The Glasgow Rocks have made early moves in preparation for the 2018-19 season with the signing of Head Coach Darryl Wood, Captain Kieron Achara and Gareth Murray to contracts for the forthcoming season.
Darryl Wood started the 2017/18 season as the Rocks Assistant Coach and took over the helm upon the departure of Tony Garbelotto. Since taking over as Head Coach Darryl has recorded 7 wins in 11 games and will be going into the Playoffs this weekend looking for wins 8 and 9.
Darryl Wood had the following to say about taking on the Head Coaching role for the 2018/19 season:
“I don’t think words can express how delighted and excited I am to have been offered to continue on as Head Coach next season. It really is an incredible place to work, for me to be fulfilling what was genuinely a dream job only 4 years ago is at the moment , still a bit unbelievable. My focus remains on the play – offs for now after that I am looking forward to diving head first into everything that nee ds to be done in the off-season. I may not have the experience of some previous coaches but I can promise I will be the hardest working. It ’ s a great time to be involved with the Rocks and I feel together with the owner, staff and players we will d rive things forward in the coming year(s).”
Captain Kieron Achara has been a stalwart of the club and will once again be donning the Rocks jersey for the forthcoming season. Achara averaged 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game this season and is sure to once again be a prominent figure come BBL Award time.
Achara is appreciative for another season with the Glasgow Rocks outfit and is looking forward to what lays ahead:
“ I’m thankful to get another opportunity to play for the Rocks and I hope that it continues way past my playing career. W e are building something special here in Glasgow and I love that I am getting to be a part of that. ”
The final piece in the three point puzzle is that of Glasgow Rocks’ recently voted MVP, Gareth Murray, who has also signed on the dotted line for the 2018/19 season, making it a trifecta of signings for the Rocks. Gareth Murray has been pivotal to the Rocks success this season averaging 12.5 point s , 3.2 assists and 3.9 reboun ds per game. He is looking forward to suiting up for the Rocks and continuing his legacy at the franchise.
“I am pleased to be returning to the club for another season. Glasgow has become my home and the Rocks part of my family. I would like to finish my playing career in a Rocks jersey, I feel t he club has a bright future ahead and I have aspirations to be a part of it post playing career.”
Head of Performance at basketballscotland, Barry Lang is excited to see Scotland’s only Men’s professional franchise investing in Scottish talent, both on the floor and at the sideline:
“It’s great to see that Glasgow Rocks believe in these 3 guys. Kieron is a great role model, Gareth is a warrior on court and Darryl is a highly motivated young coach. The fact that the franchise are investing in Scottish Talent, proves their commitment to the sport and I hope this, plus our success at the Commonwealth Games, will inspire the next generation of players and coaching staff.
Glasgow Rocks Owner , Duncan Smillie , is excited about the future of the club and feels that Darryl, Kieron and Garet h will be a formidable force to be reckoned with next season.
“I am delighted to be making this announcement, the best 3 pointer of our season without question. Darryl has clearly demonstrated his ability to lead the Rocks as Head Coach for next season, he has an outstanding knowledge of the game and commands the total respect of the players and management, with 2 on court/locker room generals in Kieron and Gareth I am very excited about the future of our team. Retaining the services of Kieron and Gareth is a real coup for the Rocks, these guys are GB internationals an d two of the finest players in the BBL and not without options in this league and overseas. Their commitment to the Rocks is unconditional and I would hope we have these guys here for the rest of their playing careers and indeed they become intrinsically part of our club when their playing days come to an end but hopefully not for a few years yet. Let’s not forget that Ali Fraser is here next year too, so that’s a pretty impressive 3 on our roster already for next season.”
