Newcastle Eagles power forward Tafari Toney has said he is confident he can become a key part of the side now he is beginning to settle on Tyneside.

Toney, 22 on Saturday, only arrived in England a fortnight ago and admitted it has taken a while to acclimatise to life in the North East.

"I struggled with the jet-lag for about three weeks but I'm getting in there well," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I'm settling in real well and I'm getting to know the town."

Toney's college pedigree was spotted by player-coach Fab Flournoy who brought him to the Arena for the 2008-09 season.

And the former University of Houston player is enjoying working with Flournoy and believes he can learn much from his time with the Eagles.

"The point guard [Flournoy's position] is basically the coach, because he runs the team while he's on the floor.

"All coaches lose their temper, it's supposed to help you.

"They get on a player or all the players to make you go out there and play your best and make you work harder."

Newcastle strengthened their position at the top of the British Basketball League with a 101-80 point win over the Worthing Thunder on Friday.

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