Scotland Commonwealth Games role is great news for Glasgow Rocks coach

Rutherglen’s Gareth Murray aims to help players reach their goals just like him after being named the Scotland men’s basketball coach ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

Murray, who is player/coach at Glasgow Rocks, was announced on Friday as national coach for the 3x3 side which will take part in a qualifying tournament later this year for Birmingham 2022.

The tournament was due to take place at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley on December 28 and 29, but Covid forced a postponement.

Murray is no stranger to the national set-up, having played at under-16 level in 2000, cadet in 2002 and captained the side at the 2012 European Championships.

He is also the only Scottish player ever to play the sport at two Commonwealth Games at Melbourne 2008 and Gold Coast 2018, with the unique opportunity to make it a third this summer.

Murray, 37, said: “This is what I’m in the game for, to try and help players, help them grow and achieve their goals, just like I’ve reached mine over the years.

“I’m happy about it, it’s good recognition. I’ve represented Scotland since I was 15 years old, so it’s the next step, and progressing with the coaching side of it while still playing.

“It’s always good representing your country. The Scotland stuff is just a tournament to start with, to qualify for the Commonwealth Games, and they’re in August, so I’ll continue with Rocks, nothing changes with that.”

Scotland will have four teams taking part in the qualifiers, with the 3x3 presenting a unique challenge.

Murray explained: “With 3x3 the coach doesn’t really coach during the games, we’re allowed to do things before and after the game, but during the game there’s no coaching allowed, it’s very strict.

“Having the advantage of me playing