IT’S a case of ‘Home Newcastle’ for GB basketball boss Marc Steutel tomorrow evening – and the head coach wants his side to make a statement start in their opening EuroBasket 2025 qualifier against the Netherlands.

As well as being the new full-time leader of the GB team, Steutel is also the play-caller at Newcastle Eagles, so Friday’s game at the Vertu Motors Arena finds him in familiar surrounds.

Great Britain begin their EuroBasket qualification campaign against a Dutch side ranked one place above them in the FIBA World rankings, in 52nd position, before heading into subsequent matches against Czechia and Greece.

Steutel has named Newcastle Eagle Josh Ward-Hibbert on his GB roster, and is hoping his side can make the perfect start in front of a North-East crowd.

“We want to start the campaign in the right way,” said Steutel, who will be taking charge of his first game as permanent GB boss tonight, having previously replaced Nate Reinking on an interim basis.

“We’re excited that we’ve had some really positive support from the federation in terms of the last few months for scouting, planning and getting the team sorted, which is important. I’m excited with the commitment that we’ve had from the staff and the players.”

GB star Carl Wheatle has his eyes firmly set on a place at next year’s EuroBasket tournament, but accepts his side could do with making a winning start against the Dutch tomorrow.

The Netherlands played at the last EuroBasket finals, finishing bottom of their group as they lost all five of their matches.

However, with numerous Dutch veterans plying their trade in the Dutch league and Europe, most notably in the FIBA Europe Cup, they will still pose a considerable challenge.

“The message we want to deliver is that we want to be a force in this group,” said Wheatle. “We definitely want to qualify for EuroBasket, and the best way to do that is to have a good start at home. We know the Netherlands are a good team, and we want to get off to a good start.”

Despite the anticipation of hitting the hardwood tomorrow, there is also a sense that GB have been left somewhat in the dark.

The Netherlands delayed naming their roster for their opening group, so GB are heading into the unknown even though they are playing at home.

“You want to do as much homework as you possibly can, and I think at the start of these qualifying periods, there is a little bit of the unknown,” said Steutel. “We have to make estimated guesses on personnel, coach philosophy, and how you can adapt on the fly, and that is what we are preparing ourselves for in the Netherlands.”

* A limited number of tickets are still available for Friday’s game at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, priced from £18 for adults and £13 for children. For more details, log on to the box office section of the Newcastle Eagles website at www.newcastle-eagles.com.