FLYING guard Reggie Jackson is determined to finish his second spell at the Newcastle Eagles with a flourish – after revealing his intention to play European basketball next season.
“Action” Jackson has been superb since returning to the North East last month, averaging an impressive 21 points in 15 games to bring the Eagles to within a whisker of a fourth straight title success.
His phenomenal form will give Fab Flournoy’s men belief ahead of a play-off campaign that kick starts on Friday with the visit of a dangerous Guildford Heat side looking to atone for a poor season by their standards.
Any hopes of landing him for the whole of next season, though, look to be dashed with Jackson’s admission that playing in Europe is high on his list.
However, he contends, the fact that these are likely to be his last minutes in a black-and-white vest merely add to his motivation ahead of the play-off competition. “I have really enjoyed being back at the Eagles. Everyone has made me feel like part of the family and the team has a great chance in the play-offs,” he said.
“That is my focus right now but as for next year, I have to be honest and my first option is to try and play somewhere else, in another country. Me and my agent have decided that Europe is probably the next step and there has been a bit of interest from a French club in me.
“I wouldn’t have a problem coming back to the BBL and if Europe doesn’t work out then I’d be more than happy to come back to the Eagles again. But Europe is a big chance for any player.
“I really want to repay them now with some silverware because everyone has been so great to me and I’d love to get through to that last game of the season and go and win it for the fans and for everyone here.”
Eagles fans won’t begrudge the talented Jackson his shot in one of the bigger Continental leagues but there is unfinished business before any contracts for next season are inked.
The Heat’s seventh-placed finish was deceptively low and Jackson knows that building a big lead in Friday’s Sport Central first leg is critical.
“Guildford are a great team and we have to come out aggressive and put points on the board early,” he said.
“We need to make the most of having home court advantage on Friday. Their gym is compact and always loud and it is not an easy place to play.
“But we have that motivation now because we came so close to winning the league. It took us a while to get over losing out on the league and I think it probably did take some of the wind out of our sails for a few days.
“Now though we’re going to use it as motivation and we have to push on and try to make it through to the final.”
For tickets for Friday’s game go to www.newcastle-eagles.com or ring the club on 01912453880. Tip off is at 7.30pm – you can also pay on the day.
