Gladiators eye title in 'big moment' for British basketball

Gareth Murray expects the league to be even more competitive

Caledonia Gladiators head coach Gareth Murray believes his side can challenge for silverware again as the new Super League Basketball ushers in "a big moment" for the sport in Britain.

Financial concerns led to the demise of the British Basketball League and the hurried formation over the summer of the new nine-team set-up.

Gladiators won the BBL Trophy in 2023 and finished third in last season's overall championship, denied second only on points difference.

"We're trying to grow, trying to get a good fan base for every team," Murray told BBC Scotland. "We want more franchises in the league.

"It's a big moment for British basketball but also for the Caledonia Gladiators. We want to take another step forward, build the club, the men's team, the women's team, the community. It's a big, exciting year for us."

Murray, whose side start their campaign at home to Manchester Giants on Friday, believes "it is realistic for us" to challenge for the new title.

"We've brought six players back from last year, so it's important for us to keep that continuity," he said. "I think it's possible.

"A lot of the teams are very evenly balanced this year, even more so than in previous years. So it's going to be difficult for sure, but we feel the right people that can make the jump."

With British players providing the core of the squad, Murray is adamant he has enough strength in depth, mentality and work ethic.

"We still have the imports - you can have six imports in the team," he said. "For us, it's important to look to the British talent.

"We have eight British players on our roster. I think that's the most in the British league. So we want to develop homegrown players and that's only possible if you have British players on your professional team."

Murray pointed out that the BBL Trophy win at the Emirates ended a 20-year wait for such a success.

"The league is the hardest thing to win because you're playing 36 games and you're trying to be the top team over 36 games," he added. "But the cup and the trophy are opportunities where you maybe only have to win three or four games and you get to a big final.

"It's important for us to get off to a good start against Manchester on Friday. Then the games come thick and fast. We have 11 games in October, so we've got a lot of things to work towards."