Glasgow Rocks have strengthened their roster for the 2020/21season with the signings of Isa Brandon and David Mpondo as well as extending the contract of fan favourite Fraser Malcolm.

The Rocks will be hoping to build upon last seasons strong form and reach higher than the heights of the 2016-17 season, where they finished third place in the standings. 

Since then, they have not equalled that finish or beaten it, but before the season was cancelled last year they were sitting at the top of the tree.

The Rocks will be hoping these three signings can give them the ability and performances over the next season to help them challenge for the title again.

Thank yous and a blessing

Brandon, who previously played for the Plymouth Raiders, was born in Chesterfield, England but grew up in Florida, USA. 

He made the jump to the British Basketball League last year, signing for the raiders after a stint with semi-pro Derby Trailblazers.

Last year, the 23-year-old scored an average of 3.2 points from 11.4 minutes, also adding one assist, 0.8 steals and 2.2 rebounds in his maiden BBL season.

The guard told the Rocks’ website: “I wanna first say thank you to everyone in Plymouth for supporting us through the ups and downs. 

"But this year I have been blessed to be able to sign with the Glasgow Rocks.

"Not only a winning team but an organisation that has lineage, being the team my pops Jim Brandon coached back when they were known as the Edinburgh Rocks.

"As a young player, I know that this will be an opportunity for me to have a major impact in the team’s success.

"Coach and I have talked and he knows what I want out of myself and where I project myself as a player, I feel we both are on the same page.

"I’m hungry and I’m here to give 110 %. Just can’t wait to get started I have a good feeling about this season.”

Rocks’ Player-Coach Gareth Murray, who also previously played for the Raiders, said:

"Isa is a versatile guard who is hungry to prove himself in the BBL.  

"The son of former Rocks coach Jim Brandon, I have brought him in to play all guard spots and to help improve his game and with more playing time, build his confidence.

Glasgow Rocks Owner Duncan Smillie said:

“Gareth is assembling his players for next season and Isa is a great addition, he knows the league and has an emotional attachment to the Rocks, this is exactly what we need in a player right now.

"I can’t wait to see him on the court.”

Great attitude and work ethics

Additionally, the east-end side have signed 6ft5 French guard David Mpondo. 

The 20-year-old guard played last year two games with KK Lovcen Cetinje in Montenegro where he averaged three points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists over an average of 14 minutes.

Speaking to the club website, Murray said of the 21 years old, “I am very happy to have signed a young exciting talent for the future.  

"David is a 6’5 combo guard who loves to play fast paced and aggressive attacking offence, he is also an excellent on-ball defender.  

"He played for Espoirs Boulogne Levallois in France for two years before moving to Montenegrin and Spanish leagues.  

"He has a great attitude and work ethic, with the skills and athleticism to do well in this league.

"He will be an exciting player to watch and I look forward to coaching him and seeing his development.”

Mpondo, born in the Paris suburb of Creteil, added: 

“I’d like to thank Coach Gareth Murray for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play for the Glasgow Rocks this season.

"The BBL is a very fast growing and competitive league that will benefit my style of play and athleticism.”

The best young player in Scotland

The last of the trio of signings sees Fraser Malcolm commit his future to the club for the next year, where he may have a more prominent role at the club.  

The 24-year-old forward last year was impressive, despite only managing an average of six minutes per game, getting 3.2 points across 12 appearances.

Malcolm, standing at 6ft6, represented Scotland in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

He told the club’s website that he was, “Really excited to re-sign with the Glasgow Rocks for my second professional season.

"The team chemistry and support we received last year had me eager to return.

"I’m looking forward to playing for Coach G and playing in front of our amazing Rocks supporters!”

Speaking to the same outlet, Glasgow Rocks owner Duncan Smillie said, “It is great news that Fraser is returning next season, he is arguably the best young player in Scotland at this time so we are thrilled he will be around next season under the leadership of Player-Coach Gareth Murray.

"I think it is important we retain our Scottish identity with the best young talent available playing alongside some non-Scottish players.

"This has been our strategy for some time and I for one hope that continues for a long time.”