LYNARD STEWART watched the cream of America’s NBA crop fight it out for regional pride last weekend... And last night led the calls for the BBL to bring back an All-Star game to these shores sooner rather than later. The Eagles forward would surely nail his place in the best that the North’s franchises have to offer. And Stewart would love to test himself alongside fellow big hitters from the Rocks, Sharks, Cheshire and Everton. “I stayed up to watch the NBA All Star game from New Orleans and I just loved it,” he said. “It’s such a huge event back home and you can watch all the games played over three or four days. “There’s the D-League match, the rookies game and all the entertainment in between. I love it all but everyone is waiting for the main event. “Being from Philadelphia I always root for the East and I played High School basketball with Rasheed Wallace. “It was a thrill to see him play in the game for the fourth time and it was great to see the East win again.” Stewart has never experienced a BBL All Star game – the US star arrived in this country after the skills showpiece was axed several seasons ago. But many British fans are against reviving a match with nothing at stake and previously viewed by many coaches as an irritating interruption to a tough campaign. And there are no plans at BBL board level to add the friendly fixture to an already congested domestic calendar. But Stewart can see many benefits in bringing back the traditional North v South clash – not least the chance to bring together the very best that UK hoops has to offer under one roof. “I’d love to play on the same side as the best guys from Scotland, Chester and Sheffield,” he added. “It would be great to see close up just what those guys have to offer and to try a few things with different players. “And not every talented player in this league is lucky enough to play in finals or make the play-off weekend. “For the best guys on the lesser teams an All Star game is a chance to showcase your talents to a wider audience and prove you have what it takes in that company. “And making that game is something to aim for all season – even if things aren’t going well with your club. “I really think it could work and I’m a big supporter of bringing it back. Perhaps someone should mention it to the BBL chairman . . .” That is, of course, Newcastle boss Paul Blake but Eagle Eye understands an All Star game is the last thing on the Eagles’ owner’s mind. And even Stewart cannot afford to think too far ahead as the games which will decide his club’s success or failure this season come thick and fast. Newcastle’s most dependable inside shooter left the Metro Radio Arena at around 10.30pm on Friday after the Eagles’ easy 97-85 win against Everton. But Stewart and his team-mates were back at the venue within 12 hours ahead of yesterday’s long trip to face London Capital. “It was a tough turnaround but we prepared for the double header all week and we knew what we had to do,” he added. “The hardest thing about playing Capital is the journey but it’s the same for them coming here so we have no complaints.” V Read Simon Rushworth’s BBL Trophy final preview next Sunday as Newcastle face Guildford live on Setanta Sports. | 
