It’s fair to say that, unfortunately, things haven’t quite panned out the way that many of us Caledonia Gladiators fans had anticipated or hoped for this year.

Results have been rather inconsistent, performances have been frustrating at times, and the general buzz that fills PlaySport just hasn’t felt the same. So instead of focusing on what hasn’t clicked, I want to take a step back to not only relive some of the moments but also revisit players from the past who made the last few years so special.

With that all in mind, I’ve decided to put together my personal favourite Gladiators players in “starting five” format from the last four seasons: a lineup built on talent, overall impact, defining moments and the memories they gave along the way. It all comes down to one simple question: if I could build my own Gladiators lineup, who makes it into that team?

PG: David Sloan (2022–2023)

If this team needs a floor general, there’s one name that really springs to mind. Sloan arrived in South Lanarkshire from East Tennessee State as a rookie and quickly became the central asset during the club’s rebrand.

Averaging around 17.7 points and 4.8 assists per game, he delivered a moment that continues to live long in Scottish basketball memory; the game-winning shot in the 2023 BBL Trophy Final, securing the club’s first piece of major silverware in two decades.

Now starring in São Paulo, Brazil, with Esporte Clube Pinheiros following spells in Mexico and Germany, Sloan’s career rise has felt almost inevitable.

SG: Patrick Whelan (2023–2025)

Every great team always needs a fan favourite, and Whelan embodied the Gladiators’ identity. The Warrington native brought relentless effort and clutch shooting, especially in crunch time, averaging around 15.1 points in his debut campaign, hitting an impressive 45% from three-point range.

Whether hitting big shots or doing the dirty work, his impact resonated strongly with supporters. His performances earned him a contract with Hungarian outfit Falco KC Szombathely, where he has helped to reach the semifinal stages of the FIBA Europe Cup. 

SF: Aljami Durham (2023)

Al Durham was a mid-season addition in January 2023, essentially changing everything. Physically dominant at the two guard spot, he bullied defenders in transition while still blowing past guards off the dribble. Averaging 17.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game on remarkable efficiency, he became a pivotal presence during his tenure.

His career has since climbed rapidly through Germany’s Bundesliga, Spain’s Liga ACB and Italy’s Lega Basket Seria A, which is a reflection of just how high his level truly was.

PF: Lukas Palyza (2023–2024)

A Czech international, Palyza brought both composure and basketball IQ during Caledonia’s first FIBA Europe Cup campaign. Averaging 11.2 points per game, his spacing and professionalism proved invaluable, as his consistency helped to set the standard for a squad adjusting to continental competition.

This was highlighted by a midweek European victory against Polish side KK Anwil Włocławek. After his season in Scotland, he continued his career in Iceland with Álftanes in 2025. 

C: Clifton Moore Jr. (2023–2024)

Nicknamed the “Block Ness Monster,” a nod to his shot-blocking ability and a unique Scottish twist on the famous Loch Ness mythical creature, Moore gave the Gladiators a solid rim protector that fans loved to watch. Recording an average of 11.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, his alley-oop finishes quickly became a PlaySport staple.

His athleticism earned a move overseas to France, first with Stade Rochelais in the Élite 2 before stepping up a division to Betclic ELITE side Saint-Quentin.