Glasgow Rocks sign Mike Copeland

[Sam Neter]

The Glasgow Rocks have added their first new face to the 2009/10 squad with the addition of North Carolina big man, Mike Copeland. The 6ft7 forward will join returning players, Rob Yanders, Gareth Murray and Sterling Davis for the clubs first season under the new title of Glasgow Rocks.

A graduate of the 2008-09 NCAA National Champions, University of North Carolina, Copeland has been part of a hugely successful program which has provided him with invaluable experience playing alongside some of America's top collegiate athletes as well as current and future NBA draft picks.

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, Rocks player/coach Sterling Davis believes a now fully fit Copeland will be a valuable addition to his squad:

"Mike unfortunately faced some tough luck at Carolina with the injuries he accumulated. I think he has so much to prove to himself and everyone else. He will be hungry."

Davis was impressed by Copeland at a recent Las Vegas summer camp and is hoping he has unearthed some fresh new talent in the young American:

"He had a very productive showing in the eurobasket camp this summer which is what caught my eye. He showed great leadership qualities not only with his playing ability but also the positive energy he brought to the guys he was playing with. I think he brings a lot of different attributes to the team."

Copland will make his first trip to the UK when he arrives in Glasgow at the end of the month to begin pre-season training

Source: www.bbl.org.uk