We want to win everything – Defoe

May 1 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

DARIUS Defoe believes Newcastle Eagles have proven they have what it takes to win this weekend’s play-offs with their never-say-die performances in the league, writes STUART RAYNER.

Their last three games of the regular season all went into overtime and on each occasion Newcastle came out winners. That, according to 23-year-old Defoe, only highlights the determination within the squad to retain the play-off title they have held since 2005.

“It shows the character in the squad,” he said of the side’s new-found habit. “We just want to win at the end of the day.

“We want to win everything. In the play-offs, if you win you go through to the final, lose and you go home. So we want to win.”

Defoe’s determination to come out on top is only strengthened by the increasing animosity with Milton Keynes Lions, their semi-final opponents on Saturday and the team who beat them in this year’s BBL Cup final.

“The play-offs is the trophy we want more than any other,” Defoe warned. “Everyone knows we’re the best team in the play-offs. We want to put one over on Milton Keynes for the final. But I think we’re going to win anyway, to be honest. I think our experience of playing in the play-offs will be an advantage.”

Statistically, the 2007-08 season has been the Eagles’ best yet, losing less games than even the 2005-06 “grand slam” campaign when they picked up all four BBL trophies. They do not have the silverware to back that up, however, having also been beaten by Guildford Heat in the BBL Trophy final. Defoe admits he would be downbeat if his team ended the campaign with “only” the league title to show for it – a sign of how quickly they have developed since he joined three years ago.

“I think it would be a disappointment,” he said. “That’s why we’ve got to win the play-offs. I’m very surprised with the speed with which the club has developed, to be honest with you. We’ve got great togetherness.

“When you’ve won trophies like we did the other year, the key is keeping your hunger by training hard and working hard, that’s all.”