Rocks look ahead to the 2019/20 season

The Radisson Red Glasgow Rocks are delighted to announce that four of our key squad members have re-signed ahead of the 2019-20 BBL Season as well as one early new addition to the side for next season’s campaign.

GB & Scotland International Gareth Murray returns to the Rocks for his 12th season with the Glasgow franchise after averaging 9 points and 4 rebounds a game in 2018/19. Murray will also continue in his position as the Director of the Rocks Academy.

Gareth Murray said; “Continuing my career in Glasgow with the club I have played for the majority of my career is always a great feeling.  I’m grateful to continue my role as a player and the Rocks Academy director.”

Joining Murray is American guard Greg Pryor, who has become a key piece in the Rocks resurgence under Head Coach Vincent Lavandier, averaging over 11 points & 3 assists per game in his first BBL Season.

“I am very excited about returning to Glasgow next season! I know this is a good place for me right now as I have a lot of confidence in the owner, the GM, and the coach especially who has done an amazing job of helping me grow and develop my game in a number of ways! I know they will do to the best of their ability what needs to be done so that we can have a successful season next year and put us in a the positions we need to be in next year to win championships.”

They are going to be joined by Scotland International and Rocks stalwart Jonny Bunyan, who will continue his stay with the club. After joining as a teenager, Jonny will return for his 9th professional season. He has enjoyed a key role this season, making 42% of his three-point shots coming off the bench.

Jonny Bunyan said;
“I’m excited about another season with the Rocks. Hopefully, this season won’t be as wild as last years and that can lead to more consistency for us as a team. It’s a fresh start for a lot of people and we are hoping to make the most of that and have one of our best seasons yet.”

And the latest addition to the Rocks Family is Former Scotland Youth International Alexander Geddes who has agreed to his first professional contract with the club. Geddes has shown promising signs whilst with the team as a development player and has provided some vital energy off the bench late in the season.

Alex Geddes;
“Being with the guys this past season has been a great learning experience for me. I’m thankful to the organisation and Coach Lavandier for giving me the opportunity to come back next season and continue my development. I’ll be working hard this offseason to put myself in the position to make a bigger impact this coming year”

The returning core are also joined by former GB U20 International Earl Russell, a 6’ 8” forward from Warrington, England for the 2019/20 season.

Earl Russell is a promising young player with experience in the US and in international competitions. An alum from Myerscough College, most recently represented Saint Leo University in the NCAA division 2 after playing for Rio Grande University where he averaged 10.2 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Coach Lavandier had this to say about signing Earl to the Rocks: “The signing of Earl is part of my desire to recruit young British players team. I scouted Earl in the United States, and it seemed to me that he possessed the quality to integrate the Rocks. Of course, Earl will have to develop day after day his potential. But during our exchanges, it seemed to me that he really wanted to play for the Rocks and brings a willingness to work hard with a lot of spirit.”

And Russell is looking forward to suiting up in Glasgow next season: “I am excited to be joining the Glasgow Rocks. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a great organisation and I’m looking forward to joining up with the team. Go Rocks!”

Owner Duncan Smillie was delighted to secure these signings: “It’s very encouraging to be securing the services of these players for next season – with hopefully more to follow soon. We’ve had a great finish to our season and things are looking very encouraging for next season under Coach Lavandier.”