He’s been one of the most hyped players in the country
outside of the BBL in recent years as he’s shone in the NBL, but now Kyle
Jimenez gets a chance to test himself once again at the highest level in the UK
as he’s set to suit up for the Caledonia Gladiators this season.
On fire over the last two seasons in the NBL Division One
with the Loughborough Riders and Nottingham Hoods, Jimenez returns to Scotland
to compete under Gareth Murray’s guidance with the Caledonia Gladiators and we
caught up with Kyle recently to discuss his new challenge
“I’m really excited to be back in Scotland and playing at home with a number of guys I know really well and push myself to the next level. I feel like I’ve been ready for this opportunity for the last few years to make that step to the BBL and I’ve just been waiting for the right opportunity.
“Everybody should expect somebody who is going to come in
and play the right way, play hard every night and do everything they can for
the team, and I am extremely excited to compete against some high-level
players.
“My role has changed over the last few years, playing more as a point guard at Loughborough, which was a challenge to learn a new position so late in my career, but I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity and I’ve definitely developed a lot as a result. I expect for the Gladiators I’ll play anywhere from the one to the three, but I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team.”
“I feel our chemistry is going to be a big boost.”
With Murray making his move to the touchline a permanent one
and focussing full-time on coaching, adding Jimenez back into the mix strenghtens
the contingent of elite Scottish talent that the Gladiators can call upon both
on and off the court.
Whilst there was a sense of inevitability about the
24-year-old guard’s return to Scotland this summer, the announcement was still
met with much excitement, which Jimenez discussed alongside his thoughts on the
team’s potential.
“I was blown away by all the excitement around my signing
for the team, to be honest – not even just in the BBL, but from across a number
of leagues people were reaching out to me and wishing me well, so I’m looking
to live up to that and I’m really excited for this opportunity.
“I’m here to add to the hard-working, high-intensity culture
of the club on the floor. There’s a great group of guys here and we’re bonding
really well as a group, so we’ve got a lot of potential to do well and I feel
our chemistry is going to be a big boost.
“I’d like to think how well the likes of myself, Jonny
(Bunyan), Ali (Fraser) and Fraser (Malcolm) know each other, that can only help
us get off to a good start and help everybody else settle in quicker too. This
is what the most successful teams in the BBL have done for years, and it is a
great step for us to take.”
You can catch the Gladiators in action in the BBL Cup for
their first game of the season on October 2nd against the Surrey
Scorchers at 5pm. Watch every BBL game live and free this season at www.bblplayer.co.uk