Northumbria Duo Take Top Honours

Team Northumbria basketball has added two of the game’s most prestigious honours to a bulging trophy cabinet as the curtain comes down on the club’s most successful season.

Head coach Marc Steutel has been named Spalding NBL Coach Of The Year after leading his side to a phenomenal league and cup double.

And star man Malcolm Smith clinched the Spalding NBL Division One MVP award after his stunning form underpinned a 10-game winning streak to end the regular season.

TN missed out on the treble after bowing out of the end-of-season playoffs at the semi-final stage.

However, as the votes poured in to decide the season’s main men there was little doubt across the league that Steutel and Smith deserved their accolades.

“Firstly, I want to say a huge congratulations to Malcolm Smith on his well deserved league MVP award,” said TN’s playcaller.

“He’s hard-working, humble, tough and skilled beyond measure. Malcolm really was a key contributor on our team this year and he’s just an amazing person. I’m so thrilled for him. 

“Secondly, I’m really humbled to pick up the Coach of the Year award. I’m disappointed we don't get a chance to step out on the floor one more time and contest the playoff final but I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a group this season.

“To claim the club’s first silverware in Division One with the National Cup and league title is a phenomenal achievement. 

“The award is simply recognition for the quality of the group I am able to work with on a daily basis.

“I can't thank the players enough for how they commit and buy into our programme. They are all truly great people and we will all remember this season for a long time.”

After receiving the top vote from five different Division One clubs, TN’s Smith capped a regular season to remember as the Clarksville, Tennessee native added the MVP award to his league and cup winners’ medals.

The American has been integral to TN’s fortunes this term after joining the club in the autumn following a successful trial.

Reading big man Chris Hooper came second in the MVP race and Manchester’s Stefan Gill was a narrow third.

Steutel was recognised by his peers as the best coach in the division and will now focus on summer recruitment ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.