Gladiators Suffer Play-Off Heartache After Top Three Finish
The Caledonia Gladiators endured heartache at the conclusion of the British Basketball League season after falling to defeat in the play-off quarter finals.
The Caledonia Gladiators name is still relatively new to the basketball scene, with the Club having undergone a rebrand in September 2022 as part of a wider strategy to improve equal opportunities in the sport. That included a change of name from Glasgow Rocks, which is the name the team had operated under since 2009.
The Club retains the same passion, determination, and values as it has held from the moment it was formed, but with a fresh sense of character and a new identity that we’re excited to be part of.
Established in 1998 as Edinburgh Rocks, the Club originally operated from the Scottish capital before being moved to Glasgow in 2002 with a new name; Scottish Rocks. A partnership with the local council saw the change to Glasgow Rocks from 2009 before the current name was introduced.
The club has always competed in the top tier of basketball in the UK, winning the British Basketball League Playoffs in 2003, and the British Basketball League Trophy in 2023.
The Club now plays at its own purpose-built arena in East Kilbride, which is regularly packed with passionate fans looking to cheer on their team. That is particularly true for the annual fixture with the Newcastle Eagles in the closest thing to a derby game.
Interest and participation in basketball is growing in the UK at a youth and professional level, making this an incredibly exciting time to be involved with one of the top teams in Super League Basketball.
Vertu has supplied the team with a number of Nissan Qashqais to aid the players' transportation needs through our dealership in Glasgow, and we're delighted to be able to keep their players moving.
As well as helping with transportation, we are working with the club to support their various community initiatives. These activities include encouraging participation in basketball at a grassroots level.
We are working with the Club to develop the next generation of sporting superstars and run various matchday activities throughout the season to help achieve this.
During our partnership, a number of aspiring players have had the opportunity to take to the court for advice and tips from former players like Kieron Achara, and have been able to meet their favourite players after a match!
It's all part of our goal to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport.
The Caledonia Gladiators endured heartache at the conclusion of the British Basketball League season after falling to defeat in the play-off quarter finals.
The Caledonia Gladiators remain well placed inside the top three of the British Basketball League despite a mixed month on the court for the Macklin Motors-backed side.
For the fourth successive season, Caledonia Gladiators made it to the semi-finals of the British Basketball League Trophy, although the Macklin Motors-backed side was unable to successfully defend the title it won last season.
The Caledonia Gladiators have moved up into second place in the British Basketball League on the back of a successful December that saw the Macklin Motors-supported side score four impressive wins.