Fab is edging closer to the 'perfect 10'
Mar 16 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
FABULOUS Flournoy hailed his Newcastle Eagles as the best team in the club’s history after they edged him closer to the “perfect ten” haul of trophies with a superb BBL Trophy win in Guildford yesterday.
The Eagles delivered a rare good-news story to a barren North East sporting scene with a fine 83-71 victory over the Guildford Heat – Trey Moore earning the title of the game’s Most Valuable Player for his personal haul of 28 points.
Keeping a steady head as the team endured some nervy moments in the final quarter, Moore extended his remarkable run of success from the three-point line to 83 attempts without missing.
As well as securing revenge for their defeat by the same opponents in the Trophy last season, it earned Flournoy his ninth piece of silverware in five years. They even managed to secure victory yesterday without the influential Lynard Stewart, who was rested despite coming back from injury.
“The guys did a tremendous job. They did everything we asked of them and they are capable of so much more,” Flournoy said.
“We have got bright, energetic guys and it is by far the best team I have ever had. I mean that in terms of them being a unit and a team – it is a great mix of young guys and veterans and their attitude is right. I wish there was a college system where I could keep these guys together for four or five years.
“Before I had teams with a lot of talent – we had this and we had that, but this is the best unit. The guys respond to me, they get on with one another and there is a genuine respect and love.”
With the Eagles clear at the top of the league, and the play-offs still to compete for, Flournoy could yet celebrate his 10th title before the summer.
“I will let the guys enjoy it. But there is no let-up – you take a look at all the trophies you’ve got in the off season,” he said.
“On Tuesday we will be right back at it. The trophy goes in the cupboard and we’re right back at it in the league.”
Flournoy believes that a first trophy will provide a spur for the likes of Moore, Reggie Jackson and Tafari Toney – as well as marking a new beginning for a club that has dominated British basketball for five years.
“The first trophy we won in Brighton will always be special to me. It was a very emotional game and it was so big for the club. This is too, though,” he said.
“For a bunch of guys, like Trey (Moore), Tap (Toney) and Reggie, this is their first trophy and they have grown. I am relishing watching them get the same pleasure that I got from that first win.”
