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Joel Osborne writes

Posted Wednesday, January 17th 2018 @BristolSportJO

Vigor to represent Scotland at 2018 Commonwealth Games

Wednesday, January 17th 2018

Bristol Flyers captain Mike Vigor has been selected to represent Scotland at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Australian forward, who qualifies to play for Scotland through his mother’s Scottish heritage, has been named in Coach Tony Garbelotto’s final 12-man squad, and will fly out to the Gold Coast with his fellow teammates on March 26th.

Vigor is set to miss four games for the Flyers during his international commitment, and will return to Bristol on Monday, April 16th in time for the clash against Worcester Wolves on Saturday, April 21st.

The 27-year old, who played for Plymouth Raiders at the start of his BBL career, earned his call-up to the national team after impressing for Bristol Flyers over the last two years.

Last season, Vigor averaged 9.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for the Flyers, before helping his hometown club Perth Redbacks to their first SBL Championship in 20 years.

Mike Vigor joined the Flyers from south west rivals, Plymouth Raiders in June 2016.

Since being named captain, Vigor has made 13 appearances for the Flyers and is currently averaging eight points and seven rebounds per game this season.

Speaking on the team selection, basketballscotland Chief Executive Kevin Pringle said: “Everyone at basketballscotland would like to congratulate the 12 athletes selected to represent Team Scotland at Gold Coast 2018.

"Today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by each individual selected. With just a few months until the Games get underway, we are confident that training is going well and that the team will be ready to make a significant impact on the Gold Coast in April.

"The whole team at basketballscotland is delighted to celebrate such an exciting day for all of the athletes and coaching staff involved and we wish the whole of Team Scotland the best of luck for April’s Games.”

Vigor's first competitive game for Scotland will be against Coach Kapoulas’ England squad on April 5th 2018 in the opening round of the Commonwealth Games in Townsville, Australia.

The GC2018 basketball competition will feature eight teams in both men’s and women’s competitions. Split into two pools of four, nations will face off against teams in their pool during the preliminary rounds held in Townsville and Cairns between 5-10 April. The finals will then be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 13-15 April.

Vigor and the Scottish National Team have been placed in Pool B of the competition and will compete against England, India and Cameroon.

The last, and only time spectators saw basketball on the Commonwealth Games sports program was at the Melbourne 2006 games where Australia claimed gold in the Men’s and Women’s events.