Caledonia Gladiators Basketball Team

The Caledonia Gladiators are a professional basketball team based in Glasgow, Scotland. Founded in 1998, they are members of the British Basketball League (BBL) and play their home games at the Emirates Arena.

History

The Caledonia Gladiators Basketball Club has been an integral part of Scotland’s basketball history since its establishment in 1998. The team has made a significant impact on the sport in the country, particularly in the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and beyond.

Edinburgh Rocks:

The Caledonia Gladiators Basketball Club’s roots can be traced back to the late 1990s when a group of basketball enthusiasts in Edinburgh decided to establish a team that would represent the city in national competitions. The team was initially named the Edinburgh Rocks and played its home games at Meadowbank Sports Centre. The Rocks quickly gained popularity in the city, and their success on the court attracted a devoted fan base.

Under the leadership of head coach Rob Beveridge, the Rocks enjoyed several successful seasons in the British Basketball League, including a playoff appearance in 2004. The team’s success on the court helped to raise the profile of basketball in Edinburgh, inspiring a new generation of young players and fans.

Scottish Rocks:

In 2006, the Edinburgh Rocks were rebranded as the Scottish Rocks, reflecting the team’s growing popularity across the country. The team continued to enjoy success on the court, including a runner-up finish in the BBL Cup in 2008.

One of the key factors in the Scottish Rocks’ success was their commitment to developing local talent. The team established a strong youth program that helped to identify and develop promising young players from across Scotland. Many of these players went on to play for the Scottish Rocks, helping to build a strong and competitive team.

Glasgow Rocks:

In 2011, the Scottish Rocks relocated to Glasgow and were rebranded as the Glasgow Rocks. The move to Glasgow proved to be a turning point for the team, as they established themselves as one of the top teams in the British Basketball League.

Under the leadership of head coach Sterling Davis, the Glasgow Rocks have enjoyed several successful seasons, including a BBL Cup victory in 2014 and a playoff appearance in 2015. The team has also continued to build on its commitment to developing local talent, with many young Scottish players getting the opportunity to play at the highest level.

Caledonia Gladiators

The Glasgow Rocks were bought by Steve and Alison Timoney in late 2022, and rebranded to Caledonia Gladiators ahead of the 2022-23 season. They won the BBL Trophy on a buzzer beater from David Sloan in March 2023.

Arena

The Caledonia Gladiators play their home games at the Emirates Arena, located in the East End of Glasgow. The arena has a seating capacity of 7,000 spectators and is a state-of-the-art venue, with numerous sporting and entertainment events held there throughout the year.

The arena has hosted various international sporting events, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, as well as concerts and other cultural events.

Since new owners Steve and Alison Timoney took over the club in 2022, they recognised issues with not owning their own venue and what it means for the franchise, so in March 2023 they announced plans for a £20million, 6,000 seat arena to be built.

Rivalries

One of the Gladiators’ biggest rivalries is with the Newcastle Eagles. The two teams have a long-standing history of fierce competition, dating back to the early days of the BBL.

Ownership

The Caledonia Gladiators are owned by successful businessman Steve Timoney and his wife Alison. Timoney and Alison – who also own the Gladiators’ WBBL franchise – took over the BBL club just before the start of 2022-23 season and are self financing the project they consider to be part of their legacy.

With a net worth estimated at anywhere between £60 million and £100 million they have lofty ambitions for the club; you can listen to a podcast with Steve recorded in early 2023 here.

Notable Players

The Gladiators’ have had a number of British basketball legends suit up for them, including their current Head Coach Gareth Murray who dominates their all-time stats leaderboard, while fellow GB teammate and an Olympian, Kieron Achara has also played for the club.

Current Head Coach

The Caledonia Gladiators are led by their esteemed head coach Gareth Murray, a former GB international and Scottish international player. With over 20 years of experience in the game, Murray is a respected figure in British basketball. He played for Glasgow Rocks for over a decade, earning the club’s all-time leading scorer accolade. Since his appointment as head coach, Murray has been dedicated to building a competitive team and instilling a winning culture in the Gladiators. His experience as a player at the highest level brings valuable insight and leadership to the team, and his coaching has helped to develop and enhance the skills of the Gladiators’ players.

Former Head Coaches

Former head coaches of the Gladiators/Rocks include Sterling Davis and Tony Garbelotto.

Caledonia Gladiators All-Time Statistical Leaders

Record	Record Holder	Number
Appearances	Gareth Murray	405
Points	Gareth Murray	4097
Rebounds	Gareth Murray	1666
Assists	Rob Yanders	1075
Steals	Gareth Murray	349
Blocks	Kieron Achara	244

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