ply his trade in Newcastle is for the long-haul.

“I really like Newcastle,” said Leven. “I chose this city because I just felt comfortable coming here.

“I had a chat with Fab and I like the man – and that’s another reason why I’m here.

“When I signed it was a commitment to the Eagles managing director Paul Blake and to Fab for the rest of the season, and we will look at the situation when the time comes. But right now I’m having an awesome time and I’m happy here, because the organisation is great and that goes a long way with me.”

The University of Wyoming graduate was ineligible for the BBL Trophy game with Chester Jets last Saturday, but he is likely to get his first taste of BBL action in tonight’s clash with Skouson Harker’s Worcester Wolves.

Leven is quashing claims that the Wolves player-coach tried to tempt him to Worcester before he had put pen-to-paper on a deal with Newcastle.

“I read in the newspapers that Worcester’s coach was interested in me and I nearly went there,” he added. But I’ve never even heard of Worcester before, and I thought it was pretty funny to read.

“Newcastle is the benchmark team in this country and that’s why I came.”

While many have found Flournoy’s uncompromising approach to the game unsettling, Leven has consistently cited his new player-coach as a catalyst for his move to Newcastle.

And the 6ft 6in guard is looking forward to playing with his new team-mates at the Metro Radio Arena this evening.

“Flournoy was one of the reasons I came to play for Newcastle,” said Leven.

“I think a lot of people have the wrong idea about him, but I find him very adaptable.

“People look at him and think that it’s his way or the highway, but he knows not to put too many restrictions on players.

“And a lot of people have a problem with a player-coach, but I can see myself thriving on it.”