THE HERALD (UK): "Long-serving Gall becomes new skipper of Raiders"

 As Published in The Herald
June 16, 2009

Photos courtesy of Plymouth Raiders

PLYMOUTH Raiders fans' favourite Ali Gall has been appointed club captain for next season. Gall, 29, the Supporters' Club player-of-the-year last season, becomes the first player to commit himself to Plymouth for the 2009/2010 campaign. He is also thought to be the first player to sign for a club anywhere in the BBL.

Gall takes over the captain's armband at a particularly sensitive time for Raiders. Head coach Gary Stronach is being forced to virtually rebuild his squad after the departure of key players such as DeAntoine Beasley and Drew Lasker. Gall has been connected with the BBL Championship Club since he was 13.

Gall was arguably one of the most dangerous Raiders on the court last season. He endeared himself to Raiders' fans at the Plymouth Pavilions with his scorching three-point long-range shots. Gall was a frequent recipient of the most valuable player (MVP) award after games he had turned in Plymouth's favour with his deadly downtown shooting.

He said: "I feel very honoured to be taking on the role of captain of the Raiders. Apart for the time I spent at university in America and playing a year in Ireland, I've been with the Raiders since the age of 13."

"The family feel to the club is what keeps me here and, speaking to the coach (Gary Stronach) and the board of directors, I feel I can add great value to what happens on the court."

"Playing for this club means the world to me and I want to instil a similar attitude in this year's new players."

Gall came through the Raiders' development programme before graduating from the Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, USA after four years. He played for Team Westaro in Ireland before signing for the Raiders' first season in the BBL Championship.

Head coach Stronach said: "Allister has continued to improve every year as a professional. Next season will be a tremendous challenge for him, not only for him as a player on the court, but also as club captain."

"He will have to draw on leadership skills to help guide what will be essentially a new team. We are lucky to have some home-grown talent maintaining the tradition of leading us onto court."

Stronach added: "I am delighted that he (Gall) has committed to us at an early stage and gives me a great start to recruiting the team for the coming season."