Games played: 26
Points Per Game: 11.03
Rebounds Per Game: 4.2
Assists per game: 3.03
Jamell Anderson returned to the Riders this season fulfilling the second year of his two year contract with the club. The Nottingham born Forward is one of the most talented defensive players in the league being able to guard all positions and on most nights is tasked with guarding the opponent’s most potent offensive threat.
Anderson had arguably his best season to date in a Riders jersey over the 2019/20 season posted a season high of 23 points whilst shooting an extremely efficient 57.6% from the floor and 68% from 2 over the course of the season. Jamell also put in some outstanding defensive performances over the course of the season and averaged the most minutes per game on coach Paternostro’s roster averaging 30.04 minutes per game.
Coach Paternostro was impressed with what Jamell brought to his team this season. “I thought Jamell was rock solid for us this year, his ability to play a lot of minutes and at multipolar positions was valuable to our roster. Defensively he is as valuable as anyone in our league, he guards bigs and guards and he has the energy and stamina to be effective on that end of the floor. Offensively he was very efficient, his FG percentage and three point percentage were very good”
Despite the sudden end to the season Jamell believes the team learnt a lot and is trying to make the most out of the circumstances we currently find ourselves in due to the Coronavirus. “I think personally I enjoyed the ups and downs. I think every loss is a lesson and although we didn’t have that many I feel like as a team and me personally they were great learning points which I believe lead up to us becoming our best version this year.
Another year under Rob as a coach and I still love competing with him and of course in front of the amazing Leicester Riders fans and family.
Obviously not the way anyone expected or wanted the year to finish but I think I’ll hold my head high knowing I gave my everything when I stepped on court and will continue to do the same for the rest of my career.
Right now I don’t have a statement as such about the current situation other than I can’t commend and show my admiration and love for those fighting the effects of this pandemic. Now more than ever I share my heart and well wishes to all those effected and pray that we all find ways to get through this unusual situation we find ourselves in.
To put on a riders Jersey and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure I come back stronger physically and mentally for my next opportunity to step on court.
I’m training almost every day at home and I’m reading and stretching my mind as much as possible to make sure that even under these circumstances I’m finding ways to grow and enjoy life.”
Key Performances
September 29th 2019 v Manchester Giants – BBL Cup
Stat Line: 21 points (8-12 FG), 5 rebounds, 2 steals
The Leicester Riders travelled up to Manchester to take on the Giants as they looked to move to 3-0 on the season. Jamell made a quick start of the game knocking down a three early in the first quarter before finishing a fast break with a dunk to ended the lead to 7 points. Jamell knocked down another three with two minutes left in the second quarter as the Riders went into the half time break up 20-44. The Giants tried to make a run early in the third quarter but the Riders came back at them at the end of the period behind a late 4 points on the break from Jamell off two sweet dimes from Kyron Cartwright. The Giants were unable to mount a comeback in the fourth as the Riders ran out 57-96 winners behind a game high 21 from Jamell.
November 8th 2019 v Glasgow Rocks – BBL Cup
Stat line: 20 points (5-10 FG), 3 rebounds, 1 assist
The Riders took on the Glasgow Rocks at the Morningside Arena after defating them up in Scotland earlier in the season. Jamell made a quick start scoring 8 of the Riders first 10 points of the game as the Riders took a 6 point lead into the quarter break. The Riders went in a tear in the second quarter as they won the period 29-16, Jamell made his contribution to the run scoring 7 points including another three from the corner. The Riders dominance continued in the second half as they won the third and fourth quarters despite being out of sight, Jamell knocked down another three and finished strong three times on the break as the Riders ran our victorious 93-58.
December 6th 2019 v Plymouth Raiders – BBL Championship
Stat line: 23 points (9-10 FG), 9 rebounds, 2 steals
Jamell and the Riders took on the Plymouth Raiders at the Morningside Arena in their opening fixture of the BBL Championship. Anderson knocked down a three on the opening possession of the ball game to get the Riders going before slamming one down on the break just a minute later. Anderson then knocked down a pair of three throws and scored a neat layup inside to give the Riders a slight two point lead at the end of the first quarter. The Riders continued to put the pressure on I the second quarter extending their lead to 12 at the half. Plymouth made a quick start to the second half but a Jamell layup steadied the ship and got the Riders going, despite the Raiders closing the gap to just 8 heading into the final period. Jamell helped the Riders extend the lead at the beginning of the fourth scoring two floating layups as the Riders pulled away once again, this time it was too late for a Raiders fightback as the Riders ran out victorious 97-79.
