Caledonia Gladiators bring in Pat Whelan on two-year deal

Image credit: Mansoor Ahmed / ahmedphotos

Caledonia Gladiators have made a statement of intent with the signing of GB wing Patrick Whelan on a two-year deal.

Whelan makes the move to the Gladiators ahead of their debut European venture having spent the past two seasons at Leicester Riders.

The 26-year-old averaged 13.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game across 34 regular season appearances last season, whilst also leading the league with 45.1% shooting from 3-point range.

“The opportunity to play for a team with the ambitions of the Caledonia Gladiators is one I’m very excited about,” Whelan said, via release. “The work they have already put in behind the scenes with the building of the new arena shows they’re taking the steps to be a big name in the league and Europe.”

Whelan previously spent three years in Spain with Real Murcia before a breakout season in the BBL with Leicester led to a GB Senior debut. He has become a regular member of the squad and competed at EuroBasket 2022.

Caledonia head coach Gareth Murray has also added American big Trent Buttrick to a roster that includes the returning core group of Kyle Jimenez, Fraser Malcolm, Fahro Alihodzic, Jonny Bunyan and Prince Onwas.

The Gladiators are set to face Swiss side Fribourg Olympic in the Basketball Champions League pre-qualifier.

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