Caledonia Gladiators eye title in ‘big moment’ for British basketball

Murray, whose side start their campaign at home to Manchester Giants on Friday, believes “it is realistic for us” to challenge for the new title.

“We’ve brought six players back from last year, so it’s important for us to keep that continuity,” he said. “I think it’s possible.

“A lot of the teams are very evenly balanced this year, even more so than in previous years. So it’s going to be difficult for sure, but we feel the right people that can make the jump.”

With British players providing the core of the squad, Murray is adamant he has enough strength in depth, mentality and work ethic.

“We still have the imports – you can have six imports in the team,” he said. “For us, it’s important to look to the British talent.

“We have eight British players on our roster. I think that’s the most in the British league. So we want to develop homegrown players and that’s only possible if you have British players on your professional team.”

Murray pointed out that the BBL Trophy win at the Emirates ended a 20-year wait for such a success.

“The league is the hardest thing to win because you’re playing 36 games and you’re trying to be the top team over 36 games,” he added. “But the cup and the trophy are opportunities where you maybe only have to win three or four games and you get to a big final.

“It’s important for us to get off to a good start against Manchester on Friday. Then the games come thick and fast. We have 11 games in October, so we’ve got a lot of things to work towards.”