Destiny in the making for new Rocks boss Murray

Gareth Murray admitted becoming the new boss of Glasgow Rocks felt like destiny after signing a two-year deal as player-coach.

The Great Britain forward, 35, fills the void left by the exit of Vincent Lavandier who took the team to the brink of the BBL title last term before the season was cancelled.

And although Arbroath-born Murray was initially reluctant to take on the role while continuing his playing career, the opportunity was too good to turn down, he claimed.

“I had always hoped and believed that one day I would become the head coach of the Glasgow Rocks,” he said.

“This opportunity came earlier than expected but I am ready.

“With the premature departure of Lavandier and the current financial implications of Covid-19, I’m now head coach.

“I will also continue to play as well as building a team that can compete on the court. The budget will of course decide the quality and amount of players I can recruit. One thing for sure is we will play with passion and continue to improve.

“I have played for the Rocks for 12 seasons with six different coaches. In that time I have learned something from each one of the them. What we all have in common is a passion to create a great culture and environment for players to improve and grow as individuals and as a team.”

The Scot, considered one of the brightest young minds in British basketball, had long been tabbed as a future coaching prospect with a number of teammates past and present – plus

Lavandier himself – advancing his candidacy.

He will also have to contend with a significant rebuilding at the Emirates Arena whenever the new season begins, with budgets primed to reduce due to coronavirus.

But club chairman Duncan Smillie said: “The appointment of Gareth on a two-year contract brings much needed continuity and stability to the organisation at a time when calm heads and vision are required.

“When I first met Gareth three years ago he made it clear to me that he saw himself as a future Rocks coach.

“In all honestly it has perhaps come a couple of years earlier than we both thought but he has been preparing for this for a long time. As Rocks captain last season he learned a lot from our head coach, he has a first class understanding of the BBL and is a Rock through and through.

“I am really looking forward to working with Gareth and helping him where I can off the court.

“Now is the time to start building and planning for next season.”