Month: September 2021

The Riders earned their first win of the season, beating the Surrey Scorchers 96-80 in the BBL Cup group stage. Former NBA G-League forward Marc Loving led the hosts for the second straight game, stuffing the stat sheet with 21 points, eight rebounds and three steals. 

The win is Leicester’s 30th straight against Surrey, their most recent loss dating back to November 2012. They were red hot from deep, making 10 of their 20 three-point attempts, and locked in defensively, forcing the Scorchers into 18 turnovers. Reigning BBL MVP Geno Crandall continued his strong form with 15 points and eight assists. He stole the ball five times, making his tally through two games an impressive nine. 

Seven-year Scorcher Tayo Ogendengbe kept the game close through the first two periods. Following his 24 point performance in his previous game, he scored 28 in this fixture, missing his first shot midway through the third quarter. With just eight players listed, the Scorchers faded in the second half, but challenged the league champions for long stretches of the tie. 

Leicester jumped out to a double-digit lead midway through the first. Loving lifted the roof off the Morningside Arena with an electric sequence, draining a three before slamming down a monster jam on the next possession following a Crandall steal. Ohio born Loving led the Riders through a dominant first quarter which ended 34-24, with 13 points and two rebounds, making all five of his field-goal attempts. 

Despite struggling from deep in their previous fixture, the Scorchers hung in the game in the first half after hitting six of 11 three-point attempts. Ogendengbe carried the scoring load with 19 in the first half, while 7’1” center Legend Robertin proved to be a brick wall defensively, blocking three shots. 

The Riders snatched back momentum as the half came to a close. A three from Loving for his 19th points of the night was followed up a Crandall steal leading to an easy jam. They reestablished their double-digit lead, entering the locker rooms up 56-45. 

Coach Rob Paternostro made adjustments at halftime, as the Riders, who had difficulty inside against Robertin in the first half, often put the big man in the pick and roll in the second. With Robertin forced to defend away from the basket, the Riders had joy attacking the rim, with nine of their 12 baskets in the third quarter coming from inside the paint. 

Courtesy of six straight points from GB guard Conner Washington driving to the hoop, the hosts stretched their lead to 21 with a 13-0 run. Washington scored 10 in the quarter, helping the Riders enter the fourth with a 86-65 lead. 

Surrey went down fighting in the final quarter, scoring seven straight to cut into the Riders lead. Despite the late charge, Leicester saw the game out confidently, keeping their advantage to double digits to secure their first win of the season. Crandall and Loving produced the play of the game to send Riders fans home happy. They ran the fast break together, with Crandall throwing the ball up high for Loving to slam down. 

The Riders now have a two-week break from BBL action, playing their next fixture on October 8th. They travel to Bristol to take on the Flyers, hoping for back to back wins in their BBL Cup group. 

Season So Far – Riders

The Riders opened their season with an 85-84 loss to the Bristol Flyers, featuring a hair-raising finale. Leicester had an open shot for the win, but Conner Washington’s three from the corner fell just short to conclude a thrilling season opener. Jubril Adekoya led the Riders with 15 points on his BBL debut; the 6’7” forward out of Valparaiso University going 7/12 from the floor in a terrific introduction to British Basketball. 

Season So Far – Scorchers 

After a short two-game preseason, including a win against Team Wales and a loss to the Manchester Giants, the Scorchers endured a tough start to their season with an 85-86 loss to the London Lions. Due to a Covid outbreak among the Lions squad, they fielded an NBL roster for the game yet managed to pull out a win against Surrey in the final second. Tayo Ogendengbe led the Scorchers with 24 points as he enters his seventh year with the Scorchers, as the 34-year-old turned back the clock to shoot 66% from the field. 

Ones to watch

Playing in his first Riders game of the season against the Flyers, 2021 BBL MVP Geno Crandall seemed back to his brilliant best. The general’s 14 points, five assists and four steals earned him Premier Logistic’s Player of the Game, and his influence was evident with a +/- of 10. The 6’0” guard played his Senior year in college at the prestigious Gonzaga University, once home to NBA legend John Stockton, and signed his first pro deal with Turi Svitavy in the Czech first division. Off the back of his MVP season, Crandall is sure to get Riders fans on their feet as they get their first opportunity to see his spectacular showings in person. 

After averaging 8 points for the Scorchers last year, Martelle Mclemore hit the ground running in his season opener with 19 points and eight rebounds. The 6’5” wing made a clutch layup to put his team up one with seven seconds remaining against the Lions, as he led the team with a +/- of eight. The 33-year-old played in Surrey for the Heat in 2013, averaging 17.5 points per game that season. He is capable of a monster performance in big moments, demonstrated by his 42 points, 10 rebounds and nine steals in the NBL National Sheild final in 2016 for the Thames Valley Cavaliers. 

Previous meetings

The Riders are undefeated in the last 29 competitive games against Surrey, with their previous defeat dating back to the 11th of November 2012. Their most recent win finished 90-87 in March. Geno Crandall led Leicester with a 22 point double-double, scoring 10 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. 

Tickets 

Tickets are still available to watch the Riders take on the Scorchers, CLICK HERE to secure your seat!

The Riders tipped off the new BBL season with a 85-84 loss to the Bristol Flyers: a thriller to open the BBL Cup group stage. The Riders had a last-second shot for the win, but Conner Washington’s corner three fell just short to leave Leicester empty-handed. 

Jubril Adekoya led the Riders in his BBL debut with 15 points. The 6’7” forward, who spent his last four seasons playing in Spain, was 7/12 from the field, including a clutch three to tie the game late. Darien Nelson-Henry had 14 points and eight rebounds in just 20 minutes, getting his season started with a solid showing.

Leicester continued to build chemistry, with Zack Jackson and last season’s BBL MVP Geno Crandall playing their first Riders games of the season. In 29 minutes, Crandall had 14 points, five assists and four steals, looking close to his brilliant best already with a +/- of 10. 

Josh Rodgers came up with what was ultimately Bristol’s game-winning three late in the fourth: his 16th points of the night. Trejon Jacob led the visitors with 21 points on his professional debut to get his side off to a winning start. 

The Riders burst out the gate, scoring seven points in 30 seconds to jump out to a lead. Crandall showcased his talents to the Riders’ crowd early in the game, launching a full-court pass to Nelson-Henry who laid in his first points of the season. The big man out of Penn State had the best of the early going, with five points and six rebounds in the first. 

Jackson ended the quarter in emphatic style, making a three-point play to cap off a 9-0 run. The Riders ended the first quarter up 23-14, earning a standing ovation at the buzzer. 

The Flyers showed fight in the second, seizing momentum with a 12-2 run. Mike Miller, who competed in the Netherlands for the Den Helder Suns last year, hit a three from the corner to make it a one-possession game. The teams entered the locker rooms with the hosts up 42-39.

Starting the second half, the Riders asserted their authority with a 9-3 run, led by Kimbal Mackenzie scoring four quick points. Mackenzie, who played alongside Mo Walker in Canada for the Guelph Nighthawks this summer, scored nine in the third to contribute to his 11 points and five assists in his BBL debut. 

The Flyers made big buckets in the third to keep the game balanced on a knife-edge entering the final period. Mo Walker’s free throws for his tenth points of the night made it a two-possession game, with the game poised at 68-63. 

With six minutes left, Malcolm Delpeche gave the Flyers their first lead of the night. With the hosts down five, captain Nelson-Henry checked in with five minutes remaining to guide Leicester through the clutch. Just two minutes after his substitution, the Riders were back on level terms, with the score tied at 80.

Leicester trailed 85-84 with 25 seconds on the clock, following a clutch three from Bristol’s Rodgers. Rodgers turned quickly from hero to zero, however, turning the ball over with a five-second violation with six seconds remaining, giving the Riders a chance for the win. They found an open shot, but Washington’s missed corner three ended the game.

The Riders have an opportunity to bounce back quickly, with the Morningside Arena hosting a doubleheader of BBL basketball this weekend. They face the Scorchers on Sunday, hoping to earn their first competitive win of the season. 

Leicester Riders are proud of parter with University of Leicester as they look to defend their BBL Championship title in 2021/22.

Established in 1967 and therefore the UK’s oldest professional basketball team, the University is proud to serve as an official sponsor in its own Centenary year.

The partnership will see University branding, celebrating the 100^th anniversary of our foundation, featured in the Riders programme, on their website, and courtside at their Morningside Arena home in Leicester.

Students and staff will also be able to make the most of discounted tickets for matches, internship opportunities, and to connect with the Riders players through events and activities.

Further collaboration between University and Leicester Riders is planned to enhance business engagement in the city that will lead to organisations benefiting from employment, innovation and research activities. The Morningside Arena has also previously played host to both men’s and women’s basketball and netball Varsity clashes.

Leicester Riders are one of the most successful teams in BBL history, with five men’s Championship Titles, plus five Play-off Titles, on their roll of honour. They have also lifted two BBL Cups and three BBL Trophies. The Riders’ women’s team has a further three WBBL Trophies and a WBBL Cup to their name.

Speaking about the partnership, Kevin Routledge, chair of Leicester Riders, said:

“We are delighted once again to partner with the University of Leicester, and all the more so in this historic year for the University. The interactions we are able to achieve across a wide range of activities is hugely beneficial to the club as well as the University students.

“It is a very important year for the Club, as we welcome back fans to the Morningside Arena after 18 months behind closed doors, and we look forward to the University of Leicester community being part of another successful Riders season.”

Martyn Riddleston, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Leicester, added:

“It truly is an honour for us to formalise our support of Leicester Riders in what could be a historic season for the team.

“As we celebrate our Centenary year, we have been keen to give back to the community which has supported the University in its first 100 years – and there’s no better way of doing that than by backing such a well-loved team.

“The Riders’ own #ForTheCity campaign is a message we feel strongly about, and so we look forward to cheering on our partners at the Morningside Arena this season.”

Leicester Riders start their season with a BBL Cup clash with Bristol Flyers at Morningside Arena this Friday 24 September 2021 (8.00pm). Find out more and book tickets at riders.basketball.

Season So Far – Riders

Leicester concluded their preseason in Sheffield, falling to the Sharks 88-80. The game was closer than the scoreline suggested, with the encounter tied with a minute remaining. The Riders’ youth prospects from Charnwood and Loughborough were trusted to finish the game in the fourth, and repaid coach Rob Paternostro’s faith with a tremendous showing, pushing the Shark’s BBL lineup to the final few seconds. 

New addition Marc Loving led the scoring with 22 points, while Charnwood Rider Victor Ndoukou scored six points in the fourth quarter to keep the game close. 

Season So Far – Flyers

Competing in the Mike Burton invitational tournament, the Flyers endured a packed preseason schedule, playing four games in two days. In a competitive tournament, in which none of the Flyers’ fixtures were won by more than single digits, Bristol finished with a 1-3 record. They ended on a high, however, beating the Cheshire Pheonix 64-56. 

Michael Miller led the Flyers in the game with 18 points seven assists, and academy graduate Josh Rogers enjoyed a hot shooting streak, going four for four from three.  

Ones To Watch

Ohio born Marc Loving signed with the Riders during preseason, and hit the ground running on British soil. The 6’9” forward led Leicester with 22 points through three-quarters of playtime, never looking back after scoring 12 in the first quarter. Loving displayed his elite shooting ability, making buckets from all over the court. His versatility on both ends makes him a force to be feared in this tie. 

6’10” big man Zach Simmons joined the Flyers fresh off the back of leading North Texas to their first-ever NCAA tournament win. Simmons averaged 10 points and six rebounds in his senior year, in which a 78-69 overtime win made March Madness history for UNT. The Texas native is his University’s all-time leader in field goal percentage (64%) and finished his college career 16th on UNT’s all-time scoring list. 

Previous Meetings

The Riders last came up against the Flyers in the first round of last season’s playoffs, beating them 161-135 over the two legs. A convincing 85-56 win in the first leg put the tie beyond much doubt, with Geno Crandall, Mo Walker and Darien Nelson-Henry combining for 51 points. 

Buy Tickets

Tickets are still available to watch the Riders take on the Flyers in the season opener, CLICK HERE to secure your seat!

The Riders rounded off their preseason with a 88-80 loss to the Sheffield Sharks. After signing with Leicester during preseason, Marc Loving got his first taste of basketball on English soil. Ohio-born Loving led the team with 22 points in three-quarters of game time kicking off life in British basketball in emphatic fashion.

Loving began with a bang, scoring 12 in the first to get the Riders on the board. His highlight of the quarter: a smooth fadeaway from the free-throw line over 13-year Shark, Mike Tuck. Tuck led the game with 23 points, playing hard down low. The Sharks edged a tightly contested opening period 22-21, with former Loughborough Rider Lucien Christofis scoring to close out the quarter. 

The Riders kept it close in the second, despite an early run from the hosts which stretched their lead. Mo Walker continued his hot preseason, scoring seven in the half as he battled with new Sharks addition Marcus Delpeche in the paint. Delpeche, who averaged 13.5 points and 7.7 rebounds for the Bristol Flyers last season, was held to five points in the first half against Walker’s stifling interior defence. The Riders entered the locker room down 44-38, with Loughborough’s Victor Ndoukou’s free-throws ending the half. 

Captain Darien Nelson-Henry opened the second half explosively, throwing down a monster jam over Delpeche for a three-point play. The Penn State graduate’s highlight injected momentum into the Riders, who took a narrow lead early in the third. Loving’s offensive form continued late in the third, scoring seven in the period which ended 66-64 in the Shark’s favour. 

Delpeche fouled out early in the fourth quarter, as coach Rob Paternostro turned to his youth to close the game. With a lineup consisting of Loughborough and Charnwood prospects, Leicester fought the Shark’s BBL lineup to the final minute, with the game tied at 80 with 60 seconds on the clock. Ndoukou led the Riders in the fourth with six points, driving to the rim repeatedly and finishing strongly against tough defence.

“Victor over the four or five preseason games that we’ve played has shown us something. He’s a guy that can fill in if we need him” said Coach Rob post-game. 

The hosts hit shots down the stretch to seal the win, but were pushed all the way by the Riders’ young stars spectacularly. 

Paternostro also commented on Loving’s breakout game: “We know he has that kind of talent. He can really shoot the ball and play defence, and I think as he gets more comfortable with the system, the surroundings and the players we’re gonna see some good stuff from him”.

This fixture was the Riders final preseason outing. They tip-off their season on Friday 24th September, hosting the Bristol Flyers in the BBL Cup.

Preseason So far – Riders

The Riders return from their trip to the Netherlands, where they gained valuable experience against dutch side Donar Groningen. In their four preseason games, the Riders new roster, featuring new additions Kimbal Mackenzie, Patrick Whelan and Jubril Adekoya, has been gelling with valuable playtime. Whelan impressed in the second of the two games against Donar, earning the Premier Logistics Player of the Game after a 17 point performance. 

Preseason So Far – Sharks 

This game will be the Sharks first opportunity to see their new roster in action. New additions Marcus Delpeche, Joe Jnr Mvuezolo, Aaron Anderson and Jonathan Williams will be unveiled in front of a home crowd at Ponds Forge for the first time this season. They look to build chemistry before their first game against the Cheshire Phoenix. 

Ones To Watch

Mo Walker has been in fine form of late after a strong playoff run at the end of last season. In the opening two preseason fixtures, the 6’10” big man earned Premier Logistics Player of the Game honours, averaging 22.5 points and nine rebounds. Canadian-born, Walker averaged 11 points and 7.5 rebounds in last year’s playoffs, and will hope to continue his dominance this season. 

This offseason, the Sharks announced the arrival of 6’7” forward Marcus Delpeche from the Bristol Flyers. Delpeche averaged 13.5 points and 7.7 rebounds for the Flyers last season, as the 25-year-old lit up the BBL with his speed and athleticism. The Bates college graduate averaged 15 points per game in his senior year, and looks to continue his upward trend in his fourth BBL season. 

Previous Meeting 

Love was in the air last time the sides met, with their previous fixture taking place on Valentines Day. The Riders took home the flowers, winning 107-93 on the road as captain Darien Nelson-Henry led the Riders with 23 points. 

Next Up

Riders return to action at the Morningside Arena next weekend when they face the Bristol Flyers and Surrey Scorchers in a double header to get their BBL Cup campaign underway, CLICK HERE to buy tickets.

Leicester Riders and the Bentley Project Management have renewed their partnership for Bentley Project Management to again sponsor the reigning BBL Champions for the 2021/22 season.

The Riders are one of the most successful teams in BBL history and have one of the top basketball academies in the country, as well as a large community engagement programme through their charity, the Leicester Riders Foundation. They also offer a range of corporate facilities at the Morningside Arena.

Mr. Jonathon Bentley, Managing Director of Bentley Project Management, was pleased to be extending his support to the Riders,

“The Riders provide great family sporting entertainment and are doing excellent work in the community, and we are delighted to be helping support that work.”

“Our staff and customers all relish the unique atmosphere at Riders games and look forward returning to see them in action after more than a year away.”

“The fact we can also play our part in helping the Riders to invest in upgrading the facilities at the arena is something we are very proud to do.”

Riders Chairman Kevin Routledge was also delighted to extend the partnership,

“The Riders are delighted to work with Jonathon and his team as one of our commercial partners. 

“The club, Foundation and Arena has gone through very challenging times over the last eighteen months due to Covid, and it is great that Bentleys have increased their support to us at this critical time. We look forward to crowds returning to the Morningside Arena for the new season, along with our corporate partners.”

We are delighted to welcome Riders fans back to the Morningside Arena for the 2021 / 2022 BBL season and would like to update you on what has been happening behind the scenes since the last BBL game with fans in March 2020.

Refurbished Box Office

We have built a brand-new Box Office area in the main entrance to the Arena, including a new reception counter, new flooring throughout and turned the existing reception into a barista style café.

A significant element of this development is the installation of our new ticketing system – Total Tickets. This is a sophisticated system through which we manage our whole back of house operation and box office. The integrated turnstile and gate ensure we control access into the Arena and the handheld ticket scanners give us live attendance reports, as well as being important to your health & safety.

Event Entry

For the next period, entry to all events, including Riders fixtures, is through the Event entrance on the east side of the arena near Memory Lane through a temporary marquee. There is signage from the Arena entrance and crowd barriers in place to manage potential queues.

Please make sure you have your ticket ready to be scanned at the entrance – there will be no access to the game without an e-ticket. Ticket purchases, collections and enquiries can be made at the Box Office, and then entry to the game is via the Event entrance near the top of Memory Lane.

Keeping you safe

Throughout the gradual reopening of the Arena we have, in line with government guidance and advice from the Local Authority, kept strict measures in place with regards to Covid-19 safety. We have gained Covid Secure status from the Local Authority for the work we have done, and your comfort and safety remain our top priority.

We have sanitizing stations around the Arena and touch points are minimized, where possible. There are safety signs inside and outside the arena.

We have also installed additional doors in the main corridors to aid one-way flow.

We do recommend the use of face coverings when you are entering or exiting the arena, and to be mindful of social distancing when inside the Arena.

Access to Granby stand is now via the walkway behind Castle stand in the main arena, and not via the corridor – the corridor is being retained for players and officials only for safety reasons.

Food & Beverage

We have installed facilities in the external marquee to allow for improved social distancing.

We have also installed tables in the marquee for your enjoyment of the facilities. Additional food & beverage outlets in the main Arena will be added later.

We will also provide a live feed of the game in the marquee while you are queueing or at a table. Smoking can take place outside the marquee.

Toilet Facilities

We have built new toilet facilities (male & female) in the main Arena hall, in both of the old bars’ at the Granby and Victory corners, and these will be the facilities available for your use on gamedays. Access to the main corridor beyond the points of entry into the Arena near the Torr Waterfield stand are restricted to players and officials only.

Additional Barriers

We have installed some additional barriers for the time being in front of the Torr Waterfield Stand to protect the players and officials, as they are essential to the competition. These arrangements may vary as and when public health advice changes.

Parking

We strongly advise people to use public transport when attending events at the Arena. We do have limited parking available, on site, that is mainly for players, officials, staff and sponsors, and season ticket holders on a first come first served basis. However, there are additional facilities at many business locations on Charter Street and in the Leicester College parking facilities.

Please reference parking details on Riders or Arena websites.

New Stand Sponsor

We are delighted that Torr Waterfield Accountants have agreed to sponsor the Victory stand. It will be called the Torr Waterfield stand henceforth in all our Riders and Arena communications and ticketing.

Security & Stewards

We will have security and stewards to assist with car park, entrance and also within the arena. Along with Arena staff, these are fully briefed on revised spectator flows, and are in place to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience but also to ensure that the safety guidelines are adhered to. Due to the numerous changes made as detailed above we would appreciate that any guidance they offer is followed.

And………most importantly…………………………………………………………do enjoy the game!!

Leicester Riders came through two tough pre-season tests on Friday night and Sunday afternoon at Donar Groningen in the Netherlands, the Dutch side winning both 70-59 and 90-72.

Without American imports MVP Geno Crandall and Zach Jackson, the games provided an opportunity for new signing American forward Marc Loving to bed into the team, and to provide invaluable minutes for young players Justin Hedley and Victor Ndoukou, while hardening up the rest of the team, ahead of the new BBL season which starts in just under two weeks.

Having beaten a USA Select team on last Wednesday night, Rob Paternostro’s side were back in action 48 hours later in a tight gym in the neighbouring town of Wildervank on Friday night, having travelled to Groningen on Thursday. The Dutch side has quality European pedigree, having handily beaten Bakken Bears recently, Bakken having been too strong for Riders in Leicester’s only Champions League campaign to date three seasons ago.

On Friday night, Donar made the early head way running up an 8-0 lead, but Riders soon found their rhythm, with Kimbal Mackenzie and latterly Mo Walker drawing the Riders back into contention. The home side edged the first quarter 14-10, and in a tight defensive affair the home side was narrowly ahead 29-26 at halftime. The second quarter saw Conner Washington dominating the ball and keeping Riders in contention as found his range from beyond the arc.

Early in the third quarter, Riders found their rhythm, with Washington again dominant and combining well with Canadian guard Kimbal Mackenzie. Indeed, Riders were up 41-39 with 3.44 left in the quarter, but finally the home side started to use their strength in depth, and they closed out the quarter with a 10 to nil run, to lead 49-41 going into the final quarter. 

The final quarter saw both sides rotate their squads with the teams due to meet again 40 hours later, and Riders never threatened the Donar lead.

Washington finished up Rider’s top scorer with 15 points including 3 of 6 three pointers, while MacKenzie had a fine all-around game with 10 points, 3 rounds and 3 assists. Patrick Whelan added 11 points, including 2 of 3 three pointers. Riders were over-powered on the boards 41 to 29, with Donar scoring 15 second chance points, which proved decisive. 

On Sunday afternoon, in the more impressive surroundings of Donar’s normal home venue of the MartiniPlaza, with a capacity of 4,500, Riders took an early 5-3 lead. But the Dutch came roaring back with 3 three pointers by American shooting guard Austin Luke, which helped the home side to a 19-12 first quarter lead.

Riders were struggling to find their shooting touch and were put under severe defensive pressure by the physical Donar team and shot just 34% in the first half, including 2 of 10 from beyond the arc, and trailed 43-29 at halftime.

Washington was held scoreless in the first half but nailed two three pointers in the third quarter as Rider’s offence sparked to life and Walker made inroads inside. The home side just edged the third quarter 26-25 in a high tempo and high-quality period.

Washington and Patrick Whelan were both finding their shooting range in the final period, but Donar always had a response and Riders never threatened the home side’s lead.

Whelan led Riders with 17 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, including 3 of 6 three pointers, and Washington scored 15 points, including 4 of 6 three pointers, along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Walker added 12 points and 6 rebounds. Donar’s greater strength in depth was again decisive, as they had 41 points from their bench, while Riders had just 14.

Riders begin their BBL Cup campaign at the Morningside Arena when they face the Bristol Flyers on Friday 24th September, CLICK HERE to buy tickets!

Leicester Riders have today confirmed the signing of American forward Marc Loving. Loving, who has played in the NBA G-League for Delaware BlueCoats and Agua Caliente Clippers, has flown in direct to the Netherlands for the Riders games with Donar Groningen.

The 6’9” power forward is due to make his debut in tonight’s pre-season game.

“I’m super excited to be joining the Riders this season,” commented Loving. “I am looking forward to competing for a championship this season with my new teammates.”

Head Coach Rob Paternostro commented: “We are excited to have Mark on board, he is a talented player who has competed at a very high level at Ohio State and in the NBA G-league.”

“He has good size and length, and his versatility allows him to play multiple positions which should fit into our roster very well.”

“He is an excellent shooter, with great range and with his size and length can get his shot off over defenders.”

Loving joins the 2021-22 squad as the fourth American signing alongside Darien Nelson-Henry, Geno Crandall and Zach Jackson after it was confirmed that William Lee would not be returning to the Riders this season due to personal reasons he has decided to retire. Everyone at the Riders would like to wish Will all the best for the future.

Riders tipped their preseason off with a 144-69 win in the traditional Red vs Purple matchup, where they hosted feeder club Loughborough Riders of the NBL. Mo Walker led Leicester in a dominant 27 points and 11 rebound performance, while Patrick Whelan scored 21 in his Riders debut.

For the first time in over a year, Riders fans filled the Morningside Arena to applaud the league champions on to the court. Their support was rewarded with a first glimpse of this season’s squad, with new additions Kimbal Mackenzie, Jubril Adekoya and Whelan all starting.

Whelan made a lively start to Leicester life, draining two threes in the first period to establish an early lead. The William Jewell graduate drained two threes to start the game, with the ball looking good every time it left his hands. The hosts were firing from deep in the first quarter, making five attempts to end the period up 29-23.

Loughborough kept the game competitive for significant stints. It was a two-point game midway through the second before a 19 point Leicester run closed out the half strong. Mackenzie’s no-look pass to captain Darien Nelson-Henry gave him an easy look inside to stretch the lead to 11, before five Leicester steals in the final two minutes of the half helped them to a 21 point lead entering the locker rooms.

Leicester continued to build their lead in the second half, courtesy of nine quick points from Walker. The big man went four for four to start the third quarter, showcasing his versatility by draining a shot from deep, getting easy points in transition and backing down opponents inside. 17 of Leicester’s 24 third-quarter points were scored between Walker and Conner Washington, who finished the game with 19, as they entered the final period up 89-44.

Leicester closed out the tie comfortably. Walker continued his dominance, scoring six in the fourth before checking out with six minutes left. Adekoya produced the play of the game on his Riders debut, pulling down a rebound before slinging a full-court outlet pass to Charnwood prospect Louie Jordan for an open dunk. A 25-15 fourth quarter sealed a Leicester win.

The Riders continue their preseason on Wednesday, suiting up in their annual game against USA Select at home.