Marc Steutel approaches the SLB Trophy Final with the calm assurance of a coach who has been here before — and who has repeatedly shown he can guide teams through the toughest of tests.
As Newcastle Eagles prepare to face the London Lions at Utilita Arena Birmingham on Sunday, the defending champions do so under the familiar weight of external expectation.
But for Steutel, whose track record includes steering teams to unlikely victories on both the domestic and international stage, labels and predictions carry little significance when silverware is on the line.
Last season’s Trophy triumph remains a defining moment in both his coaching journey and the club’s recent history.
“There were many people from last year’s group where that was their first championship at a professional level, myself included,” Steutel reflected.
“So that day will live with me forever, and we challenged the group this year to go and build their own legacy, their own story.”
That mindset has shaped Newcastle’s return to another major final. The challenge posed by London is significant, but one Steutel views as a measure of progress rather than a deterrent.
“Seeing London in the Final is going to cause some challenges, but that’s an exciting opportunity, and that’s what you want,” he said. “I’m excited and proud of the group, they’ve continued to get better each and every day. We want to give our fans an incredible, historic day out.”
There is realism in Steutel’s assessment of the task ahead, but it is balanced by belief in the group he leads.
“We know our backs are against the wall with the task at hand, but I’m really proud of the group and love working with them day to day,” he said — a reflection of a coach comfortable preparing teams to compete when the odds are stacked.
That competitive edge has been evident throughout the Eagles’ season. “We’ve got some guys who, when we play with our force, our intent, can be very effective and put some pressure on the opposition,” Steutel explained.
“The guys have found a way to enjoy playing with each other. It’s a hungry group. We’re not content with where we are, despite getting to the first showcase event of the season.”
Newcastle’s underdog status is one they are prepared to embrace rather than resist.
“We’re going into this as the underdogs, and that’s a title that we can accept,” Steutel said.
“When our backs are against the wall, we’re a difficult group to play against. We kind of come out punching, so hopefully we see that performance in Birmingham.”
For a coach who has experienced both triumph and heartbreak in finals with the club, the occasion itself remains sacred. “Finals are everything, they’re why we play,” Steutel said.
“The build up, the atmosphere, the fans, the emotions at the final buzzer — whether you win or don’t win, it’s that emotion that separates finals and why we love it so much.”
His message extends beyond the locker room to the supporters who continue to travel in force.
“The fans know what this club means to me. We know what the team means to the fans,” he said.
“We understand that people tailor their week around supporting us. The support has been incredible throughout my time here. The fans are the heartbeat of this club.”
As for his players, Steutel’s challenge is clear and uncompromising. “99.9% of British basketball expects them to win on the day,” he said of London.
“But we’re excited for that challenge and the opportunity it gives us to play with a chip on our shoulder and prove that we’re there on merit.”
“For my team, we just need to be the best version of ourselves and come what may,” he added.
“When there’s a door in front of you, you don’t knock politely and wait for it to be answered. On this stage especially, you try to kick the door down. We know we’ve got a mammoth task — but we also know what we’re capable of, and on the day we’ll have the opportunity to show that.”