Newcastle Eagles have made their second big signing of the summer – and he comes recommended by no lesser an authority than club legend TJ Walker.

The Eagles have clinched the signature of 6ft 7in powerhouse forward Terry Martin, a newcomer to the BBL.

Martin hails from Cincinnati, Ohio and comes with a ringing endorcement from Eagles favourite Walker, with back-room staff followed up on his suggestion.

“I’m really excited to have an opportunity to play for the Newcastle Eagles this season,” he said.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things from one of the former Eagles, TJ Walker.

“He kept reminding me about the championship mindset that the club has, the great coaching staff and the loyal fans.

“I can’t wait to add my athleticism and energy to this year’s team. To all the fans please come out and support us. This is sure to be an exciting season.”

His full title is Terry Demetrius Martin Jr and he comes with an intriguing basketball background.

He actually spent six years in NCAA Division 1 basketball starting out at Texas Tech University before moving on to Louisiana State and then four years at Wofford before graduating in 2011.

Martin is described as a bundle of energy that plays with intensity and passion and never stops working. His attitude and athleticism means he is versatile enough to play either forward position. A force in the paint and can rebound and score down low.

He also has a midrange game and can also knock down perimeter jumpers, even from three-point territory.

Since graduating he’s played pro-basketball in the USA, Japan, Chile, Ecuador and Argentina’s TNA League where he was voted Finals MVP, Player of the Year, Forward of the Year and Import Player of the Year in 2016.

Head coach Fab Flournoy, who has seen Scott Martin and Rahmon Fletcher leave the club this summer, was delighted by this new addition.

“Terry is a guy looking to make his way in Europe having played a number of successful years in South America,” said Flournoy.

“He is a powerful athletic forward with good range and we are expecting him to hit the ground running here.”