FRUSTRATED Drew Lasker is determined to turn round his Newcastle Eagles career after admitting to a “below average” start in black and white.

Shooting guard Lasker was thrust into one the BBL title race after signing for the Eagles to replace Trey Moore a week ago and admits it has been a baptism of fire.

The gutsy Eagles have won three and lost two since he joined but fierce self-critic Lasker has been far from enamoured with his own contribution.

In his defence five games in eight days has meant there has barely been a spare second to learn the complex defensive schemes that are a key part of Fab Flournoy’s game plan but the Houston-born star is offering no such mitigation for some sketchy displays.

And he intends to use a free week before the play-offs begin on Friday to familiarise himself with what makes the Eagles tick.

“My first week hasn’t been as smooth as I wanted it to be,” Lasker confesses.

“I have been here ten days and we’ve played five games in that time. I’ve only been on the practice court twice and there are always going to be growing pains, but mine have come in the games.

“I like to get my mistakes ironed out on the practice court but they’ve been coming in the games which is really frustrating for me.

“So far my performances have been either average or below average in every game. I have had a few spurts here and there where I’ve shown what I can do but other than that it hasn’t been as good as I would expect of myself.

“I would like to think I will get better and better for having five days before the play-offs begin in which I can learn the plays, familiarise myself with things and work really hard on the practice court.” Flournoy’s unique defensive system has brought plenty of success to the Eagles but it also makes life difficult for newcomers.

Kadiri Richard has been the breakout star of the second half of the season but he started very slowly – just like Joe Chapman and Reggie Jackson.

Unlike them, though, time is against Lasker in his bid to make an impact for the Eagles. They take on Guildford Heat in the play-off quarter-finals this weekend and he intends to be ready for whatever role Flournoy wants him to play.

“I feel that I am the type of player who can adjust to things and the defensive side of my game has always been strong,” Lasker said.

“But the Eagles are very different. Their whole defensive principles are different – a lot more different than I thought. The schemes are complex and the plays are like nothing I’ve done before. I am a competitor though and I will just get my head down, work hard and make sure that I know them inside out by the time we play Guildford.

“I am determined to finish the season with at least a few positive performances but the real thing that matters is that we win the game and go on and win something.”

To do that they must get past Guildford first – hardly the easiest of tasks in the first round of the play-offs. Heat’s 17-16 record barely hints at how dangerous they can be, and Lasker is on guard.

“Guildford are always a tough team. I don’t think anybody is favourite for the play-offs – all eight teams are good,” he said.

Tickets for Friday’s match at Sport Central (tip off, 7.30pm) can be obtained via the Eagles website on www.newcastle-eagles.com.