British Basketball League veteran Charles Smith has decided to retire from professional basketball after a career in the game that spans for 18-years.
Smith confirmed his retirement to mvp247.com earlier this morning. In his 18-years of playing, 13 of those was professionally, and a chunk of that was with the Newcastle Eagles, for which he helped build into the country’s most successful club.
“I would like to thank everyone for there support and well wishes for me and my family’s move to America,” Smith said. ” I will keep in touch with all the great people I have met throughout my time here especially the OOTA, the best fans ever.”
This comes after coach Fabulous Flournoy stated that the door would be left open for Charles, in case the Eagles legend wanted to return for another season.
“If he wants to continue to play ball, we want him back but we’re not looking to put pressure on him or rush him into anything. It is up to Charles,” Flournoy announced just 24 hours earlier.
Newcastle Eagles’ grip on the BBL title was ended by the Mersey Tigers last season. The Merseyside club ended up winning three of the four trophies available. Something that Flournoy wants back, despite his current contract ending this August.
“Whatever happened last year we’ll be back in September trying to get more silverware for the Newcastle Eagles – that doesn’t stop just because my contract is coming to an end,” Flournoy said.
