GARETH MURRAY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM PROFESSIONAL BASKETB

[isthaturinal]

Gareth Murray has officially announced his retirement as a basketball player to focus exclusively on his role as Glasgow Rocks coach.

It comes just weeks after the 37-year-old from Arbroath brought down the curtain on this chapter of his career as part of the Scotland team that finished fourth at the Commonwealth Games.

The forward retires with over 60 caps for Great Britain, accumulated amid two trips to EuroBasket finals, in addition to his appearances over three Commonwealths for Scotland.

But now feels it is the ideal time to look to the next stage of his basketballing journey – on the sidelines.

“I would love to keep playing basketball,” Murray said. “A lot of people have been telling me – and GB coach Nate Reinking is one of them – to play until the wheels fall off, that you can’t get that time back.

“But I want to take coaching seriously. and I want to progress in that. I feel we have a great opportunity this season to not only put a good team on the floor with the Rocks but also to keep developing young talent here in Scotland. I want to give that my full attention.

“However I will miss playing and being part of that team dynamic.

“I’m grateful to the coaches who have guided me to the point – from the late John Grant at Arbroath Musketeers to all those who have helped me learn and develop at club and international level with Scotland and GB – as well as team-mates down the years.

“And I’m excited about what lies ahead.”

[spacejammer]

Best of luck to him, was great to watch him play and a true ambassador to the Rocks and Scottish Basketball.
Will be strange seeing him on the sidelines not in playing gear.

[waltsinger]

I've watched Gareth playing for Rocks since he first was selected to join the team from open trials. It's been a privilege to watch his progress and to have enjoyed his huge and growing contributions year by year. I'm glad he also had his opportunity to play in France, some European experience was always one of his aims.

I wish Gareth every success in his now full-time coaching role. All the Rocks faithful are hoping he can end the long wait for some silverware.

Now that Gareth no longer needs to intimidate opposition players, perhaps he'll consider removing that scary beard? - please!

[reallyoldfeenixfan2]

Sept 9, 2022 15:55:12 GMT waltsinger said:

and to have enjoyed his huge and growing scary beard? 

I haven't added to that post, merely removed a few unnecessary phrases.

[spacejammer]

Sept 9, 2022 15:55:12 GMT waltsinger said:

I've watched Gareth playing for Rocks since he first was selected to join the team from open trials. It's been a privilege to watch his progress and to have enjoyed his huge and growing contributions year by year. I'm glad he also had his opportunity to play in France, some European experience was always one of his aims.

I wish Gareth every success in his now full-time coaching role. All the Rocks faithful are hoping he can end the long wait for some silverware.

Now that Gareth no longer needs to intimidate opposition players, perhaps he'll consider removing that scary beard? - please!

To be honest the beard makes me think of him as the BBL version of James Harden in the phrase "Fear the beard" especially on the 3 point line.

Surprisingly in last weeks BBL Show when go through each team the Rocks was the only one Jay and Drew didn't mention.
Not sure if they realised it either.

[tallerman]

Loved his 18 games for the Raiders, looking forward to his progression as a coach