Defoe is hoping to become Mr 28
THE most decorated and successful player in the history of the British Basketball League, also known as ‘Mr 27’, Newcastle Eagles’ Darius Defoe has had quite a remarkable career in the top flight of British basketball.
A graduate of the Hackney Community College programme, before Defoe joined the Eagles during the 2004-05 season the trophy cabinet was minimal, but his introduction into Newcastle proved to be the catalyst for a sustained chapter of success.
There have been 27 national titles – hence the Mr 27 label – including seven BBL Championships, Play-offs and Trophy titles, as well as six BBL Cup victories.
“There’s been ups and downs, but from the moment I arrived in Newcastle everyone welcomed me with open arms.
“I’ve had many memorable moments, but the ones that stand out to me are my first ever trophy as a professional player, winning the playoff final in 2015 at the O2 Arena in London as I was able to play in front of my friends and family and share that moment, and winning the BBL Trophy in Scotland the year that Covid started.
“At the time, we didn’t know what would happen to the basketball season, so that trophy meant a lot to me.”
At the age of 37, he has signed on for an incredible 18th consecutive season.
Although many in the twilight of their careers may be happy to sit back and see out their outstanding years, the hunger and character to add to his legacy, become ‘Mr 28’ and bring more silverware to Newcastle is everpresent, with Defoe and the club looking to build on last year’s BBL Cup triumph.
“I do get asked about ‘Mr 27’ a lot and the aim is to get more than 27 trophies. I want to continue winning trophies. It’s going to be hard, but this season I want at least a trophy with this team,” said Defoe.
“One of the goals is to win another Championship, and if we knuckle down, work hard as a team and help each other out, I believe we’ll achieve our goals for the season.”
Standing at 6ft 9in, you can’t ignore the colossal, physical stature of the Eagles forward, but his infectious attitude has seen him hailed as a true professional and leader within the camp.
“Me and Fletch [Rahmon Fletcher] are one of the leaders in the team, but at the same time, I just do what I need to do to get the team going.
“I’d class myself as the Dennis Rodman of the team, get the players hyped and do whatever to get them going on the court.”
The Eagles currently sit in sixth place in the BBL Championship standings with eight points.
After a difficult start to the season with three consecutive defeats, it was no surprise Defoe’s influence helped
Newcastle secure their first victory of the season in a 94-74 win against Cheshire Phoenix back in October, where he hit a double-double – 19 points and 10 rebounds, while also picking out his team-mates with four assists.
This saw him named in the BBL All-Star 5 for week three of the campaign, yet his starring role in the team extends outside of that.
Now combining his playing duties with a role as a coach in the academy, and supporting the club’s Hoops 4 Health outreach, the aim is to inspire the next generation of talent and develop the culture of British basketball.
“It means a lot to me to help out the kids in any way possible. We go into various schools in the North East and deliver the Hoops 4 Health programme and speak to them on how to live a healthy life,” added Defoe.
“This is my first season coaching the U23s team and I want to help them develop their basketball.
“It’s a young squad, and we’re trying to win something together and make them feel what it’s like to be a part of a winning side.
“There’s some good teams in the league that we are in, but it’s important for me to give them the knowledge that I’ve been taught throughout my career and pass it down to them.”
I want to continue winning trophies. It’s going to be hard, but this season I want at least a trophy with this team