GARBELOTTO TO COACH SCOTLAND - Hoopsfix.com

GARBELOTTO TO COACH SCOTLAND

Glasgow Rocks coach Tony Garbelotto is to helm Scotland’s challenge at next year’s Commonwealth Games.

The surprise move, which will see the Englishman miss a number of BBL games in tandem with at least four of his players, comes despite previous pledges from Glasgow owner Duncan Smillie that he would block any approach that might hamper the club’s title chances.

To plug the gap, the Rocks have poached Darryl Wood from WBBL outfit Caledonia Pride to be their new assistant coach.

And Garbelotto – who remains in the running for the Great Britain head coach vacancy – believes the dual role is a “win-win” and will allow him to effectively build a Scottish tilt at a medal on the Gold Coast around the Rocks core.

“The good thing is it allows me to mesh the Rocks and Scotland together with practices and all the other development,” he said.

“Having Darryl to grow as a coach is a plus and he can take over when we’re in Australia. That’s creating some legacy for a young Scottish coach which was one of my goals. Of course there is some challenges doing both roles creates for the Rocks. But I‘m confident we can deal with it.”

Pic: Mansoor Ahmed