Toney guarded about Eagles future

May 6 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

NEWCASTLE Eagles breakout star Tafari Toney admits he does not know whether his future lies on Tyneside – as some of Europe’s top teams ready their approaches for the 22-year-old hot prospect

Toney ended a superb first season in the BBL by earning his third winner’s medal of the season, adding play-off glory to the league and Trophy victories already achieved this campaign.

He is due to return to the US this week before jetting back to take part in the 24-man Great Britain training camp later this summer, where he will look to catch coach Chris Finch’s eye.

Being part of a squad that includes NBA superstars Luol Deng and Pops Mensah-Bonsu has further raised Toney’s profile, and Newcastle face a struggle to keep hold of one of this season’s key men.

Because he holds a British passport, he would be eligible to play across Europe – and the Eagles would struggle to match the kind of wages on offer at clubs in Spain and Greece.

Toney admits it would be ‘nice’ to return to the Arena and continue his professional education under Fab Flournoy, but stopped short of committing his long-term future to the Eagles.

“None of us have held any discussions about next season, so right now I cannot say what I will be doing,” he said.

“The Eagles are a great club and they have given me the chance to be part of the best franchise in Britain in my first professional season.

“It would be nice to come back, but who knows what the future holds?”

The Eagles are certainly keen to retain as many of this season’s stars as possible, and Trey Moore and Reggie Jackson have already signaled their interest in staying on.

Before the play-off victory over the Everton Tigers, talisman Moore said the Eagles had the potential to become the ‘Chicago Bulls’ of the BBL. Toney believes their will to win has set them apart this season.

He added: “The thing about being part of this Newcastle team is we never know when we are beaten.

“We were never going to lose that final against Everton, whatever people say about them coming back at the end.

“Even in the final few seconds, everyone was confident we would close out the game, and we did. That is what Newcastle do.

“Fab just told us not to worry about Everton coming back. We knew it would happen. I think the Tigers thought they might win but they were wrong. It was not going to happen.”