TONEY 4 OBAMA
11/08/2008 Tafari 'Tap' Toney bagged his first double double on Tyneside and revealed: "That one's for Obama!"

Tafari 'Tap' Toney bagged his first double double on Tyneside and revealed: "That one's for Obama!"

The Newcastle Eagles camp was buzzing last week following US president-elect Barack Obama's big win.

And hot Tap was determined to create his own piece of history after a landmark week in world politics.

"The guys haven't stopped talking about Obama all week and it's a wonderful time for the US," said the BBL rookie.

"All the American guys here were very, very happy. It's an historic change for everyone and shows people across the world that the US can move forward.

"It shows the world that everybody really is united because it wasn't just black people voting for him.

"I didn't get a chance to vote because I didn't get to grips with the overseas ballot thing in time.

"That was a bit of a blow but I'm really pleased with the way things worked out back home.

"It shows kids in the tough parts of town that they really can go from nothing to be the most powerful man in the world."

Toney knows all about power and the towering import is gradually making his mark on the BBL after a slow start with the Eagles.

A double double of 10 points and 14 boards against Worthing Thunder on Friday gave Eagles' fans their first true glimpse of the big man's potential.

And Toney is predicting more of the same as he gets to grips with player-coach Fabulous Flournoy's specific demands.

"All of my life I've played man-to-man defence but the system's different here," he added. "And that suits me just fine because I'm adding a different string to my bow.

"I'm loving it here in the BBL and I feel very lucky to have stepped straight out of college and into my first job in Newcastle.

"I can speak the language, my mother's family is from London originally and I just happen to have signed for a championship team.

"It all feels right. What more could you ask of your first move into the professional ranks?"

The Eagles had no trouble overcoming an injury-hit Thunder roster but next Friday's clash against Leicester Riders will be a far tougher test.

The rejuvenated East Midlanders take on unbeaten Rocks in Glasgow this afternoon on the back of a 5-3 championship record.

And a win north of the border would get people talking about the Riders as serious Playoff contenders after several seasons in the doldrums.

For Toney the next two weeks are all about building on his Worthing display and he added: "I've been bowled over by the BBL so far.

"The league is a strong league but I know Newcastle can go to the next level. When I walk around the city and see how much sport means to the people here it's just crazy.

"I couldn't be in a better place as a basketball player."