Following an impressive 22/23 British Basketball campaign, including winning the Trophy in historic fashion in Glasgow, Gareth Murray has signed a new three-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2026. This comes as the club moves into a new chapter and expands into Europe with a Basketball Champions League and potential FIBA Europe Cup campaign around the corner.
Beginning his coaching career as a player/coach in the 2020/21 ‘COVID’ season, Murray has grown, year-on-year, into one of the league’s elite coaches, receiving a Coach of the Month award in February, prior to winning the Trophy in March over Cheshire Phoenix in the final possession.
Last campaign, the Murray-led Gladiators impressed in the British Basketball regular season, finishing in fourth place. His side built an inspiring home record on the way to winning a solid 19 games in the competition. Also, in the Trophy, they defeated London Lions, the league’s eventual treble-winners, on their way to tournament glory.
As a player, Murray was capped over 50 times for Great Britain, also competing at three Commonwealth Games for Scotland. He retired as the best British three-point shooter of all time, earning the respect of the players he coaches based on his playing experience. As a Coach, Gareth has also been on the sidelines for GB under Marc Steutel, and led the coaching at the 2022 Commonwealth Games for Scotland, also contributing on court for the 5th-placed side.
Upon signing his extension, Gareth said: “Moving to a new arena helps build the club, it helps to bring in bigger and better players. We’re putting together a team this year that will be exciting to watch, but we also want to do well in Europe and the British Basketball League. It feels great for me to be part of the club that I’ve been involved with for many years.”
The club’s Head of Men’s Basketball, Sean Skelly, added: “I have seen first-hand the professional growth Gareth has shown over the last three seasons as a coach, culminating in a fantastic Trophy win. I am absolutely delighted to have him signed up to the club until 2026 and I look forward to at least three more years of progression and successes to come.”
Following the completion of a competitive roster, Gareth Murray’s Gladiators are set to compete in the British Basketball League, and Basketball Champions League Qualifiers. Secure your club memberships for a season of excitement in our new East Kilbride home HERE!
