Newcastle Eagles coach Fab Flournoy believes the quality of the British Basketball League is as high as it has been during his time with the club.

Eagles have won all four domestic honours during the last four years, but Flournoy is sure adding to the success will be more difficult this term.

"Overall I think the league is great," he told BBC Look North.

"It's a lot tougher than it has been in recent years and we have to maintain our composure and mental strength."

Flournoy has been able to hand experience to younger members of the Eagles squad, with Will Spragg and Aaron Neilson enjoying time out on the court in the BBL thus far.

And the New Yorker admits blooding the next wave of talented basketball players is high on his agenda, and is good for the club and league's long-term future.

It's good for the community and it shows that if you're dedicated, with a little luck and hard work you can do it Newcastle Eagles coach Fab Flournoy on blooding young talent

"We want talent from our own area and also from England, so we wanted to make sure we do that for Will and Aaron," he said.

"The youngsters have been around since they were 12 and came up through our academy system.

"It's good for the community and it shows that if you're dedicated, with a little luck and hard work you can do it.

"I would love to have played in front of my home-town."

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