Rocks add swingman Crowell

Glasgow Rocks have signed American-born small forward Michael Crowell to reinforce their BBL title challenge. The 23-year-old from Arizona, who has a German passport, previously played for Bundesliga side Weissenhorn and is slated to make his debut for the Kelvin Hall outfit against Worcester on November 29.

Rocks coach Sterling Davis said: “I felt like we needed some extra back-up at that position for Gareth Murray. Michael gives us another option. He’s 6’7” and can play a couple of positions as well as shooting the three-pointer. He can also defend and having that extra depth is going to help.”

Davis will now accelerate his chase for a centre to strengthen his under-sized line-up and confirmed: “We’re still looking there.”

Yanders: Rocks are back

Glasgow Rocks captain Rob Yanders believes Sunday’s win over Everton can be the result that inspires his side to start playing like BBL title contenders rather than also-rans.

The Kelvin Hall outfit roared from behind to beat Everton 84-69 despite seeing coach Sterling Davis ejected from the sidelines.

And Yanders believes the eighth-placed Scots – and especially rookie star Mike Copeland – have finally understood what is required to compete.

He said: “This is something we can build on. Doing what we did against Everton can definitely be a spark for us to start moving up the table. I think Mike illustrated that by showing so much maturity, getting 12 rebounds. He was key for us. But the whole team grew up. Sterling called on everybody to step up and they did.”

The Rocks now have a fortnight’s break from action before meeting Worcester but Yanders will demand maximum effort on the practice court.

The American said: “We have to focus on what we have and build on that over the next two weeks. We don’t need to keep having excuses. We just have to move on.”

Parillon remains with Rocks

Glasgow Rocks boss Sterling Davis has vowed to stick by Steve Parillon despite talk that the controversial Virgin Islander might be on his way.

The Kelvin Hall outfit return to action on Saturday at Cheshire Jets after battling back from an outbreak of swine flu but have the nightmare task of also hosting in-form Everton Tigers 24 hours later.

And Davis wants Parillon, who has averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds this term, to start imposing himself off the bench.

The American revealed: “Steve’s doing better. It was a matter of him understanding his role and what the team expects of him. He needs to focus more on what he needs to take care of rather than getting involved in everything else. I like to give everyone a chance before trying to rectify it and at the moment, I want to add to the squad rather than losing anyone.”

Rocks starlet set for States

One of Glasgow Rocks newly-formed women’s team has landed a move to the United States after being scouted by a top university. Erin McGarrachan, who captains Scotland’s junior national team, will join the University of Texas-El Paso next year after landing a four-year scholarship to study and play basketball.

The 5’11” teenager from Cumbernauld, who is already on the radar of the Great Britain Under-20 team, was approached by several colleges throughout the USA but opted for UTEP after being impressed by their facilities and coaches.

“Erin has genuine GB aspirations and is a very smart girl, so am sure she will enjoy and contribute to UTEP's on court success over the next four years,” said Scotland junior coach Donna Finnie, who facilitated the switch.

“She is on her own in her school and club in terms of vision and commitment, and as a 17 year-old girl that is tough when friends are out partying. She has stuck with her workout programme of club training, strength and conditioning and individual workouts because she wants to be the best she can be every time she steps on court. She is a dream to coach because she soaks up information, but more importantly, is the most consistent player I have worked with.”

Yanders glad of home comforts

Glasgow Rocks captain Rob Yanders has admitted he’s glad the club’s nightmare run of away games has come to an end following Friday’s 85-75 loss to Sheffield.

The Kelvin Hall outfit have not played at home since the opening weekend of the BBL season after being turfed out to accommodate a snooker tournament.

However the Rocks, who have won just two of their opening five fixtures, will be back at their base for next weekend’s crucial Cup clash against Cheshire and the Milwaukee-born guard wants it to spark a move up the standings.

“Not being at home is something you get used to but it’s been different for the rookies,” said Yanders. “You get used to one place and it helps settle you into a routine. But now we’ve split our spell on the road. It’s up to us to take advantage when we have a bunch of games at the Kelvin Hall and make them count.”