Rocks re-sign Coach Darryl Wood and Great Britain duoe Kieron Achara and Gareth Murray for 2018-19

The Glasgow Rocks have made early moves in preparation for next season by signing Head Coach Darryl Wood, Captain Kieron Achara and recently voted RJM MVP award winner Gareth Murray to contracts for the forthcoming 2018-19 campaign.

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, Wood has recorded 7 wins and 4 losses And will be going into the Play-Offs this weekend looking for wins 8 and 9.

“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,” said Wood.

 

“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 needs 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 drive 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 2018-19 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, stating: “I’m thankful to get another opportunity to play for the Rocks and I hope that it continues way past my playing career. We 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 RJM MVP, Gareth Murray, who has also signed on the dotted line – making it a trifecta of signings for the Rocks. 

 

Murray has been pivotal to the Rocks success this season averaging 12.5 points, 3.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. 

“I am pleased to be returning to the club for another season,” enthused Murray.

 

“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 the club has a bright future ahead and I have aspirations to be a part of it post playing career.”

Meanwhile Glasgow Rocks’ Owner, Duncan Smillie, is excited about the future of the club and feels that the trio will be a formidable force to be reckoned with next season.

He said: “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. And, with 2 on court and 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 and 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,” concluded Smillie.