NEWCASTLE Eagles have added to their squad ahead of the new British Basketball League campaign which begins at the end of September.
Joel Madourie is the latest addition to coach Fab Flournoy’s side, having arrived from Derby Trailblazers.
The 6ft 5in 25-year-old has spent the past two seasons with the English Basketball League Division One side and, as well as being an ex-Great Britain Under-20 cap, the forward is renowned for his explosive athleticism.
Although originally hailing from Sheffield, Madourie (pictured below) honed his skills at Birmingham via the Bullets development programme and has also been under the tutelage of Clive Allen and Steve Barnes – both former colleagues of Flournoy.
Madourie was part of the Derby side which in 2009 became the only all-British team to win the EBL title, and his last performance for the Trailblazers came in their EBL play-offs last-eight match at Bristol Flyers.
The BBL represents a step up for Madourie but he is hungry for the challenge as well as being delighted to join the Eagles.
He said: “It’s a privilege to be given the chance to move there. Just being at Newcastle will give me the chance to learn from some of the best coaches in the country. I just want to keep learning and improving so I can become a better player.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to sign for the Eagles. I am aware it will not be easy to make an immediate impact in the BBL but I know that if I can prove myself in practice that the coach will give me the chance to play.
“I cannot wait for the beginning of the season.
“There’s no doubt I’ll really miss playing for Derby. I’ve been here for two years and made a lot of friends, both on and off the court.”
Eagles boss Flournoy added: “I have been aware of Joel’s potential for a couple of years now. I feel that Derby has done a great job in nurturing him and that he is now ready to make a real impact in the BBL.
“He has always possessed BBL-level athleticism and I now feel that he is comfortable enough in knowing his own game to be able to be an effective contributor for us.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle Eagles host Team USA Select on September 12 and 13, before facing Mersey Tigers on September 23 at Sport Central.
