WOOD GETS PERMANENT ROCKS DEAL
Glasgow Rocks have given head coach Darryl Wood a one-year contract to remain at the helm after the Scot proved his spurs during a three-month spell in caretaker charge.
The 29-year-old, who was promoted from assistant boss when Tony Garbelotto was abruptly sacked mid-season, will now lead his side into the BBL Playoffs – including Sunday’s quarter-final second leg against Surrey Scorchers – with the uncertainty over his future removed.
It has also been confirmed that Great Britain forwards Gareth Murray and Kieron Achara have also penned new deals at the Emirates Arena until 2019 to give Wood a domestic core to build around this off-season.
“My focus remains on the Playoffs for now but after that I am looking forward to diving head first into everything that needs to be done in the off-season,†said Wood.
“I may not have the experience of some previous coaches but I can promise I will be the hardest working. It’s a great time to be involved with the Rocks and I feel together with the owner, staff and players we will drive things forward in the coming year.â€
Wood won seven of his eleven league games since taking over to guide the Rocks to fourth in this season’s final BBL standings.
And although ambitious club owner Duncan Smillie had been linked with high profile American coaches, he insisted the former Caledonia Pride number two had earned the right to retain his current position, no matter how far the Scots progress in the Playoffs.
“Darryl has clearly demonstrated his ability to lead the Rocks as head coach for next season,†Smillie said. “He has an outstanding knowledge of the game and commands the total respect of the players and management. And with two on court generals in Kieron and Gareth I am very excited about the future of our team.
“Retaining the services of Kieron and Gareth is a real coup for the Rocks, these guys are GB internationals and two of the finest players in the BBL and not without options in this league and overseas. Their commitment to the Rocks is unconditional and I would hope we have these guys here for the rest of their playing careers and indeed they become intrinsically part of our club when their playing days come to an end but hopefully not for a few years yet.
“Let’s not forget that Ali Fraser is here next year too, so that’s a pretty impressive three on our roster already for next season.â€
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