Gareth Murray’s side has had their pre-season schedule confirmed, taking on teams within the British Basketball League, and some elite European competition. This news comes as the side prepares for an inaugural campaign in the Basketball Champions League, as well as a crucial one domestically, as new and returning players and staff hope to defend the Trophy and improve on the regular season and playoff form.
The prep begins with a trip to Manchester this Thursday, 24th August, as the side takes on a new-look London Lions side in a behind-closed-doors event. This will give two of the league’s best the opportunity to battle it out, and test strategies to be used domestically and on the continent. The Lions will play their first game with new Head Coach Petar Božić, as Gladiators’ Head Coach Gareth Murray, fresh off a 3-year contract extension, will see his changed roster in-game for the first time.
Following this, Gladiators will fly overseas to Belgium to take on Filou Oostende on two occasions (1st, 2nd September) and Antwerp Giants (3rd September). Within the BXNT League, a combined competition between Belgian and Netherlands-based teams, forming their top-tier competition, both sides are highly competitive. Last season, in the 22-23 campaign, Oostende made the competition’s final, being defeated by Dutch side ZZ Leiden, whilst Antwerp were knocked out in the Belgium national final by Oostende.
Finally, Gladiators travel to the nearest British Basketball League rivals, Newcastle Eagles, for a matchup infront of a Vertu Motors Arena crowd on the 10th of September. This, a final confirmed fixture for the pre-season, will be an interesting one as the Eagles have brought in plenty of familiar British Basketball faces for their domestic and European journey in the ENBL. Get your tickets via the Eagles website HERE!
Women’s pre-season fixtures are yet to be confirmed but are set to be announced in the coming days.
Get your club memberships for an action-packed 23/24 campaign HERE! Also, tickets for our season-opening fixtures against Surrey Scorchers and Durham Palatinates have been released. Secure your seats now!
