NEWCASTLE Eagles have signed a true "renaissance man" in exciting new point guard Paul Gause, according to managing-director Paul Blake.
Gause has penned a one-year deal to fill the Eagles’ PG vacancy, joining after a spell with Freiburg in the German Pro A-League last year.
The 25-year-old is not just a top basketball player, though – having etched a reputation as a highly talented all-round athlete who represented his high school at both American football and his current sport before graduating from Seton Hall.
He led the Big East Conference in steals for two years running – which is no mean feat in arguably the sport’s leading College conference.
Blake said: “We are delighted to bring Paul in – after Maurice Acker he was always the one we were looking at for that position.
“It is good it has all come together and having looked more closely into his background I think we are getting a really talented player with a fantastic record.
“He is a bit of a renaissance man because his CV suggests a fantastic athlete.
“Anyone who is the No 1 in the Big East for steals can play a bit.
“That is a big thing because that is a top conference and the competition is tough there.
“We feel it is a progression for him and that we will be getting a very good player as well.”
Gause (pictured below) joins Andy Thomson and the returning Joe Chapman as confirmed recruits for next season, but the Eagles are close to re-signing both Darius Defoe and Andrew Bridge.
In his first season as a professional Gause played at Freiburg in the German Pro A league and averaged 16 points per game and four assists. He is known for his quickness and athleticism.
Head coach Fab Flournoy said: “Paul has an excellent pedigree and we are hoping he will come into our team and give us energy.
“He is a high tempo, aggressive player and he should fit right into the system that we rely on.
“I am looking forward to having him here in pre-season so we can begin to integrate him into our group.”
Meanwhile, the Eagles’ up-and-coming star Aaron Nielsen will take a year out of the game. The youngster is likely to take up a job in the club’s community department.
