ROCKS DODGE COMMONWEALTH BULLET - Hoopsfix.com

ROCKS DODGE COMMONWEALTH BULLET

Glasgow Rocks title chances have been given a massive boost.

It comes after BBL chiefs bowed to their demands for as few fixtures as possible during next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

With Scotland due to find out on July 27 whether they have landed an invite to the Gold Coast, Rocks bosses feared their championship hopes could be wrecked by losing up to five players for over a fortnight.

But the schedule, released on Thursday, will see the Scots with only away trips to Cheshire and Leeds during the Games period in a huge lift for new coach Tony Garbelotto who had hinted he would have to consider bringing in short-term signings to strengthen his squad.

“I’m ecstatic with that,” said Rocks chairman Duncan Smillie.

“I’m pleased with the way fixtures will land assuming Scotland go. The league have have been good to us over the Commonwealths issue with that – and by extending the signing deadline until end-March next year in case we, or any other club, need to bring in extra players as cover.”

Garbelotto’s first competitive game in charge will be when Sheffield Sharks visit the Emirates Arena on 1 October on the opening weekend of the new season.

Notably, the Rocks – one of the few BBL teams with Great Britain players on their roster – are also not scheduled to play during the designated windows for FIBA World Cup qualifiers in November and February.