Gavin Love

Who is Gavin Love?

Gavin Love is a former British professional basketball player and current head coach for his hometown club Plymouth Raiders of the British Basketball League.

The 6 ft tall former Point Guard was educated at local college Marjon's and played for his hometown team Plymouth Raiders for 13 years, and the first team since 2000, where he become a permanent feature in the starting five for the Raiders. Love soon rose to prominence as a fans' favourite with the people of Plymouth and a local hero, and was awarded the team captaincy.

At the end of the 2006-2007 season, Love earned a call-up to the Great Britain team coached by Chris Finch, only to pull out after badly damaging his Achilles tendon in the final game of the BBL campaign, and had to undergo an operation and lengthy rehabilitation period. Love made a recovery and returned to the team in 2008 but was constantly hampered by further injuries, which eventually prompted him to an early retirement announced on February 6, 2009, at the age of 29. His number 6 jersey has been retired in honour of his dedication to the club.

Love was appointed head coach of the Plymouth Raiders during the summer of 2010, replacing his former mentor Gary Stronach who had left the club after 24 years of service.