Hanke looks for GB boost with Spanish move

Randall Hanke has completed his move from Glasgow Rocks to Spanish league club Socas Canarias Tenerife with the Great Britain international claiming the decision to quit the BBL was a no-brainer.

The 6'11" centre, who has signed a three-month deal with the LEB Oro side, has revealed that his switch has the backing of GB coach Chris Finch.

And Hanke is now hoping his stint in Spain will solidify his place in the national squad for this summer's European qualifiers.

"I wanted to go there because my goal is to test myself at the highest level in Europe and this is a step closer," the New York-born rookie said.

"I had a one-week trial with Burgos earlier this season but this is a chance for me to have a proper chunk of time there. But it will be a challenge and I have to step up."

Hanke averaged 8.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in his brief stay in Glasgow.

"It's hard to leave a great situation but I couldn't pass this up," he added.

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Hanke set for Spanish switch

Glasgow Rocks BBL title hopes suffered a huge blow after Great Britain international Randall Hanke landed a lucrative offer to move to Spanish side Tenerife.
The 6’11” centre, who only joined the Kelvin Hall outfit last month, is ready to invoke an escape clause in his contract and complete the switch to the LEB club later this week.
However with just five days until the transfer deadline, Hanke’s exit leaves Rocks coach Sterling Davis in an awkward spot.
The American said: “Something always seems to happen around the deadline so I’ll have to see what I can do. I understand that it would be a good move for Randall. He’s still waiting on the contract but it looks pretty likely that he’ll be leaving.”

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Hanke has learning curve, says Rocks boss

Great Britain centre Randall Hanke can use his half-season in the BBL to propel himself to a long professional career, according to Glasgow Rocks player-coach Sterling Davis.
Hanke, who arrived last month after unsuccessful trials overseas, is still coming off the bench for the Kelvin Hall outfit but has shown glimpses of the potential that saw him win five caps for GB last summer coming out of Providence.
The rookie still has his eyes on a lucrative switch into mainland Europe next season but Davis thinks he must make the adjustments needed to cope with the paid ranks.
“I’ve been impressed with him so far but he’s still trying to get acclimated,” the Texan said. “Once he doesn’t have to think too much about what we’re doing offensively and defensively, he’ll be even better,
“He has to get used to the style of the game in this country, where you have more forwards than centres and things like that. But he’s a real asset.”
Davis also confirmed he will make no further moves ahead of the BBL trade deadline on February 28.

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