TASS ALUMNUS LANDS DREAM ROLE FOR GB QUALIFIERS

One of North East basketball’s most familiar faces will take charge of Great Britain’s men when they take on Germany in this month’s EuroBasket qualifier in Newcastle.

Three-time Basketball England Coach of the Year Marc Steutel steps up to act as head coach in the absence of Nate Reinking for the February 24 clash.

And the former TASS supported athlete – who coaches Northumbria University’s men and teaches at Newcastle College – has named a 24-man long squad ahead of the Tyneside clash.

British Basketball Federation Independent director (Performance) Toni Minichiello said: “We have known since before Nate coached his first game for us that there would be periods when he may be unavailable because of his G-League commitments.

“The critical thing is to build trust, continuity and a way of playing that makes best use of the players we have in our pursuit of EuroBasket Qualification and success.”

Reinking works with Canton Charge in the NBA’s development league and will miss GB’s matches against Germany and Montenegro this month.

Steutel, who has been part of GB’s senior coaching team since the beginning of the EuroBasket qualifying campaign, will be assisted by Jamie Smith and Andreas Kapoulas.

The former EBL Division One player was supported by TASS from 2004-2005.

And Minichiello is confident the popular Scouser will prove the perfect fit for what promises to be a tough tie against the Germans at the Eagles Community Arena.

“Marc and Jamie provide the valuable continuity with the brilliant unbeaten start Nate has made with the team,” he added.

“It’s important we build on British coaches and, in Andreas, we are delighted to be able to add someone of real pedigree and experience.

“This is about building for the long-term with Nate as the driving force of this cultural change with a talented, experienced group in place around him.”

GB play Montenegro in Podgorica on February 21 and Germany at the Eagles Community Arena on February 24 (8pm tip).

For tickets visit www.newcastle-eagles.com/gb-vs-germany