Glasgow Rocks coach Sterling Davis has challenged Mike Copeland to become a BBL All Star after agreeing a new one-year deal with the American forward.
Copeland spent four years at the University of North Carolina, of the Atlantic Coast Conference, but his career there was hampered with injuries preventing him from really breaking into the rotation.
Despite these setbacks, the rookie posted an average of 13.1 points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game in his debut BBL campaign. But Davis wants even more out of him second time around.
“We are very excited about getting Mike back,” he said. “He established himself as not only a very good player but also a fan favourite here at the rocks. He is a very approachable guy that everyone instantly took a liking to. It’s always good to have guys around who can show recognition to the fans just as they do week after week for us on the court.”
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Showing posts with label Glasgow Rocks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Glasgow Rocks. Show all posts
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Thursday, 17 June 2010
Steve Parillon cut loose by Glasgow Rocks
Glasgow Rocks coach Sterling Davis has axed Steve Parillon after telling the forward that he isn’t part of his plans for next season.
The volatile Virgin Islander, who averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds for the Kelvin Hall outfit last term, is out of contract this summer but will not be offered a fresh deal.
“Steve helped us a lot, especially during the latter part of the season,” said Davis. “He had some good games and contributed to our run to the play-off final. But it’s best that we part ways at this point.”
Davis, along with a number of other BBL coaches, will fly to Las Vegas next month to scout for potential replacements at the NBA’s summer camp. “I want to see who is available,” he confirmed.
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The volatile Virgin Islander, who averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds for the Kelvin Hall outfit last term, is out of contract this summer but will not be offered a fresh deal.
“Steve helped us a lot, especially during the latter part of the season,” said Davis. “He had some good games and contributed to our run to the play-off final. But it’s best that we part ways at this point.”
Davis, along with a number of other BBL coaches, will fly to Las Vegas next month to scout for potential replacements at the NBA’s summer camp. “I want to see who is available,” he confirmed.
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Thursday, 3 June 2010
Rob Yanders ready to fight for Great Britain place
Just four weeks after receiving his UK citizenship, Glasgow Rocks captain Rob Yanders has set his sights on leading Great Britain to glory in the 2012 Olympic Games, even if the route passes through his native USA.
Milwaukee-born Yanders is set to link up with GB for the first time next month after coach Chris Finch handed him the chance to fill his troublesome point guard slow.
The 31-year-old admits that playing in the summer’s European Championship qualifiers will be a massive step up in class from the British Basketball League. However he believes he’s ready for the challenge of earning a spot in the final 12-man squad.
“Playing internationally will be a higher level and I’m excited about playing with talented guys,” Yanders said. “But I have to give myself credit. I’m on the same level mentally. And in the BBL, I’ve wrecked it.
“I am backing myself to make the team. That’s not being cocky but if I don’t back myself, who will? I’ve spoken to Chris. Nothing’s guaranteed but he’ll give me a fair shot. Hopefully, he’ll keep me around and I can get used to playing at that level again and run myself all the way to 2012.”
Yanders is also eligible to play for Scotland if his GB dreams fall through and he is keeping the door ajar.
“I’ve been here five years and Glasgow is my second home now,” he said. “So representing Scotland’s something I wouldn’t rule out.”
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Milwaukee-born Yanders is set to link up with GB for the first time next month after coach Chris Finch handed him the chance to fill his troublesome point guard slow.
The 31-year-old admits that playing in the summer’s European Championship qualifiers will be a massive step up in class from the British Basketball League. However he believes he’s ready for the challenge of earning a spot in the final 12-man squad.
“Playing internationally will be a higher level and I’m excited about playing with talented guys,” Yanders said. “But I have to give myself credit. I’m on the same level mentally. And in the BBL, I’ve wrecked it.
“I am backing myself to make the team. That’s not being cocky but if I don’t back myself, who will? I’ve spoken to Chris. Nothing’s guaranteed but he’ll give me a fair shot. Hopefully, he’ll keep me around and I can get used to playing at that level again and run myself all the way to 2012.”
Yanders is also eligible to play for Scotland if his GB dreams fall through and he is keeping the door ajar.
“I’ve been here five years and Glasgow is my second home now,” he said. “So representing Scotland’s something I wouldn’t rule out.”
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Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Rocks Murray keeping options open
Scotland captain Gareth Murray has admitted he will keep his options open on agreeing a new deal with Glasgow Rocks. Sorting out a fresh contract for the Arbroath-born forward is expected to be high on the to-do list of coach Sterling Davis after several of the Rocks imported stars jetted out of the country without firm offers on the table.
However Murray is likely to receive interest from elsewhere in the UK and overseas, if he chooses to move on.
He said: “We’ll see what happens. The club will be out looking for players and trying to get the best team together. Who knows what my position will be? I could be back here or I could be elsewhere.”
Meanwhile Scottish teenage Ali Fraser has been handed a shot at making it in the USA after landing a scholarship to the University of Maine.
The 6’7” Falkirk Fury forward, 17, was the second-highest scorer in the Scottish League this season and produced a dominating display to lead John Bunyan’s men to the Scottish Cup last month.
“We are very excited to have Alasdair join our basketball programme here at Maine,” Maine head Coach Ted Woodward said. “He is an extremely gifted player and a wonderful student and person. We are thrilled for him to be a Black Bear.”
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However Murray is likely to receive interest from elsewhere in the UK and overseas, if he chooses to move on.
He said: “We’ll see what happens. The club will be out looking for players and trying to get the best team together. Who knows what my position will be? I could be back here or I could be elsewhere.”
Meanwhile Scottish teenage Ali Fraser has been handed a shot at making it in the USA after landing a scholarship to the University of Maine.
The 6’7” Falkirk Fury forward, 17, was the second-highest scorer in the Scottish League this season and produced a dominating display to lead John Bunyan’s men to the Scottish Cup last month.
“We are very excited to have Alasdair join our basketball programme here at Maine,” Maine head Coach Ted Woodward said. “He is an extremely gifted player and a wonderful student and person. We are thrilled for him to be a Black Bear.”
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Saturday, 8 May 2010
Everton win play-off crown despite Glasgow rally
Thrilled Everton Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto admitted his side saved their best for last after his side mauled Glasgow Rocks in the BBL play-off final.
Trey Moore hit a game-high 22 points, with Kevin Bell picking up the MVP trophy as the Merseymen stole the honours after a dramatic 80-72 win in Birmingham.
In a stunning finish, the Scots simply ran out of gas after a heroic fightback that saw them come from 22 down before falling at the last.
“We really had to dig deep for this,” said Garbelotto. “We were comfortable, they came back and then it was suddenly all to play for. But guys like Kevin, Trey and James Jones hit big shots when it counted at the end.”
Sterling Davis’ men nearly pulled off mission improbable after missing their first 17 three-point attempts as Everton piled on the pressure. When rookie guard Jessie Sapp netted from long range in the third period, it began a storming fightback that saw the Rocks edge 59-58 ahead with 7 minutes to go.
But Everton made one last push to steal the last piece of silverware to break the Rocks hearts.
“It’s just so disappointing because we came out so flat,” said Rocks captain Rob Yanders, who hit 15 points before fouling out on what is likely to be his last appearance for the Kelvin Hall outfit.
“We needed so much energy to come back and there just wasn’t enough there in the end. It’s probably the worst 20 minutes of basketball we’ve played this season and it came at the wrong time. But credit to Everton for the way they played.”
Earlier, Sheffield Sharks guard Mike Cook took MVP honours in the BBL All Star Game as the Rest of the World line-up beat Great Britain 110-94.
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Trey Moore hit a game-high 22 points, with Kevin Bell picking up the MVP trophy as the Merseymen stole the honours after a dramatic 80-72 win in Birmingham.
In a stunning finish, the Scots simply ran out of gas after a heroic fightback that saw them come from 22 down before falling at the last.
“We really had to dig deep for this,” said Garbelotto. “We were comfortable, they came back and then it was suddenly all to play for. But guys like Kevin, Trey and James Jones hit big shots when it counted at the end.”
Sterling Davis’ men nearly pulled off mission improbable after missing their first 17 three-point attempts as Everton piled on the pressure. When rookie guard Jessie Sapp netted from long range in the third period, it began a storming fightback that saw the Rocks edge 59-58 ahead with 7 minutes to go.
But Everton made one last push to steal the last piece of silverware to break the Rocks hearts.
“It’s just so disappointing because we came out so flat,” said Rocks captain Rob Yanders, who hit 15 points before fouling out on what is likely to be his last appearance for the Kelvin Hall outfit.
“We needed so much energy to come back and there just wasn’t enough there in the end. It’s probably the worst 20 minutes of basketball we’ve played this season and it came at the wrong time. But credit to Everton for the way they played.”
Earlier, Sheffield Sharks guard Mike Cook took MVP honours in the BBL All Star Game as the Rest of the World line-up beat Great Britain 110-94.
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Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Copeland looks to set new Tar Heel mark
Glasgow Rocks forward Mike Copeland plans to call the coach who turned him into an All-American hero and urge him to jet to Birmingham to back his bid to earn a slice of sporting history that eluded the great Michael Jordan.
The rookie star won America’s college title last year at the University of North Carolina, playing for the legendary Roy Williams.
However the 24-year-old has revealed that a few words from his former boss helped him find the extra gear that boosted the Rocks unexpected BBL play-off run that will culminate in Saturday’s final against Everton.
Copeland said: “I talked to Coach Williams and his assistants on Skype a week or two ago and they told me to go out and win a championship. They said ‘we got you one here, so you could be the first UNC player to do that and go out and win a pro championship the following year, back to back.’
“Michael Jordan didn’t do it. James Worthy didn’t do it. Vince Carter didn’t do it. None of the legends whose shirts are up in the rafters have done it. So I want to go and get it.
“So I’m calling him to tell him what’s happened and see if he’ll fly over. He loves playing golf at St. Andrew’s so I’m hoping he’ll come watch us play in the final.”
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The rookie star won America’s college title last year at the University of North Carolina, playing for the legendary Roy Williams.
However the 24-year-old has revealed that a few words from his former boss helped him find the extra gear that boosted the Rocks unexpected BBL play-off run that will culminate in Saturday’s final against Everton.
Copeland said: “I talked to Coach Williams and his assistants on Skype a week or two ago and they told me to go out and win a championship. They said ‘we got you one here, so you could be the first UNC player to do that and go out and win a pro championship the following year, back to back.’
“Michael Jordan didn’t do it. James Worthy didn’t do it. Vince Carter didn’t do it. None of the legends whose shirts are up in the rafters have done it. So I want to go and get it.
“So I’m calling him to tell him what’s happened and see if he’ll fly over. He loves playing golf at St. Andrew’s so I’m hoping he’ll come watch us play in the final.”
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Monday, 3 May 2010
Everton to face Glasgow in play-off final
Everton Tigers and Glasgow Rocks upset the odds and the formbook to tee up a BBL play-off final showdown in Birmingham next Saturday.
Everton defeated league champions Newcastle Eagles 95-79 in both legs of their last four tie for a comprehensive 190-158 aggregate win that sent the Merseysiders into the final for the second successive year.
Glasgow had to scrap past Sheffield Sharks to reach their first major final in three years, claiming a 75-64 victory in the second leg for a 165-157 win on aggregate over the league runners-up.
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Everton defeated league champions Newcastle Eagles 95-79 in both legs of their last four tie for a comprehensive 190-158 aggregate win that sent the Merseysiders into the final for the second successive year.
Glasgow had to scrap past Sheffield Sharks to reach their first major final in three years, claiming a 75-64 victory in the second leg for a 165-157 win on aggregate over the league runners-up.
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Saturday, 3 April 2010
Copeland still basking in Final Four experience
Exactly 52 weekends ago, Mike Copeland looked up, inhaled and took in the din from 72,456 fans inside Detroit’s Ford Field watching him throw a basketball into the air in an act of pure ecstasy. Another 16 million Americans were tuned in on TV to see his North Carolina team win the NCAA college championship, the culmination of a month-long frenzy that captivates a nation, its President included.
Forget the images of university sport, British-style, ignored and unappreciated. ‘The Tourney’, an end-of-season scrap among the best 65 teams, builds its drama with every round until only the toughest quartet remain. The Final Four, which begins tonight in Indianapolis, is the second only to the Super Bowl in Uncle Sam’s sporting stakes. And to be at its epicentre is an experience that Copeland will not forget.
“It’s like a football game here,” explains the Glasgow Rocks forward. “Everywhere you went, at the hotel, outside, there were people waiting for you. It was crazy. It was hard to stay focused because there is so much hype around North Carolina. They have fans everywhere. But it was a lot, a lot, of fun.”
As the local boy made good, in his final game before turning professional, victory was the ultimate. “It was the best way to go out after working so hard for four years, all the blood, sweat and tears on the court every day. You’re hurt. You’re banged up. It was all worth it.”
This time around, the Tar Heels were left out of March Madness. Their young, struggling team was sent into the wilderness of the NIT, where they were beaten in the final by Dayton on Thursday. “Tough year,” says Copeland who regularly talks to his former coaches.
From his current staging post, he will be rooting for ABD: Anyone But Duke, NC’s traditional rivals. West Virginia may have a shot, he says. So too Baylor. But “… I think Michigan State will do it,” he predicts. Yet the contrast between then and now could not be wider. On Saturday night, the Rocks visit the BBL’s basement side London Capital, who often struggle to draw a three-figure crowd.
It must, you wonder, be hard to find the same motivation? “It was hard at first,” he admits. “It’s like being in high school where sometimes we played in front of 200. But you have to pump yourself up.
“You see, I could pick out a player from every team in our (college) conference who would like to be in my position. They just want to play basketball but they didn’t get jobs. I know I have a team and I’m a big part. The season’s had its ups and downs. But I’m getting to play.”
Having fulfilled one dream, there are others still to chase. Someone in Indy will stand where Copeland stood and end up having a ball.
ESPN America, 11pm
Forget the images of university sport, British-style, ignored and unappreciated. ‘The Tourney’, an end-of-season scrap among the best 65 teams, builds its drama with every round until only the toughest quartet remain. The Final Four, which begins tonight in Indianapolis, is the second only to the Super Bowl in Uncle Sam’s sporting stakes. And to be at its epicentre is an experience that Copeland will not forget.
“It’s like a football game here,” explains the Glasgow Rocks forward. “Everywhere you went, at the hotel, outside, there were people waiting for you. It was crazy. It was hard to stay focused because there is so much hype around North Carolina. They have fans everywhere. But it was a lot, a lot, of fun.”
As the local boy made good, in his final game before turning professional, victory was the ultimate. “It was the best way to go out after working so hard for four years, all the blood, sweat and tears on the court every day. You’re hurt. You’re banged up. It was all worth it.”
This time around, the Tar Heels were left out of March Madness. Their young, struggling team was sent into the wilderness of the NIT, where they were beaten in the final by Dayton on Thursday. “Tough year,” says Copeland who regularly talks to his former coaches.
From his current staging post, he will be rooting for ABD: Anyone But Duke, NC’s traditional rivals. West Virginia may have a shot, he says. So too Baylor. But “… I think Michigan State will do it,” he predicts. Yet the contrast between then and now could not be wider. On Saturday night, the Rocks visit the BBL’s basement side London Capital, who often struggle to draw a three-figure crowd.
It must, you wonder, be hard to find the same motivation? “It was hard at first,” he admits. “It’s like being in high school where sometimes we played in front of 200. But you have to pump yourself up.
“You see, I could pick out a player from every team in our (college) conference who would like to be in my position. They just want to play basketball but they didn’t get jobs. I know I have a team and I’m a big part. The season’s had its ups and downs. But I’m getting to play.”
Having fulfilled one dream, there are others still to chase. Someone in Indy will stand where Copeland stood and end up having a ball.
ESPN America, 11pm
Friday, 19 March 2010
Rob Yanders: Season could be over
Glasgow Rocks captain Rob Yanders has admitted he faces a battle to be fit in time for the BBL play-offs after being ruled out for at least another month.
The American, who has already missed the side’s last four games, underwent further tests on his injured shoulder yesterday.
And doctors have warned the point guard that his season might be over if he fails to recover quickly.
Yanders said: “The X-rays showed up damage to my shoulder, chest and ribs. They’ve said it’s now going to be a minimum of four weeks but I could be done for the year.
“It’s not because of the pain. They don’t want me to rush back in case I suffer permanent damage. The doctor says I’m a fast healer and I’m getting treatment every day. In my own mind, I want to be fit and prepared for the play-offs so I’m just hoping the guys can keep hold of that top-three spot without me.”
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The American, who has already missed the side’s last four games, underwent further tests on his injured shoulder yesterday.
And doctors have warned the point guard that his season might be over if he fails to recover quickly.
Yanders said: “The X-rays showed up damage to my shoulder, chest and ribs. They’ve said it’s now going to be a minimum of four weeks but I could be done for the year.
“It’s not because of the pain. They don’t want me to rush back in case I suffer permanent damage. The doctor says I’m a fast healer and I’m getting treatment every day. In my own mind, I want to be fit and prepared for the play-offs so I’m just hoping the guys can keep hold of that top-three spot without me.”
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Crowell hails Rocks charge
Glasgow Rocks forward Mike Crowell has insisted that his side is winning on the court because they’re spending more time bonding off it.
The Kelvin Hall outfit’s five victories in a row – by an average of 19 points - has opened up the possibility of pushing for second place – and receiving home advantage in the BBL play-offs.
And Crowell reckons the way in which the Rocks worked their way together through some tricky early season losses is now paying dividends.
The American said: “The chemistry is coming together and that’s why we’re winning right now. Plus we’re defending better and that creates a better offense in turn. We’re stopping teams, making it difficult for them to score, and that’s why we’re getting easy wins. But it’s not easy to accomplish. We’ve worked hard to get here, sweating it out every day.”
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The Kelvin Hall outfit’s five victories in a row – by an average of 19 points - has opened up the possibility of pushing for second place – and receiving home advantage in the BBL play-offs.
And Crowell reckons the way in which the Rocks worked their way together through some tricky early season losses is now paying dividends.
The American said: “The chemistry is coming together and that’s why we’re winning right now. Plus we’re defending better and that creates a better offense in turn. We’re stopping teams, making it difficult for them to score, and that’s why we’re getting easy wins. But it’s not easy to accomplish. We’ve worked hard to get here, sweating it out every day.”
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Saturday, 27 February 2010
Copeland vows to regain Rocks favour
Glasgow Rocks rookie Mike Copeland has vowed to put his bust-up with coach Sterling Davis behind him and prove he deserves to have his starting place back.
The American has been relegated to the bench since a verbal spat with Davis two weeks ago during the Rocks damaging defeat to leaders Sheffield.
However Copeland, who is out of contract in the summer, is looking to show he still has a place in the Kelvin Hall outfit's future plans when they host Milton Keynes Lions on Sunday. And with captain Rob Yanders out for at least 2 weeks with a 'strained pectoral muscle', the rookie plans to step up..
“I have to challenge myself to go out every game and be focused and help the team every game,” he declared. “Because we are a good team. Right now we have to keep pushing. That's a big motivator for me and everyone else in practice every day. If we keep trying to improve, then there are still things we can accomplish."
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The American has been relegated to the bench since a verbal spat with Davis two weeks ago during the Rocks damaging defeat to leaders Sheffield.
However Copeland, who is out of contract in the summer, is looking to show he still has a place in the Kelvin Hall outfit's future plans when they host Milton Keynes Lions on Sunday. And with captain Rob Yanders out for at least 2 weeks with a 'strained pectoral muscle', the rookie plans to step up..
“I have to challenge myself to go out every game and be focused and help the team every game,” he declared. “Because we are a good team. Right now we have to keep pushing. That's a big motivator for me and everyone else in practice every day. If we keep trying to improve, then there are still things we can accomplish."
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Monday, 22 February 2010
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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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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Thursday, 18 February 2010
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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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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Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Rob Yanders insists Glasgow Rocks can challenge for BBL.
Rob Yanders believes Glasgow Rocks to build an effective challenge to the presumed BBL title duopoly of Sheffield Sharks and Newcastle Eagles.
Wins over Leicester and Plymouth last weekend means Sterling Davis’ men have now reeled off six successive victories to move into third place.
“We’re just trying to stay consistent,” Yanders declared. “The team chemistry is just getting better and better and we seem to be getting to know each other every time we go out there. Guys know their roles and they know when to step up. And we’re playing right to the 40th minute.”
The Rocks have also finally added a genuine centre in 6’11” Randall Hanke and Yanders expects the GB international to provide a new dimension.
“He’s a nice big target for us inside,” Yanders added. “He’s not come into his own yet but having him, and that extra depth, is going to help us against everybody.”
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Wins over Leicester and Plymouth last weekend means Sterling Davis’ men have now reeled off six successive victories to move into third place.
“We’re just trying to stay consistent,” Yanders declared. “The team chemistry is just getting better and better and we seem to be getting to know each other every time we go out there. Guys know their roles and they know when to step up. And we’re playing right to the 40th minute.”
The Rocks have also finally added a genuine centre in 6’11” Randall Hanke and Yanders expects the GB international to provide a new dimension.
“He’s a nice big target for us inside,” Yanders added. “He’s not come into his own yet but having him, and that extra depth, is going to help us against everybody.”
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Friday, 22 January 2010
Great Britain duo land in BBL
Two of Great Britain internationals have signed to play in the British Basketball League until the end of the season.
Point guard Flinder Boyd, who has been battling a knee injury, has completed his long-discussed move to Newcastle Eagles.
While twice-capped centre Randall Hanke joins the Glasgow Rocks to make his rookie debut.
Boyd, a Dartmouth graduate, comes to the reigning league champions, as the latest stop in a pro career that began in 2002 at French Pro A club Le Havre. He has since played in French Pro B with Mulhouse and Nantes, before a two year spell with Rosalia in the Spanish LEB. Boyd's last club attachment was with Leicester Riders, before joining the Great Britain national team last summer.
Eagles coach Fab Flournoy believes that he already has a basis of a team to retain the BBL Championship title, but feels Boyd, who will arrive on Tyneside next week, will give the team an extra dimension once he regains full fitness.
"Flinder is a player I have been keen to sign for a little while now. We have talked a lot recently and have monitored Flinders' rehabilitation. He is a much respected player and I think the type of character that is going to fit very easily into our system. He is also the type of guy that makes players around him better, which will be a real shot in the arm for us at this point in the season, both on and off the court."
New York-born Hanke has British citizenship granting him 5 caps with team GB and at 25, has finally completed a protracted move to Glasgow.
"Randall is the body we've been searching for, for what seems like forever now," said Rocks coach Sterling Davis. "He's a hard worker on both ends of the floor with a soft touch around the basket. He will definitely give us some added depth on our frontline."
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Point guard Flinder Boyd, who has been battling a knee injury, has completed his long-discussed move to Newcastle Eagles.
While twice-capped centre Randall Hanke joins the Glasgow Rocks to make his rookie debut.
Boyd, a Dartmouth graduate, comes to the reigning league champions, as the latest stop in a pro career that began in 2002 at French Pro A club Le Havre. He has since played in French Pro B with Mulhouse and Nantes, before a two year spell with Rosalia in the Spanish LEB. Boyd's last club attachment was with Leicester Riders, before joining the Great Britain national team last summer.
Eagles coach Fab Flournoy believes that he already has a basis of a team to retain the BBL Championship title, but feels Boyd, who will arrive on Tyneside next week, will give the team an extra dimension once he regains full fitness.
"Flinder is a player I have been keen to sign for a little while now. We have talked a lot recently and have monitored Flinders' rehabilitation. He is a much respected player and I think the type of character that is going to fit very easily into our system. He is also the type of guy that makes players around him better, which will be a real shot in the arm for us at this point in the season, both on and off the court."
New York-born Hanke has British citizenship granting him 5 caps with team GB and at 25, has finally completed a protracted move to Glasgow.
"Randall is the body we've been searching for, for what seems like forever now," said Rocks coach Sterling Davis. "He's a hard worker on both ends of the floor with a soft touch around the basket. He will definitely give us some added depth on our frontline."
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Thursday, 14 January 2010
Assists crown sits neatly with Jessie Sapp
Glasgow Rocks guard Jessie Sapp has admitted he would be thrilled to win the BBL’s assists title, even if it means he gives up his chance to steal the scoring spotlight.
The New Yorker has bagged a league-high 6.9 dimes per game this season for the Kelvin Hall outfit, along averaging with 18 points.
However the rookie, who left Georgetown University last summer, insists he is comfortable with his surprise change of role to become the Rocks’ primary playmaker.
Sapp said: “Everybody looks at the game and says ‘ this person scored X amount of points’. You can contribute in other ways than just scoring and still be the main factor on the team. I think that’s a great thing. It makes you a complete player. Anyone can score. Anyone can settle for being a three-point shooter. But when you can rebound, play defence, get steals and assists, that’s what makes you a good player.”
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The New Yorker has bagged a league-high 6.9 dimes per game this season for the Kelvin Hall outfit, along averaging with 18 points.
However the rookie, who left Georgetown University last summer, insists he is comfortable with his surprise change of role to become the Rocks’ primary playmaker.
Sapp said: “Everybody looks at the game and says ‘ this person scored X amount of points’. You can contribute in other ways than just scoring and still be the main factor on the team. I think that’s a great thing. It makes you a complete player. Anyone can score. Anyone can settle for being a three-point shooter. But when you can rebound, play defence, get steals and assists, that’s what makes you a good player.”
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Monday, 21 December 2009
Davis rips into Rocks
Glasgow Rocks coach Sterling Davis blasted his side for a lack of effort on as the BBL leaders Sheffield Sharks cruised to a 77-67 win on Sunday that gives them a four-point cushion heading into Christmas.
The Kelvin Hall outfit, who now sit in seventh place, were ripped apart when the Sharks hit 11 in a row in the second quarter.
And a furious Davis said: “I’m completely disappointed in that performance. We only really played hard for one quarter and I think some guys were already thinking about the Christmas break.
“Sheffield are a good team but we didn’t fight to stay with them. I just saw in some of the guys eyes that they didn’t come out to compete.”
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The Kelvin Hall outfit, who now sit in seventh place, were ripped apart when the Sharks hit 11 in a row in the second quarter.
And a furious Davis said: “I’m completely disappointed in that performance. We only really played hard for one quarter and I think some guys were already thinking about the Christmas break.
“Sheffield are a good team but we didn’t fight to stay with them. I just saw in some of the guys eyes that they didn’t come out to compete.”
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Monday, 14 December 2009
Practice is Glasgow Rocks secret: Copeland
Glasgow Rocks forward Mike Copeland insists his team’s ultra-tough practice games have sparked the Scots back into title contention.
The Kelvin Hall outfit will bid for a fifth straight win against Plymouth on Wednesday. And the fast-improving North Carolina product claims that the fight for playing time within the Rocks reinforced nine-man squad has added an edge to their preparations.
“Practices have become very competitive," said Copeland. "Everyone wants to show they deserve to play. And I like that. We’re going hard every day to get a spot in the team.”
The additional depth has allowed Rocks player-coach Sterling Davis to cut back his minutes with the side rotating its cover in the middle with Copeland and Mike Crowell sharing duties as the Scots try to combat size with speed.
And that, in turn, says Copeland has given the players a clearer sense of direction.
"Sterling’s helping us a lot when he’s coaching from the sidelines," he added. "But he’s also telling us what to do a lot more when he’s out on the court. He’s seeing the whole floor and picking up what we’re doing wrong."
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The Kelvin Hall outfit will bid for a fifth straight win against Plymouth on Wednesday. And the fast-improving North Carolina product claims that the fight for playing time within the Rocks reinforced nine-man squad has added an edge to their preparations.
“Practices have become very competitive," said Copeland. "Everyone wants to show they deserve to play. And I like that. We’re going hard every day to get a spot in the team.”
The additional depth has allowed Rocks player-coach Sterling Davis to cut back his minutes with the side rotating its cover in the middle with Copeland and Mike Crowell sharing duties as the Scots try to combat size with speed.
And that, in turn, says Copeland has given the players a clearer sense of direction.
"Sterling’s helping us a lot when he’s coaching from the sidelines," he added. "But he’s also telling us what to do a lot more when he’s out on the court. He’s seeing the whole floor and picking up what we’re doing wrong."
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