The powerhouse ­playmaker was a key player as the Eagles completed a 2012 clean sweep.

But the American left Tyneside last summer – bagging contracts in Morocco and Slovakia before a change of heart.

The 27-year-old (right) top-scored for Newcastle at Cheshire on Sunday as the Eagles soared to a 106-65 win.

He said: “Two games in and we’re top of the table – that’s exactly where we should be.

“I’m a winner and I came back to win games, win trophies and win back respect for this franchise.

“Newcastle is a franchise that’s used to winning and that suits me just fine.

“Losing everything last year hit the Eagles hard, and it hurt me.

“We’re still growing as a team but we’ve already shown we can fight together when the going gets tough.’’