Riders sign CJ Jackson!

Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of talented point guard CJ Jackson for the 2022/23 season! Georgia-born Jackson has played three pro seasons in Scandinavia, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds per game for Bisons Loimaa in the Finnish first division last season. 

Jackson is a graduate of Ohio State, playing three seasons with the Buckeyes. During his time in college, he played alongside Riders’ sharpshooter Marc Loving for the 2016/17 season. He scored 12 points a game in his senior year before going pro in 2019. 

In his first game as a pro, Jackson showed his clutch genes, hitting a game-winner with 0.8 seconds left on the clock for Swedish side Köping Stars. He played two seasons in Sweden, averaging 17 points, five assists and four rebounds during his time there. 

“I’m super excited to be joining the Rider family,” reflected CJ.

“I can’t wait to start the season. Playing with an old teammate like Marc (Loving) is exciting, and I’m looking forward to going into battle with him again!”  

Head Coach Rob Paternostro commented on the signing:

“We are looking forward to working with CJ. He is a talented guard who can do a variety of things on the basketball court. Throughout his career he has shown that he can be effective both on the ball or off it and can be really difficult to defend.”

“His three point shooting , attacking the basket and passing ability will be a nice addition to our team.”

“We liked his experience, he played in a very good conference in the big ten and played very well, he also has had some very good professional seasons where he was a standout performer.”

Riders play their first pre-season game this Friday against USA Select – tickets are on sale here. Having just landed CJ is expected to make his debut the following week against Donar Groningen.

Community Sessions Are Back

Our Leicester Riders Foundation Community Sessions are back ahead of the 2022/23 season.

CLICK HERE to book onto our sessions!

Monday

Loughborough PL Kicks, Ages 12-17, 19:30-20:30 at Charnwood College, Thorpe hill, Loughborough, LE11 4SQ

Late Night Hoops, 18+, 21:00-22:30 at Morningside Arena

Tuesday

She Got Game, Ages 12-17, 17:30-19:00 at Morningside Arena

He Got Game, Ages 12-17, 17:30-19:00 at Morningside Arena

Inclusive Basketball, 18+, 20:30-22:00 at Morningside Arena

Wednesday

Junior Open Court, 17:00-18:00 at Morningside Arena

Walking Basketball, 18:00-19:30 at Morningside Arena

Adult Basketball, 19:30-21:00, 30+ at Morningside Arena

Late Night Hoops, 21:00-22:30, 18+ at Morningside Arena

Thursday

Baby Ballers, 10:00-11:00, Ages 1-3 at Morningside Arena

Fundamental Hoops, Ages 8-11, 16:30-17:30 at Morningside Arena

Mini Ballers, 17:00-18:00, Ages 4-7 at Morningside Arena

Friday

Beaumont Leys Free Friday Night Hoops, 17:00-19:00, Ages 12-17 at Beaumont Leys School, Anstey Ln, Leicester LE4 0FL

New College PL Kicks, 18:00-19:30, Ages 12-17 at New College Leicester, Glenfield Rd, Leicester LE3 6DN

Saturday

St Matthews PL Kicks, 10:00-11:30, Ages 12-17 at St Mattews Centre, Malabar Road, Leicester, LE1 2PD

CLICK HERE to book onto our sessions!

We’re Hiring!

We are looking for a Sales Manager to work with our club partners and on our group ticketing offers.

For more information on the role you can access the job description here.

LRF hosting Teacher Meet & Greet

Leicester Riders Foundation are hosting a Teacher Meet & Greet at the Morningside Arena on Thursday 13th October.

The Meet & Greet provides a great to explore all the great education packages and opportunities we can deliver in your school.

CLICK HERE to book your place!

Riders announce BBL staff structure for 2022/23

Riders have announced the BBL support staff for the 2022/23 season. After winning the treble last season, the club are delighted to announce the addition of some key staff members.

“It’s awesome for us to welcome the new faces to the backroom team”, commented Head Coach Rob Paternostro.

“It’s important for us to have a great support staff to support our players for the season ahead and beyond. I’m looking forward to working with them all.”

Former Riders WBBL coach Matt Pitkin returns to the club and joins Pablo Vazquez and Will Maynard on the sideline under head coach Rob Paternostro. Matt will also head up a new role for the club as Pathway Manager.

“It’s an awesome feeling to be back at Leicester after the last five years,” Matt Pitkin reflecting on his return.

“The opportunity to work with one of the BBL’s most decorated teams in the last ten years was one that really excited me. Rob is a serial winner and I’m looking forward to supporting and learning from him.”

“I’m really motivated to support the club in their journey to connect and collaborate their extensive pathway.”

Tom Austin succeeds Jordan Godfrey as the strength & conditioning coach, whilst Ben Pogmore (Head of Medical) and Callum Stevens (Performance Analysis) join the backroom.

Head Coach – Rob Paternostro
Ast. Coach – Matthew Pitkin (previously Harber)
Ast. Coach – Pablo Vazquez
Ast. Coach – Will Maynard
Team Manager – Donna Phillips
Strength & Conditioning – Tom Austin
Head of Medical – Ben Pogmore
Performance Analysis – Callum Stevens

Managing Director Russell Levenston commented “Over the last 5 years we have really developed our support staff to help Rob take the team to next level and this year we feel we have a great group to support for the BBL team and other areas of the club.”

“It is really exciting times for the club following last years’ success and the preparation for the Champions League qualifiers in September.”

Walshe returns to Riders

British guard Evan Walshe has returned to the Riders squad for the 2022-23 season. Walshe, who previously played & studied in America for Barry University, will continue his studies at Loughborough University, undertaking a two-year masters degree. 

Walshe was added to the Riders squad last term and as well as enjoying minutes in the BBL, played a pivotal role in Will Maynard’s NBL D1 side. This time around Walshe will add some depth to the Riders BBL roster and be eligible to play in the Loughborough University BUCS side.

“It was awesome to work with Evan last season and we are looking forward to having him back,” commented head coach Rob Paternostro. “He is a talented young player who continues to develop his game. We were very impressed with him as a player and competitor last season.“

“He has good size for the guard position, he can shoot the three and he is a physical player that competes on both ends of the floor. He is a guy that can really get to the basket both in the half court and in transition.”

Last season Riders picked up three major trophies in the League Championship, BBL Cup and Playoff title, Walshe is excited at the prospect of being reunited with his fellow treble-winners.

“It feels great to sign back and to get a full season with the Riders. With all the success of last season, and bringing the majority of the squad back, there is a lot of excitement for the upcoming season,” commented Walshe. 

“Working day in day out with Coach Rob last season gave me a taste for his passion for the game and gave me a new wind in my sail so I’m excited to have the privilege of working under the coaching staff again this season.” 

“When the masters was offered to me it was really a no brainer, the opportunity to continue my education alongside playing is something I couldn’t turn down. Loughborough is a great University and will allow me further success off the basketball court when it’s all said and done”

Riders would like to place on record our thanks and appreciation for the continued support of Loughborough University in helping to support our players’ education. 

JNL Academy Coaching Appointments

We are delighted to announce our JNL Academy Coaching appointments ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Leicester Riders Foundation would still like to appoint more assistant coaches and team managers for the 2022/23 season. Please get in touch with Head of Academy, Steven Mroso via email [email protected].

Appointments:

U12s Boys – Head Coach: Tom Fairey

U12 Girls – Head Coach: Ben Loft

U13s Boys – YBL – Head Coach: Aaran Kahlon

U14s Boys II – Head Coach: Ricardo Silva 

U14s Boys – Head Coach: Damon Taylor

U14s Girls – Head Coach: Matt Barwell

U15s Boys – Head Coach: Jake Burfoot

U16s Boys II – Head Coach: Pietro Tomajer

U16s Boys – Head Coach: Steven Mroso 

Assistant Coaches: Emo Westerby & Paul Hodgkinson

U16s Girls II – Head Coach: Natalie Narrinen

Assistant Coach: Ryan Evans

U16 Girls – Head Coach: Lewis Atkins

U18 Men – Head Coach: Greg Ellis

Team will begin the preparation for the new season with pre season fixtures at the Morningside Arena on September 3rd & 4th.

For updates on all fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

Riders Recruit Sarson

Leicester Riders are pleased to announce the addition of Beth Sarson to their WBBL roster ahead of the 2022/23 WBBL Season.

Sarson will be a familiar figure within the league having made over 120 appearances across all WBBL competitions during her four seasons with the Oaklands Wolves and one season at the Essex Rebels. 

Last year with the Wolves she averaged 9.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.3apg &1.9spg in WBBL Championship action and she will add invaluable experience and depth to what will be a very new look Riders backcourt.

“I’m really excited to join the Leicester Riders for the 2022/23 season! I have always loved the way Leicester play and the way Krumesh coaches, so I am thrilled to get the chance to be part of it. I cannot wait to get on court with such a talented group of players and coaches.”

Krumesh Patel is pleased with his side’s latest addition:

“It is great to add Beth to our roster. She is a great teammate, very coachable and comes with good references. She has proven to be a very solid player in the WBBL and has a good stroke from the outside. She will fit in well with the squad and is another British player that really wants to keep developing her game.”

Riders partner with Vertu Motors

Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce a three-year partnership with Vertu Motors and their Leicester dealership – Vertu Toyota Leicester.

The leading car dealership, who also have dealerships in Loughborough, Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield and Grantham, are supplying the team a fleet of Toyota vehicles

Chris Taylor, Group Operations Director at Vertu Motors, said: “Leicester Riders have enjoyed huge success on the court over the years and most importantly they are revered for the work they do to support local communities. We hugely admire their dedication to developing young people of all ages, through working with schools in the area and player
pathways in Leicester and Loughborough. We are very proud to partner with the team.”

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors, added: “Following our Group’s successful partnerships with Newcastle Eagles and Glasgow Rocks, we are delighted to announce a further deal within the British Basketball League, with Leicester Riders. We are focused on continuing to drive brand awareness with key audiences; this partnership will serve to cement our name within the local community, and we can’t wait to get the season started.”

Russell Levenston, Managing Director at Leicester Riders, commented:

“It gives us great pleasure to welcome Vertu Motors as an Official Partner for the upcoming season. The Riders are committed to working with national brands that have a link to the local community and we are keen to help the region in becoming a more prosperous location for their business.

“We take pride in providing success both on and off the court, and we feel that this partnership, with Vertu Motors’ renowned quality service and customer care, will help us accomplish just that.”

Vertu Motors hold partnerships with a number of sports clubs across the country, including in football and cricket, with Burnley FC, Middlesbrough FC and Sunderland AFC, alongside Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Durham Cricket.

JNL Academy to host Pre-season Fixtures

September 3rd & 4th will be a busy weekend at the Morningside Arena as we host Pre-season fixtures for our JNL Academy Teams ahead of the 2022/23 season. 10 teams from 7 clubs across 3 different age groups will be in attendance as teams begin their preparation for the new season.

Newly appointed Head of Academy Steven Mroso is excited at the prospect of a competitive set of pre season fixtures. “I am looking forward to see the majority of our teams in action for the weekend, We have invited some good quality teams so we should see quality competition and give myself the opportunity to see where we are as a club”

Saturday 3rd September

Under 14 Girls v Bromsgrove Bears, Court 2, 12:00 Tip

Under 16 Girls Premier v COB Rockets, Court 2, 14:00 Tip

Under 16 Boys Premier v Stourport Spartans, Court 2, 16:00 Tip

Under 14 Boys v Northamptonshire Titans, Court 3, 12:00 Tip

Under 16 Girls II v Bromsgrove Bears, Court 3, 14:00 Tip

Under 18s Men II v Gloucester Saxons, Court 3, 16:00 Tip

Sunday 4th September

Under 14 Boys Premier v Manchester Giants, Court 2, 12:00 Tip

Under 16 Girls Premier v Liverpool, Court 2, 14:00 Tip

Under 16 Boys Premier v Cheshire Phoenix, Court 2, 16:00 Tip

Under 16 Boys II v Liverpool, Court 3, 12:00 Tip

Under 18 Men v Liverpool, Court 3, 16:00 Tip

For updates on all fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

Riders add Dolphins to pre-season schedule

Riders will face Swedish side Norrköping Dolphins at Morningside Arena on Wednesday 14 September at 7.30pm tip, as they prepare for the new season.

Dolphins won the league title in Sweden last year and will also feature in the Basketball Champions League Qualifiers on 21st.

After facing Rob Paternostro’s men, Norrköping will travel to the north-east where they face Newcastle Eagles on 16 September.

Tickets for our home pre-season game versus Dolphins are available here.

Powell To Step Up For Riders

Leicester Riders are pleased to confirm that GB U18 forward Erin Powell will step up and be part of their roster for the upcoming WBBL Season.

Powell is set to start her second year at Charnwood College having averaged 10.3ppg & 13rpg in the WEABL last season where she was voted Northern Conference U17 Player of the Year. She also made 15 appearances for the Loughborough Riders in WNBL D1 last year.

Powell looked set to be part of the GB U18 team playing in the European Championships in Sofia this summer but unfortunately, a late injury saw her replaced in the squad.

Powell is excited at the prospect of playing WBBL:

“I am super excited for the new season and really looking forward to playing for Coach Krumesh. I’m preparing my best both mentally and physically to succeed. I’m looking forward to meeting and bonding with the new team. It will be great to experience a higher level of basketball as I strive to improve myself as much as possible throughout the season”

Coach Krumesh Patel is looking forward to seeing Powell progress:

“It is always important to support the pathway for younger players. Erin has demonstrated great growth and being with the WBBL squad will allow her to continue that. She had a great summer and impressed the GB coaches. We are looking forward to having her with us because she has a great work ethic, and we are excited to see her continue to grow and develop.”

Brown Becomes A Rider

The Leicester Riders are pleased to announce a further addition to their WBBL roster for the 2022/23 WBBL Season with the signing of 6’3” US/Scottish forward Kirsty Brown.

Brown joins the Riders after graduating from Cal Poly where in her senior year she averaged 8ppg, 6.5rpg & 1.1bpg.

With good size, Brown will give the Riders extra strength in the 4 and 5 positions where her post play and wingspan will be of benefit at both ends of the floor. She has the ability to score inside and from midrange as well as being a tenacious rebounder and disruptive defender.

“Leicester felt like home from the first phone call I received. I am so excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to play in England. I can’t wait to meet my teammates and staff and look forward to becoming a part of the community. Let’s get to work on bringing home a championship. Go Riders!”.

Head Coach Krumesh Patel commented:

“It is really nice to be able to add Kirsty to our team as she is something we were missing. Her size and length will fit in well alongside Ashley. She is mobile and quick which will allow us to play in the style that we want to. She’s another player on this roster with ambition and the drive to keep pushing. I think she will be a great fit for this group”.

Marc Loving returns!

Riders are excited to announce the re-signing of former Ohio State forward Marc Loving for the 2022/23 season. The sharpshooting stretch-four scored 12 points a game last season on an efficient 46% from the field. 

Loving played an integral part of the Riders’ treble-winning season last year. His season-high of 32 points game back in November, torching the Cheshire Phoenix to settle into Leicester life quickly, before earning Player of the Month in December.

Prior to last season, Loving competed in the NBA G-League for the Delaware Bluecoats and the Agua Caliente Clippers. This came after a successful four-year stint at Ohio State, where he averaged 13 points and five rebounds across his junior and senior years. 

Loving became a fan favourite throughout the season and will bring a bounce to the Morningside Arena with his highlight plays.

“I’m looking forward to being back & building on what we accomplished last year,” said Loving. “I’m happy to be back with a great coaching staff and fan base. This year should be really exciting!”

Head Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on Loving’s return:

“We are thrilled to have Marc back for another season. He is a very talented player with a high basketball IQ whose versatility allows him to play in many different positions on both ends of the floor.”

“I thought he was excellent last season. He is a player that you feel comfortable with on the floor because he consistently makes the right plays both offensively and defensively.”

“His three point shot is a great weapon in our offence, he has unlimited range out there but I also think that his passing and playmaking were very important to our offence last season.”