Newcastle’s offence is built differently from the rest of the SLB. While most teams rely on ball movement and structured play to generate open looks, the Eagles put the ball in the hands of their best scorers and let them go to work. Their system is built around players who can create and finish their own shots without extensive team play.
That kind of approach is often fragile—teams that rely too much on one player can struggle if that scorer is shut down or has an off night. But Newcastle have found a way to make it work. They don’t just have one dominant offensive weapon; they have multiple players capable of stepping up on any given night.
The Eagles Lean on Individual Brilliance
Newcastle players have delivered more high-scoring performances than anyone in the league. Eagles players account for six of the ten highest single-game scoring shares this season—including all of the top four. No other team depends on its star scorers as frequently or as heavily as Newcastle.
| Team | Date | Player | % of Team PTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle Eagles | 14/02/2025 | Mike Okauru | 46.5% |
| Newcastle Eagles | 10/11/2024 | Mike Okauru | 44.3% |
| Newcastle Eagles | 22/12/2024 | Mike Okauru | 41.0% |
| Newcastle Eagles | 31/01/2025 | Christian James | 40.0% |
| Sheffield Sharks | 06/10/2024 | Prentiss Nixon | 38.2% |
| Bristol Flyers | 30/11/2024 | Keddy Johnson | 36.4% |
| London Lions | 03/11/2024 | Michael Brisker | 36.4% |
| Newcastle Eagles | 02/02/2025 | Mike Okauru | 36.0% |
| Bristol Flyers | 07/02/2025 | Keddy Johnson | 35.9% |
| Newcastle Eagles | 19/01/2025 | Seneca Knight | 35.9% |
This isn’t just a Mike Okauru story. While he leads the way, Christian James and Seneca Knight have also thrived as primary scoring options. Instead of relying on one star, Newcastle’s system ensures they always have multiple threats on the floor.
Low Assists, High Efficiency
Newcastle’s reliance on individual play is reflected in their assist numbers. They rank second-last in the league in assist percentage (54.6%), highlighting how much of their scoring comes from individual creation rather than team-based ball movement.
However, this lack of assists doesn’t mean their offence struggles. Newcastle have the third-best offensive rating (116.0) in the SLB. While most high-efficiency teams generate easy baskets through passing, Newcastle’s scorers create their own looks and still find ways to convert at a high rate.
| Team | ORtg |
|---|---|
| Leicester Riders | 121.2 |
| London Lions | 118.0 |
| Newcastle Eagles | 116.0 |
| Cheshire Phoenix | 114.2 |
| Sheffield Sharks | 113.6 |
| Bristol Flyers | 113.4 |
| Manchester Basketball | 111.0 |
| Surrey 89ers | 109.2 |
| Caledonia Gladiators | 97.2 |
This balance of low assists and high efficiency defines Newcastle’s offensive identity. Cheshire Phoenix play with a similar low-assist, high-efficiency style, but their offence is built on speed and quick-trigger shooting. Newcastle, by contrast, slows the game down, relying on its stars to generate and convert tough looks.
Can a Star-Heavy System Hold Up?
Newcastle’s approach is unconventional. Their offence is built on high-usage players, not system-generated looks. That kind of strategy comes with risks—without a pass-heavy system to create easy shots, they rely on their stars to keep producing.
But Newcastle’s system isn’t as fragile as it might appear. With multiple players capable of shouldering the scoring load, they aren’t overly dependent on one individual. It’s a style that may not work for every team, but for Newcastle, it fits their personnel perfectly.
