Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders are set for the second leg in the Super League Basketball Trophy Semi-Final against Newcastle Eagles.
The Riders need to overcome a four point deficit in the aggregate score in order to progress to the Final at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham. They enter the game in high spirits after four straight wins in all competitions.
Meanwhile the Eagles, who started the season well, look to bounce back from two straight losses, to the Riders in the League last weekend and the Caledonia Gladiators in the Cup on Friday.
Here’s all you need to know:
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Newcastle Eagles
Super League Basketball Trophy Semi-Final second leg
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
Sunday December 22, 5:30 pm
First Leg Recap
Leicester Riders pulled off a second half fightback in the first leg to keep their Trophy final hopes alive.
Down 17 points at the half, the Riders made it a four point game at the final buzzer. The final score was 95-91, and the sides will go back to Leicester with the tie in the balance for the second leg.
Fighting back on Tyneside 👊
📹 Relive the action from our Friday night battle against Newcastle Eagles!
Zach Jackson led the game with 24 points and 5 rebounds, backed by Charles Thompson who was pivotal in the paint, going off for 18 points and 14 rebounds, making big buckets in the fourth.
After giving up 38 points in the second quarter, the Riders’ defence locked down in the second half to climb into the game. Turnovers proved costly against the roadrunning Eagles side, the Riders losing the battle 17-7, but Leicester’s second half shot making meant all is to play for in the second leg.
Newcastle’s Seneca Knight led their efforts with 23 points and 4 rebounds, but the bench was the difference in the game. The Eagles’ bench scored 47 to the Riders’ 18, with former Rider Josh Ward-Hibbert bagging 18.
The Riders loss means they need a five point win in Leicester to win the tie over two legs.
Recent form
The Riders take nothing but confidence into this game, having beaten the Eagles in dominant fashion just a week ago in the Championship.
It was an 89-65 victory, and a start-to-finish dominant display for the Riders, who had contributions up and down the roster to win the bench battle 32-20. Zach Jackson led the way with a 20 point performance. He was backed by 17 from Jaylin Hunter and 12 off the bench for Ethan Wright.
Wright on time! 🔥🚨
Ethan continued his hot run of form with a strong performance against the Eagles last night! 😤 pic.twitter.com/RUH0lJBjGl
It was a tough outing for the Eagles, who suffered only their second league defeat of the season. They were led by 13 from Mike Okauru, who went 6-15 from the floor.
Leicester followed up with a win in Surrey on Friday night, which saw them again win convincingly from the tip-off to the final buzzer.
Charles Thompson’s dominant display led the Riders from the frontcourt with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks, locking off the paint from wire to wire with his relentless effort and energy.
Meanwhile the Eagles, fresh off the loss to Leicester, took a tough loss to the bottom of the table Caledonia Gladiators in the Cup last time out. They fell down 16 in the first half, and despite a 56 point second half which saw them take the lead in the fourth, the Gladiators held on late to knock the Eagles out of the competition.
Mike Okauru led the Eagles with 23 in a typically high-scoring performance, but with only two starters scoring in double figures, Newcastle left themselves with too much to do in the second half.
Tickets avaliable!
Tickets to the game are still available. Get in the stands to get behind the team as they look to progress to the Final.
Leicester Riders won their fourth League game on the bounce by beating Surrey 89ers on the road 89-72.
Charles Thompson’s dominant display led the Riders from the frontcourt with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks, locking off the paint from wire to wire with his relentless effort and energy.
Zach Jackson followed up with 17 points, sealing the deal with a run of buckets in the final period. Meanwhile Riley Abercrombie notched a double-double with 13 and 12, and a three to end the night.
Leicester’s bench also won the battle of the second units 23-9, led by Ethan Wright’s 8 points.
The Riders won despite shooting 3-7 from the foul line to Surrey’s 17-22. Mervin James led the game with 22 for the 89ers, going 7-11 from the field.
Thompson leads dominant start
Fresh off his Team of the Week selection last weekend, Thompson scored six straight points to start the game to stamp his authority on the paint. He threw down a monster jam for his third bucket of the game after getting the switch in the pick and roll.
Thompson has 6 points, 3 rebounds and a big time block in the opening three minutes, his block on Cameron Gooden setting up a Jackson finish on the break. Leicester led 10-2 to start the game.
Hunter, from the point, played aggressively in the first to get to the teeth of Surrey’s defence. He scored six at the hoop in the first quarter.
Duke Shelton closed the quarter for Leicester with a hard-fought rebound and a post hook over James, but James returned the favour with a closely contested fadeaway over Shelton on the buzzer to make it 17-24 after one.
Leicester build on lead in the second
Conner Washington checked into the game in the second to hit back-to-back triples off the bench. But James, in rhythm after the end of the first, brought his game tally to 13 with his first three of the game to keep Surrey in contention.
Thompson re-entered the fray after sitting with two fouls and scored his tenth points immediately, before contesting Dame Adelekun in the post and giving him an empty trip down the court.
Abercrombie drained his first three of the game to make the score 45-31, and Thompson finished the flurry with a two-handed jam on the break to bring his game tally to 12. James ended the half with a bucket, and the sides entered the break with the Riders up 14.
Riders respond to Surrey flurry
Hunter led the team out the half with five points, including a tough floater through contact and a three from the wing. Abercrombie followed with a three from the top as Leicester extended their lead.
A string of Riders turnovers opened the door for a Surrey run, however, with Adelekun scoring on back-to-back possessions on the fastbreak. The second bucket was a finish from a lob pass from Di-Jani Parkinson, and the score was 49-60 with 2:30 left in the period.
The 89ers momentum caused a Riders timeout from Head Coach Rob Paternostro, as Leicester looked to steal the sway of the game back. Thompson and Jackson combined for 6 points once the team had regathered, rebuilding the lead at the hoop.
Jordan Hunt shot hope back into the Niners on the buzzer, however, making a miracle three to make the host’s deficit 15 with one left.
Riders see it out through Jackson
Blake Bowman started the fourth aggressively with a drive inside, euro stepping for two. Wright followed with his second triple from the top as Leicester got off to a hot start in the final period.
Shelton picked up his fifth foul to see him sidelined for the rest of proceedings, and Surrey scored 4 straight points to chip back into it.
But Leicester’s leading scorer Jackson took the game over in it’s pivotal stage. He scored 5 points on the bounce by getting his back to basket and finishing through contact repeatedly.
Thompson and Wright both sent shots away in emphatic fashion late in the fourth, and Hunter sealed the game with a three with a favourable bounce. The 89ers rallied late to cut the score to 13, but it was too little too late for the hosts as Leicester took a professional win.
Trophy semi-final next
The Riders are back in action on Sunday in the Super League Basketball Trophy semi-final against Newcastle Eagles.
Leicester Riders are back on the road for Championship action against Surrey 89ers.
It’s the final scheduled trip to Surrey for the Riders, who have faced the Niners three times in competitive action already this season, winning on each occasion.
Leicester now take the trip South on a three-game League winning streak, having beaten Newcastle Eagles last Sunday.
Here’s all you need to know about the fixture…
Fixture information
Surrey 89ers vs Leicester Riders
Surrey Sports Park
Friday, December 20, 7:30 pm
Riders building momentum ahead of semi-final clash
The team is hitting full stride in a pivotal stretch of games.
Three league wins on the bounce has seen the Riders climb to third in the League standings with a 4-2 record, a record-breaking points tally for a Rob Paternostro side meant the Riders progressed to the second round of the Cup with a 130-61 win in Falkirk, and everything is still to play for in Sunday’s semi-final against Newcastle with Leicester needing a five point win to make the final.
Last time out, the Riders made a statement against their semi-final opponents with an impressive performance wire-to-wire. Led by 20 points from Zach Jackson, Leicester beat Newcastle convincingly 89-65 in one of the best team performances of the year.
The Riders’ bench outscored their opponent’s 32-20, with Ethan Wright’s fine form leading the bench effort with 12 points. Charles Thompson put on an impactful performance from the five-man position, achieving an index rating of 20 without shooting a field goal and blocking five shots, and Jaylin Hunter’s playmaking from the point led to jaw-dropping plays throughout.
The complete team effort showcased the Riders’ elite talent up and down the roster in order to hand Newcastle only their second League loss of the season.
Building on Thompson’s rim protection (the American is leading the League in blocks per game with 2.7) the Riders boast the best defence in the League. They’re the only team holding their opponents to under 80 points per game, and by averaging the most assists and fewest turnovers on the offensive end, they are proving to be a cohesive team unit on both sides of the ball.
Niners finding form
Surrey 89ers, sixth in the League with a 3-4 record, enter this fixture having won back-to-back games with a chance to improve to a .500 record against the Riders.
They fought off the NBL’s Derby Trailblazers in the Cup with a 93-88 win on the road, days after besting Manchester Basketball at home 86-79 led by 20 points and 10 rebounds from Dame Adelekun who didn’t miss a field goal on the night.
Adelekun, going 20/20 from the field over his last two games, made history last weekend. He is the first player in top-flight British basketball history to achieve this, the previous highest tally without a miss being 14 from Caledonia’s Patrick Tape.
Surrey have shown their ability to keep pace with every team in British basketball this season. After being blown out 66-82 against the Riders in their opening league fixture, every Niners game since has been decided in single digits, making their average points difference in league games 7.4.
Close encounters with the Eagles and Sharks, and a win against London Lions, shows that Surrey are ready to compete with the League’s best on any given night, and the Riders will have to be at their best to leave Surrey with a win.
Previous meetings
The sides have met three times in competitive action this season, having been drawn in the same Trophy group and playing one another in the opening game of the Championship season.
The Riders have come out double digit victors on each occasion, winning by an average margin of 13.7 points.
Zach Jackson has enjoyed success in their building, scoring 21 and 20 points in his two appearances at Surrey Sports Park this season. His 20 points and 6 assists last time out led the team to a convincing 82-66 win to kick off the team’s league campaign.
This is the last scheduled visit to Surrey Sports Park for the Riders this season, who will be ready for a battle against what has been a difficult test for every team in recent weeks.
Report: Riders take dominant win against Newcastle Eagles
Leicester Riders made it three league wins on the bounce with a 89-65 victory against Newcastle Eagles at home.
It was a start-to-finish dominant display for the Riders, who had contributions up and down the roster to win the bench battle 32-20. Zach Jackson led the way with a 20 point performance. He was backed by 17 from star guard Jaylin Hunter and 12 off the bench for Ethan Wright.
The game marked 500 wins for Head Coach Rob Paternostro, who became the fastest in British basketball top-flight history to the tally. It was a fitting way to make the milestone against the Riders’ historic rivals.
It was a tough outing for the Eagles, who suffered only their second league defeat of the season. They were led by 13 from Mike Okauru, who went 6-15 from the floor.
The win means the Riders leapfrog the Eagles into third place in the standings with a 4-2 record, and the tiebreaker against Newcastle. It’s three league wins on the bounce for the Riders who are making a surge up the standings during their packed December schedule.
Leicester will take confidence from the game ahead of a rematch with the Eagles next week in the Trophy semi-final second leg in Leicester.
Eagles fightback to keep it close after one
The games started at an electric pace, with buckets pouring in in the opening stages in a back-and-forth exchange. The Eagles drew first blood with a triple from their leading scorer on the season Okauru, but the Riders came up with a string of steals which led to a corner three from Hunter giving the hosts a 7-5 lead.
Leicester’s leading scorer Jackson got in on the action midway through the first for five straight points, including a putback and-one from a Hunter missed triple. Jackson, who led the team last time out against Newcastle, continued to prove too physical for their defence down low.
The Riders’ defence suffocated Newcastle, leading to four turnovers in six minutes for the visitors and only seven points.
However, Christian James took the lid off the basket to get the Eagles back in contention. He scored 5 points, including a corner triple, to make it 20-18. The Eagles comeback made it close after one, the score 23-20 in Leicester’s favour.
Riders bench blows game open in the second
Wright made his impact felt to start the second with a pair of buckets at the hoop. He was followed by a Blake Bowman triple to rebuild the Riders’ advantage to eight.
With momentum in their corner, Leicester blew the game open through scores from Aussie forward Riley Abercrombie. His three gave the hosts their first double digit lead of the game at 39-28.
The Riders second unit stepped up in the quarter to maintain Leicester’s lead. 8 points for Wright and 5 for Bowman at the half meant the Eagles couldn’t climb back into the game.
Hunter checked back in with two minutes left in the half and came up with two scores in succession, before Jackson finished the period with a triple for Leicester to lead 49-40 at the break.
Sharp shooting Riders build dominant lead
Hunter, driving on the fastbreak, made the play of the game to get the Riders going in the second half. He drove hard to the hoop before dishing a no-look, behind-the-back pass to Jackson who laid it in for two.
Jackson cooked out of the break, hitting two triples on his way to eight points in three minutes and a 57-46 lead. Leicester held a double digit lead through the third quarter, despite the Eagles chipping away with buckets at the basket.
The threes poured in for the Riders with Spencer Johnson, Hunter and Jackson heating up to keep Newcastle at distance. Baskets from Conner Washington on the fastbreak and Bowman at the rim made it 74-59 with one left, the Riders in firm control of proceedings.
Leicester see it out in defensive fourth quarter
The Riders stamped their authority on the final quarter early to leave little doubt. Bowman and Wright again combined for back-to-back buckets to make the score 80-59 with 8 minutes on the clock.
Leicester’s defence locked down Newcastle, who went scoreless in two minutes in the fourth. Meanwhile offensively they pounded the paint, with Duke Shelton mucking his way to an and-one inside.
Sprinting through the final line, Hunter put the cherry on top of the game with a fastbreak finish for two.
A low scoring fourth concluded the action for Leicester to get it over the line. The final period was won by the Riders to finish off an impressive victory, and a statement ahead of next week’s semi final.
After two games away from league action, Leicester Riders refocus on their Super League Basketball campaign with a heavyweight clash against Newcastle Eagles.
It’s the second of three games in December against the Riders’ North Eastern opponents, with the teams facing off in the Trophy semi-final over two legs, but this league tie sandwiched in between the two games is not to be overlooked in its significance.
A win for the Riders would swing the league standings in their favour as they cast their eyes to the top of the table, so here’s all you need to know about the matchup.
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Newcastle Eagles
Super League Basketball Championship
Sunday, December 15, 3PM
Riders return to League action
This weekend features a marathon double header for the Riders, who return home from a fixture in Falkirk on Friday evening.
The game, against Scottish Basketball Championship league leaders Falkirk Fury, saw Leicester progress to the second round of the Cup comfortably winning 130-61.
It was the highest-scoring game in Rob Paternostro’s 16-year tenure as Riders Head Coach, and the Club’s highest-scoring game since 1997. The game was also the second biggest win for Paternostro as Riders Head Coach.
Facing Falkirk saw a return to winning ways, after the Riders fell in a hard-fought semi-final first leg in Newcastle a week prior. The Riders, down 17 at the half, came back to make it a game going back to Leicester and lose only by four.
Fighting back on Tyneside 👊
📹 Relive the action from our Friday night battle against Newcastle Eagles!
A torrid second quarter meant Leicester had to dig themselves out of the hole, and they will need performances up and down the roster in order to avoid needing another comeback on Sunday afternoon.
Off the back of a long road trip on Friday, and facing a talented Eagles side deep into their bench, the Riders need to lean into their full roster for 40 minutes in order to maintain their intensity late in the game.
Should their second unit match their starters’ production, the Riders will be in good stead to leapfrog the Eagles with a 5-2 league record with an important home win.
High-flying Eagles
The Eagles, who are flying high in the SLB and enter this one having won four domestic games on the bounce, fell for the first time since mid November in midweek.
They played Latvian side Valmiera Glass tough on the road, but lost 87-84 for their first loss in the ENBL this season. Mike Okauru, as he has throughout the SLB season, led the way for Newcastle with 26 points, proving to be a deadly threat from the Eagles backcourt.
He has a 35 point game to his name this season, draining 8 threes on his way to a season-high performance, and is averaging 18.4 points per game making him a top five scorer in Super League Basketball.
He has led the team to a 4-1 record, making Newcastle the only single-loss team in Britain’s top tier. Their fast-paced, high-flying brand of basketball has wreaked havoc in the League this season, as demonstrated by their 38 point second quarter last time against the Riders.
Newcastle has seven players scoring over nine points per game in the League this season, emphasising the need for contributions all the way down the Riders’ roster in order to beat Sunday’s visitors.
And if their last meeting is anything to go by, expect fireworks between these old rivals.
Where to watch
Tickets to the game are still available here! The game will also be available to be streamed live on DAZN.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders hit the road to get their Super League Basketball Cup campaign underway against Falkirk Fury tomorrow.
The Scottish Basketball Championship League leaders are one of seven non-Super League Basketball clubs set to face off against professional opposition in the first round of the Cup.
They will take on four-time British basketball Cup winners Leicester Riders, who have their sights set on the Finals in Nottingham to take back their title last won in 2022.
Here’s all you need to know about the fixture…
Fixture information
Falkirk Fury vs Leicester Riders Super League Basketball Cup First Round Friday, December 13, 7:50 pm
Due to the technical challenges with broadcasting from non-SLB team venues for the First Round, this games will not be broadcast live.
You can follow the game on our social media below, and by following the game’slivestats here.
Falkirk Fury are one of the most successful basketball clubs in Scotland, with 24 National and International titles to their name since their founding in 1992.
Falkirk won the SBC treble last season, winning the League, Playoffs and Scottish Cup in an immensely successful domestic season. It was the third treble in the club’s history, and their first since 2017.
They currently sit top of Scotland’s top division with a 7-2 record, and enter this game on a three game winning streak.
They have some familiarity with first-tier British basketball opponents, having entered the Trophy on three occasions. They suffered three defeats in the competition, however, falling twice to the Glasgow Rocks and one to Loughborough Riders in 2017.
Falkirk have produced a plethora of British basketball talent over the past decades, the most successful of which being former GB international Kieron Achara. Former Rider Ali Fraser, current Caledonia Gladiator Fraser Malcolm and recently retired Jonny Bunyan also suited up for the Fury in the past, meaning the Riders should be prepared to take on a talented group of potential future pros.
Riders set for unique challenge
The Riders travel to Falkirk in the midst of a crammed December schedule, and as part of a doubleheader weekend.
It’s a trip back up North for Leicester who come into this tie off the back of an intense Trophy semi-final first leg against Newcastle Eagles.
It was a hard-fought battle, with the Riders having to fight back from down 17 at halftime to bring the tie to within four come the final buzzer with the sides coming back to Leicester on the 22nd.
Fighting back on Tyneside 👊
📹 Relive the action from our Friday night battle against Newcastle Eagles!
Now, the Riders turn their attention to the Cup, a competition which they have lifted four times in British basketball, most recently as part of their 2022 treble winning season.
A tough task awaits the Riders, who take the long journey north hoping to progress to the second round of the Cup against a Falkirk side not to be overlooked, before heading back to Leicester to take on the Eagles in Championship action on Sunday.
But it’s one game at a time for the team, who are locked in for part one of the doubleheader in Falkirk, and need to take care of business professionally.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Key takeaways from the Riders’ semi-final vs Newcastle
Leicester Riders played the first of three December fixtures against their rivals, Newcastle Eagles, in the first leg of the Super League Basketball Trophy semi-final last Friday.
It was a hard-fought battle, with the Riders having to fight back from down 17 at halftime to bring the tie to within four come the final buzzer.
Fighting back on Tyneside 👊
📹 Relive the action from our Friday night battle against Newcastle Eagles!
With the teams facing off a further two times in the coming weeks, both encounters taking place at the Mattioli Arena, learning from previous games becomes a pivotal part of the Riders’ hopes of December success.
Here’s what we can take from Friday’s game…
Newcastle’s strength in depth
Newcastle proved to possess a talented roster from top to bottom, with weapons in the starting and second unit able to knock down shots at a high rate.
Jaylin Hunter spoke on Newcastle’s strength in depth ahead of Friday’s highly anticipated clash.
“They’re pretty deep,” said Hunter. “They have a lot of guys that can hurt you and win a game for them so they are not a one or two man show.
“They have a lot of players that can drive and shoot, so we have to really pay attention to the scouting report and know who we have to contest hard on and who guys we need to be wary of drives to the rim.”
Hunter’s assessment was accurate, with the Eagles’ bench outsourcing the Riders’ 47-18 led by 18 from former Rider Josh Ward-Hibbert. Three players scored double digit points tallies on the Eagles second unit, with that unit playing a pivotal role in a 38 point second quarter for the hosts.
The Eagles bench was red hot from deep, shooting 7-15 from behind the arc, three of those triples coming in the second. The Riders will have to be locked into their perimeter defence through 40 minutes in the upcoming fixtures to keep Newcastle’s second unit in check.
Riders’ experience proves vital
Down 59-42 at the half, Leicester were forced to fight out of a hole and get themselves back into contention for the semi-final.
The experience of Head Coach Rob Paternostro paid dividends in calming the team at the half, and instilling belief that they could make it a game going back to Leicester.
Paternostro reminded the team that there was plenty of basketball to play in the two-legged semi-final.
“We played poorly in the second to give them the lead, but there weren’t just 20 minutes left, there were 60 left, and that was the message at halftime,” said Paternostro post game “There was plenty of time to just keep chipping away.”
With those words echoing in their ears, the Riders came galloping back into the tie out of the half, going on an 8-0 run in the third quarter to cut it to single digits, and making it a one point game with an incredible sequence late in the fourth.
Ethan Wright epitomised the Riders’ never say die attitude with an incredible chase down block on Christian James, before dishing it to Hunter for three to cut it to one. A late three for Newcastle rebuilt their lead to 4, but the Riders’ fightback has made it a game going into the second leg.
“We did an excellent job in the second half to get back into the tie. Defensively we learned a lot for the second half which is really important in these types of games,” concluded Paternostro.
Big moments, big players
With the team’s back against the wall, Coach Paternostro leaned on his star power to get the Riders back into the tie. Hunter, Zach Jackson and Charles Thompson came up huge down the stretch in the second half to play big minutes and make important plays.
Jackson got the comeback rolling with a 10 point third quarter, battling to the free throw line with physical play at the rim. He led the game with 24 points, shooting 8-8 from the foul line in the game.
Jackson combined with Thompson, who had 8 points in the period, to snatch momentum back and establish themselves in the paint. Then as the clock ticked down in the fourth and the game hung in the balance, Hunter stepped up to drain a pair of crucial threes and chip into the Riders’ deficit.
Leicester’s star trio stepping up in the highest leverage moment of the season means all is to play for when the Eagles come to Leicester for the reverse fixture.
Newcastle next at home
The Riders take on the Eagles in their next home action in a crucial game in the Championship season on December 15.
Report: Riders climb back to make for close Trophy first leg vs Eagles
Leicester Riders pulled off a second half fightback in the Trophy semi-final first leg to keep their Trophy final hopes alive.
Down 17 points at the half, the Riders made it a four point game at the final buzzer. The final score was 95-91, and the sides will go back to Leicester with the tie in the balance for the second leg.
Zach Jackson led the game with 24 points and 5 rebounds, backed by Charles Thompson who was pivotal in the paint, going off for 18 points and 14 rebounds, making big buckets in the fourth.
After giving up 38 points in the second quarter, the Riders’ defence locked down in the second half to climb into the game. Turnovers proved costly against the roadrunning Eagles side, the Riders losing the battle 17-7, but Leicester’s second half shot making meant all is to play for in the second leg.
Newcastle’s Seneca Knight led their efforts with 23 points and 4 rebounds, but the bench was the difference in the game. The Eagles’ bench scored 47 to the Riders’ 18, with former Rider Josh Ward-Hibbert bagging 18.
Riders overcome slow start to lead after one
Riders’ star duo of Jaylin Hunter and Thompson found themselves on the same page from the jump to combine for two highlights in the first period.
The first score of the game saw Hunter sling a pass through traffic to Thompson, who threw down the first points one handed, then two minutes later Thompson found another lane to the rim from a Hunter feed and threw down another.
The Eagles were in rhythm early, however, to take a 12-6 lead. They entered the game leading all teams in fastbreak points, and took advantage of early Leicester turnovers to get easy scores in transition led by 10 points from Knight.
The Riders clawed back from the foul line, shooting seven free throws including a Duke Shelton and-one, who then took the lead for the visitors from the midrange. Hunter ended a breathless first period with a triple, meaning Leicester led 23-21.
Newcastle take charge in the second
Newcastle took charge early in the second quarter with a relentless flow of buckets. They started on a 13-2 run capped off by a Knight three which forced a Riders timeout down nine points. Josh Ward-Hibbert scored five straight out of the break, with Leicester in need of a response.
Hunter stopped the bleeding with a finish at the rim with six minutes left in the half, followed by Wright on the fastbreak. Leicester’s offence clicked into gear, but couldn’t stop the Eagles on the other end to cut into the deficit.
Knight built on his hot start to bring his tally to 14, and Jordan Spencer got in on the action with a triple from the top. Hunter hit back with four points, and he finished the second with 13, but Cole Long’s three made it a 17 point deficit for the Riders at the half.
Newcastle scored 38 points in a red hot second quarter, putting themselves in firm control.
Fightback begins in the third
Jackson and Spencer Johnson got to work early in the third to chip four points off the Eagles lead immediately. Thompson found joy inside for back-to-back buckets, and Leicester trailed by 11 after three minutes of the second half.
Newcastle, through another Long three, bolstered their lead in response to the Riders run. But the Riders were a different side to the one seen in the second quarter, forcing the Eagles’ possessions to run deep into the shot clock.
Jackson’s hustle turned what appeared an open layup for Spencer into a chasedown block, before Thompson scored on Long and blocked Christian James on the other end to make the score 71-61.
Leicester make it a game
Jackson took over the game to close the third. He scored six straight points, battling to the rim and fighting through contact to put the ball in the bucket, and keep the Riders in contention going into the fourth. The score was 76-67 with one left.
They remained at arm’s length to start the fourth with Riley Abercrombie scoring on the break, and Jackson draining a three. Jackson hustled for a loose ball after a Riders turnover, leading to another Thompson jam, and it was quickly a six point game.
On the next run up, James was fouled on a triple to add three points to the Eagles tally. Long scored on a drive to the hoop to make the hosts’ lead 11 and force a Riders timeout.
But out of the break, Wright and Hunter found string on threes to snatch back momentum and make it a game late on. Wright, again fighting for space down low, made it a one possession game with three minutes left.
With the tie in the balance and James driving to the hoop, Wright rose high for a monster chasedown block. Wright then ran the break and found Hunter, who drained a triple in a huge sequence for the Riders.
Wright had a chance to take the lead with a triple, but hit iron on his shot. Knight then drained a corner three with less than a minute left to build the Eagles lead back to four. Leicester held on for the final shot, which Jackson took and missed, and the Riders now go back to Leicester for the second leg down just four.
The return leg of the semi-final will be played in Leicester on December 22, with both sides vying to progress to the final in the Utilita Arena Birmingham in January.
“We’re ready for the challenge!”: Jaylin Hunter previews Leicester Riders’ Trophy semi-final
Leicester Riders are gearing up for the biggest fixture of their season so far.
Tomorrow, they’ll hit the court for the Trophy semi-final first leg on the road against their British basketball rivals, the Newcastle Eagles.
They enter the tie in good form after a double-winning weekend, in a pivotal part of the season for the newly formed Riders group.
After suffering back-to-back losses to Sheffield Sharks early in the year, their league season was put back on track with victories against Manchester and Cheshire.
Before their losses to the Sharks, the Riders were 7-0 in all competitions after going undefeated in the Trophy’s South Group. The Riders had to prove their bounce-back ability, and they did so emphatically.
Jaylin Hunter, the player of the game in the second of the two wins last weekend, emphasised the importance of the results to this group.
“In those two games against Sheffield we realised we could be beaten, so that made us lock in that little bit more. We felt that people were doubting us a little so we wanted to prove that we can hang with the big dogs.
“It was big to know that we’re not just good in the south- we can compete with the whole League.”
The Riders dove into the film room following the losses to diagnose the issues from the games, and emphasised quicker ball movement and more urgency on the fastbreak to improve their results.
“Our ball movement wasn’t where it should have been against Sheffield- there were a couple of opportunities where we could have ran in transition. We did a much better job of moving it in our last two games, and finding those outlets a second or two earlier.
“Our bigs did a great job of getting their heads up quickly after getting a rebound and getting the ball in transition. That really helped us in winning those games.
Overcoming the road running Eagles
Newcastle enters this game as the League’s most efficient offence, generating their points on the run in transition. They score the most fastbreak points per game, making for an intriguing battle against the Riders who play at the slowest pace in the League.
Hunter believes the Riders, who turn the ball over the least of any team, can limit the Eagles’ fastbreak opportunities with their ball security.
“One thing we pride ourselves on is taking care of the ball, so if we continue to do that it will naturally limit their transition. A lot of it has to do with our offence not giving them the chance to run and generate fastbreak buckets which are impossible to guard.
“Taking care of the ball is the biggest thing in stopping their transition offence, which is what we know they like to do.”
The Riders haven’t yet faced the Eagles this season, but the team have been pouring over film familiarise themselves with their opponents, who they are set to face three times in 16 days.
Hunter has been impressed with their opponent’s strength in depth.
“They’re pretty deep- they have a lot of guys that can hurt you and win a game for them so they are not a one or two man show. They have a lot of players that can drive and shoot, so we have to really pay attention to the scouting report and know who we have to contest hard on and who guys we need to be wary of drives to the rim.
“Knowing the personnel is the most important thing going into these games, and once we’ve played them a few times we’ll feel more and more comfortable.”
The rivalry
Both of these franchises are familiar with facing each other on the biggest stages in British basketball, having established the fiercest rivalry over the past decade of the sport in this country.
But this will be Hunter’s first taste of that rivalry, and he is eagerly anticipating the playing environment.
“Over the last few days I’ve learned what this rivalry is all about. These games are fun when the crowd is into it and the energy is in the building then it ups the level of play from everyone. If that is going to be the environment then we’re ready for the challenge.
“This is what you play for. If the fans are excited that makes us excited. Both teams have been playing pretty well, so now it’s time to play, simple as that.”
The Riders welcome Newcastle to town for their next home game in the Super League Basketball Championship. Get in the stands to support the team in a pivotal game at the top of the table!
Trophy semi final preview: Leicester Riders vs Newcastle Eagles
Leicester Riders turn their attention to Trophy action, heading to Newcastle to take on the Eagles in the first leg of the semi-finals.
The sides have shared the stage for some of the most consequential battles in British basketball over the past decade, as they now prepare once again to suit up in the biggest games of the season thus far.
The Riders and Eagles have established a reputation as not only two of countries’ premiere clubs in recent history, but this season as well.
Here’s how this mammoth fixture is shaping up…
Riders back on track
After going undefeated through the Trophy group phase in October, the Riders suffered their first two defeats of the season back to back against Sheffield Sharks three weeks ago.
The losses meant last weekend was pivotal for getting the season back on the rails ahead of a packed Christmas schedule, and a Trophy semi-final awaiting the team the following week.
The Riders responded emphatically with a 2-0 weekend, beating Manchester Basketball at home before holding on for an impressive win against Cheshire Phoenix on the road. The Riders look back to their best with the back-to-back wins, and their star power shining through in the weekend’s action.
Charles Thompson and Zach Jackson earned Super League Basketball Team of the Week honours from their performances.
Jackson led the team to a 99-86 win against Manchester with a 20 point performance, and Thompson’s efforts at the rim set the tone against Cheshire, logging 14 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks and a monster jam over Skyler White for the play of the game.
Now the Riders turn their attention to the red hot Eagles, with only one League loss to their name so far this season.
Eagles flying high
Newcastle progressed through their Trophy group with a 5-3 record, earning them second place in the North Group and a semi final against the Riders.
But since then, the Eagles have gone 4-1 to start their League campaign, with a number of impressive European victories in the ENBL to accompany their League record.
Newcastle enter this tie having won three Championship games on the bounce, most recently hanging on to beat the Cheshire Phoenix as the Riders did.
The win put them second in the League behind the London Lions, the only team to take a League win against Newcastle so far this season.
The Eagles’ success early in the year has come from ruthless efficiency from turnovers, leading the League in fastbreak points and field goal percentage. They play lock down defence in order to generate this offence, holding their opponents to the lowest field goal percentage in the League, and have generated the highest offensive rating on the other end.
Meanwhile Leicester, who play at the slowest pace of any team in British basketball, turn the ball over the least in the League, setting up an intriguing battle between a potent, halfcourt offence and highflying roadrunners.
One to watch
Newcastle’s Mike Okauru has shown his ability to take over games single-handedly in his introduction to British basketball this season.
He has a 35 point game to his name this season, draining 8 threes on his way to a season-high performance, and is averaging 18.4 points per game making him a top five scorer in Super League Basketball.
Okauru, a third year pro after spending his first two professional seasons in Czechia and France, has proven himself as an efficient scorer, and is knocking down his field goal at a 54% clip, and he’s a career best 40% from three.
The American guard’s threat is predicated on his drives to the rim, both in transition and the pick and roll. Leicester’s rim protection will be pivotal in slowing down his threat driving to the hoop.
His finishing ability opens up the three ball, which he is knocking down at a consistent rate this season, meaning the Riders will need to be locked in on 6’3” Okauru for all 40 minutes.
The Riders head north on Friday to take on their historic rivals, the Newcastle Eagles, in the Super League Basketball Trophy semi-final first leg.
The sides have faced off in the biggest games in British Basketball over the last decade. Here, we catch you up with the history…
2011/12- The first Final meeting
The sides first met in a major final in the Rob Paternostro era in the 2012 BBL Playoff Final: the Riders’ first final since 2001.
The Eagles, then serial winners of the competition having won four since the Riders’ last appearance, added a fifth to their trophy cabinet on this occasion. They won the game 71–62, led by MVP Charles Smith’s 21 points.
That season, the Eagles pulled off the domestic quadruple, their victory against the Riders capping off the achievement.
Leicester pushed the Eagles all the way in the League, falling just two points short to set up the rivalry between the organisations.
2012/13- Riders on the board
The next season, the Riders took the silverware against the North Easterners, winning the treble by lifting the Championship, Cup and Playoff trophies.
They first met the Eagles in the 2013 BBL Cup final. Jay Cousinard’s MVP performance led Leicester to a 85–80 win, earning the first piece of silverware for Head Coach Rob Paternostro.
The Riders went on to lift the League title with a 30-3 record, clearing the second-placed Eagles by ten points, before meeting them in the Playoff final to complete the treble.
Leicester won the tie 68–57, again led by MVP Cousinard, to make it 2-1 in domestic finals between the sides.
Again, the teams fought for silverware at the earliest opportunity the next season in the BBL Cup final. The Riders had the edge, playing out a classic at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham.
Cousinard’s late free throws put Leicester up three with seven seconds remaining, as the Riders fought back from 11 points down with four minutes to play, led by eight points from MVP Drew Sullivan.
The Riders didn’t meet the Eagles in the remaining two finals, as Newcastle went on to top the Championship table and fell short in the Playoff final against the Worcester Wolves.
2014/15- Eagles quadruple
The 2014/15 season saw the Riders and Eagles share a title fight wire to wire. The Eagles emerged victors, finishing with 62 points to the Riders 60, then going on to win the Playoff final against the London Lions.
The Eagles again won the quadruple as they did in 2012, facing off against the Riders in yet another final. This time, it was the 2014 BBL Trophy final, which they won 96-90 led by MVP Smith once again.
Smith’s season saw him named League MVP, as he put up 18.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in the Eagles’ historic season.
2015/16- Riders respond
The Riders responded next season, winning the League and Trophy double. It was Leicester’s turn to pip Newcastle to the Championship title, a 29-4 record seeing them edge out the second-placed Eagles 58 points to 56.
Leicester beat their Eagles on their new homecourt at the Morningside Arena to lift the title.
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) May 26, 2020
The Riders went through the Eagles in the Trophy final, winning 85-77 led by MVP Sullivan against his former team. It was revenge for the Riders, who were beaten by the Eagles in the Cup final earlier in the year.
The Eagles’ Rahmon Fletcher won the first of his two BBL MVP awards, and led the team in the Cup win to take home Final MVP.
Leicester had a shot at the treble in the BBL Playoff Final, but fell a game short to the Sheffield Sharks.
2016/17- Building on success
The 2016/17 season saw Leicester build on the previous year’s success, winning another domestic treble.
Winning the League over Newcastle by eight points, and taking a dominant 84–63 victory against the Eagles in the Playoff Final saw them establish themselves as the BBL’s premier outfit, after they lifted their first silverware of the season with a 91-58 win against the Plymouth Raiders in the Trophy.
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) June 4, 2020
The Playoffs marked the last time the sides have faced off in a domestic final.
The Eagles weren’t left empty-handed, however, winning the BBL Cup with a 91–83 victory against the Glasgow Rocks. But the Riders finished the season the stronger of the sides, with Pierre Hampton leading the team to a playoff win with a Final MVP performance.
2018/Present- Recent years
2018 saw the first season where Leicester and Newcastle didn’t meet in a final in seven years. It also marked the first season the Eagles failed to make a final in eight years.
Meanwhile, the Riders secured another treble, winning the League by 10 points over the London Lions.
They faced the Lions in the Playoff final to win the treble, taking the victory comfortably 81-60, and beat the Sheffield Sharks to win the Trophy final 90-85.
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) June 14, 2020
The Eagles finished third in the standings with a 21-11 record, not facing the Riders in any of the knockout competitions throughout the season.
The most recent high-stakes game between the Riders and Eagles dates back to the 2021 Playoffs, where the Eagles beat the League champions over two legs in a behind-closed-doors semi-final.
They went on to win the Playoffs that season, before the Riders responded with another treble the following season.
Last year, the sides met in a high-stakes Trophy group clash, with the winner progressing through to the Final Four of the competition. Leicester won the game convincingly in Newcastle to progress, and the Eagles will want revenge in this one to settle the scores.
Leicester Riders held on for a nail biting 86-88 win on the road to Cheshire Phoenix.
Leicester led by 14 in the fourth after some hot three point shooting, but Cheshire made it a one possession game and had a chance to tie it from the foul line.
Tyreek Scott-Grayson missed the third of three attempts, and the Riders got the win over the line.
Riley Abercrombie led the game with 16 points, backed by double doubles from Jaylin Hunter (16/12) and Charles Thompson (14/13).
Six players finished in double digits, and the Riders dished 24 assists to Cheshire’s 11 in a complete team effort.
Despite the clutch miss, Scott-Grayson led the game with 24 points and 5 rebounds. Cheshire shot 47% from the field on the game, catching a heater late to make it a game.
The Riders improved to 3-2 on the Championship season after a two-win weekend.
Riders fightback from hot Phoenix start
Playing trademark Phoenix basketball, the hosts made it a track meet from the tip-off getting buckets on the fastbreak. They took a 13-7 lead led by 7 from Cam Christon flying down the court.
Spencer Johnson’s corner three stemmed the early momentum and cut it to a one score game, however, despite the relentless Cheshire start. The three turned the tide of the game as Leicester heated up.
They went 4-6 from deep in the opening period to snatch the lead. A late surge from Cheshire, finalised by Greg Wild’s three, tied it at 24 after one, but the Riders were in rhythm and on-target.
Riders grind out the second quarter
Blake Bowman broke the deadlock in the second quarter with a tough make inside for one of two baskets in three minutes. His play meant Leicester led by five to start the second.
The back-and-forth game swung towards the Phoenix through an Atwood three, however, forcing the first time out of the game for Rob Paternostro with the game tied at 33.
Neither side were able to form a significant advantage through much of the second, until Charles Thompson made the play of the game. Jaylin Hunter found his cut to the rim before he rose high on the drive and threw it down over the rim-defending Skyler White.
This set off an 8-2 Riders run to put the visitors up 44-37, capped off by Hunter’s free throws. Leicester carried this advantage to the half, leading 48-41 going into the locker rooms led by Thompson’s 8 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks- a dominant half for the American.
Battling out the third
Leicester’s lights out shooting translated to the second half, with Hunter pulling up off the dribble to put the Riders up 10.
They were forced to battle, however, to keep Cheshire at arm’s length, as they hit big shots in an attempt to cut into the deficit. Scott-Grayson made the breakthrough from three to cut it to six, the score 53-59.
The Phoenix played full court, physical defence, forcing the Riders to fight through contact and get to the rim. Riley Abercrombie made big plays inside to bring his tally to 11 and keep the visitors ahead.
After Cheshire’s efforts had been subdued for the time being, Zach Jackson got to work down low for his trademark tough finish in the post. Johnson and Hunter put four more on the board, and the lead was back to 10.
Jackson finished off the third at the line for Leiecster, and the sides went into the fourth with the score 64-72.
Leicester catch fire in the fourth
The Phoenix drew first blood in the fourth, with RJ Eytle-Rock sinking a breakaway and-one to start it. After a tough offensive spell to start the quarter, Abercrombie took the lid off to respond to the Phoenix form with a contested three on the top.
Ethan Wright followed up with a finish inside, and Leicester had built a solid foundation late. But Scott-Grayson hit back with an and-one play, ensuring a tense finale for both sides.
With the game in the balance and both sides exchanging blows, the Riders connected with a big blow. Charles Thompson, driving baseline, kicked to Johnson in the corner who hit string and made the lead 81-72.
The Riders caught fire at the key moment in the game. Hunter fired a ball to Wright at the top who again hit from deep to make it a 14 point game.
Riders survive late Phoenix fightback
Cheshire never said die, and fought back to make it close. Skyler White and Holden got points on the board, and a Christon corner three brought the difference to seven. Holden then broke away after a Phoenix steal to lay in another.
Thompson was sent to the line next time down, missing both with 24 seconds left. Eytle-Rock then pulled down White’s miss and put back and and-one play, sinking the resulting free throw to make it a one score game.
Jackson was sent to the foul line next, making one and giving Cheshire a chance to tie with a three. Scott-Grayson had the shot, and was fouled on a three by Johnson sending him to the line.
The first two went down, but dramatically he missed the third, and the rebound was pulled down by Thompson. Thompson was rewarded with another pair of foul shots, this time making one, and Johnson intercepted a full court heave to seal the win.
Leicester Riders got back to winning ways with a 99-86 victory against Manchester.
It was a convincing win from the start after a red hot first half, which saw the team put up 56 points. Manchester fought back in the third to cut into the lead, but big shots to start the fourth saw the Riders put the game beyond reach.
Zach Jackson led the game with 20 points and 5 rebounds, going 7-11 from the field. The Riders had seven players in double digits, including Hunter with 16 and 9 assists and Duke Shelton off the bench with 13 points and 8 rebounds in 12 minutes.
Leicester went 53% from the field and 42% from three, turning the ball over only 9 times in a solid offensive showing.
Manchester had two 20 point scorers in Marcus Delpeche and Nathan Cayo, the former grabbing 9 rebounds and shooting 10-15 from the field.
They lost the bench battle 27-16, the difference in the game.
Riders start hot
A hot shooting start from the Riders saw them jump out to a 12-7 lead. Spencer Johnson, stepping into the starting lineup for the first time as a Rider, hit a three off-balance from the wing, and Riley Abercrombie hit twice from deep, Leicester hitting their first three attempts from behind the arc.
Abercrombie led the game with 10 points in the opening six minutes. Leicester led by double digits through the Aussie’s play, capitalising on their form to build a solid advantage. It was 29-16 after one with Leicester shooting 71% from deep.
Riders dominant to the half
Conner Washington checked into the game to start the second quarter to continue the three point barrage. He was followed by Shelton who bagged a pair of buckets, taking Delpeche off the dribble as the shot clock wound down for a layup inside, making the score 38-20.
With four minutes left in the half, Jaylin Hunter got in on the action with back-to-back triples. Everything was dropping for the hosts, who were 8-12 from three. Hunter scored eight straight, each shot meeting nothing but string.
Leicester dominated the second period. Their fluid offence was met with no answer as they poured on the points for their highest scoring half of the season. Zach Jackson’s put back after a scramble around the bucket was the Riders’ final score of the second, as they entered the locker rooms up 56-36.
Manchester fight back
The sides stalled out to start the third, as the once high-scoring affair slowed down into a defensive duel. Jackson hit a deep two on the buzzer over Delpeche for two of Leiecetsr’s nine points in five minutes, as the Riders kept the lead to 20.
Midway through the period, Manchester began to mount a comeback into the game. Nathan Cayo drained a three for his 12th points to make it 67-52, forcing a Riders timeout to stem the tide.
Jackson stopped the bleeding by getting to work down low, pulling up from the post to sink one. The Riders build on the American’s bucket to make it a 16 point game with one to play.
To start the third, Wright connected on back-to-back threes to set the tone the rest of the way. Jackson pulled up off the dribble to follow up his teammates and hit again, giving the Riders a platform to see the game out from.
Jaylin Hunter got to work to score five straight and stretch the lead. He scored seven in the period to see it out, making his tally on the game 16.
Abercrombie put the exclamation point on the win with a big dunk inside, seeing the Riders home and making it a 2-2 record on the Championship season.
Back at it on Sunday
The Riders return to action on Sunday, taking on Cheshire Phoenix on the road hoping to improve to above .500 on the season.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Preview: Leicester Riders vs Manchester Basketball
Leicester Riders return to Super League Basketball action against Manchester for the first time this season.
The 1-2 Riders will attempt to return to winning ways after back-to-back losses to Sheffield Sharks, as they hope to get their season back on track going into December.
Meanwhile Manchester seek their first win of the League season after a 2-6 Trophy group phase.
Here’s how the fixture is shaping up…
Leicester looks to regain momentum
The Riders face a seven-game December schedule, starting Sunday against Cheshire Phoenix, and will be looking to build form going into the congested run of fixtures.
They will take important lessons from their losses against Sheffield, with a lot of season ahead of them to correct the wrongs from the games.
Last time out was a tough offensive outing after a positive start to the game. They went scoreless through the first six minutes of the second quarter, and were unable to get going ahead to climb back into the tie.
Jaylin Hunter led the Riders’ efforts from the point with 18 points, finishing with a +/- of -1 in an 18 point loss. He was backed by Abercrombie with 14 and Zach Jackson with 11.
The two weeks between games has allowed the team to reset, study the tape and get back on the practice court, and they will look to get back into a rhythm against tomorrow’s North Western opponents.
Manchester look to get over the edge after overtime thrillers
Manchester, a newly formed franchise, still looks to find its feet in Super League Basketball with a roster formed imminently before the season started.
The Trophy group was a useful run of games for the unit to gain chemistry and find fitness, making their 2-6 record secondary to their performances and growth throughout the phase.
Their two wins were the final two games of the group, and now, two games into the Championship season, Manchester will look to turn performances into results and get their first point in the win column in the league against Leicetser.
They have come agonisingly close in both of their Championship games, falling in overtime on both occasions. Their last outing was on the road to Bristol Flyers, the hosts finding late form with Evan Walshe leading the way against his former team.
Their 0-2 record, therefore, is deceptive, and the Riders will need to be operating at peak performance to come out the victors in this one.
Their odds received a slight boost in the week as Manchester parted ways with their third-leading scorer Isiah Moore. But with a top-three scorer in the League, DJ Mitchell, and the second-best assist-maker in Makai Ashton-Langford, the Riders’ opponents will suit up with a plethora of talent at Mattioli Arena.
Tickets still available!
Tickets are still available for the game! You can secure your seat here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Key matchups: Leicester Riders vs Manchester Basketball
Leicester Riders return to action after the international break, hosting Manchester for the first time in Super League Basketball.
The Club looks to return to winning ways after back-to-back losses to the Sheffield Sharks. Building momentum is pivotal ahead of a busy winter schedule, with this weekend’s double header setting up a seven-game December.
Here’s some of the key matchups to look for in Friday’s action…
Makai Ashton-Langford vs Jaylin Hunter
The League’s two premiere assist makers, Jaylin Hunter and Makai Ashton-Langford, go head-to-head from the point in this matchup.
Hunter, with 8 per game, leads all players in dishes, followed by Ashton-Langford with 7 per game. The two American rookies have quickly made their name in professional hoops as elite playmakers, pulling the strings from the point.
The Riders’ star guard has been one of the standouts from their start to the season, finding quick chemistry with the rest of the roster to continually generate open looks with his flashy passing and court vision.
In addition to his playmaking, Hunter’s finishing ability at the rim has led to some mind-bending circus shots in the paint, and his quickness in transition and three point shooting prowess makes him the second-highest Riders scorer on the season with 14.7 point per outing.
For Manchester, Ashton-Langford has shown similarly impressive passing skills in his introduction to Super League Basketball to rank second in the League in assists, behind Hunter.
Like Hunter, his pass-first, selfless mentality has generated offence up and down the Manchester roster. He breaks holes in defences by willingly attacking the hoop, before swinging passes to cutting defenders and open shooters.
With talented scorers at the forward position, he is a weapon in the pick and roll, looking for switches onto bigger defenders where he can take them off the dribble, or draw double teams so he can find the cutter in the lane.
Slowing down the opposing guard will go a long way for their team’s success for either of these court generals.
DJ Mitchell vs Riley Abercrombie
Manchester’s leading scorer lines up at the forward position. DJ Mitchell is one of three 20 point per game scorers in Super League Basketball this season, averaging 20 points and 6 rebounds per game over his two league appearances so far.
His latest outing showcased his ability to get the ball in the basket and dominate the glass, logging a 15 point, 12 rebound double double against a physical Bristol Flyers outfit.
After starting his professional career in 2021, Mitchell has gained experience in Australia, the Netherlands and Poland to name a few, signing in Manchester from the NBL 1’s Brisbane Bullets.
Mitchell has a willingness to take shots from every spot on the court, making him a tough cover when pulling up from range at 6 ‘8″. He possesses an ability to take defenders off the dribble from the perimeter and play with his back to basket, making Mitchell a true five level scorer.
He was an efficient 50% from the field and 43% from three over the summer with Brisbane, and while he hasn’t matched those numbers early in the season, Mitchell is capable of catching a hot hand on any night.
Matching up vs Mitchell in the power forward position will be Riders’ Aussie Riley Abercrombie, who has experience playing down under over the summer for Illawarra Hawks, where he averaged 23.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Abercrombie’s season with the Hawks featured back-to-back 38 point games, five 30 point outings and six double doubles over 19 games.
For Leicester, Abercrombie is shooting a red hot 45% from three on his way to 13.7 points per game- third best on the Riders roster. He too can score from all five levels, proving his ability to shoulder the scoring load during his summer in Australia.
The 6’9” stretch four has established himself as a consistent scorer for the Riders this season, putting up double digit points in every Championship game so far. His matchup against Mitchell will be a fascinating duel between two versatile scorers.
Nathan Cayo vs Zach Jackson
Rounding off the top three one-on-one battles is the wing matchup between Riders’ leading scorer on the season, Zach Jackson, and Manchester’s CEBL championship winning Nathan Cayo.
Cayo was a key player for Niagara River Lions this past summer averaging 12.8 points as they went on to win the Championship. The former G Leager now suits up in British basketball for the first time, putting up 14.3 points per game in his first two championship outings.
His ball-handling and driving ability means he possesses guard-like skills standing at 6’7”. He has natural instinct as the ball handler in the pick and roll, making him able to take on defenders or find passes to the open man.
Cayo has touch with his back to the rim, and likes to rise up in the midrange to knock down shots. He is capable of stretching the defence with his three point shooting, which make shim a multi-faceted weapon for Manchester to utilise.
Cayo will face off against one of the best two-way players in the British game, Zach Jackson, who has dominated the open stages of the season for Leiecster to average 17 points per game.
Jackson’s physical attributes make him an elite defender, and will come into the matchup against Cayo with confidence in his ability to stay in front of his opponent, fill the passing lane and slow down Manchester’s offence.
On the other end of the floor, his top-level scoring ability on all five levels makes Jackson one of the best scorers in the League. Shooting 54% from the field and 40% from three, he has played efficient ball to start the season, and has come up huge in the clutch for Leicester too.
Jackson starred in the Riders’ overtime win in Bristol, taking over the fourth quarter and overtime with Hunter to lead the game with a season-high 27 points, and his late game heroics against Sheffield, scoring eight straight in the final minutes, made it a one possession game and gave the Riders an chance to send it to overtime with a late comeback.
Manchester will be keyed in on Jackson from wire-to-wire in this captivating battle from the wing.
Leicester Riders lost 79-61 on the road to the Sheffield Sharks to fall to 1-2 in the Super League Basketball Championship.
After a hot start saw them take the lead, Leicester’s offence struggled in the second quarter allowing the hosts to take the advantage. Sheffield came out the half the hotter of the two teams, taking the game beyond reach in the third.
Jaylin Hunter led the Riders’ efforts from the point with 18 points, finishing with a +/- of -1 in an 18 point loss. He was backed by Abercrombie with 14 and Zack Jackson with 11.
Sheffield’s Rodney Chatman III led the game with 20 in an impressive Sheffield showing. Their bench outscored Leicester’s 25-7 in a well rounded effort.
Riders take the early lead
Sheffield looked to get big man Donovan Clay going early. He backed down Riley Abercrombie for a layup inside, and pulled up from midrange for the first 4 points of the evening.
Charles Thompson put an end to the Sharks’ success at the hoop quickly. He blocked Clay twice in a possession next time down the floor before Abercrombie hit back with a triple.
The Riders, in contrast to the reverse fixture, knocked down their threes from the jump. Jaylin Hunter, Ethan Wright and Abercrombie all connected from deep as Leicester burst out to a lead.
Leicester’s stars made emphatic plays, none better than Hunters to end the first. He drove to the hoop and pulled off a circus shot, plus the foul, and the score was 22-15 to the visitors come the buzzer.
Sheffield came steaming back in the second quarter. They started 7-0, with EC Mathews tying the game at 22 on the fastbreak to trigger a Riders timeout.
Leicester’s hot offensive start cooled dramatically. They went scoreless through the first six minutes in the quarter, allowing a 12-0 Sharks run. Leicester’s defence kept them within touching distance before Thompson took the lid off the basket at the foul line.
Abercrombie drained the first field goal in the second with two minutes left, hitting a three from the top. He was followed by a Hunter turnaround with the Riders getting points on the board to close the half.
Thompson threw down a jam off a Hunter dish down low to chip into the lead, meaning Leicester survived their offensive drought to trail only 36-32 at the half.
The Sharks came out of the halftime break to take momentum back, building their lead to 13 with a Clay fastbreak jam.
Leicester again struggled to find the bottom of the bucket. They battled to the free throw line on a couple of occasions, but with the Sharks piling on the points at the rim, the deficit grew larger.
Deep in the third, Johnson hit an important three from the wing to keep Leicester in contention, making the score 58-44. It was vital the Riders kept the difference closer to 10 than 20 with one to play, and with Hunter’s free throws it was 62-48 at the end of the third.
Riders leave comeback too late
The Riders were unable to take the initiative in the final period of play, as the Sharks built the lead to 20.
Leicester again struggled putting the ball in the basket, dashing any hopes of pulling off a comeback late in the game.
They did find form in the final few minutes, Abercrombie adding to his tally with some tough makes at the rim, but it proved too little, too late, and the Riders took their second loss of the season.
The Riders return to action following the international break, hosting Manchester Basketball on November 29.
Leicester Riders seek immediate revenge against Sheffield Sharks in the second of a back-to-back against their South Yorkshire adversaries.
The Sharks handed Leicester their first loss of the season last time out with an intense 79-82 battle at Mattioli Arena, and now the sides head to Sheffield for the reverse fixture.
The sides are ready for round two off the back of a heavyweight clash last time out. It was an electric affair and a heartbreaker come the final buzzer for Leicester, who battled back at the hands of Zach Jackson late in the fourth.
Despite the Riders loss, Jackson again showed his ability to put the scoring load on his back in the clutch to will his team into contention. His Player of the Game performance saw him bag 20 points, and 8 straight for the Riders to claw them back in it.
The Riders were down six with three minutes on the clock before back-to-back threes tied it up. Following a Sharks bucket, Jackson putback Riley Abercrombie’s miss to once again level the scores, and his game tying attempt on the buzzer missed by an inch for what would have been his 11th straight.
For Sheffield, a 16-0 run in the fourth overcame a ten point Riders lead, with EC Mathews sinking the game winning shot on his way to a team-high 18 points.
The Sharks bench was pivotal to their success. Backing Mathews in the second unit was Prentiss Nixon, who was a thorn in the Riders’ side in last season’s playoffs. Nixon went for 11 and 4 on the game in 24 minutes, shooting 50% from the field and finishing with a +/- of 7.
Coach’s words…
Following the loss, Head Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on what he thought was an entertaining spectacle of high-level basketball.
“It was a really well played game from both teams. In the first half we struggled to stop them. They put 49 on the scoreboard and shot 69%. We knew they had some high level players- they’re a talented team and they showed that.
“We turned the game around in the third quarter with our defence and took a lead in the fourth, but we struggled to hit open shots late. We had three or four looks late that we’ll take all day, and give them credit, they hit some clutch threes at the end.”
The Riders had a chance to send it to overtime, having called timeout down three with 18 seconds on the clock. But the Sharks, with fouls to give, wound the clock down to 3 seconds left, forcing Jackson to heave a tough shot on the move.
Paternostro reflected on if things could have been different should the Riders have found more whistles earlier in the action.
“We couldn’t get the best look at the end. They had a couple of fouls to give and we only had six free throws all game so they weren’t in any foul trouble. Zach’s shot was on-line and he had a good opportunity.
“But ultimately, defensively at times in the fourth quarter we just didn’t get the stops we needed, and when you’re playing a good team you need those stops.”
Playing back-to-backs against teams presents an opportunity to right the wrongs of the initial fixture. The Riders have spent the week in the film room, and will look to grow as a unit and put out a more convincing performance this time out.
“This was a good opportunity to get into the film and figure out ways we can play better. We knew the type of team they were so it wasn’t a surprise with what they were able to do. But next time we have to make plays late in the game. It can be a make or miss situation, and if we made some of the looks we had it could have been a different story.”
3 takeaways from Leicester Riders vs Sheffield Sharks
Leicester Riders fell for the first time in 2024-25 on Friday, losing 82-79 at home to Sheffield Sharks.
It was an electric affair and a heartbreaker come the final buzzer for Leicester, who battled back at the hands of Zach Jackson late in the fourth but fell short by only an inch with his game tying attempt on the buzzer.
The Riders and Sharks have faced off in high-stakes battles over past seasons, but for this new Riders group, there is plenty to take from their first encounter with Sheffield in Super League Basketball.
Despite the Riders loss, Zach Jackson again showed his ability to put the scoring load on his back in the clutch to will his team into contention.
His Player of the Game performance saw him bag 20 points, and 8 straight for the Riders to claw them back in it.
The Riders were down six with three minutes on the clock before back-to-back threes tied it up. Following a Sharks bucket, Jackson putback Riley Abercrombie’s miss to once again level the scores, and his game tying attempt on the buzzer missed by an inch for what would have been his 11th straight.
Jackson, the league’s leading scorer, demonstrated his late game heroics earlier in the year on the road to Bristol Flyers, where he led the team to an overtime win. Having the American suited up in red when the game gets close breeds late game confidence for the entire Riders unit.
Sheffield’s second unit scorers
The Sharks got their biggest scoring contribution from the bench on Friday, with EC Mathews checking in to log 18 points and 5 rebounds.
Mathews was a part of the closing unit which got the visitors over the line in Leicester, hitting what proved to be the game winning three with a minute remaining. It was his fourth three of the night- the 6’5” American providing a red hot hand off the bench.
Backing Mathews in the second unit was Prentiss Nixon, who was a thorn in the Riders’ side in last season’s playoffs. Nixon went for 11 and 4 on the game in 24 minutes, shooting 50% from the field and finishing with a +/- of 7.
In a three point win, the Sharks’ bench had an average +/- of 5, proving the difference in a game which came down to the thinnest of margins.
The Riders will have to stay wary of the Sheffield second unit if they want to come away from South Yorkshire with a win.
Stick to the process
A back and forth fourth quarter saw big swings of momentum, the Sharks having the best of the late form to win the game.
But the Riders, after a hot start to the final period, got themselves up double digits for the first time in the game after a Spencer Johnson three, and looked in good position to see it out.
The Sharks caught fire at a pivotal part of the game to win it, a three from Jacob Groves kick starting a 16-0 run to give them a six point lead.
But that three minute stretch, which cost Leicester the game, should not take from the Riders’ play which brought them within seven minutes of an 8-0 record to start the season.
Despite shooting only 40% from the field on the game, the Riders were within a possession of sending it to overtime, so a reversion to the mean and a solid offensive showing should put them in good stead to add a point to the win column this weekend.
Report: Riders fall just short against Sheffield to take first loss of the season
Leicester Riders lost for the first time this season, falling in a heartbreaker 79-82 against Sheffield Sharks.
The Riders led by as much as 10 in the fourth, but the Sharks caught fire from deep to fight back into the lead. Zach Jackson scored eight straight late to tie it, but another Sharks three was the difference, with Jackson unable to tie it on the final buzzer.
Jackson took player of the game honours with 20 points and seven rebounds going 8-16 from the field.
Meanwhile Sheffield’s EC Mathews led the visitors with 18 points and 5 rebounds, and a clutch three to win it.
Tight start sets the tone
Ethan Wright got the game going with a bang, his three representing one of the first five Leicester points of the game, all from Wright. He and Riley Abercrombie drained the first two threes of the night for the hosts to make it 10-8 to the hosts.
But the Sharks, entering the game as the League’s premiere deep shooters, drained three triples early in the game to ensure a back and forth start to the action. Former Rider Jamell Anderson knocked down a three, his first shot of the game, to tie it up at 16.
For Leicester, Duke Shelton threw down the highlight of the first quarter after receiving a flashy pass from Jaylin Hunter, and Zach Jackson closed the period with a steal on EC Mathews, the Riders leading 22-21.
Blake Bowman, checking into the game, grabbed the Riders’ ninth offensive board for an and-one play to get the second underway. But three straight triples from Sheffield saw them snatch their first two-possession lead of the game, the final from guard Prentiss Nixon.
Nixon drove the lane next time up to put Sheffield up six with a euro on the run. While Leicester knocked on the door, a three from Spencer Johnson cutting into the deficit, they couldn’t get over the hump to snatch the lead back in the second quarter.
Riders star defensive big Charles Thompson amassed only seven minutes in the first half after getting into foul trouble. Despite his absence, Abercrombie’s sharpshooting saw Leicester cut the game to one with back-to-back hits from distance. The Aussie had 13 points at the half time break, but the Riders trailed 46-49.
Hunter lights Leicester spark
The Sharks, after shooting 50% from deep in the first half, hit their first in the second through Javon Groves. With Leicester in need of a spark, Jaylin Hunter caught fire.
He chased down Rodney Chatman on the break for a swat out of bounds, then rebounded his following missed three and took off coast to coast. He drove hard to the lane, before reaching out to throw one up and the rim and sinking an emphatic and-one play to tie the game.
Hunter then pulled up from the top for his first three of the night, and stole the ball from Anderson on the next play and layed it in for his seventh straight points. Abercrombie followed up with a three from the wing, and Leicester led 62-57.
Donovan Clay ended the third with a pair of foul shots for the visitors, making it a four point affair with one to play.
Sharks respond to Riders run to set the stage
Spencer Johnson got the fourth going underway with a tough make from deep, beating the shot clock buzzer for three. He was backed by Conner Washington’s three which made it a ten point lead.
The Sharks bit back immediately to make it a one possession game. Groves drained a three to start the run, before Mathews’ and-one and Jordan Ratinho’s finish at the rim made the score 71-69. Groves then gave them the lead with another triple with six minutes left.
Sheffield were red hot in the fourth. Ratinho connected with their third triple of the final period with four minutes on the clock to make the lead six.
Falling short in a thrilling finale
With the game slipping away from Leicester, Jackson stepped up to nail back to back threes and tie the game at 77. Clay found a bucket for Sheffield to reclaim the lead, but Jackson, with his eighth straight points for the Riders, put Abercrombie’s miss back in to tie it again.
With 1:11 on the clock, Mathews stepped up for Sheffield from behind the line to drain another triple and snatch the lead.
The Riders had 18 seconds on the clock to find a response and send it to overtime, but Jackson’s three hit back iron and the Riders fell just short.
The Riders are back in action next week, heading to Sheffield to face the Sharks on the road on Sunday, November 17.
They then return back home on Friday, November 29 to face Manchester Basketball.
Leicester Riders host Sheffield Sharks in their Championship home opener, hoping to improve to 2-0.
The Riders, undefeated in their first seven games of the season, will take on northern opposition for the first time after establishing themselves as the premier outfit in the Trophy’s South Group to start the season.
Meanwhile the Sharks, who narrowly missed out on qualification from the North Group, hope to improve to above .500 on the season after beating the Bristol Flyers last time out.
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Sheffield Sharks Friday, November 8, 7:30 Mattioli Arena Leicester
The Riders have started a season 7-0 in all competitions only three times before in the top flight of British basketball, the least successful of those seasons seeing the club win the 2015/16 double.
It’s the first time in eight years Leicester have achieved this feat, and this time around they have done so convincingly.
The Riders have given up 80 points only once this season- an overtime victory on the road to the Bristol Flyers. They have won all but the Flyers game by double figures, their defence allowing the fewest points of any team in British basketball’s top flight.
Leicester continued in the same vein as they got their Championship campaign underway last time out in Surrey. An 82-66 win saw Leicester hold the 89ers to 22 points across the second and third quarters, while knocking down threes in the second half to blow the game open.
The Riders hit threes at the second highest rate on the most attempts in the League, and despite missing on a number of open looks last week, fell back on their deep shooting prowess to start their Championship campaign with a win.
Action Jackson
Leicester’s Zach Jackson 20 point outing against Surrey saw him jump to the top of the League’s scoring charts with 19 points per game in all competitions.
The American wing has found no match so far this season, and is leading Leicester to a historic start to their season upon his return to the East Midlands.
Jackson, who suited up in Japan last year, spent three seasons with the Riders between 2020 and 2023. He played an integral role in the Riders’ 2022 treble, winning four trophies during his time in the East Midlands.
During the 2022-23 season, Jackson averaged 16.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, shooting 55% from the field and 43% from three. He led the Riders in points, rebounds and steals during the 2023 Playoffs, making the final at the O2 Arena with 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
Jackson is now back with a bang, and making his name once again as one of the elite ballers in British basketball.
Dangerous Sharks look for consistency
It’s been an up and down start to Super League Basketball for Sheffield, who have come up with impressive wins in their 5-5 start to the season.
Their hopes of progressing to the Trophy semi-final came down to a head-to head against Newcastle Eagles which they lost 84-82 at home in heartbreaking fashion, but a win on the road in Cheshire and a convincing blowout last time out against Bristol have shown them capable of winning on any given night.
That’s, in part, thanks to their star scorer Rodney Chatman, who is right behind Jackon in the season’s scoring charts. The third year pro put up 24 and 9 against the Flyers, and has three 20 point games to his name so far.
Sheffield, like Leicester, have been red hot from three, leading the League at 37.6%. But performances such as their season opening 92-68 loss to London Lions has shown a lack of ability to guard the three ball, as the Lions hit 53% of their looks that night.
With red hot shooters and a star scorer, Sheffield pose a dangerous threat to the Riders undefeated record however, so expect an intensely fought battle in Leicester.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Stat breakdown: Leicester Riders vs Sheffield Sharks
Leicester Riders host Sheffield Sharks in their League home opener for the inaugural season of Super League Basketball.
The Riders, undefeated on the season through seven games, take on the Sharks for the first time since last season’s playoff matchup, which Sheffield won on the third and final game of the series.
Leicester look for get back, and a place at the top of the Championship standings with a 2-0 record in the League.
Here’s a look at the numbers…
Clash of the titans
The League’s two leading scorers go head-to-head in this one, with Zach Jackson lining up against Sheffield’s Rodney Chatman.
Jackson’s play has earned him back-to-back mentions in the SLB Team of the Week, his 19 points per game leading all players after a 20 point outing in Surrey.
The American wing has justified his pre-season hype with elite scoring on the season, putting up 20 on four occasions, and a season-high 27 in Bristol.
Chatman’s 18.8 points per game average is hot on Jackson’s heels, however. He’s off to a red hot start to the League season, putting up 24 and 9 last time out against Bristol Flyers.
That’s off the back of two 20 point games to end the Sharks’ Trophy campaign- the third year pro hitting the ground running in his first season in British basketball.
SLB fans can look forward to two elite bucket getters going head-to-head at the Mattioli Arena.
Leicester lock down
The Riders defence has been locked in during the early stages of the season.
It allows the fewest points (73.5) and field goal percentage (41.7%) in Super League Basketball, leading to the only sub-100 defensive rating in the League.
The Riders have allowed 80 points only once this season, in an overtime thriller against the Bristol Flyers.
They don’t allow second possessions, ranking first among all teams in rebounding percentage led by Charles Thompson who leads all players in rebound per game with 9.7.
Nothing easy comes against the Riders. On offence, they turn the ball over on only 13.75% of their possessions, the least in the League, leading to the fewest fastbreak points allowed.
Therefore Sheffield, who find 15.30 points off turnovers per game, will need to explore other avenues to find success on the offensive side of the ball.
Three point battle
These sides have been cooking from deep to start the season! The Sharks and Riders rank first and second respectively in three point percentage, with some of British basketball’s deadliest sharpshooters lining up from outside.
Sheffield’s Jordan Ratinho, knocking down an incredible 52% of his threes, leads the SLB in three point percentage, and is one of five Sharks shooting over 40% from distance. Former Rider Jamell Anderson is a member of that group with a career-high 40% so far.
Meanwhile the Riders, who lead all teams in three pointers attempted, are led by Blake Bowman’s 50% rate. The young Brit is enjoying a career year so far after his three point explosion in Bristol, which contributed to a three-game stretch in double figures scoring.
On the other end, Leiecster enter this game with confidence in stopping Sheffield’s three point threat. Teams have put up 29.3% from behind the arc against the Riders, bettered only by Newcastle Eagles.
Their opponents don’t have such a stellar track record in this regard, giving up 37.8% from deep in their games so far, and will need to lock down on the perimeter to prevent the Riders from torching them.
Don’t miss it!
Tickets are still available for the game. Get in the stands and get behind the team!
Report: Riders start Championship season with a win in Surrey
Leicester Riders started their Championship season 1-0 with an 82-66 win on the road to the Surrey 89ers.
Leicester broke the game open in the second half with red hot three point shooting, after struggling to knock down their deep shots in the opening stages. Zach Jackson led the team after being named to the Team of the Week with 20 points and 6 assists, going 8-11 from the field.
He was backed by Jaylin Hunter, whose three point shooting sealed the deal late. Hunter put up 17 and 6 on the night, and big man Charles Thompson bagged a double double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Riders’ defence won the night, following the trend of the early season. Big defensive stands led to opportunities on the fastbreak, and Leicester held their opponents to under 80 for the sixth time in seven games.
Surrey’s Cam Gooden kept them in the game early with 20 points in the first half. Leicester came out the break with a plan to slow him down, allowing the Riders to pull away. Gooden finished the game with 22 points, as the Riders took away his hot hand.
The Riders start the season 7-0 in all competitions for the fifth time in Club history after their third victory against Surrey in two weeks.
Gooden goes off
From the jump, Charles Thompson engaged in an early battle with opposite number Dame Adelekun at the rim. He grabbed two offensive boards in the opening three minutes resulting in four points and a 7-7 tie.
The Niners started hot from deep to take an early advantage. Surrey star Cameron Gooden drained two off the dribble, before taking it coast to coast with lightning speed as his side led by five.
Leicester battled back through an Ethan Wright and one play, the two guard attacking the rim relentlessly, and Jaylin Hunter’s first bucket of the game. Zach Jackson muscled down low for another bucket, plus the foul, but Gooden’s third three ended the period 21-20 in the Niners’ favour.
Conner Washington, in his record-breaking 304th league game for the Club, started the second with a triple from the top to take back the Leicester lead.
But missed open looks saw the Riders unable to create distance in the scores, despite the hustle of J’Raan Brooks who smothered the offensive glass early in the quarter. Gooden, meanwhile, made his tally 16 with another three. He was responsible for all but eight Niner points.
The Riders’ rebounding did pay dividends as the clock ticked down to the half. Wright, picking up the ball after Thompson’s tip out, put on a spin move in the lane for two, before Thompson got open in a lane for a two-hand throw down to make the lead 10.
A small Surrey run, capped off by three free throws by Steel, ended the half to cut into the Niners deficit, and the second quarter ended with the Riders up 31-36.
Leicester lockdown blows game open
The Riders, who had struggled from deep in the second quarter, saw one go in at the hands of Hunter in the second. Leicester, leaning on their defence, put up a wall at the hoop as Charles Thompson sent Adelekun’s shot away, which lead to a fastbreak bucket and a double digit Leicester advantage.
A minute later, Hunter put Gooden in a straight jacket to poke the ball away, before Jackson ran the floor for an and-one. The American followed up with a three, and the Riders led by 16 led by their defensive efforts.
Jackson’s three took the lid off the basket, with Hunter hitting back to back in a dominant stretch. The rookie guard finished off the quarter for the Riders, who led 43-59 with one to play.
Seeing it out in style
Jackson got to work to start the fourth to keep the Niners at arm’s length, scoring seven straight points.
Spencer Johnson hit from three with the shot clock ticking down, giving the Riders an 18 point lead to see the game out from.
Once the floodgates opened, all the Leicester shots went through. Riley Abercrombie nailed back-to-back triples followed by another Johnson three, then Thompson threw down another jam in the lane to put a cap on a well earned road win.
The Riders return to action on Friday November 8, hosting Sheffield Sharks at home. You can get tickets here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders are set for their Championship opener on the road to the Surrey 89ers.
After an undefeated Trophy group phase saw them through to the semi-finals, Leicester will look to take that red hot form into the league season, as they face the Niners for the third time.
Meanwhile the Niners, who failed to qualify out of the group, are ready for a clean slate and an opportunity to get one over the Riders for the first time this season.
Undefeated Riders progress in style
Despite ending on an intensive four games in nine day stretch, the Riders achieved a 6-0 record through the Trophy group to quickly establish themselves as one of the premiere outfits in British basketball.
They held their opponents to under 80 points in five of the six games, the exemption being an overtime battle on the road to Bristol Flyers. Leicester are the only team in the league with a sub-100 defensive rating at 96, giving up only 74 points per outing.
Offensively, Leicester have looked like a cohesive unit since the opening jump. Their assist percentage leads the league, and they turn the ball over the least of any team in Super League Basketball.
This has led to a second-best points per outing with 89 points per game, behind only Cheshire Phoenix.
Their play on both ends has left them as the only undefeated outfit remaining in the League, earning them a semi-final clash against Newcastle Eagles in December.
Coach’s words…
Despite the Riders’ final group game against London being a dead-rubber, with both side’s Trophy seeding already confirmed, Head Coach Rob Paternostro ensured maximum effort from his team in front of the home crowd.
“We knew we were going to be first place no matter what, but any time you come out in from of your home crowd you’re going to be fired up. Give London credit, it didn’t mean anything to them either in terms of standings but they competed hard. It was a hard fought game and a defensive battle.
“We did a great job mentally and physically to play all those games and still be effective. It was a great job from our backroom staff to get the players ready. It’s impressive to go undefeated with that type of schedule.”
🎥 Rounding out a perfect SLB Trophy Group stage! Here’s coach Rob’s Reaction! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ceEswcEwvY
It wasn’t all smooth sailing through the group, with the Riders’ away game against Bristol going to overtime, and Leicester falling in an early hole in Surrey. But Paternostro was impressed with the team’s ability to adapt throughout games.
“These guys get locked in on the scouting report. What’s been so nice is that they learn throughout the game. Even when we start slow, we learn fast, and that’s important throughout the season.”
Now, the Riders are ready for yet another battle against the 89ers.
“We’ve played them a lot! They’re dangerous, and Surrey is a tough place to play, so we’ll have to give the guys a few days to recover- that’s going to be important before we lock in on them again.”
Familiar foes
Despite being only a month into the season, this will be the Riders’ fourth game against the newly formed Surrey 89ers franchise. The teams have faced off once in pre-season and twice in the Trophy, the Riders emerging victors on each occasion.
Despite the lopsided results, Surrey have pushed Leicester hard in their last two meetings. They took a 14 point lead in the first quarter in Surrey before Leicester came back emphatically in the third to come away with the win, and kept it close until early in the fourth on the return fixture.
Mervin James impressed in both games, averaging 17 over the two fixtures, but the Niners couldn’t compete with Leicester’s strength in depth. The Riders’ second unit were the difference, injecting energy into close games to find separation in the scoreline and see wins out late.
Surrey finished with a 1-5 record in the group, looking for a spark in their season by becoming the first side to beat the Riders in Super League Basketball.
Zach Jackson has been named to the Super League Basketball Team of the Week for the second time this season.
Jackson, over his three games this week, averaged 18 points and 4.3 rebounds on 66% shooting from the field, leading the Riders to a 3-0 record over the fixtures.
His best performance of the stretch came when the team needed it most. In an overtime win in Bristol, Jackson put up 27 points and 7 rebounds on 64% shooting, going 3 of 6 from behind the three point line.
Jackson has lived up to his pre-season hype upon his return to Leiecster this summer. With the Riders topping their Trophy group unbeaten, he will look to take his red hot form into the Championship season against Surrey on Saturday.
Want to see Jackson in action? Tickets are on sale for our Championship opener against Sheffield Sharks on November 8.Get yours here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
The Riders struggled to knock down their threes, going 3-17 from deep, but relied on their elite defence to lock down the Lions to 36% shooting from the field.
Leicester led by 20 points in the third, and did enough to see the game through in the final period with big plays from Jackson.
London were led by 14 points off the bench from Ovie Soko, who went 6-9 from the field in an efficient night.
Riders down early
The opening stages were fought at the rim as both sides set out to establish their authority around the rim. The League’s leading scorer Jaiden Delaire added two more to his season tally with a bucket over Charles Thompson, as London took a 6-8 lead after five.
Jackson tied the game for the first time since 0-0 with a tough bucket in isolation, taking and sinking a hook shot from midrange.
But it was the Lions’ Soko who had the best of the period off the bench scoring 8 including a big dunk in the lane. The Brit’s play meant the visitors lead 15-19 after one.
Riders surge snatched back the lead
Blake Bowman got the second underway with a monster jam to jolt life in Leicester. He lost his defender with a backdoor cut, before rising from a standing start and throwing it down two handed.
The Riders went on an 8-1 run from there led by four points from Duke Shelton inside, as the hosts started to find joy on the offensive glass. Conner Washington picked up from Shelton with six straight points, taking Matthew Goodwin off the dribble for a tough make inside.
The stars of the Riders’ Friday night overtime win, Jaylin Hunter and Jackson, led the team into the half. Hunter sank an and-one through heavy contact, before his free-throw was rebounded by Thompson and kicked out to Jackson, who added two more to the tally.
Leicester’s second quarter efforts made it 42-31 at the half.
Riders see out second half
The Riders exploded out the locker rooms to a 16 point lead, locking down London on one end before Jackson drained a corner triple to force a quick Lions timeout.
Thompson took over on the inside with a smooth reverse, before sinking midrange on the shot clock. Shelton added four more to his tally, and the Leicester lead was 20, with a quarter to play.
The Lions showed heart in the fourth to cut into the Leicester lead. Delaire got to work inside, scoring an and-one four his fifth points of the quarter to make it a 14 point game.
The Riders locked in to keep further inroads into their position, and Jackson came up with a pair of buckets inside as the hosts looked to see it home. The American took over the closing stages, swatting Delaire’s attempt before taking it baseline to baseline and finding Abercrombine for two.
That sealed the game, and an undefeated group stage for the Riders.
The Riders are back in action to start their Super League Basketball Championship season next weekend, heading to Surrey on Saturday to take on the 89ers.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders are back at home to face London Lions in their final group game of the Super League Basketball Trophy.
Having already secured top spot in the group with a 5-0 start to the season, the Riders’ aim is to go undefeated through the group phase against London to keep the team rolling into the regular season next week.
London, who find themselves out of the competition, look to build form and bag back-to-back wins after their victory against Surrey on Friday night.
Here’s how the fixture is shaping up…
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs London Lions
Super League Basketball Trophy
Mattioli Arena
4pm
Leicester leading the group
The Riders progressed through the Trophy group phase with few complications- their win against Surrey 89ers midweek booking their place in the semi-finals with two games to spare.
But locking up the top spot in the group was anything but smooth sailing last time out. It took an overtime battle on the road to the Bristol Flyers to decide the group’s seeding, with Leicester coming out eventual winners 105-101.
Zach Jackson and Jaylin Hunter went off in the clutch to see out a game in which Bristol never said die, making a late comeback in the fourth to send it to OT.
Jackson led the game with 27 and 7, and Hunter logged 20 and 9, the duo combining for seven in overtime and 18 in the fourth quarter.
“Zach’s a closer,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro following Jackson’s clutch performance in Bristol. “He wants to step up in big moments, and it’s always great to see number 21 with the ball late in games.”
The gritty win meant the Riders remained undefeated on the season with a 5-0 record. They average the most assists, the second most points and the best three point percentage of Super League Basketball teams, and the Riders allow the least amount of points per game.
Individually, Jackson has put himself among the elite scorers in British basketball. He puts up the third most points of any player with 19.4 per game, and ranks second in three point percentage (over three attempts per game) with 50%, behind only Leicester’s Blake Bowman.
Building off the back of a Player of the Game performance with 14 points against Surrey 89ers midweek, Bowman exploded for 13 points in a red hot second period against the Flyers.
“He’s been fun to watch,” added Paternostro. “He had a great summer playing 3×3 with GB and really worked hard. He’s still a young player and he’s getting better and better. I’ve been really pleased with his commitment to working on his game.
“He’s taken his moment and run with it, and today he was vital with the plays he made in the second quarter.”
London Lions looking for early season form
The reigning British basketball champions have endured a fall back to earth at the start of the inaugural Super League Basketball season.
They failed to qualify from the group phase, and despite yesterday’s 81-69 win to Surrey, have a 2-3 record on the season.
London endured their heaviest defeat of the season to Leicester- an 89-66 blowout at the Copper Box Arena. It was a start-to-finish dominant display from the Riders who led wire-to-wire led by Jaylin Hunter’s 21.
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) October 6, 2024
Last night was a step in the right direction for London, who took a dominant win led by 20 from Jaiden Delaire. American wing Delaire leads the League’s scoring with 21 points per game, and logged 17 and 5 against Leicester last time out.
While this game will bear no impact on qualification, the Lions will be keen to get their season on track with a statement win in Leicester.
Report: Riders lock up top spot in overtime thriller in Bristol
Leicester Riders won an overtime thriller 105-101 on the road to the Bristol Flyers to secure top spot in their Trophy group.
Zach Jackson and Jaylin Hunter went off in the clutch to see home a game in which Bristol never said die, making a late comeback in the fourth to send it to OT.
Jackson led the game with 27 and 7, and Hunter logged 20 and 9, the duo combining for seven in overtime and 18 in the fourth quarter.
Throughout the latter stages, Leicester’s performance at the foul line proved pivotal as Hunter and Jackson stepped up to put the game away. They made 26-32 of their free throws, and shot 45% from the field on the game with five players in double digits.
Keddy Johnson was the catalyst of the Flyers’ comeback, making huge plays late on his way to 23 points. But Leicester took one lead too many in overtime, Spencer Johnson’s three proving the dagger in overtime.
A battle from the jump
A physical encounter ensued from the jump, with the first 16 points coming at the rim or the foul line with the scores tied at 8-8.
Back-to-back turnovers combined with four missed threes to start the game gave Bristol a narrow edge through Trey Tennyson’s four points, but Hunter’s active hands snatched two steals leading to a tie game with Charles Thompson’s jam.
The game’s first three went Bristol’s way to end the opening period, as Jared Sherfield made it 23-19 with ten played.
Bowman takeover in the second
Blake Bowman, off the back of a Player of the Game performance against Surrey last time out, caught fire in the second. He scored 10 points in three minutes including a heat check three to make the lead four.
The back and forth nature of the game meant Bristol bit back immediately in a breathless second period, Desmond Robinson tying it up at the foul line.
With the clock ticking down towards the half, Jackson turned it on from deep for back-to-back triples, giving Leicester a seven point advantage with 1:30 left. The American scored eight straight points in a crucial moment in the game.
Bristol’s star Keddy Johson concluded the half with foul shots, bringing the sides to the locker rooms with Leicester leading 51-46.
Back and forth until the fourth
Offences dried up to start the second half, with the Riders managing just two points in four minutes. The Flyers climbed back and tied it up through Keddy Johnson on the drive, before Hunter opened up the Bristol defence with a smooth no-look dish to Jackson inside.
Bowman checked back into the game with four minutes left and made an immediate impact. The young Brit pulled down Keddy Johnson’s miss before taking off, driving into the teeth of the Flyers’ defence and kicking out for a Jackson triple.
Bristol’s aggression paid dividends throughout the third as they attacked the rim relentlessly. An and-one from Raphell Thomas-Edwards got them the lead, followed by a big jam from Kendall Lewis.
Duke Shelton stemmed the bleeding with a long two, setting up an intense finale with the Riders down 66-65 to start the fourth.
Bristol comeback forces overtime
Jackson, in another critical spot, scored six to start the final period and take the Leicester lead back.
With the score close, Hunter stepped up with a pull up three from the top and Jackson bullied his way down low for an and-one play, making it 79-72. Hunter went off in the final quarter, pulling off a circus shot to give Leicester a convincing lead.
A red hot run for Bristol got them right back in it late, however. 8 straight points, including two quick threes, brought them to within a score, before Trey Tennyson stepped up from the wing to deliver the game tying three.
Tennyson, following a Riley Abercrombie missed three, got to the foul line on the next play to make the score 86-84 with 1:20 left.
Hunter was the Rider to step up in the clutch. He nailed a corner three with a defender draped over him to snatch the lead back, and was followed by Spencer Johnson three to put Leicester up four.
In a last gasp effort for the hosts, Keddy Johnson again drove to the hoop, making an and-one play to cut it to one. Hunter was then sent to the foul line with 10 seconds left, making one to make it 91-89. But Keddy Johsnon, with one second left, stepped up in the midrange to tie it next time up the floor to send the home crowd into rapture.
Hunter was given the chance to win it, but missed his three right to send it to overtime.
Seeing off a Flyers fightback in overtime
Leicester got straight to work in OT. Thompson took it down low for a hookshot inside, before Hunter’s steal saw him lay one in on the break. Spencer Johnson drained another three, and Leicester led 100-93.
But in 25 seconds Bristol brought it back to a one score game, once again threatening an unlikely comeback with Keddy Johnson scoring on the fastbreak. Evan Walshe followed up with a trip to the line, and it was 99-100 with 1:33 remaining.
With under a minute on the clock, Leicester found their way to the foul line through Spencer Johnson and Hunter to make it a five point game. That was the final nail in the coffin for the hosts, who ran out of clock despite Keddy Johnson again getting a bucket with less than a second left.
The Riders return to action on Sunday, hosting London Lions in their final Trophy group game.
Leicester Riders are back on the road to face the Bristol Flyers in the Super League Basketball Trophy.
Both sides have already progressed through to the semi-final of the competition having locked up the top two places of the group, but this one could seal the seeding, with a Riders win, or anything less than a 22 point loss, securing top spot and a semi-final game against the North Group’s second placed team.
The Riders come into this one after an 89-76 win against Surrey 89ers just a day ago to remain undefeated on the season midweek.
Meanwhile Bristol are off the back of a dominant display against London Lions, and will hope to get one back against Leicester after they fell to them on opening night.
Here’s how the game is shaping up.
Leicester’s dream start
The Riders achieved their aim of semi-final progression with two group games to spare, taking the pressure off in the next two fixtures which will both be played this week.
Leicester are in the midst of a stretch of four games in nine days, but have passed the test with flying colours so far. They remain the only undefeated side in the League with a 4-0 record with back-to-back wins against Surrey.
They were battle tested against the Niners over the last two. Both games were tightly contested affairs as the Riders were forced to fight for every bucket and lock in for every stop. Leicester proved the deeper unit as the games progressed, however, with their second unit stepping up to find separation in the scoreline.
“The bench were great tonight” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro following the second Surrey win. “Spencer Johnson and Blake Bowman came in and were great in the second quarter. Blake’s been playing really well on the offensive end.”
The pairing checked into the game with the Riders trailing in the second and came up with energy plays to spark life into Leicester- Johnson from deep with 4-9 shooting from three on his way to 13 points, and Bowman with relentless attacks to the hoop to lead the team with 14.
And with the score close throughout the third, Bowman scored back-to-back to snatch the Leicester lead.
“We have confidence in that group, and tonight they did a really good job of extending the lead.”
It was an important victory with a packed schedule ahead, allowing the team to rest and recoup ahead of the League season in November.
Flyers through to the semis
This is the final Trophy group game for the Bristol Flyers, who secured their place in the semi-finals with a home win against London Lions last weekend.
It was a dominating 108-85 win that saw them through. Bristol bounced back from their road loss against the Lions a game prior with 24 points from star man Kedrian Johnson and 23 from rookie forward Desmond Robinson.
A battle under the rim with Kendal Lewis coming out on top 😤
A red hot shooting display saw Bristol shoot 62.3% from the field and 52.4% from three, Jared Sherfield with the hottest hand to go 4-5 from behind the arc.
But it’s been American rookie Trey Tennyson leading the way in the South West early in the year. The sharpshooter out of TCU has scored 17.2 points per game over five games, good for sixth among all players.
The Flyers have set the trend for fluid offensive play throughout the Trophy group phase, leading the League in assists per game with 20.2.
But one of their two losses of the season so far came against Leicester on opening night, and despite having already qualified, they’ll be highly motivated to right that wrong in this one.
Where to watch
All of the Riders games this season will be streamed LIVE on DAZN!
Report: Riders beat Niners to progress to the semis
Leicester Riders progressed to the semi-finals of the Super League Basketball Trophy with two group games to spare, beating the Surrey 89ers 89-76.
Blake Bowman led the team’s effort with 14 points, in a game which saw five Riders score in double digits and every player get on the scoreboard.
Jaylin Hunter notched a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists, but it was the second unit that continued to be the X-Factor in close contests with its effort and intensity.
There was nothing in the game late in the third quarter before Bowman made plays to separate the score. Leicester blew the game open in the fourth and never looked back with made shot after made shot.
The Riders shot 50% from the field and 38% from three in another solid offensive display. But the difference was in their defence, winning the turnover battle 14-6.
Surrey played Leicester close for the second straight game, but again couldn’t stay with the Riders in the closing stages. Jalen Ray led the game with 17 points and 4 assists in his side’s effort.
Battling out the early stages
The Riders were electric from the off, building on Ethan Wright’s hustle to take a quick lead. Wright was busy on both ends, getting a steal from Josh Steel before attacking hard for an and-one play.
Zach Jackson took the mantle for back-to-back scores inside, before Charles Thompson’s efforts at both buckets made it 14-9.
Despite the hot start, a cold streak bit the hosts late in the first, allowing the Niners to climb back into the lead of the game courtesy of an and-one from Cameron Gooden.
Leicester went scoreless over two minutes until Jackson took the lid off the basket, taking a foul in the process for an extra point to close the half, but the Riders trailed 17-20 at the first break.
Thompson takeover snatched Leicester lead
After hitting only one three in the opening period, the Riders drained four quickly in the second, Spencer Johnson nailing three of them to take a 37-35 lead.
But Bowman was the story of the second, scoring 7 points with relentless energy in attacking the teeth of the Surrey defence.
Uncharacteristic defensive lapses kept the 89ers in the game, however, with frequent trips to the foul line and a plethora of offensive boards. Thompson’s introduction into the game midway through the period remedied this with his interior presence, allowing Leicester to take a six point advantage.
Thompson made the highlight of the half, linking up with fellow American Jaylin Hunter to throw it down in the lane.
Hunter found Thompson twice at the end of the half, bringing Thompson’s game tally to 8, but Surrey’s Jalen Ray finished the second quarter from the foul line to make the score 45-42.
Tightly contested third
Riley Abercrombie started the second with more sharpshooting from deep, hitting the Riders’ first three of the second half. But Surrey hung around with buckets from Dame Adelekun, Mervin James and Ray, keeping it a close ball game. James hit a three with 6:37 left to tie it.
It was a one possession game in the third for seven minutes, with swings to the score throughout. While buckets weren’t dropping, Leicester fell back on their defensive prowess to keep the game close as the clock ticked down, their active hands in the lane forcing continual turnovers.
Bowman was the one to find separation in the score line. He drove hard to the hoop again to take the lead, and nailed a three with Tayo Ogendengbe in his face to make the score 66-61 with one to play.
Red hot in the fourth
The Riders’ captain, Conner Washington, stepped up with the score close for the second straight game. He hit a three through contact for a four point play to make the Riders’ lead nine, followed by another Johnson three.
Huge shots fell throughout the fourth, with J’Raan Brooks getting a favourable bounce for a three to drop in, and Hunter beating the shot clock over a heavy contest in the corner.
Johnson stayed hot with a pair of triples in the fourth- the Riders catching fire at the perfect moment to see off the Niners. Jackson saw the game out with a finish at the rim, and the Riders progress through the group and remained undefeated come the final buzzer.
The Riders are back in action on Friday, taking on Bristol Flyers on the road, before heading home to round off the group phase against London Lions.
The Riders are back in action on Friday, taking on Bristol Flyers on the road, before heading home to round off the group phase against London Lions.
Preview: Riders face Surrey 89ers in the second of a back-to-back
Leicester Riders look to book their place in the Super League Basketball Trophy semi-final with a win against Surrey 89ers.
It’s the second of back-to-back games against Surrey for the Riders, who took a hard-fought 87-75 win from the south on Saturday to improve to 3-0 on the season.
⚔️ Taking the dub in a battle down south
Check out the highlights from last night's win in Surrey ⤵️
The victory on the road means one win from the Riders’ last three group games would see them progress to the next round. Meanwhile, the Niners look to pick themselves up from three losses on the bounce, and keep their slim semi-final hopes alive with a win in Leicester.
Leicester’s hot start to the season has put them in pole position to win the Super League Basketball South Group with three games left.
Back-to-back road wins in London and Surrey have made it a 3-0 start to the season, the latter proving the toughest task of the year so far for Rob Paternostro’s side.
A two week break from action saw the Riders start slow in Surrey. They were down by as much as 16 in the opening period, before hustle plays from the team’s second unit sparked a comeback in the second half.
“We knew they’d come out aggressive,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro following the win. “They’d lost the last two games, and they really put it on us early.
“The second unit, led by Conner Washington, really turned the game around for us. Their defensive aggressiveness really got us going, and in the second half our defence got better and better.
“The first group saw their effort and that got them going. We were on our toes to start the second half after starting the game a little flat-footed.”
Star wing Zach Jackson led Leicester on the game with 21 points, shooting 7-10 from the field. Riley Abercrombie played an aggressive game on his way to 14 points, and Spencer Johnson came off the bench for 11, hitting big shots in timely moments throughout the tie.
It was the first test the Riders have faced in the clutch this season, and they made the plays to seal the win when the stakes were highest.
“This was a different type of game to the ones we’d played recently,” added Paternostro. “We had to battle back and see it out in the fourth quarter. These guys certainly showed today they had the composure to see it out.”
Niners down, but not out
Saturday’s result meant Surrey face an almighty task to get out of their Trophy group. They now need to win their remaining group games, and hope that results and points differential swings in their favour to take Leicester’s place in the semi finals.
That journey starts on Wednesday, where the Niners will have to beat the Riders to give themselves a chance to progress.
They will take some confidence from Surrey after playing the Riders closer than any of their opponents so far this season. Their hot start, led from defensive intensity, saw Surrey dominate the opening stages of the game before the Riders found form and took charge of proceedings.
Mervin James was their star of the night with 19 points, but it was turnovers that proved the ultimate difference between the sides as four of the Surrey starters gave possession away more than three times.
But this desperate Surrey side will look to recapture the start of Saturday’s game in this one to keep their Trophy hopes alive.
Where to watch
Tickets are still available for Wednesday’s game- get down to the Arena to help the team to the semi finals!
Leicester Riders battled out an 87-75 win on the road against the Surrey 89ers to improve to 3-0 in the Super League Basketball Trophy.
The Riders were forced into a comeback win after falling into a hole early in the game. The team’s second unit sparked a run back into contention in the second quarter, before star wing Zach Jackson took the team home late.
Jackson led the game with 21 points, shooting 7-10 from the field. Riley Abercrombie played an aggressive game on his way to 14 points, and Spencer Johnson came off the bench for 11, hitting big shots in timely moments throughout the tie.
Leicester responded to the early deficit with lockdown defence, holding the Niners to 27 second half points. The hosts, led by Mervin James’ 19 points, couldn’t contain the Riders once they hit their stride in the third period.
Starting slow
A slow Riders start saw Surrey take an 11-2 lead. Josh Steel had the hot hand for the hosts scoring 8 points, as the 89ers had success at the rim from the jump. A three from James forced the Riders’ first timeout of the game four minutes in with an early hole to climb out of.
Abercrombie broke the seal with a second-chance layup against the stifling Niner defence in the opening period. He was followed by the team’s first triple of the game, as Hunter connected from the top of the arc.
Leicester found no real inroads back into the game, but the made shots stopped the bleeding, and the deficit was 11 with one played.
Second unit spark
Surrey stayed hot in the second, sinking a pair of threes to keep Leicester at arm’s length. The Riders fought their way to the rim to get to the foul line in an attempt to climb back into it.
The experience of Conner Washington sparked a jolt into Leicester’s efforts. He hit a three shortly after his introduction to the game, then coming off a screen to his right connected from midrange.
Washington’s hustle then saw him steal the resulting inbound pass, which led to a Johnson three to make the score 36-25.
Following their captain’s example, Leicester locked in to narrow the difference. Johnson stole another inbound on the next possession, and a two-handed jam on the fastbreak from Blake Bowman made it a four-point game.
The second quarter was frantic, with end-to-end play seeing swings in the scoreline. Charles Thompson got himself on the board with back-to-back jams, which offset a scoring outburst from James who couldn’t miss in the first half.
The Riders had chipped the deficit to 48-44 by the halftime break.
Riders take the initiative
Thompson continued his onslaught at the rim in the third quarter. He found an open lane to the rim off-ball, before jamming it in with a quick burst when Abercrombie found him with a lob pass.
The Riders held Surrey scoreless through five minutes in the third, as Leicester took their first lead since the opening score. It was a relentless assault in the paint on both ends for the visitors, emphasised by Duke Shelton’s score followed by a monster block on Jalen Ray.
Abercrombie got in on the action with a driving dunk to make the score 58-51 in his side’s favour. Aggressive play saw the Australian get a fadeaway bucket after taking another defender off the dribble minutes later.
Surrey fightback forces clutch finish
Surrey surged in response to the Riders’ run, cutting it to one with a pull up triple from Rayquan Brown. Johnson found a trey of his own to hit back, but Leicester were forced to battle it out in order to keep the Niners at bay.
The sides continued their exchange of buckets in the fourth, with Cameron Gooden and Bowman both hitting from deep, before Jackson took the air out of the arena with a monster putback slam.
The American took the game over on both ends, driving to the hoop for another two, before Johnson hit on his third triple to give the Riders their first double digit lead of the night.
Jackson extended his tally on the game to 15 with a pair of foul shots, increasing Leicester’s advantage to 78-65.
Back to back corner threes for Surrey breathed life back into the home crowd. It was Nedas Cholevinskas and Steel who connected, keeping their hopes alive late in the game.
The next bucket was pivotal, and Jackson stepped up to ensure the Riders put points on their side of the scoreboard with a triple of his own. Jackson sealed it with a putback layup with 30 seconds left, and the Riders maintained their undefeated record on the season.
The Riders take on Surrey again at home on Wednesday, October 23! Get tickets here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders look to continue their undefeated start to the season against Surrey 89ers, in the Super League Basketball Trophy group phase.
After winning their opening two games, Leicester head to Surrey for their second straight road game, hoping to strengthen their grip on a place in the semi-final.
Meanwhile Surrey aim to improve to .500 on the season through four games by handing Leiecster their first loss of 2024-25.
👀😁 Looking to build on our strong start in the @SprLeagueBballM trophy! 🔥
🍿 Our next home game is right around the corner as we host @surreyniners on Wednesday 23rd October (7:45pm Tip-off) Don’t miss it ⤵️
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) October 8, 2024
It’s the first of a double header against Surrey for the Riders, who will play the return leg at home on Wednesday October 23. You can get tickets for the home fixture here.
Here’s how Saturday’s game is shaping up…
Riders rolling
It’s been a red hot start to the season for Leicester, whose first two games have seen back-to-back blowout wins against Bristol Flyers and London Lions.
Following a dominant home opener against Bristol, the Riders were again impressive from wire-to-wire in their first road outing of the season. They jumped out to an early lead and didn’t look back, catching fire from deep in the third quarter to put distance between themselves and the EuroCup semi-finalists from a season ago.
The Riders rank second in points per game and first in three point percentage of all SLB teams through their first two outings, and held their opponents to under 70 points in both of their games.
They had six double digit scorers against the Lions, and have seen different players step up the plate at different times throughout games.
“That’s what’s so nice about this team- they really share the ball,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro following the win against London. “We have a lot of different weapons so it can be anyone’s night in any given game.
“From the day they arrived we’ve played that way, and I told them to keep that going. We need to keep improving, and most importantly play a team game.”
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) October 6, 2024
Since then, the Riders have had a two week break from action, and will be eager to continue their hot streak against the Niners.
Hunter heroics lead Leicester in London
Riders star guard Jaylin Hunter made the headlines against London with 21 points, 7 assists and 5 steals to lead the team to the win.
His efforts earned him a place on the Super League Basketball Team of the Week, following up his teammate Zach Jackson who made the team on his first game back in Riders red a week prior.
It’s been an impressive start to Hunter’s rookie season. His debut saw the American log 17 points in 24 minutes of action, impressing from three point land by shooting 50% from deep.
Leading from the front! @_jaylinhunter12 put on a show in London‼️🍿
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) October 7, 2024
He enjoyed success against Saturday’s opposition in pre-season, putting in a complete performance from the point with 19 points and 6 assists to lead the 86-66 win. He’ll look to replicate that outing to help Leicester to a 3-0 record in the Trophy.
Niners lose back-to-back to Bristol
The newly formed Surrey 89ers franchise got off to a dream start to the season with a nail biting win against London Lions in their opening game.
The Niners led by 22 in the fourth quarter, and despite a spirited comeback from London who made it a one possession game late, Surrey held on to win 87-85, taking victory in the franchise’s first competitive outing.
Cameron Gooden led the team with 21 points, backed by Dame Adelekun’s 20. Gooden has been the star of the season so far for Surrey with 16.7 points and 4.3 assists per game, but the team have yet to replicate their success from opening night.
Since then, they’ve played back-to-back games against Bristol Flyers, home and away, falling in both.
The away leg was another thriller, with the game tied at 78 with two minutes remaining. But this time Surrey failed to seal it in the clutch, with Bristol’s Trey Tennyson hitting the go ahead bucket which led to the Flyers winning it 86-79.
The reverse fixture was a no-contest, with former Rider Evan Walshe scoring 22 to lead the Flyers to a 92-69 win at Surrey Sports Park last weekend.
The Niners will look to bounce back from the loss with another game in front of their home crowd, so expect a highly motivated Surrey outfit playing out a competitive game.
Where to watch
The game will be streamed live on DAZN, tipping off at 6 pm.
Leicester Riders improved to 2-0 in the Super League Basketball Trophy with a seismic 89-66 road win against London Lions.
Jaylin Hunter led the charge with 21 points and 7 assists, taking over in the second quarter to stamp the Riders’ authority on the game. Leicester had six scorers in double figures in an emphatic team display, Charles Thompson backing Hunter with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Following a dominant home opener against Bristol, the Riders were again impressive from wire-to-wire in their first road outing of the season. They jumped out to an early lead and didn’t look back, catching fire from deep in the third to put distance between themselves and the EuroCup semi-finalists from last season.
The Riders took charge of the glass, winning the rebounding battle 48-28 led by Thompson. They shot 37% from the field in a red hot shooting display, and their ball movement generated 20 assists on the night.
For London, Jaiden Delaire led them for the second straight game with 17 points, backed by young Brit Matthew Goodwin who scored 14. They struggled to compete with the Riders’ size and physicality, as the visitors grabbed 18 offensive rebounds on the game.
Riders take charge early
Leicester, led by 6 points from Thompson, started the game 8-2 to seize control. The big man made his presence in the paint known from the jump with a one-handed jam off an Ethan Wright dish.
Wright got on the board minutes later after a physics defying Hunter pass around his defender, triggering a Lions timeout with the score 14-7.
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) October 6, 2024
London kept it close through one, Sean Flood laying it in on the first quarter buzzer, but the Riders led 12-18 following the hot start.
Leicester fend off Lions fightback
In the second, Spencer Johnson drained his first Riders triple from the corner to make the lead double figures. But the Lions bit back through Goodwin and star summer signing Aaryn Rai, who both made three point plays to peg Leicester back.
Hunter stepped up to snatch momentum back. He stole Jordan Taylor’s inbound from the baseline for an easy two before driving inside to take a foul on Ade Adebayo. A block on the other end from Thompson set up a Riley Abercrombie layup, and the Riders were back up 10.
Hunter went off, scoring 9 points in 4 minutes to blow the game wide open. His no-look dish to Wright in the corner made it a 16 point game, and he finished the half with 14.
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) October 6, 2024
The half ended with an unsportsmanlike foul called on Adebayo, which resulted in a pair of Hunter foul shots to make it 47-27 at the break.
Abercrombie slam puts exclamation point on the third
Abercrombie got the action back underway with a three from the top to keep the Riders rolling. Wright followed up with his 11th points of the evening with a triple in front of the Lions bench, and Hunter put Delaire on skates with a step back.
The three point bombs meant Leiecster held their 20 point advantage in the third, following a slow start to the game from distance.
Abercrombie thrust himself to the top of the highlight reel late in the third. Following Johnson running the fastbreak, the Australian stormed in for the follow to throw down a monster putback.
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) October 6, 2024
The third ended with three foul shots from Jackson, who was fouled on a triple, as Leicester led by 27 with one to play.
The Lions showed maximum effort until the final buzzer, playing with intensity on both ends.
The fourth was a closely fought, defensive affair as the clock ticked down. Johnson found string on another contested three for one of the late highlights of the game, and the game finished 66-89 after the hosts took the fourth 20-16.
A break in play
The Riders will take a two week break from Super League Basketball action for the international break, before returning on the road to take on Surrey 89ers.
A win would see them improve to 3-0 in the South group, with Leicester in firm control of the standings as they look to progress to the Final Four.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders look to build off an encouraging opening night in the Super League Basketball Trophy in their second group game against London Lions.
It’s Leicester’s first road game of the season, as they head to the capital to face the new look Lions in their first outing in the Copper Box this season.
Here’s how the game is shaping up…
Riders on a high
Head Coach Rob Paternostro would have been hard pressed to expect a better season opener than the one his side produced against Bristol.
A 12-0 start saw the Riders lead the game convincingly from start to finish, with only a couple of instances of the Flyers coming back into contention.
Leicester’s newly formed roster showed cohesion and chemistry rarely seen in a team that has been together barely a month. On both ends, the Riders played with togetherness and communication leading to 22 assists and a points tally of under 70 for their opponents.
Starting as we mean to go on 💪🔥
Check out the highlights from our opening night win ⤵️
“From the first week our emphasis has been on sharing the ball, but we haven’t had to preach that at all,” said Zach Jackson after the game. “We have a lot of guys with high IQs so it came pretty naturally.”
While Jackson stole the headlines, his 22 points earning a place on the Team of the Week, Charles Thompson proved the defensive glue, dominating the paint defensively, and the boards on both ends.
He finished with 12 rebounds, and 5 on the offensive end, on his way to a +/- of 30, bested only by Jackson with 33.
“I really like the way we played defence. Rebounding was going to be vital, Bristol always offensive rebounds really well,” said Paternostro.
“The pick and roll defence was really good, and a lot of that is thanks to Charles in the 5 position with his quickness which is vital to stopping their guards. The communication was really good, and while obviously there’s still a long way to go, this is a good foundation.”
Losing start for London
After a richly successful run of seasons for the Lions franchise, last week marked the first game day in which both men’s and women’s teams lost since March 2020.
The men suffered their eighth ever loss at Surrey Sports Park, falling 87-85 to the newly formed Surrey 89ers making the franchise’s competitive debut.
Without their full roster, but with star tandem of Aaryn Rai and Ovie Soko in the lineup, London were down as much as 22 points in the fourth quarter, but a spirited comeback led by Rai and returning captain Jordan Taylor meant Taylor had a chance to tie it with a three late.
They couldn’t complete the comeback, however, despite 23 from Jaiden Delaire.
It’s been an offseason of uncertainty for the Lions, and while some of the big names from the past two seasons are gone, some exciting new additions have been welcomed to the capital.
Rai, one of the stories of last season, swapped his Cheshire Phoenix colours for Lions black in one of the headline signings of the offseason, joined by experienced pro Soko and former G-Leaguer Delaire.
The emphasis has been on signing British talent, highlighted by the addition of Matthew Goodwin from Manchester and the retention of the likes of Ciaran Sandy. Taylor’s return was met with approval from the Lions faithful, and despite the opening night loss, the Riders will see a plethora of talent lining up against them at the Copper Box.
The American returned to Riders red with a bang, the four-time British basketball silverware winner not missing a beat as he took to the floor for his first competitive action of the season.
Report: Riders record impressive win in season opener
Leicester Riders got their 2024-25 season underway with an impressive 91-69 victory against Bristol Flyers.
It was a start-to-finish dominant display led by 22 from returning Rider Zach Jackson, who grabbed 7 boards and 5 steals in an impressive effort on both ends. After a series of fluid offensive performances, the newly formed group played with a sense of togetherness leading to a plethora of open looks from deep which the Riders hit at a 46% clip.
Jackson was backed by 17 points from rookie point guard Jaylin Hunter making his professional debut, and Ethan Wright went 3-4 from deep for 15 points in total.
On defence, Charles Thompson’s interior protection held Flyers star Kedrian Johnson to five points, locking off the inside wire-to-wire. Rookie guard Trey Tennyson led their efforts with 15 points, as his team shot 36% from the field.
Starting hot
The Riders flew out the gate to a 10-0 start. Jackson bagged the team’s first Super League Basketball points with a three after free flowing ball movement, before another triple from Riley Abercrombie ended the run to force a Bristol timeout.
Jackson scored eight in five minutes to settle Leicester into it. The Riders maintained this foundation to lead 23-15 after the first quarter, which Blake Bowman ended with a triple.
Riders veterans took over in the second, with Conner Washington and Duke Shelton combining for two straight scores to keep the Riders in control.
Flyers find their feet
The Flyers found form in the middle of the second, making back-to-back scores at the rim- the second from new addition Jaren Sherfield. But Jackson stemmed the tide with his patented hook shot for Leicester.
A throw down for Jackson on the fastbreak got the fans on their feet, and snatched momentum firmly back. Ethan Wright took advantage of that with a three to force another timeout for the visitors, with the score 38-26.
Threes from Sherfield and former Rider Evan Walshe started a Bristol surge back into the game as halftime neared. Washe, playing aggressively late in the second, drove to the rim for an and-one finish, cutting the difference to five.
Abercrombie connected with a three on the other end to maintain the Leicester lead, but the Flyers were back into contention by the break.
Taking control in the second half
Despite finding a hot streak, the visitors couldn’t make an indent into the Leicester lead to start the third period, as the Riders found joy consistently attacking the rim. Wright made it a double digit lead once again with a layup inside for his 10th points of the night.
The American made his presence felt on both ends, chasing down Sherfield emphatically with a swat out of bounds. Jackson and Hunter built on the swat with five quick points, and the score was 58-43.
Jackson caught fire, hitting two triples with the shot clock winding down as Leicester took firm control.
Seeing it out on defence
Washington, again from deep, kicked off the fourth followed by Jackson’s 22nd of the evening. A circus shot at the rim from Hunter kept the foot on the pedal, and the hosts had a convincing position to see the game out from, leading by 15.
Wright stringed another three, making it 3-4 on the night for the American. Hunter then rattled on in to make the score 83-64.
The Riders put the clamps down defensively. Bristol mustered seven points in eight minutes in the final period, suffering from intense ball pressure from the hosts. Charles Thompson, anchoring the defence, was a stifling presence at the rim.
Hunter put the cherry on top of the performance with a pair of threes, epitomising a hot night from behind the arc.
Hitting the road
The Riders are back in action on Sunday for the first game of a two game road trip. They head to London to take on the Lions at the Copper Box, hoping to make it 2-0 in the Trophy.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders are set to get their 2024-25 Super League Basketball season underway, hosting their season opener against Bristol Flyers on Friday.
The Riders, with a host of new names making their professional debuts, start the season with the Trophy group stage, which will provide the first opportunity for silverware in the inaugural season of Super League Basketball.
Meanwhile the Flyers come to Leicester with some familiar star names, and high expectations on their new arrivals.
Here’s how the fixture is shaping up.
Competition format
The 2024-25 Super League Basketball season will consist of four competitions, the Trophy, Cup, Playoffs and Championship.
We begin with the Trophy, of which the group phase will make up the Riders’ opening six games of the season.
The group phase is a round robin tournament with the teams split into two groups, the Riders group featuring London Lions, Surrey 89ers and Bristol Flyers, who will be played once home and away.
We conclude our Trophy group phase against the London Lions at home on Sunday, October 27 at 16:00.
The winners and runners-up in each group will qualify for the two-legged semi-finals, with the winner of Group A facing the runner-up of Group B and vice-versa.
A single-leg Final will take place in January 2025.
Riders pre-season successes
Two wins from two made up the Riders’ pre-season campaign, which was concluded against Super League Basketball opposition.
The Riders bested the newly-formed Surrey 89ers on the road, taking an 86-66 win back to Leicester. After a closely fought opening period, the Riders took charge on their way to a convincing win.
Missed open looks meant the score failed to demonstrate the level of Leicester’s play through 40 minutes. The Riders shot 9-31 from three and 40% from the field, but will back themselves to connect on those shots on a consistent basis this season.
Jaylin Hunter put in a complete performance from the point with 19 points and 6 assists to lead the game. He took over in the second to build Leiecster’s first meaningful lead, and pulled the strings in a fluid Riders offence all game long.
“I always pride myself on making the right play, for myself and for my teammates,” said Jaylin Hunter following an impressive game which featured 16 in the first half.
“I knocked down a three and a layup in the second quarter which helped my game, but my teammates kept finding me and we kept playing.
“We want to be a team that moves the ball and shares the ball every game, and we keep getting better with that.”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro echoed those sentiments after the game: “We got great shots all game. The ball has moved well right from the start with these guys. That’s what’s been so fun about practice each day- guys are unselfish and playing for each other.”
“We have some ways to go, especially in knocking down shots, but overall the way we played on offence was fun to watch.”
The game produced positive signs for the season, but the Riders face their first competitive test against the Flyers on Friday.
New faces at the Flyers
The Flyers offseason recruitment began with the return of star wing Kedrian Johnson. Last season, “Keddy” enjoyed a very successful rookie campaign with the Flyers out of West Virginia University – averaging 15.0 points per game, and sets a standard of high-production for the rest of the roster.
Suiting up in the South West this season are a host of familiar faces, including returners Corey Samuels, Raphael Thomas-Edwards and Pasquale Landolfi, and a familiar face to the Riders Evan Walshe, who played in the midlands between 2021-22.
But the bulk of Flyers talent are new arrivals, with seven new faces arriving to British basketball. The most promising from their pre-season performances has been rookie Trey Tennyson out of Texas Christian University.
The American guard led Bristol’s final pre-season game with 22 points in a 98-89 win against Cheshire Phoenix. That made it 2-1 for pre-season for the Flyers, who bested the Surrey 89ers and fell to the Newcastle Eagles.
“Trey made some big plays down the stretch- including some big threes late”, said Flyers Head Coach Andrews Kapoulas following the game. 2There were some really positive individual performances as we build towards who we want to be as a basketball team.”
“It’s been a really good pre-season for us, and now the real thing starts. Leicester are a very talented team and we need to be fully prepared- we look forward to the challenge.”
Some injuries have plagued the Flyers prior to the season, however with Raphell Thomas-Edwards, Leslee Smith and Jared Sherfield listed as “day-to-day” by Kapoulas.
Leicester Riders finished pre-season with a professional 86-66 road win against Surrey 89ers.
Jaylin Hunter put in a complete performance from the point with 19 points and 6 assists to lead the game. He took over in the second to build Leiecster’s first meaningful lead, and pulled the strings in a fluid Riders offence all game long.
He was backed by Zach Jackson’s 17 points and 5 rebounds. The American took over from where Hunter left off in the second half to keep the Niners at arm’s length. Charles Thompson also logged an impressive display with 10 points and 9 rebounds, dominating the paint for 5 offensive boards.
Missed open looks meant the score failed to demonstrate the level of Leicester’s play through 40 minutes. The Riders shot 9-31 from three and 40% from the field, but will back themselves to connect on those shots on a consistent basis this season.
The win puts Leicester in good stead going into their season opener against Bristol Flyers next Friday. Despite limited time together, the team played in impressive unison on both ends as they built towards the Super League Basketball season.
Tight opening stages
Despite the final score, there was little separation on the scoreboard early.
Jackson started aggressively, getting his head down for a finish at the rim and a pair of free throws following a strong drive to the hole, but Dame Adelekun responded with six points for the Niners, the big man showcasing his versatility with a variety of buckets. It was the Riders, however, who took the early lead through a fastbreak layup from Hunter.
It was a closely-fought, fast paced affair from the jump. No side built a real advantage throughout the opening period, but with the Riders off on their deep shooting early Surrey edged ahead.
Hunter connected from the corner late, before Blake Bowman spiked away a Niner layup attempt to end the first on a positive sequence, the score 20-19 to the hosts.
To begin the second, Bowman snatched the lead for Leicester with three trips to the foul line. He made it 27-26 with 6:46 remaining at the half.
The Niners seized momentum back in response with Jalen Ray and Mervin James making tough shots over good contests to take a five point lead.
Riders take the initiative
The lid lifted off the basket for Leicester as the clock ticked towards half. Hunter and Riley Abercrombie hit from three, and the Riders led 42-36 at the break courtesy of Hunter’s foul shots.
Thompson then got the second half underway from inside, logging seven quick points and a block to extend the Leicester lead. His final score of the stretch was a tough finish at the hoop putting back an Abercrombie missed triple, setting up an and-one play.
Thompson’s dominance at the start of the third built a double digit advantage for the Riders. He was backed by Jackson, who hit his signature turnaround next time up before drawing an offensive foul.
Jackson scored seven straight, but it was generated by Thompson who was undeniable on the glass. Three offensive boards in a single possession saw him fly around the court with Rodman-esque physicality, too strong for the Niners frontcourt to handle.
He put the exclamation point on his third quarter performance with a monster one handed jam to follow a Jackson steal, the duo proving too much on both ends.
Keeping Surrey at arm’s length
Three scores for the Niners saw them climb back into contention, making the score 61-51 with two minutes left in the third. But a three from J’Raan Brooks was the final bucket of the period, making it 64-51 with one left.
Noah Allen found his first triple of the game to start the final period in his first Riders action. Jackson made his way to the rim for another two, and Duke Shelton threw down a thunderous fastbreak slam as Leicester re-extended their lead.
Shelton, who was fouled on the dunk, made it 74-57 from the foul line with six minutes left. He broke away once again, stealing a loose pass and this time throwing down a windmill on the break emphatically.
Brooks found a rhythm from deep, connecting with his eighth points with a three with two minutes left. Hunter followed up with another from the corner to make the difference 19 points with his 19th points.
Thompson finished off the night at the rim and concluded the Riders’ pre-season with a 20-point win.
Pre-season preview: Leicester Riders at Surrey 89ers
Leicester Riders are set to play Surrey 89ers in their final action of the 2024-25 pre-season.
It’s the first fixture between the Riders and the newly formed franchise, and a final opportunity for team chemistry building among Leicester’s roster ahead of the season.
Here’s how the fixture is shaping up.
Fixture information
Fixture: Surrey 89ers vs Leicester Riders
Date: Friday, September 20
Tip-off: 7 pm
Venue: Surrey Sports Park
Last pre-season test for Leicester
Played a week before the Riders’ season opener against Bristol Flyers, this game represents an opportunity to build on the positive first impressions given to fans from this new Riders group. A convincing 111-66 win against USA Select was a successful first performance for the Riders roster which features seven new additions.
And it was the new faces who stole the show. Riley Abercrombie led the scoring with 24 on his Riders debut, and he was backed by a contingent of players making their first Mattioli Arena outings.
The top five Riders scorers were summer additions, as Jaylin Hunter backed up his teammate with 19 points and 5 assists, and Charles Thompson dominated the paint with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
12 points and 7 rebounds from Ethan Wright made for a productive evening, and returning Rider Zach Jackson completed the top five scorers with 13.
“We have a lot of talented players, and you saw that against USA Select,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro. “It was nice to see the group’s versatility.”
Coach Rob was particularly impressed by the game’s leading scorer, taking time to credit Abercrombie’s skillset post-game.
“He can seriously shoot, but he can do much more than that. At 6’9” he has good size and he’s so strong- the future is really bright for him and we’re really happy with the way he’s started.”
Now the Riders turn to professional opposition in the 89ers, which will prove a different test to the one offered by USA Select last time out.
New beginnings in Surrey
A brand new franchise in Surrey has brought some familiar faces to the fray, which should provide a solid benchmark going into the Super League season.
A plethora of players signed with the Niners from the Surrey Scorchers, including a star from last season in Cam Gooden, GB international Andrew Lawrence and club legend Tayo Ogedengbe.
Joining them are some star summer signings, including the club’s latest arrival Mervin James who was announced on Monday. James averaged 18.9 points and 6.1 rebounds in his senior year for Rider Broncos, adding elite scoring to the 89ers front court.
A two-game pre-season tour of Spain kicked off the Niners’ first action as a franchise, before they returned home for three domestic fixtures. They hold a 2-3 record in their five pre-season games going into this one, but raised eyebrows with a 17 point win on the road in Newcastle.
The Niners have played out competitive games with British opposition in their last three fixtures, and while team building, chemistry and fitness are the primary focuses of the game, Surrey should provide Leicester with a broader understanding of where they place in the domestic landscape.
Season opener
We are just over a week away from our highly-anticipated season opener against Bristol Flyers on September 27!
Report: Riders take convincing win to open pre-season
Leicester Riders got their pre-season underway with a 111-66 victory against USA Select.
It was a convincing first outing for the newly formed Riders roster, in front of a pre-season record attendance at the Mattioli Arena.
Riley Abercrombie led the scoring, putting up 24 points on his Riders debut, backed by Jaylin Hunter who went off for 19 points and 5 assists.
Charles Thompson dominated the paint with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and 12 points and 7 rebounds from Ethan Wright made for a productive evening for the Riders rookies.
Thompson got the game underway with dominance inside. He showed his strength from the jump, battling down low for an offensive board before a hook shot netted him his first points in Riders red, and Leicester’s first of the 2024 pre-season.
The big man scored two quick buckets in the midst of a 7-2 Leicester start, and blocked Morgan Brown’s layup attempt. Abercrombie also enjoyed a red hot start, connecting with his first two attempts from deep. It was quickly 15-2, as returning Rider Zach Jackson forced USA Select’s first timeout with a euro-step on the break.
The visitors bit back with two straight buckets halfway into the period, but Abercrombie put an end to any USA Select momentum with an and-one finish, bagging his ninth points of the evening.
A Riders scoring drought did open the door for USA Select on the back end of the quarter, as they found joy on the fastbreak and the offensive glass. A triple saw the score pegged back to 28-21 with a minute remaining.
But they re-found their groove to close the first, and Jackson finished the opening period with a floater to make it 34-23.
Conner Washington picked up from where his teammates left off after the first period. He got the second quarter underway with a triple, the 12-year veteran always a hot hand from outside. He and Abercrombie rebuilt the lead from distance throughout the second, and Hunter effectively pulled the strings from the point.
The Riders, who found difficulty controlling the glass at times early, secured defensive boards consistently in the second to hold their opponents to 12 second quarter points.
In a physical affair, Jackson had multiple trips to the foul line as the half came to a close, knocking down free throws to make it a 20 point Leicester lead. The sides entered the half with the Riders up 57-35.
Out of the break, Hunter got the second half going with a steal and a score, before pulling up in transition on the next play for three. It was a 30 point lead quickly in the third, courtesy of Abercrombie again adding two more on the fastbreak.
USA Select still had no answer for the Australian who brought his game tally to 20 at the foul line with 3:30 left in the third.
A scoring flurry for the visitors saw USA Select maintain the difference at 30 late in the third, draining a three on the buzzer to make it 81-52 with one to play.
Final flourish
Another and-one started the final period, this time Thompson taking the contact inside and connecting with the finish. Hunter followed up with a trip to the stripe next time up, and he made the score 85-52 with 8:42 left.
Hunter was hot in the fourth, and he drained a triple over a hand in his face to add three more to his game tally.
Blake Bowman brought the Riders’ game score to 100 with a spin move inside, and Abercrombie capped off a player of the game performance and a convincing Leicester win with a three.
The Riders return to action on September 20, taking on Surrey Scorchers on the road ahead of the Super League Basketball season opener on September 27.
Tickets go on sale for the Riders’ 2024 SLB home fixtures on Monday, September 9, at 12 pm.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders are set to tip-off their 2024 pre-season campaign against USA Select!
The newly built roster, with seven new faces ready to be welcomed by the Riders faithful, looks to find chemistry and understanding in the upcoming pre-season campaign, before for the debut season of Super League Basketball in September.
Their first test: a USA Select team featuring the next generation of American talent, looking to showcase their ability on their way to their first professional contracts.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture.
Fixture information
Fixture: Leicester Riders vs USA Select
Date: Friday, September 6
Tip-off: 7 pm
Leicester basketball is back!
It has felt like a long wait, but Leicester are ready to take to the court for their first action of 2024-25. It’s a pivotal pre-season for the Riders roster, who make their preparations for the debut season of Super League Basketball.
The seven new additions look to settle into Head Coach Rob Paternostro’s system quickly before competitive action begins, but the roster is blessed with experience to ease that process.
Among the summer signings is returning Rider Zach Jackson. His familiarity with both coach and club will be a valuable asset throughout pre-season. Jackson returned to the Club having spent three seasons with the Riders between 2020 and 2023. He played an integral role in the Riders’ 2022 treble, winning four trophies during his time in the East Midlands.
“It’s been great seeing Coach Rob and some familiar faces on the team again,” said Jackson. “I’ve always loved playing for Rob, and I can’t wait to see the fans again.
“Everyone on the team always got along during my time here, which is a big thing in professional basketball. Everyone on this team seems to have good character.
“We haven’t gone live yet to see how each other plays, but hopefully over the next few weeks we’ll start building chemistry and get to know one another.”
This game presents an opportunity for exactly that. It will be the first test for the new team to suit up alongside one another in competitive action.
With four rookies joining the Riders ranks over the offseason, Charles Thompson, Jaylin Hunter, J’Raan Brooks and Riley Abercrombie, that is especially important. These are key minutes early in the professional careers of the rookies especially, as they look to grow quickly accustomed to the team against USA Select.
Leicester Riders meeting with USA Select has become annual tradition, having established a relationship with the programme over previous decades.
USA Select are in the midst of a busy European tour, hoping to secure their players their first professional contracts. The programme has produced household names in British basketball over its 40 year existence, including Sheffield Sharks Head Coach Atiba Lyons.
The Riders have established a thriving relationship with the programme.
“Leicester Riders, like so many other clubs in the UK, has been phenomenal for us over the decades, which is why I never miss the UK out on these tours,” said Head Coach and General Manager Sean Kilmartin.
“The club, and its vision in a sport that was always under the radar and never truly appreciated in the UK, has changed the way people look at basketball in the country. Their venue is the first of its kind, and it set the bar for the other clubs in the league.
“When my players can see all that, they see what professionalism looks like. They see how professionals put pride in their job, and their humility when they put their jerseys on for the fans.
“The Riders fanbase is amazing. The love and respect we get from those fans is humbling. They really get it.”
Join the cavalry
Tickets are still available for tonight’s action! Standard tickets are £10, courtside seating is £25.
The eye of the Tiger: Charles Thompson on his journey to the pros
“Hustle.” When asked what defines his game, that’s how Charles Thompson responded.
This should come as no surprise. It’s a mentality passed down a generation, from Charles’ dad, Tony “The Tiger” Thompson, who fought for a better life in the boxing ring throughout his son’s childhood.
Tony Thompson first entered the ring aged 26, turning professional two years later. He went on to have a 40-7 professional career, having fought for the unified world heavyweight titles against Wladimir Klitschko on two occasions.
Not only a fearless fighter in the ring, Tony Thompson was a role model outside of it.
“It’s how I always knew him,” said Charles Thompson, reflecting on his childhood. “He was getting up at 4 am, working out, coming back home and working out again three or four times a day.
“That played a huge role in my development, because I saw what toughness looks like. My dad gave me a great image to look up to.”
From Tony “The Tiger”, to Towson Tigers
His dad’s work ethic is evident in Charles, who became Towson University’s all-time leader in minutes played.
Thompson showed his heart and hustle from the first tip-off in college to earn himself valuable playtime in his freshman year.
“Even as a freshman when there were people more talented than me on the team, I found a way on the floor. I think that makes me more malleable and versatile, with a willingness to do whatever I need to do to get out there and help the team.”
In his first collegiate year, Thompson had a 17 rebound game. It was tied for ninth best single-game rebounding performance, and the second best by a Towson freshman, in programme history.
Thompson impressed with his effort as a freshman, seeing him in an increased role as a sophomore, which he responded to with a huge jump in production.
After averaging 3.2 points per game a year prior, Thompson put up 9.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game as a sophomore, and earned a place on the CAA All-Defensive Team.
Seeing your own true potential is a skill in itself, and that was the key to Thompson’s growth throughout his five years at Towson.
“I’ve always seen myself as a better player than I truly am at any point, and feeling that way means I’m always looking at where I can get better.
“Consistency is what I’ve learned. Nothing happens overnight, improvement happens over months and years of maintaining the same process.”
Defensive mindset
Thompson was named to the CAA All-Defensive team four seasons in a row. He averaged over 1.5 blocks per game in every one of those seasons, making his name as an anchor in the paint and a force at the rim.
But above his 6’8” stature, explosive vertical and lengthy wingspan, Thompson cites his work ethic and commitment as the leading attributes for his defensive talents.
“Defence is just hard work. I believe that everybody has the capability of being a great defender even without the physical tools. A lot of it is mental concentration and physical effort. Anybody can be great on defence. All you have to do is communicate and show effort.
“If I was playing badly on the defensive end, people would question whether I’m giving max effort. That’s something that I really care about.”
Defence is part of the fabric of Leicester Riders. The greatest teams in Leicester have leaned on their hard-nosed, gritty resistance as the bedrock of their play, and Head Coach Rob Paternostro sees Thompson as the anchor for his 2024-25 defence.
“Coach Rob told me that one of the things he was looking forward to seeing was me leading the defence, anchoring the defence, and being a contributor on that end.
“Defence can give you a spark of life, especially when things aren’t working on the offensive end. Sometimes shots don’t fall, but your defence can be there for you night, in night out.”
“If you had 13 guys like Charles Thompson, you wouldn’t need coaches.”
Those were the words of Towson Head Coach Pat Skerry, who coached Thompson for his five-year tenure at the University.
His hard work and on-court mentality has won the respect of coaches and teammates alike, building a well-earned reputation of being a true professional.
“Everyone we spoke with talked about what a great leader he is both on and off the court,” said Paternostro following Thompson’s signing. “We are thrilled to add him to our locker room.”
— Leicester Riders Basketball Club (@RidersBball) August 4, 2024
The Cavalry will soon get to know Thompson after he lands in Leicester for the upcoming season.
Not only is he set to light up Leicester on the court, but he’ll bring the work ethic, mentality and personality seen in the legends who have worn the Riders red before him.
Want to see Thompson make his Riders debut? We start our pre-season campaign against USA Select on September 6!
“I’ve always had this dream”- Kaia Harrison on signing her first professional contract
“To play professional basketball.” That was Kaia Harrison’s response when asked what her post-graduation plans were when she first arrived at Wake Forest University.
145 games later (the second most in school history), she signed her first professional contract with Leicester Riders, where she will play her rookie season.
Five years competing in a brutally tough conference, the ACC, has tested Harrison in every way imaginable. This isn’t an inexperienced rookie ready to suit up in Riders red.
“I’ve seen a lot of different competition, played so many different schools and players in one of the best conferences in the country,” said Harrison. “That has absolutely helped me prepare for the next level. I’ve gone face to face with WNBA players, and nothing sets you up for success more than testing yourself against the best of the best.
“I always knew that I wanted to play professionally, but I also knew the amount of work that I’d have to put in to get here. I need to thank my support system, my family, because college is not easy at all. It’s mentally and physically draining, but that’s developed me as a person. Knowing that I’ve always had this dream and seeing it come true- I’m extremely grateful.”
It was a collegiate career filled with achievement, not least in 2021. In her sophomore year, Harrison helped the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 33 years.
Her development as a player saw Harrison finish her graduation year as the team’s second-leading scorer, adding electric energy to both ends of the court. It’s that energy and effort that Head Coach Ben Stanley sees as one of the biggest additions to the Riders’ roster.
A perfect match
“Coach and I hit it off right away. After our initial conversations, we had a meeting to go over my film of myself and the team last year to see how I fit into the scheme. I’ve never done that before, and the conversations that we had allowed me to see how I fit into the plans and seeing how I can develop as a player.
“I’m a very fast-paced player. I like to push the ball a lot in transition, and Coach really likes that part of my game, especially how I get good shots off early in the shot clock. The Riders played at a fast pace last year, so I can really see myself in that system.
“On the other end of the floor, I’m a very passionate defender. I like to wreak havoc on defence with my energy, and I think that is partly what drew the Riders to me.”
Football fanatic
Basketball wasn’t Harrison’s only calling. In 2019 she received all-county distinctions in football (soccer to her, but we’ll call it by its proper name!), and played until her senior year.
“I grew up playing both basketball and football, and I had the best experience playing football in college. It really helped get in shape over the summer too. I’ve loved watching it- at Wake I’d go down to watch the men and women play and it was really competitive. I can’t wait to get down to a Leicester City game this season!”
Expanding horizons
Off the court, Leicester is a chance for Harrison, who has been abroad only once before, to expand her horizons. When asked what she most looked forward to from her rookie season, the opportunity to travel was near the top of her list.
“I’ve been to Italy once for four days, and that’s the only time that I’ve been overseas! I haven’t been to the UK, or any other countries for that matter.
“I’m excited to branch out and explore somewhere else, outside of America. I’m looking forward to experiencing both a new style of play on the court, but also new people and a different culture. I’m so ready to get there, and play at the professional level.”
— Wake Forest Women's Basketball (@WakeWBB) March 6, 2024
But on the hardwood, Harrison’s number one motivation is improvement. Improvement of herself, and improvement of her teammates.
“I always want to get better than I was last season. I have some things I want to work on with my game, but that also goes for the team. I want to develop my game and the players around me, and win as many games as we can.
“I consider myself a leader, and to me that means bringing your teammates along with you and helping them to be the best that they can be.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this Club and get to work! I’m going to go out there and try to win every game we can. Thank you for having me!”
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
“Whatever I can do to support the city I’m ready to do”- Get to know Leicester Riders’ new signing Ethan Wright
Ethan Wright grew up with basketball. As much as he found the game, the game found him.
His mother, Ellen, is one of the greatest players in Princeton University history, and ended her four-year career as the school’s second-leading scorer.
A four-time All-Ivy performer, she netted 430 points during the 1983-84 season, the best ever at the time. She currently sits second in program history in rebounds and blocks, and holds the single-game record for blocks in a game with nine.
Ellen was Wright’s coach until eighth grade, but never forced the game onto him.
“She wasn’t the type of parent to beg you to work out or force you into the gym, but she let me know that if I wanted to have success I had to work for it. She gave me all the help and resources I needed, and having a mum who had been through the entire college process was really helpful for me. She’s my biggest basketball resource.”
He quickly followed in her footsteps, declaring for Princeton in 2018.
Playing alongside British forward Tosan Evbuomwan, now of the Detroit Pistons in the NBA, Wright helped the Tigers to a 23-7 record in 2022, winning the Ivy League regular season.
It was the school’s best season since 2017, coming back with a bang after the COVID 19 pandemic saw the cancellation of Ivy League play.
As it did for many student athletes, COVID ripped Wright away from the game, making workouts near-impossible for months on end.
But absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that was certainly the case for Wright’s love of the game coming back from the season-long hiatus.
“It made me fall in love with basketball again,” said Wright, reflecting on his cancelled year at Princeton.
“We hadn’t played for a year and we were dying to get out there. For six months I couldn’t even work out. College basketball is a grind, and it gave me a halftime break to let me miss the game.”
British fans will be familiar with Evbuomwan, who came through the Newcastle Eagles’ youth system.
“Tosan was so fun to play with. He was pretty much our point guard, even as a big, so we ran the offence through him. We had one of the best offences in the country, and I was playing with my best friends who I’d played with for four years.
PIVOTAL PERFORMANCE. @PrincetonMBB grabs a pivotal 81-75 decision at Yale to move into a tie for first place in the standings. Tosan Evbuomwan and Ethan Wright combined for 49 points to pace the Tigers. 🌿🏀 pic.twitter.com/emal9JY0Kg
“That year was the most fun I’ve had playing basketball.”
Rookie in Romania
After playing out his graduation year for the University of Colorado, Wright’s post-college career started in Romania with CSM Târgu Jiu last season. It was his first time leaving North America, and a big adjustment, as it is for any American rookie playing in Europe.
But he adapted quickly to the new environment, and the new challenge of going up against professionals for the first time.
“It’s definitely a learning curve. You’re no longer going up against kids, for one. In Romania there’s great players who are talented and athletic, and while that talent and athleticism was there in college too, the speed of the game in the pros is quicker.
“The shot clock is shorter, and guys are grown men who are really physical. There’s a lot of really experienced players who don’t make the same mistakes you see in college.
“But you have to have confidence in yourself. If you go to a pro team and you don’t have that self belief and competitiveness then it’s going to be difficult for you. I learned a lot from my rookie year.”
Similarly, life off the court presents challenges for rookies.
“We were in a very rural area in Romania, where there are very few Americans, or even English speaking people. If you don’t get along with your teammates it would have been very isolating. It’s important for your own life and the team’s success that you’re together.”
That’s something that has always come naturally to Wright. In his final collegiate year, Colorado awarded him the Stephen Tebo Family P.A.S.S. Award, for being the player who best exemplified the virtues of Perseverance, Attitude, Selflessness and Success.
The award is a testament to his off-court character and leadership, not only in that season, but throughout his basketball life.
“I’ve always tried to be a good locker room guy. I don’t think I have a big ego at all, and I try to be someone who is fun to be around. With that team at Colorado, there were a lot of young guys who were dealing with things that I’d already gone through. I felt like someone they could go to for advice and talk to when they needed to. I try to do that wherever I am.”
Landing in Leicester
Wright is ready to bring that off-court attitude to the Riders this season, along with his on-court talents.
He put up 11.7 points in 23.7 minutes per game in Romania, logging 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per outing.
“I think I bring shooting as my best attribute, but I can also attack the rim and make plays. I showed a lot of different things last year, and now that I have that overseas experience I feel a lot more comfortable as a pro.
“I do a lot on defence and with my rebounding, and I’m going to go in and try to be a spark plug for the team. I’m a versatile player, so however Coach sees my role in the team I can adapt to.”
While it’s his first venture into the UK, Wright is itching to embrace the culture of the country and the city upon his arrival.
“I’m really excited to get to the UK. I’m especially excited about getting the chance to go to a Leicester City game! I played football for a while, and I’ve always loved watching the game. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the culture, get to know what the city and the country is like.
“I’m looking forward to eating the food. I hear Leicester has one of the biggest Indian populations in the country so I’m enthusiastic about engaging with that community and culture too.
“I’m honoured to be signing in a city with such incredible sporting heritage. Everything I hear about the club is the fans are great, and they support the club passionately, so that’s really cool.
“The city really loves sport, and that makes me really excited to interact with fans, hang out in the community and get to know people. We need the fans’ support, so whatever I can do to support the city and support them back I’m ready to do.
“If you’re a fan, don’t be a stranger! I’m excited to meet everybody!”
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Report: Riders fall to Lions in Playoff semi-final
Leicester Riders’ season ended in London, as they fell in the Women’s British Basketball League Playoff semi-finals 95-70 to the London Lions.
It was a closely fought first half, the Riders taking a seven point lead in the first quarter through hot three point shooting. But the EuroCup champions battled back and took control in the absence of Riders’ captain Mckenzie Johnson, who was injured at the end of the second quarter.
Riders’ record-breaking leading scorer Taylor O’Brien led the team again with 19 points and 8 rebounds, days after being named to the Team of the Year. She was backed by Jessica Eadsforth-Yates, who went 4-9 from three for 12 points and 5 rebounds.
A big night for London’s Abby Meyers saw her lead the game with 22 points, as six Lions scored in double digits to book their spot in the Final. Mayers went 9-16 from the field and pulled down 5 boards.
Red hot Riders start takes first quarter lead
The Riders had a hot start from deep, draining five triples in the opening five minutes to jump out to a 10-17 lead. Sharpshooters Katie Januszewska and Eadsforth-Yates had two each from behind the arc.
Lions’ guard Meyers found lanes to the hoop on the other end to cut into the Riders’ lead with 6 points, London starting 7-7 from two point range. But the hosts started cold from the outside, going 0-7 from three in the first quarter.
Their first one went down with a minute left, as Shanice Beckford-Norton gave the Lions the lead. This took the lid off, and Katsiaryna Snytsina knocked down another to send the sides into the first quarter break with London leading 22-18.
Meyers leads London to big lead
The start of the second saw the Riders cool off, and the Lions built their lead to eight. Maya Price hit a long two to force a Riders timeout a minute and a half in.
Johnston ended the cold streak with a corner triple for her first points of the afternoon. She was followed by O’Brien, who began her patented attacks of the rim to get to the foul line and keep the scoreboard ticking over for Leicester.
Despite O’Brien’s play, the Riders’ deficit grew thanks to the red hot hand of Meyers, who brought her game tally to 11 with a three. It was a 15 point Lions lead with 3:52 left in the half.
Riders run brings visitors back into it
An Erin Powell three, followed by an O’Brien runner, breathed life back into the Riders. With under two minutes left in the half, O’Brien pulled up and banked in a triple, cutting the deficit to single digits and forcing a London timeout.
The Riders, rolling, put the ball in the hands of Januszewska, who logged her 7th points to further make inroads.
Late London buckets from Snytsina and Meyers made it 48-38 at the break, the Riders in touching distance. But Johnston took an elbow to the face as the half closed, seeing her out for the game.
Lions rebuild lead out of the half
A breathless start to the second half saw a Marrissa Hamilton and-one play met by back-to-back threes from Holly Winterburn, as the Lions edged ahead. Savannah Wilkinson drained her first three of the game with 6:25 on the clock, for her 13th points and giving the Lions an 18 point lead.
The Riders’ defence stood strong, keeping the hosts to two points in three minutes, but with Johnston on the sidelines struggled to generate offence.
O’Brien, as she did in the second, continued to get to the foul line on her drives to the rim. She made it 17 points on the game, making the score 70-50. Shahd Abboud followed with a spin move from the midrange to trigger a Lions timeout.
To end the third, Faye Endean hit from close to make it 72-52 with one quarter to play.
London sees the game out
Abboud got the fourth underway with a smooth fake spin, laying in a two at the rim. In response, Beckford-Norton scored two straight buckets to seize back control for the hosts.
Januszewska stayed hot, draining her third three of the game as the Riders kept chipping away. Eadsforth-Yates went back-to-back from three to make it 12 on the night from the British guard.
Endean made the last bucket of the night from the foul line however, and the Lions won the fourth 23-16 to see it out.
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Playoff semi-final preview: Leicester Riders at London Lions
Leicester Riders are a game away from the Playoff Final at the O2 Arena. Standing in their way: the undefeated, EuroCup champion London Lions, looking for their third-straight clean sweep.
Here’s how the playoff semi-final is shaping up.
Last time out
The Riders were forced to battle back in the quarter-finals to beat the Essex Rebels in the clutch. A slow start at the Mattioli Arena saw Leicester down as much as 21, but fought back behind Taylor O’Brien’s 21 points and 17 rebounds.
Leicester’s biggest lead of the night was two points- their winning margin at the end of the game. Once the Riders were back in it in the fourth, Shahd Abboud took over with big shots as the hosts vanquished their first playoff foe.
It was a gutsy win, as the Riders dug deep, stemmed the Rebels momentum and slowly climbed back into it over three quarters. They’ll take confidence from their late form into the game against London.
Record-breaking O’Brien
Leading the team in the playoff opener followed the season trend for Riders’ star guard Taylor O’Brien, who was named to the British Basketball League Team of the Year this week.
O’Brien is lightning fast from the backcourt, attacking the rim relentlessly from wire-to-wire. She runs the pick-and-roll effectively to get her moving down hill, and her determination and hustle gets her on the offensive glass for second chance points.
She’ll attack the heart of the Lions’ defence all night long at the Copper Box, attempting to help the Riders to their second-straight visit to the O2 Arena.
Lions’ season
The Lions, last season’s quadruple winners, are yet to be defeated in the British Basketball League this year. They won the League with a 20-0 record, and won the Trophy in January after facing the Rebels in the Final.
However, key players departed to the WNBA ahead of the Lions’ playoff run, including Karlie Samuelson, Temi Fagbenle, Megan Gustafson and Shey Peddy. Samuelson and Gustafson were the Lions’ two leading scorers on the season, the latter winning the Trophy Final MVP.
The adjustment to the departures was felt in their playoff opener, despite confidently putting away the Nottingham Wildcats. The Lions, who averaged 98 points per game over the season, mustered only 80 against Nottingham, winning by 10 on the final buzzer.
Compared to the Lions’ 140-42 and 105-49 wins against the Wildcats earlier in the year, the win was underwhelming as they felt the effects of losing their leading scorers.
One to watch
Holly Winterburn
13.5 points, 4.4 assists, 60.8 FG%, 52.1% 3PT%
Remaining on their roster, however, is Holly Winterburn, who arrived on the European stage for this season. She hit the shot of the EuroCup final, her game-winning three which was dubbed the biggest shot in British basketball history against Besiktas.
Her season can be defined by more than that single three, however. The former Riders led the League in three point percentage, knocking down a red hot 52.1% of her looks from deep, and hitting on 60.8% of her field goals.
Winterburn played once against the Riders this season, but didn’t make her typical scoring impact with only 8 points. But she showed her ability to affect the game in multiple facets, finishing with 6 assists.
Expect Winterburn to show up in the biggest moments should this one be close late.
Where to watch
The game will be shown live on the Women’s British Basketball League YouTube channel, tipping off at 4:30 pm.
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Following the conclusion of Leicester Riders’ 2023/24 season, Head Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on the team’s playoffs, and the season as a whole.
Playoff series vs Sheffield
The Riders’ season ended in the quarter-finals of the playoffs, losing 2-1 in a best-of-three series to the Sheffield Sharks.
Leicester took a Game One win, and had a chance to take the lead with seconds left at home in Game Two. But a double-dribble call gave Sheffield’s Prentiss Nixon the opportunity to hit a game winner with 1.6 seconds left, and a hotly contested no-call on a Miryne Thomas three sent the series back to Sheffield the following day.
“We knew we had a great opportunity, holding the lead at halftime and then having a chance to take the lead with 25 seconds left,” said Paternostro. “The double-dribble call was devastating for us, and then Nixon hit a great shot- credit to him.
“It was a tough loss. As tough as they come. Especially when we had to be back on the road 13 hours later. We had our chance to win the series in Game Two, and next thing we know we’re on the road to Sheffield.”
The Sharks won Game Three convincingly in the second half, after a first half in which missed free throws were the difference between the sides. The Riders were down nine at the half after missing nine foul shots in the opening two quarters.
It was a continuation from the day before, where Leicester shot 66% from the line.
“In the first half the free throw line hurt us as it did in Game Two. If we made our free throws we’d have been in it, but we couldn’t handle Sheffield in the second half. Give them credit. Their home court advantage with the way their crowd was was too tough for us to overcome.”
The Riders were without their captain, Kimbal Mackenzie, for the playoff run. Paternostro addressed the impact of losing the team’s point guard, who was recently named to the British Team of the Year, had on the series.
“Not having Kimbal for the playoffs was devastating for our chances. He was our leader, and the guy with the ball in his hands in the biggest moments of our season. It was a huge huge loss, but I thought other guys in Game One and Two stepped up to give us an opportunity to win the series.”
The fans
The raucous crowd played a factor in every game, with travelling numbers adding to every atmosphere.
“The fans were top notch- as good as I can remember in any playoff series. Our fans really got that going on the road in Game One, and their fans came back and were awesome in Game Two.
“Our fans were incredible at home. They played such a big role in driving us on at the end, and the next day they were fantastic again.”
This year’s British Basketball League playoffs featured a new format, with the first two rounds taking place over a best-of-three series. The new format created an electric environment in the arenas.
“As someone who has played in these series as a player, I know that they’re great for the fans. We saw that in this matchup. It really was a positive thing for the League to have that environment.”
Final reflections on the season
The season saw ups and downs throughout, following a large turnaround in players in the offseason.
Paternostro reflected on how it unfolded over the course of the year.
“We lost so much from the year before, where we were 25-11 in the League. We lost a lot of experienced players, who we knew would move on after some time. We missed them, but we put together a roster that was 4-1 to start the year.”
After the 4-1 start, the Riders fell to 7-10 having lost to the London Lions twice, and Cheshire Phoenix three times over a difficult stretch of fixtures. Leicester made changes to their roster, adding high volume scorer Teddy Allen and energetic big man Duke Shelton to the team ahead of the upcoming Trophy run in January.
“We were in the mix and trying to find our feet, but hit a tough stretch of games and had to make some changes. When Teddy and Duke arrived, they provided a boost and we started to play some good basketball around the holidays.
“We put ourselves in real contention for the Trophy, doing a great job to qualify through a challenging group. Then we had an amazing fightback against Cheshire and had the lead with seconds to go. We were trending upwards at that point and with a couple of bounces going differently we would have been in the first final of the season.
Following the Trophy, the Riders faced six double header weekends. They went 2-4 in the second games of double headers after the Trophy, contributing to Leicester’s fall to .500 come the end of the year.
“We were like a lot like other teams at around .500, and dealt with injuries at a crucial part of the season with a lot of double header weekends. Our record on those Sundays wasn’t the best and we dropped some games. This league is very challenging with its schedule, and it’s about who can survive the grind of February, March and April.”
2024/25 season tickets on sale now!
As the offseason awaits for the Riders, you can book your spot in the stands by getting your 2024/25 season ticket now!
Leicester Riders’ season ended in the British Basketball League Playoff Quarter-Finals, after losing to the Sheffield Sharks 86-69 in Game Three.
After a closely fought first half, matching the tone set in the opening two games of the series, the Sharks blew the game open in the third with hot shooting, and the Riders couldn’t get back in it.
Sam Idowu fought hard to chip into the deficit with 13 third quarter points, and led the team in the game with 16. But it wasn’t enough to make inroads, and the Sharks advanced to the semi finals.
As he did in Game One, Prentiss Nixon led the Sharks with 17 points in 19 minutes of play.
Riders fight back after slow start
Sharks had an electric start, with Malek Green capping off a 7-2 run from the tip-off with a putback jam. Sesan Russell found a response with a three from the top to momentarily quiet the crowd, but Devearl Ramsey and Green combined back-to-back to retake momentum.
A shot clock violation from the Riders highlighted their slow offensive start. It was rookie Jaren Holmes whose aggression got them going as he pulled the strings with drive to the hoop. He drew a foul with 4:41 left in the first, his foul shots making the score 11-9, and Mo Walker tied it up at the rim a minute later.
The Riders took their first lead of the game, Teddy Allen hitting his first three off the dribble, but the Sharks had the better of the final minute of the first with Prentiss Nixon banking in a three to end it, the hosts leading 24-21.
Riders run meets Ratinho response
Two Sheffield corner threes started the second quarter to give them a seven point lead. It was quickly double digits through Eytle-Rock on the break, forcing a Rob Paternostro timeout.
A Miryne Thomas three stopped the bleeding, and after Samuel Idowu blocked Kipper Nichols driving to the rim, TJ Lall ran the break for two to cut into the deficit.
As the Riders looked to equal the score, it was Holmes again to lead the charge. His and-one finish followed by a breakaway two cut it to one with 3:06 left in the half.
Threes from Nichols and Jordan Ratinho undid the Riders work, however, and Ratinho hit another on the fastbreak to make the score 46-37 with one possession left in the second. That’s how the sides entered the half, as Nixon missed a prayer on the buzzer.
Sharks blow game open in the third
Ramsey got the second half underway with a midrange, followed by three scores from Green, to get the hosts the better start in the third period. They led 53-37 three minutes in.
Idowu ran the pick-and-roll with Holmes to get two points back, but a Marcus Delpeche slam to get the points straight back. Idowu had 13 points in the third, attempting to get the Riders back in it with his work around the rim.
But a rim-rocking alley-oop jam from Green took the roof off the Arena, and the score was 62-46 with 3:22 left in the period.
Sharks see it out
The Sharks caught fire to end the game. Everything Pipkins and Nichols shot found string, allowing them to pull away to a 20 point advantage quickly in the fourth period. Pipkins logged with 12th points to make the score 74-52.
Blake Bowman scored back-to-back for the Riders, using his athleticism at the rim, but Pipkins hit another three on the other end.
The fourth quarter was 17-17, and the Riders’ season came to a close.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders fell 74-77 to Sheffield Sharks in Game Two of the British Basketball League Quarter-Finals.
Prentiss Nixon’s game winner forced a Game Three in Sheffield, after a closely fought battle throughout.
Teddy Allen led the tie with 23, hitting big shots consistently to keep the Riders in touch. The Riders had a chance to tie with 1.6 seconds on the clock, but Miryne Thomas’ attempt missed, and he found no call despite claims of contact.
Malek Green led the Sharks with 22 points and 11 rebounds going 10-13 from the field.
Game Three is to be played on Sunday May 5 at 4pm, at the Canon Medical Arena.
Teddy takeover starts Game Two
Allen took over the opening stages with his tough shot making, draining two-and-ones including a fadeaway out of a double team. He scored six to lead Leicester to a 12-9 start by the media timeout.
Duke Shelton, checking into the game for the first time, made an immediate impact with a slam, running the pick-and-roll with Sesan Russell. He pulled down an offensive board next time down which led to a Thomas hookshot, and putback Jaren Holmes‘ miss to put Leicester up 18-11.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) May 4, 2024
Fending off the fightback
Nixon picked up where he left off after 25 points in Game One, draining a corner three for Sheffield off the bench. He and Kipper Nichols took over for a stretch, and the Sharks tied it at 24 quickly in the second period.
Allen stayed hot, hitting a triple from the top to get three points back for the hosts. TJ Lall drove inside for an and-one, then Conner Washington stepped up to hit a three, which took the roof off the Arena and rebuilt the Leicester lead to seven.
A three from Allen with 3:48 left in the half, following Sam Idowu’s second block of the game, made it double digits and brought his tally to 12.
It was Thomas’ time to get to work a minute later. He sized up Marcus Delpeche at the top of the arc, stepping back for three to make it 45-30.
Ratinho run gets Sheffield back in it
Jordan Ratinho was the Shark to snatch momentum back, laying in a two before driving on the fastbreak to be sent to the foul line by Idowu.
After he made both, Ramsey stole the ball and found Ratinho on the run again, and he went to the line for two more to make it 45-38 with 1:07 left in the half.
Russell, fighting among the trees for an offensive board, made a trip to the stripe himself to stop the 6-0 Ratinho run, but out of a timeout Nixon got to the midrange for two. The half ended with Green at the line, who made it 47-41 at the break.
Sharks snatch the lead in tense third
RJ Eytle-Rock started the half with two buckets at the rim for the Sharks to make it a one score game. But Russell once again settled the team by making his way to the line, stealing the ball from Ramsey in transition and taking a charge on him in three straight plays.
Russell was relentless, covering all 94 feet on defence to suffocate the Sharks. But his defence on Green in the post was deemed too physical for the officials, and he was forced to the bench in foul trouble.
With Russell on the bench, Green tied it up with a drive to the rim with 5:30 left in the third, and the Sharks then took the lead at the hands of Delpeche.
Defences locked down for the rest of the third, with only one point scored in over two minutes. Sheffield led by a score during that time until Jalon Pipkins laid in a two to make it 56-60. He then got to the hoop to start the fourth for two more.
Sharks hit game winner in closely fought clutch
Despite a defensive start to the fourth, Idowu and Lall came up with Riders scores to cut it to two. Allen scored four straight points, but Sheffield got to the rim back-to-back and they took a four point edge.
Two offensive rebounds for Green in succession meant it was 64-70. But Allen came up with a huge four-point play, hitting a three through contact to keep the Riders in touch. Fading away on the baseline, he then hit a tough contested two, and was followed by a layup from Holmes.
Allen and Lall both had chances to tie the game from three, but missed both attempts with two minutes left. Idowu then went to the foul line and made one of two to make it 72-74.
Green missed from two, and Iwodu followed his own miss to tie with 50 seconds left. Idowu was called for a double dribble, giving the Sharks a shot to win. Nixon took it, and hit a three with 1.6 seconds left.
Thomas had a chance to tie on the horn, but missed and found no call despite claims of contact, and the series was sent to a third game.
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Leicester Riders pulled off a comeback in the clutch to beat Essex Rebels 81-79 and progress to the semi finals of the Women’s British Basketball League Playoffs.
The Riders were down by as much as 21 in the game, and 11 going into the final quarter, but pulled off a comeback led by star guard Taylor O’Brien’s 21 points and 17 rebounds.
She had 6 rebounds in the fourth, but it was Shahd Abboud’s scoring which lit the fire under Leicester with back-to-back buckets, cutting it to three. Her layup with 52 seconds left proved to be the game winner for the hosts.
Essex had a red hot start, running out to a 20 point lead in the first quarter, but the Riders chipped away until the fourth and snatched the win. Dayzsha Rogan led the game with 23 points and 9 rebounds, going 10-17 from the field.
Essex take early lead
A 13-3 Rebels lead to start the game was built from tough shot making inside. Rogan scored 6 points in four minutes, banking in two layups off balance as she drove to the rim.
After the middle had been established, Renee Busch hit a corner three to make it 13, and force a quick Riders timeout. Essex’s hot first quarter meant they started 22-3, led by 8 points from Rogan.
Marissa Hamilton took the lid off the basket for Leicester with a layup in the post, which was followed by a midrange from Mckenzie Johnston, making it 7-22.
But after chipping into the deficit, it was back to 19 at the end of one after Tia Freeman was sent to the foul line to end the quarter, making it 11-30.
Riders charge back into it
Long range efforts continued to fall for the visitors in the second, keeping Leicester at distance. The Rebels were shooting 50% from three midway through the third, while Jessica Eadsforth-Yates knocked down the host’s second triple with four minutes left in the half.
However, a run to close the second breathed life into Leicester. Katie Januszewska ran the fastbreak at 2:49 on the clock, driving to the rim and finishing through contact to make it 30-43. Erin Powell was next to chip away with two shots from the foul line, and the deficit was 11.
Essex stemmed the tide with free throws from Busch, but O’Brien brought her tally to 11 with a tough finish at the rim, and Januszewska finished the half with a triple to enter the locker rooms down 39-50.
Essex refound their early form to start the second half, building their lead back to 18. Rogan added two more buckets to her tally to shoulder the scoring load, continuing to battle in the paint.
They had no answer for O’Brien, however, who kept the Riders’ side of the scoreboard ticking over and bringing her points total to 16.
Building on their point guard’s play, the Riders fought their way back in it, forcing back-to-back turnovers in the closing seconds of the third.
Abboud and O’Brien punished the mistakes, and Leicester went on a 9-0 run at the end of the quarter to make it 55-66 with one to play.
Riders charge into the lead
Hamilton got the fourth underway with back-to-back scores, cutting the deficit to single digits for the first time since the opening stages.
The Riders dominated the offensive glass from the backcourt through Eadsforth-Yates and Johnston, grabbing three in the first two minutes, and Johnston hit from the foul line after her second offensive board to make it 61-66.
Essex slowed the Riders’ charge with a three from Claire Paxton, but Abboud responded from distance on two straight plays, making it a one possession game. Johnston then tied it up from the foul line, and Eadsforth-Yates drained a three to snatch the lead for Leicester.
Essex steadied themselves to regain the lead, Daniella Turner hitting back-to-back to put them up three.
But the Riders, through Januzsewska’s up and under for two, kept in the game, and Hamilton’s block leading to a shot clock violation gave them a chance to get ahead with under a minute on the clock.
Abboud, again, drove to the hole and finished for two to capitalise on that chance, before Januzsewska stole the resulting inbound. She then pulled down an offensive rebound from an Eadsforth-Yates miss, but couldn’t put in the putback and the Rebels had a chance to win it.
The shot fell to Paxton, but her three hit iron. O’Brien pulled down her 17th rebound, and she was sent to the line with 0.2 on the clock. She made one and missed the second, ending the game and winning it for Leicester.
Heading to the capital
The Riders will head to the capital to face the undefeated London Lions in the semi final. A win would see them progress to the Final at the O2 Arena on May 19.
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Playoff Preview: Leicester Riders v Sheffield Sharks Game Two
Leicester Riders are set to take on the Sheffield Sharks in Game Two of the British Basketball League Playoff Quarter-Finals.
The Riders enter the game leading the best-of-three series 1-0, meaning a win in the game would see them advance to the Semi-Finals.
Here is everything you need to know about the fixture.
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Sheffield Sharks
British Basketball League Playoffs: Quarter-Finals Game Two
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
6:45 pm
Game One Recap
The Riders enter Game Two up 1-0 in the series, after taking Game One on the road 84-81.
Riders’ rookie duo of Miryne Thomas and Jaren Holmes led the team to the win with a combined 46 points and 14 rebounds, Thomas leading the way with 24/8.
24/8 on your playoff debut 🤯 Have yourself a night @_1Montana1_ 🔥
After a hot start for the Riders, seeing them up double digits within minutes, the Sharks responded through their bench play to take the lead back, which they held until midway through the fourth.
But a late Riders surge saw them bounce back in the clutch, locking the Sharks down with their defence. Teddy Allen sealed the win with two trips to the foul line, meaning Leicester are now one win away from the Semi-Finals.
One to watch
The Sharks’ bench, which scored 59 points in Game One, was led by a game-high 25 points from American guard Prentiss Nixon.
It was a season-high for Nixon, who scored 20 on only two occasions prior this season, both times in December.
Nixon averaged 9.2 points per game over the course of the year, but caught fire early in this one for 11 first quarter points off the bench, and led the hosts in the clutch to keep them in contention late. He went 9-15 from the field and 4-9 from three in 23 minutes of play.
The third-year pro will take confidence into Game Two after his performance on Sunday, potentially providing a spark off the bench for the Sharks.
The Numbers
The Riders went through shooting struggles in Game One despite coming away with the win, shooting 6-26 from behind the three point line.
However, looking back on how the season series played out, Leicester can take confidence back to the Mattioli Arena where they shot 46% from three against the Sharks from three this season.
This is in contrast to the 26% three point percentage in Sheffield. Leicester can expect to produce a more consistent threat from three in Game Two of the series.
Turnover troubles also followed a similar trend. The Riders gave up double digit turnovers in their two road games against the Sharks this season, and another 12 in Game One.
But at home, it was 6 turnovers per game for Leicester, and over 100 points scored on both occasions.
If the numbers are anything to go by, home court advantage is set to play a role in Saturday’s action.
Where to watch
Only a few tickets remain to the Riders home playoff opener. You can get them here.
DEFEND OUR HOUSE 🏡
We need you behind us on Saturday 🫵
Doors open at 2:15 for our playoff double header!
👕 First 1,200 through the door will receive a free Dark Horse T-Shirt.
🎟 Pack the house. Bring the cavalry. Get tickets here ⤵#DarkHorse
Doors to the Arena open at 2:15, and the first 1,200 fans through the door will receive a free Dark Horse playoff t-shirt thanks to the generosity of the Riders’ sponsors at RDL Technologies, Vertu Motors, Torr Waterfield, Jelson Homes and EverythingBranded.
The game will also be shown live on Sky Sports and Sky Sports YouTube.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders are set to tip-off their 2024 Playoff campaign at the Mattioli Arena against Essex Rebels.
PLAYOFF MODE 🔛🔥
👀 It’s that time of year! Our playoff Quarter-final matchup is confirmed! We’ll host the @essexrebelsbasketball at @leicesterarena next Saturday, with this fixture taking place before the Men’s Quarter-Final Game 2.
The Riders enter the postseason as the 4-seed, finishing 15-5 in the Championship. Meanwhile the Rebels’ 11-9 record earned them the 5-seed following their trip to the Trophy Final in January.
Here’s what to expect from the matchup.
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Essex Rebels
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
Women’s British Basketball League Playoff Quarter-Finals
2:45 pm
One to watch
Kat Tudor
18.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists
American guard Kat Tudor is Essex’s leading scorer this season. She ended the season as the fourth leading scorer in the Women’s British Basketball League, and shot the best from the field of anyone in the top eight of the scoring charts at 46.3%.
The 25-year-old joined the Rebels from Australian NBL1 West side Mandura Magic, where she was the second-leading score on the team with 15.6 points.
Her scoring ability translated seamlessly to British basketball. She scored in double digits in every game this season, and averaged 28.5 over her last two Championship games.
Tudor’s best performance of the season, 31/5 on 80% FG shooting, came in her penultimate game against Oaklands Wolves, heating up in time for the postseason.
She went 6-7 from three in that game, and is capable of catching a heater from deep on any night. She shot 7-12 against the Giants and 5-9 against the Riders earlier in the season.
Tudor also shot 5-6 from three on her way to 24 points to knock the Riders out of the Trophy in January, and will look for another red hot game as the Rebels get their Playoffs underway.
Season series
In all competitions, the Riders won the season series against the Rebels 2-1. It was 2-0 in the Championship season, the Riders winning by an average of 8.5 in two closely fought games, but the Rebels won in a win-or-go-home Trophy game 84-70.
Game one, played in Essex, was a 79-70 Riders win, led by Taylor O’Brien’s 20 points and Rayven Peeples’ 17. It was a closely fought affair, with a four point difference on the scorebaord with three minutes on the clock, but captain Mckenzie Johnston’s 6 points in the final minutes saw the Riders over the line.
Kat Tudor’s game-high 25 points wasn’t enough for Essex, but 24 in the next game was. Tudor shot 6-7 from the field, 5-6 from three and 7-9 from the foul line in a red hot shooting night to progress past the Riders in the Trophy.
The Riders were down by as much as 24 in the game, but pulled it back to six late in the fourth. However, five straight points from Tudor ended the Riders comeback, and their Trophy journey in the first round.
The Riders’ revenge came in April, playing Essex at home for the first time. They won 60-52, Johnston leading Leicester with 15 points. The hosts led wire-to-wire, and by as much as 17 points in the third.
But a run at the end of the quarter saw the Rebels enter the fourth down only 46-40. Johnston, again, put the team on her back late to score six in the final two minutes of play, leading Leicester to a win.
Battle on the boards
The rebounding battle was pivotal to the Riders’ success against Essex this season. In their two wins, they outrebounded their opponents 55-36.5, and by 16.5-5.1 on the offensive glass. The Riders rebounded by committee on the defensive end to complete defensive possessions repeatedly.
However, in Essex’s Trophy win, they found joy on the boards for the first time against the Riders. They pulled down 47 to Leicester’s 38, and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds to Leicester’s 11.
The Riders, as the third best rebounders in the League this season, aren’t accustomed to losing the rebounding battle often, so winning on the glass will be pivotal to their success in this one.
Where to watch
Tickets are on sale now for the Riders men’s and women’s playoff games at the Mattioli Arena.
Doors open at 2:15 for a 2:45 women’s tip off, followed by the men’s tip off at 6:45.
Thanks to the generosity of the Riders’ sponsors at RDL Technologies, Vertu Motors, Torr Waterfield, Jelson Homes and EverythingBranded, the first 1,200 fans through the door will receive a free “Dark Horse” playoff t-shirt.
The Riders opened their 2024 Playoff campaign on Sunday with an 84-81 win on the road against the Sheffield Sharks.
Series are won and lost through game-to-game adjustments, therefore Rob Paternostro and the team will pour over film from Game One to find an edge for Game Two.
Here’s what the Riders can take from Sunday’s action.
Riders’ rookies show resilience
If there were any nerves from the Riders’ rookies, Jaren Holmes and Miryne Thomaswho were both making their professional playoff debuts, it didn’t show.
The American pair led the team to the Game One win with a combined 46 points and 14 rebounds, both putting up 20 to pick up the scoring load.
Thomas’ Player of the Game performance saw him go off for 24 and 8, shooting 9-12 and making tough plays and highlights from start to finish.
“I love this environment,” said Thomas post-game. “I love playing hard in competitive basketball, and tonight was a hell of a show.”
Meanwhile Holmes played downhill all game from the guard spot, relentlessly attacking the rim to keep the Riders in the game while they trailed through the second and third quarter. Like Thomas, Holmes relished the bright lights with his aggressive play.
“I was just trying to make the right plays,” said Holmes. “That’s what I always try to do. I saw lanes and tried to attack, find my teammates and be aggressive. It’s a big part of my game when I’m aggressive and try to get downhill and make plays for others.”
Sharks’ second unit shoulder scoring
The Sharks’ bench carried their scoring, going off for 59 points led by 25 from Prentiss Nixon. But 22 points from the starters, and none of the Sheffield starters scoring in double digits, meant the Riders had the best of the beginning and end of the game.
Nixon checked in down 10 in the first quarter and scored 11 points in five minutes. His play cut the host’s deficit to two by the end of the first period. The Sharks’ bench was responsible for a 20 point swing in the score that saw them leading by seven with one to play.
Rodney Glasgow Jr., also off the bench for Sheffield, led the team in +/- with 12. That tally was bettered only by Mo Walker for Leicester, who recorded a +/- of 15.
The strong bench showing from the Sharks in Game One means the Riders should be prepared for a potential mix up to the Sheffield starting five.
Should there be no changes, the Riders bench will be required to lock in to stop the Sheffield second unit, which has showcased their firepower to start the series.
Defence wins championships
“Defensively is where we made our mark,” commented Head CoachRob Paternostrofollowing Game One, and that was especially true down the stretch.
The Riders held the Sharks to 14 fourth quarter points after giving up over 20 in each of the first three periods, and got big plays from players in the big moments.
The best defence was played in the first half of the final quarter, with Sheffield managing just six points. Sam Idowublocked RJ Eytle-Rock and stole the ball from Jalon Pipkins in that period of play, and Teddy Allenstripped Nixon to set up a Thomas and-one.
The lockdown defence allowed the Riders to run in transition repeatedly, playing to the strengths of their rookie pair of Thomas and Holmes who thrived on the break.
In the closing minutes, Nixon scored five straight to keep Sheffield in it against Leicester, which allowed the Sharks two possessions to go for the win. But the Riders’ defence stood firm, forcing misses from Pipkins and Malek Green with less than a minute on the clock.
While the Riders entered the game with one of the highest powered offences in the League, they’ll need consistent performances on the defensive end to go all the way in the Playoffs.
In that respect, they’ll be encouraged from Game One.
Shooting struggles
The opening game followed the trend set by the regular season series between these two sides. The two games played in Sheffield this year saw the teams duel out closely fought affairs, with the Riders struggling offensively compared to their performances at home.
In game one of the season series in November, the Riders shot 5-21 from three in a loss, and they suffered an even worse shooting slump in the playoff opener.
It was a 6-26 game from behind the three point line, but the Riders overcame their struggles by generating offence at the rim and in transition.
Game two in December put an end to the Riders’ difficulties from deep. They went 51% in a blowout win. Leicester will hope to see a similar pattern unfold in the playoffs, and be able to rely on their three point shooting at home.
Riders bring the cavalry
The Riders’ travelling crowd got them over the line, packing the stands in Sheffield to get behind the team.
Holmes said post-game that he felt the energy from the stands:
“It was a huge victory for us, and we wouldn’t have done it without the fans,” said Holmes. “They were tremendous. They fuel us when they come and support us, so to have this many people come out and show up for us truly means a lot to me and the guys in the locker room.”
11 years ago, Leicester Riders crowned themselves British Basketball League treble winners for the first time in their history, beating the Newcastle Eagles in the 2013 Playoff Final.
The 2012-13 season would kickstart a decade of dominance for Britain’s oldest professional basketball club, where they would win 17 trophies in the coming years.
Here, we re-live the Playoff Final at Wembley Arena…
Setting the scene
Entering the 2012-13 season, the Newcastle Eagles had established themselves as the premiere team in British basketball.
They completed the fourth quadruple in League history a year prior, and the first since they accomplished the same feat in 2006, led by MVP Joe Chapman.
Chapman returned the following season, as did his supporting cast of Charles Smith, the soon to become League MVP in 2014-15, Darius Defoe who would go on to become the most decorated player in League history, and Player/Coach Fabulous Flournoy who had 18 pieces of British Basketball League silverware to his name.
There was no doubt they were the team to beat going into the season.
But of all the teams looking to knock the Eagles off their perch, the Riders were among the most likely. They had pushed the North Easterners all the way in the League, finishing one win behind them in the standings before losing to them in the Playoff Final to end the year.
Andrew Sullivan in the Riders’ 2012 Playoff Final loss to the Newcastle Eagles.
Their roster featured former MVP with the Eagles Andrew Sullivan, who led them to their quadruple in 2006, and the new acquisitions of exciting young guard Jay Couisnard and experienced forward Anthony Rowe, the latter signing with the Riders midseason after playing four seasons with the Plymouth Raiders.
The Riders had next.
Riders take the torch
The promise they had shown in the previous season came into fruition in 2012-13.
The country’s oldest professional basketball club, with two British Basketball League trophies to their name from a decade prior, established themselves as the League’s best.
Led by young Head Coach Rob Paternostro in his fifth season coaching the team, who was named Ed Pericval Coach of the Year for the second time in his career, the Riders set about winning immediately.
Rob Paternostro celebrating 100 British Basketball League career wins with Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston.
An MVP season from Hall of Famer Sullivan took the Riders to a Cup win, where they beat the Eagles in the Final with a 17 point performance from Couisnard, and the team went on to win the Championship five wins clear of the second-placed Eagles.
Leicester made defence their calling card all season long, and finished the year with the second-best defence in League history. They had defensive difference makers up and down the roster, including Zaire Taylor and Couisnard in the backcourt and up-and-coming star Jamell Anderson on the wing.
Three Riders ended up on the All-Defensive team at the end of the year- Sullivan, Couisnard and Taylor- but Couisnard thought it could have been more.
“I know we had three guys on the All-Defensive team, but I think that’s because they couldn’t have all five of us,” he said after the season.
To further mark their new found dominance over the League, the Riders swept Newcastle 4-0 in the season series on their way to the League win.
The Riders were pipped to the Trophy, losing in the Final 71-69 to the Sheffield Sharks in dramatic fashion, but entered the postseason in search of a historic treble.
Collision course
The sides seemed destined to meet in the Playoff Final from the outset after finishing first and second in the League standings.
“These are the two best teams in the League by a mile,” said London Lions Head Coach Vince Macaulay when asked about the sides. They proved as much.
The Riders engaged in a hard-fought first leg against the London Lions, where they escaped two point winners after finding themselves 14 points down in the tie.
But they took control of the second leg, led by 24 points from Rowe, to progress to the second round.
Rowe was pivotal in Leicester’s playoff run, scoring a team-high 18 points in the first leg of the semi finals against his former side, the Raiders.
Anthony Rowe playing against the Durham Wildcats in the 2012-13 regular season.
The semi finals saw them sweep aside the Raiders by 40 points over the two legs, making it a professional run to the Final at Wembley Arena.
All in all, it was a comfortable road to the Final for the Eagles, who dispatched the Sharks and Surrey United to meet the Riders at the summit once again.
It was only right these sides should meet in the final showdown of the season, as they did the season prior.
Final words
As the Playoff Final returned to Wembley Arena for the first time since 2002, Flournoy had a visible chip on his shoulder before the action began.
He reminisced in a pre-game interview about the last time he faced Leicester in this Arena- the 2001 Playoff Final where he suited up as a player for the Sheffield Sharks.
He came out on the losing side all those years ago, and was in no mood to fall short this time around.
“It’s fantastic being back after 12 years, but hopefully I’ll do the job in this game,” said a determined Flournoy.
Macauley, on punditry, commented on a visibly fired up Flournoy: “Fab Flournoy is a really proud guy, and very successful as a coach.
“He will be absolutely burning inside that the Riders in particular have taken two of their trophies away from them, and tonight is an opportunity to reset that balance.”
Paternostro, in a seemingly more relaxed mood while clutching his Coach of the Year award, reflected on the year so far with pride.
Rob Paternostro collects his 2012-13 Ed Percival Coach of the Year award before the Final.
“I’ve been lucky to coach these guys this year. You always want to win the last game of your season, and we have the opportunity to go out as winners today.
“But whatever happens on the day I’ll be so proud of these guys and I’ve enjoyed competing with them. I’m excited about today.”
Riders bolt out the gate
The Riders started the game relaxed and composed, and the fixture began exactly how they would have wanted: slow, deliberate and low-scoring from the outset.
Rowe set the tone inside with a monster block on the driving Smith, and the Riders controlled the game with a narrow lead through the first period.
Anderson, making a dream start, scored seven points in the opening quarter with relentless attacks to the rim. He sank an and-one finish against Smith to make it 20-9.
Jamell Anderson finishes for two in the first quarter.
On the other end, wherever Smith turned he saw bodies, as he tried to generate some offence against the Riders’ historic defence. He continually forced the issue, but the interior defence of Rob Paternostro’s side saw shots sent away by Rowe, Anderson and Taylor.
For the first time in the game, Sullivan found a rhythm, spelling trouble for the Eagles. He built the lead to 15 with multiple finishes at the rim, backing down Smith repeatedly. Smith had no answer throughout the first half to Sulivan’s post ability, and the MVP ran up the score.
Eagles chip away
As the half came to a close, the Eagles forged a way back into the game. It was Kareem Maddox who snatched momentum by fighting to the free throw line, getting points on the board to cut it to single digits.
This allowed Smith some isolation for the first time in the game, and he too found a way to the foul stripe after taking on Leicester’s Yorick Williams.
Charles Smith makes an and-one play against Yorick Williams.
But in response, Williams put an end to the run with a finish at the rim, and Taylor blocked Smith next time up the floor. The half ended with the Riders leading 38-26. The game was playing out as the low-scoring affair the Riders wanted.
“We’re really putting the effort in on defence and the glass,” said Anderson at the half. “We take pride in our defence, and today we’re showing that.”
Hanging in the balance
The Riders’ defence, still an immovable object out of the break, kept them in the lead as they couldn’t find the bottom of the bucket to start the third period.
The Eagles, simply, had no answer for their size and length, and had no joy driving into the lane from buzzer-to-buzzer.
They did cut the difference to seven emphatically, with Smith throwing up a lob pass which was thrown down two-handed by Defoe in a rim-rocking slam. But Sullivan quieted the noise of the Newcastle fans with a layup next time up the floor.
The game seemed on a knife’s edge midway through the third, with neither side able to seize momentum which would turn the game on its head. Instead, they traded the buckets they could find in a defensive affair, and the difference swung from seven to nine.
Zaire Taylor and Drew Sullivan run the pick and roll against Damon Huffman and Joe Ikhinmwin.
Riders seize initiative
After a cagey phase of the game, it was the Riders who took control. The run was started by Couisnard at the rim, and finished by Sullivan who threw down a monster jam on the break to make the score 53-37.
The highlights didn’t stop there for Leicester. Sullivan’s miss was followed by Anderson, who rose high for a putback slam to put the Riders in firm control going into the final quarter.
Couisnard made another momentum play three minutes into the fourth with a contested triple late in the shot clock to send the Sea of Red in the crowd into raptures. Newcastle did make inroads, bringing it back to ten via Damon Huffman, but Leicester had built a platform to bring it home.
Leicester Riders fans on their feet, appreciated by the bench.
Riders slam the door shut
The Riders fell back on their defence to see it out. They held the Eagles to seven points in the final six minutes of the game, keeping Newcastle at arm’s length as they had done wire-to-wire.
There was no “moment”, no shot to end the game. Just an increasing inevitability, through the Riders defensive suffocation, that the Eagles were unable to mount a comeback.
Anderson made the Riders’ final score with a minute left, and the game ended 67-57.
“The greatest ever season, for the oldest team in British basketball, is going to have a silver and gold lining” was the call from Daniel Routledge on commentary. It was a homage to the Leicester Mercury headline following the Riders’ 2001 Cup win, which read “SILVER LINING”.
The final buzzer sounded, and the bench flooded the court in jubilance.
Leicester Riders celebrating victory on the final buzzer.
Post game reaction
An emotional Paternostro dedicated the victory to his late grandmother after the game, who had passed away earlier in the week.
“She was someone who taught me how to compete, and my guys really competed today.” he reflected post-game.
“We’ve been committed to the defensive end of the floor, and it culminated in this today. All season it’s been about intensity and competitiveness for 40 minutes across all 94 feet.”
Final MVP, Sullivan, who logged 24 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, echoed his Head Coach’s sentiment on the team’s competitive spirit and defensive mindset.
Final MVP Drew Sullivan lifts the award.
“My teammates have been absolutely incredible. They haven’t been worried about trophies or titles. They have just wanted to win every single game.
“We were upset about bad performances, win or lose. We take pride in playing every minute of every game to the best of our ability.”
An elated Rowe, who made his impact felt defensively and on the glass throughout, looked back to midseason where he signed with the team:
“I’m on cloud 9 right now. The first practice I went to this season, it just felt right.
“I think back to my mum, who always tells me to go with my heart, and I’m so glad I did that this season. We have some amazing British players, from our MVP Drew Sullivan to Jamell Anderson who was phenomenal today.
“The future is bright in British basketball.”
Moving forward
That season kick started one of the most dominant stretches of British basketball history. The Riders would go on to win 17 trophies in the next decade, including three trebles.
It was just the beginning of the rivalry between these sides, who would go head-to-head in the biggest games in British basketball in the next ten years.
The would go on to hoist 27 trophies between them, marking an era of fierce rivalry between the Eagles and Riders.
2013 Playoff Final scorers
Leicester Riders
Newcastle Eagles
Andrew Sullivan
24
Darius Defoe
13
Jamell Anderson
13
Charles Smith
12
Jay Couisnard
8
Kareem Maddox
12
Zaire Taylor
8
Damon Huffman
9
Yorick Williams
7
Joseph Chapman
8
Anthony Rowe
4
Joe Ikhinmwin
3
Jorge Calvo
2
Fabulous Flournoy
0
Pavol Losonsky
2
Anthony Martin
0
The Riders are in Playoff action on Saturday May 4, hosting the Sheffield Sharks for Game Two of the opening round.
It’s a double-header for the Riders, whose men’s and women’s teams are playing back-to-back in their respective playoff games.
The first 1,200 fans through the door will receive a free “Dark Horse” t-shirt!
Leicester Riders got their 2024 Playoff campaign underway with a clutch 84-81 win on the road against the Sheffield Sharks.
The Riders came back from behind in the fourth quarter to snatch the win, and made big plays down the stretch to take a 1-0 series lead back to Leicester.
Thomas said the playoff intensity is something he thrives on through his competitive spirit.
“This time last year, I was playing March Madness,” said Thomas, who won the MAC Championship with Kent State in his final collegiate season.
“I love this environment. I love playing hard in competitive basketball, and tonight was a hell of a show.”
The Riders, without their captain Kimbal Mackenzie, stepped up on the road and came through as a unit to take the win. With the words of Mackenzie echoing in their ears, the team put on one of the performances of the season.
“Kimbal told us to stay together. He’s here with us in spirit- he’s our leader and we know he’s in our corner- but the guys we had here came together and said ‘let’s get the job done.’”
Many of the plaudits this season have gone to the Riders’ leading scorer, Teddy Allen. Allen burst onto the British basketball scene with his incredible scoring performances, earning him the Player of the Month Award in December, but the Riders unit is a deep one, with talent up and down the roster.
Last night’s win, as has been the case with many wins this season, was a total team effort.
“We know Teddy is an incredible scorer, but we have to play well for him to play well. If we don’t run in transition and set good screens, he doesn’t get good looks.
“This is a team unit, not just one guy running the show. Everybody has a role, and we’re really settling into our identity. We play hard for each other.”
Jaren Holmes: “We wanted it badly tonight.”
Also making his first professional playoff outing was Jaren Holmes, who was the other Rider to log a 20 point performance. He put up 21 points and 6 rebounds, and shouldered the scoring load for long stretches.
“I was just trying to make the right plays,” said Holmes. “That’s what I always try and do. I saw lanes and tried to attack, find my teammates and be aggressive. It’s a big part of my game when I’m aggressive and try to get downhill and make plays for others.”
The Riders came back from down seven in the final period to win on the road, holding the Sharks to 14 points in the final quarter. The defence down the stretch was instrumental in getting the job done.
“It came down to getting stops. That was a huge point of emphasis down the stretch. Then we made some big shots, and got big plays from everybody.
“Conner [Washington’s] three midway through the fourth was huge for us. Him coming in and giving us those minutes was so valuable, and it’s going to take a team effort to win these games. It’s the playoffs, which means its a different type of intensity. We wanted it badly tonight.”
The Riders’ road following got the team over the line, making raucous noise throughout. Holmes felt their presence on the court from the stands, and said as much after the game.
“It was a huge victory for us, and we wouldn’t have done it without the fans. They were tremendous. They fuel us when they come and support us, so to have this many people come out and show up for us truly means a lot to me and the guys in the locker room.”
Rob Paternostro: “The guys really stepped up.”
After an electric Riders start, the Sharks took initiative in the second quarter and took the lead, which they held until midway through the fourth.
Despite trailing for much of the game, there was no panic from the Riders’ sideline.
“I felt pretty good about us at that point,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro when asked about the team’s mindset while falling behind in the game.
“We took decent shots and, in the halfcourt, we did a really good job on defence. In the open floor we struggled, so the second half was really important to slow the game down and get back on defence, and I thought we did that.
“We didn’t feel like the momentum was stolen, we just felt like we needed to do a better job of getting back in transition.”
Without Mackenzie running the point, Paternostro’s team stepped up from top to bottom to come away with a momentous win to kick off the postseason.
“We’re missing our leader- our point guard with the ball in his hands at the end of the game- but the guys really stepped up to make the plays they needed to.
“Miryne’s energy was excellent all game, he scored the ball really well. Jaren kept us in it with his scoring, TJ Lall was really good on defence and Conner came in and gave us the minutes we needed to settle us down late in the game. His experience was crucial- he’s been here before.
“It was a total team effort. We are missing our point guard but these guys took on the challenge. A lot of people didn’t think we had much of a chance without him, but defensively is where we made our mark.”
The win means Leicester have stolen home court advantage in this best-of-three series, and return home on Saturday with a chance to end the series and progress to the second round.
Coach called out to the fans to bring the same energy back home that they showed on the road.
“Our fans were amazing today. It was an incredible job from them right behind the bench, and we need more of that at the Mattioli Arena on Saturday!”
Leicester Riders snatched Game One against the Sheffield Sharks in the clutch, winning 84-81 on the road.
Miryne Thomas led the team with 24 points and 8 rebounds, scoring 5 points down the stretch in his professional playoff debut. Fellow rookie Jaren Holmes backed him with 21 points and 6 rebounds.
It was Teddy Allen who sealed the game from the foul line, going 4-4 with the pressure piled high and seconds on the clock. Leicester came back from a deficit of seven in the final quarter to steal home court in the best-of-three series.
For Sheffield, Prentiss Nixon exploded for 25 points off the bench, getting big bucket after big bucket when it got close late. The Sharks scored 59 bench points in the game, but didn’t have a starter score in double digits.
The series will go back to Leicester for Game Two on Saturday May 4, tipping off at 6:45 pm, with the Riders having the opportunity to end the series with a sweep.
Riders bolt out the gate
Allen, who averaged 29 against the Sharks this season, wasted no time getting on the board with an and-one for Leicester’s opening score.
It was an 8-2 start for the Riders, as Jaren Holmes knocked down his first shot of the postseason from the corner, settling any nerves from the visiting camp.
Leicester’s lightning start forced a quick Sharks timeout, after Thomas threw down a fastbreak jam- the ninth of the night for the Riders to make it 4-14.
Holmes made the Riders’ second and-one play of the game with 2:21 left in the period, as they continued to lead from the front early.
Sharks bite back
The Sharks got back in it at the hands of Nixon, who snatched momentum with five straight points. Nixon scored 11 in the first quarter to lead the game, and bring Sheffield back into it.
Jalon Pipkins then cut it to five with a tough fadeaway, before Rodney Glasgow Jr followed with a three for the hosts.
The late surge in the first meant it was 26-28 with one played. And quickly in the second the Sharks took the lead, as Kipper Nichols connected from the corner to make it 31-30.
It was the Riders’ turn to try to stem the tide with a timeout after Pipkins’ 11th points. But they only scored 10 in the second quarter in their attempt to take the lead back.
Glasgow got going midway through the second to build the Sharks’ lead to six, and the score was 38-32 by the media timeout. Sheffield’s leading scorer Malek Green then took the mantle from Glasgow with three quick scores and a big block on Holmes.
The Riders got to the hoop to get their side of the scoreboard ticking over late in the half. Holmes charged to the paint repeatedly to set the tone in that regard, while Thomas got to the foul line after an offensive rebound, and Leicester brought themselves back within five.
But two scores at the rim for Sheffield ended the half with the score 47-38.
Sharks fend off Riders run
The Riders made a run back into the game with Thomas hitting their first three of the half, while Allen took it coast-to-coast to cut it to five once again.
Holmes added another six to his tally, making it 17 on the game midway through the third, and the score was 57-53 to the hosts.
Next time up, Sesan Russell led the fastbreak after a steal. He gave it to Allen, who threw up a lob to Thomas. The American rose high and threw it down with authority, making it a one score game for the first time since late in the opening period.
The Sharks, however, kept ahead with timely scores throughout the third. Jordan Ratinho hit from three with a minute left in the period, and Devearl Ramsey finished inside at the buzzer to make it 67-60 with one to play.
Resurgent Riders win in the clutch
To start the fourth, the Riders were right back in it. Veteran guard Conner Washington hit a transition three two minutes into the period, making it a two point difference. TJ Lall then tied it up with a putback layup, and Allen took the lead with a floater.
For Sheffield, Nixon came up huge in the fourth. He scored nine of the Sharks’ 14 points in the quarter, and hit a three for his 20th points to stop the rampant Riders.
Nixon went back and forth with Thomas, the pair exchanging tough buckets throughout the final stages. The Riders looked in control late after Thomas connected on a fadeaway, but a Nixon midrange jumper and Pipkins three tied the game at 79.
Pipkins had a shot for the lead with 21 seconds left, but he hit the rim and Allen was fouled on the rebound. Allen knocked down both shots, and next time up the floor Green missed a three to win it, and Allen got the rebound again to seal the Riders Game One win.
Taking a win back to Leicester
Tickets are on sale for Game Two of the series at the Mattioli Arena, on May 4 at 6:45 pm.
Tickets also include entry to the women’s playoff opener against Essex Rebels at 2:45 pm, and the first 1,200 fans through the door will receive a free Riders “Dark Horse” t-shirt.
Leicester Riders are set to take on the Sheffield Sharks for Game One of the opening round of the 2024 British Basketball League Playoffs.
The four-seeded Sharks earned home court advantage after their performances in the Championship this season, so the Riders will take the short trip to Sheffield for the first game of a best-of-three series.
The sides have played out some closely fought battles in Sheffield this season. Here’s everything you need to know about the matchup.
Where to watch
The game will take place at the Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield, tipping off at 4 pm.
The Sharks’ midseason acquisition, Malek Green, hit the ground running in the British Basketball League, and finished the season as their leading scorer.
After going 17 and 7 on his debut in only 16 minutes of action, Green has been a consistent source of boards and buckets for the Sharks, finishing the year with 22 and 14 to lock up home court advantage against the Plymouth City Patriots.
From the wing, Green ranked third among players in rebounds this season, and his 8.7 per game is more than he averaged throughout his five-year college career.
Green averaged 19 and 9 in his two games against the Riders this season, and will pose a true threat throughout this series.
Devearl Ramsey
11.1 points, 4.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds
Devearl Ramsey has protected home court against the Riders this season with two explosive scoring performances.
Typically, Ramsey is the Sharks’ source of playmaking, running the point to lead them in assists this season. But against the Riders the former G-Leager put his scoring ability on full display.
His two highest-scoring games this year have come at home against Leicester, putting up 23 points and 9 assists last time out, and going off for 22 to lead Sheffield to a win in November.
He consistently finds his way to the midrange, where he has shot most efficiently all season, so the Riders will need to be locked into their pick-and-roll defence to stop his drives off the dribble.
Jalon Pipkins
11.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 51.9 FG%
Sheffield’s second-leading scorer, Jalon Pipkins, has been a consistent source of points for the Sharks this season.
The efficient bucket-getter has scored double-digit points in 25 Championship games, and put up 17 last time he suited up against the Riders.
The 6’5” three-level scorer is a threat from anywhere on the court. He’s a human highlight reel, showcasing some of the most high-flying throw downs in British basketball over the last two seasons in Sheffield.
The Riders’ rim protection will be on high-alert when Pipkins looks to rise high on drives to the hoop.
Season vs Sharks
The Riders have faced off against the Sharks four times this season, winning the season series 3-1.
There was, however, a disparity in their performances when playing away compared to their home games. At home, they averaged 106.5 points, turning the ball over only six times per game and knocking down 46% of their threes. In Sheffield, however, it was 86 points per game with an average of 15.5 turnovers.
In games where the Sharks forced over 10 turnovers out of the Riders they beat them by a net score of four, but when Leicester kept the giveaways in single digits they won by an average of 21.
In contrast to Leicester’s varying performances at home compared to on the road, the Sharks found consistency in their output both home and away. However, their typically stalwart defence didn’t find the same success against the Riders as it did the rest of the League.
Their League-best defence made them the only team to hold their opponents to under 80 points per game over the season, but they failed to do so against Leicester in their four meetings. They had no answer for Teddy Allen, who averaged 29 points in his three games against the Sharks.
Sheffield did better their scoring average against the Riders over the series, putting up 86 points per game, but the numbers suggest that Leicester’s ability to take care of the ball will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the series.
Playoff History: Riders vs Sharks
Sheffield are a familiar foe in the Playoffs for Leicester. This matchups marks the 10th time in the last 23 seasons where the sides have met in the postseason, and the fourth time in the past 10 years.
The previous two postseason meetings have gone the Riders’ way, most recently last year where Leicester bested them 153-140 over a two-legged series.
2016 was the last time Sheffield beat the Riders in the Playoffs- Atiba Lyons’ men winning 84-77 in the Final.
The Riders have the advantage of unrivalled playoff-winning experience at the reins. Head Coach Rob Paternostro has won the competition five times, the second most of any coach in League history, and four of those wins have come since the Final was hosted at the O2 Arena.
Sharks’ Head Coach Atiba Lyons is no stranger to playoff success himself, winning in 2016 for the second time in the club’s history. It’s been first-round exits for Sheffield in the last two seasons, however, and they now look to avoid falling to Leicester in the postseason for the second straight year.
What they said
With the Championship season in their rear-view mirror, the Riders are looking forward to the chance to set the record straight after what they feel was a season with unmet potential.
Here’s what they had to say ahead of the opening round:
Teddy Allen
“You never want to go out on a down note in win-or-go-home scenarios,” said leading scorer Teddy Allen.
“We feel like we could have done a lot better throughout the year, and now is our chance to prove that. We are locked in as a unit, and it’s time for everyone to work towards a common goal.
“When asked about the Riders’ path to a potential Final at the O2 Arena, Allen expressed his confidence in the team to be able to beat anybody in front of them.
“Anybody can get it. Whoever is in our way, we feel confident that we can win.”
TJ Lall
“Our mentality has to change now,” added TJ Lall, when asked about the difference in approach between the Championship season and the Playoffs.
“We have to be more locked in and in-tune. We’ll see the Sharks multiple times, so we have to adjust and be ready for their adjustments.”
On a similar note to Allen, Lall looks forward to the chance of showing the League what this unit is capable of.
“Everyone here wants to win. We know we’re talented and have not shown our full potential, and were ready to show it during the playoffs. The pressure is good for us. We play better under pressure.”
Duke Shelton
American big Duke Shelton discussed the level of intensity required ahead of a postseason matchup.
“Everyone is going to step up and raise their level of play. It’s the playoffs, which is almost like a new season where anything can happen.
“It’s a new mindset now. I’m sure the rest of the team feel the same way, and that also goes for the other teams in the league. We’re ready to compete.
“The team that’s willing to give a little bit more, most of the time, will win. Basketball is a game where the team with the fewest mistakes has a huge edge, so we need to be focussed and ready to play our best ball.”
Rob Paternostro
Having reached the summit of British basketball five times before, Head Coach Rob Paternostro knows exactly what winning in the postseason requires.
He is as eager as ever to fight on the biggest stage, at the O2 Arena.
“Once you get to the playoffs there’s so much urgency because if you don’t play well you’re going home. Everyone wants to be at the O2 by the end, and we’ve been there nearly every year. It’s wonderful to be there, so that’s always the goal.
“At our best we feel like we’re a really good team, and we’re in good shape going into the playoffs.”
Tickets are on sale for our home fixture against the Sheffield Sharks!
Leicester Riders conclude their Women’s British Basketball League campaign against the Sheffield Hatters, in a game to decide third and fourth place in the Championship standings.
A win for the Riders will see them lock up third with a 16-4 record, but a loss would see the Hatters take the tiebreaker and third place at 15-5.
One to watch
Georgia Gayle
14.1 points, 4.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds
Hatters leading scorer and 2024 All Star Georgia Gayle is the number one scoring threat the Riders will need to key in on in this matchup.
The granddaughter of Betty Codona, the pioneer of women’s British basketball and founder of the Hatters, Gayle is a GB international and experienced professional.
This season, she leads the Hatters in scoring and assists, scoring in double-digits on 17 occasions and putting up 20 three times in 19 appearances.
Gayle put up 13/4/4 last time out against the Riders, shooting 6-12 from the field. Keeping her quiet for 40 minutes would go a long way towards slowing Sheffield’s side of the scoreboard down.
The numbers
These two teams have been some of the highest-powered offences in the League this season, ranking second and third in points per game.
The Hatters are one of two teams to score over 80 a night (82.7), and maximise their possessions by turning the ball over the least in the League. Meanwhile the Riders, who score 78.5 per game, are an efficient shooting group, connecting on a second-best 44% of their field goals.
The Riders have the game’s highest scorer in American rookie Taylor O’Brien, whose 15.7 points per game has earned her two Player of the Month awards over the course of the season.
Meanwhile the Hatters have seven scorers giving them over 7 points a night, their offence by committee giving the Riders issues last time the teams faced off.
Head-to-head
The Riders have faced the Hatters once before this season, falling 78-70 on the road.
Desiree Ramos impressed with her highest-scoring performance on the season, putting up 25 points in 22 minutes, going 9-12 from the field.
Turnovers were the difference in the game. Leicester lost the battle 25-11, and therefore lost a game in which they shot 43% from the field to Sheffield’s 36%.
Riders’ All Star pairing of Sam Ashby and O’Brien combined for 36 (18 points each) to lead the team’s effort.
But the loss means third place is up for grabs for the winner of this matchup.
Playoff tickets include entry for both men’s and women’s playoff games on May 4, and the first 1,200 people through the door will receive a free “Dark Horse” playoff t-shirt.
Season series: Leicester Riders vs Sheffield Sharks
Leicester Riders tip-off their 2024 British Basketball League Playoff campaign against the Sheffield Sharks on Sunday.
The sides have met on four occasions so far this season, the Riders winning the series 3-1.
Here’s how the games played out…
November 17 Game 1: Sharks 91-84 Riders
Sharks battle from the front to take hard-fought home win
Sheffield drew first blood in the series, winning a closely fought battle late on. The Sharks edged ahead in the second quarter, going into the half up 46-39, and the Riders, despite bringing the deficit to two on multiple occasions, couldn’t take the lead back.
The Sharks’ Devearl Ramsey led the game with 22 points, scoring five in the final 2:33 to lead the hosts down the stretch and secure the win. He was backed by 17 points from Jalon Pipkins who went 7-8 from the field in the game.
The Riders made a charge from down 10 to five with four minutes remaining, but couldn’t get it over the line. Miryne Thomas led the team with 21 points and 11 rebounds- his first double-double in Riders red.
A key difference in the game: three point shooting. The Riders went 5-21 while the Sharks shot 8-19, Ramsey leading the way with three makes from behind the arc.
But water found its level in game two from deep.
December 30 Game 2: Riders 103-75 Sharks
On-fire Riders torch Sharks from three
The Riders levelled the season series at home in convincing fashion to close out 2023. A 21-4 start blew the Sharks out of the water, and the Riders cruised home to a wire-to-wire win.
Miryne Thomas led the team out the gate with 10 points in five minutes, and logged another 20 point double-double against Sheffield with 22 points and 10 rebounds by the final buzzer.
But it was Teddy Allen, in his third game for the Riders, who led the game with 25 points. He went 4-9 from three on the game spearheading what was a red hot shooting night for the hosts.
In contrast to the first game against Sheffield in November, Leicester shot 51.9% from three point land in the blowout. It was the Sharks who went cold on this occasion, knocking down just 28.6% of their attempts from behind the arc.
Prentiss Nixon had an effective outing for the visitors, bagging 17 points in 22 minutes of play, going 6-12 from the field. But it was a drop in the water against a Riders torrent, and Leicester entered the new year on a high.
February 16 Game 3: Riders 108-94 Sharks
Allen explosion makes it two-for-two at home
Teddy Allen led the Riders for the second-straight game against the Sharks, this time going off for 35 points. It was a 35-12 double-double for Allen, shooting 50% from the field and 44% from three.
The Riders were trailing 53-57 at the break and down by as much as 12 points in the second quarter. But a 12 point third period from Allen led them back into the tie, and another 10 in the fourth got them over the line.
The scoreline was deceptive come the final buzzer, not reflecting what was a one possession affair with three minutes on the clock. Two straight buckets from TJ Lall gave the Riders separation, and they saw the tie out from there.
Malek Green, making his first appearance against the Riders this season, led the Sharks with 19 points and 11 rebounds. He scored two buckets to start the final period, but Leicester were able to stem his scoring down the stretch to see it out.
The game made it two wins at home for the Riders against Sheffield, giving them a 2-1 series lead with one game to play in South Yorkshire.
March 29 Game 4: Sharks 85-88 Riders
Riders survive Sharks surge in final seconds
The game to decide the season series was fought wire-to-wire, Leicester coming away three point victors after Sheffield battled to give themselves a chance as the clock expired.
Allen led Leicester in the first half with an emphatic performance, going off for 27 first half points, and finished with 29/8. But down the stretch, big buckets came from up and down the Riders’ roster.
Kimbal Mackenzie, Thomas, Duke Shelton and Lall all scored in the final four minutes, giving the Riders an eight point lead with 2:18 left. But a turn of events, including an unsportsmanlike foul called on Shelton, gave the Sharks a chance to tie.
Bennet Koch went one for two from the foul line after Shelton’s foul, and Ramsey drained a three with nine seconds left to make it a one point game.
Mackenzie was sent to the line, and coolly knocked down both, but Sheffield could send it to overtime with a three. The opportunity fell to RJ Eytle-Rock who fired from the right wing, as Allen closed out but was keen not to foul.
Eytle-Rock missed his attempt, and the rebound was pulled down by Thomas to close the season series.
Tickets on sale!
Tickets for our home game against the Sheffield Sharks on May 4 are on sale now!
Riders speak to BBC Radio Leicester ahead of the playoffs
BBC Radio Leicester stopped by to speak to the team for their weekly “Game Night” show.
Ahead of the upcoming British Basketball League Playoffs, Riders players and Head Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on the Championship season, and previewed the postseason.
Here’s what they had to say…
Teddy Allen
Riders leading scorer, Teddy Allen, has spent the final weeks of the season getting into playoff shape. Working through injuries intensely has led to the American being in the best health that he’s been in all season, right in time for the postseason.
“I have been dealing with some injuries, but I feel like I’ve got my body right and I’m ready to get to work in the playoffs,” said Allen.
“The last few weeks I’ve been working closely with our training staff to get my body right. This is the healthiest I have been since I got here in Leicester, and I’m ready to make a run.”
The Riders enter the playoffs as the fifth seed. Reflecting on the second half of the year, Allen expressed disappointment in how the games fell, but is looking at ways to rectify recent results with his own performances.
“I wish we could have got some more wins down the stretch. I have to look at myself first and think about what I could have done better to help our team win.
“If it’s points, rebounds, assists or defence, whatever the team needs me to do I just want to go out there and compete.
“Nobody wants to lose, but we all left everything out there on the court with our effort and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”
The playoffs represent a fresh start for the Riders, and Allen sees that as an opportunity to set right unmet potential from the Championship season.
“You never want to go out on a down note in win-or-go-home scenarios. We feel like we could have done a lot better throughout the year, and now is our chance to prove that.
“We are locked in as a unit, and it’s time for everyone to work towards a common goal. Anybody can get it. Whoever is in our way, we feel confident that we can win.”
TJ Lall
For the Riders’ end of season awards, TJ Lall was named the Defensive Player of the Year and Player’s Player to recognise his efforts.
Lall looked back on his performances, and how he grew into the season as it progressed:
“I feel like I’ve played my role all year. Whatever the team has needed I’ve been able to give. The second half was better than the first for me personally. Playing together more, we’ve been a more cohesive unit, which has helped my game.”
Despite a season filled with ups and downs, the Riders showed up with big wins in important spots all year.
A win-or-go-home victory in the Trophy against the Newcastle Eagles springs to mind, as well as wins against the Sheffield Sharks on the road and the Cheshire Phoenix at home down the stretch.
“We stepped up in some big games this season. But our mentality has to change now. We have to be more locked in and in tune. We’ll see the Sharks multiple times, so we have to adjust and be ready for their adjustments.”
On a similar note to Allen, Lall looks forward to the chance of showing the League what this unit is capable of.
“Everyone here wants to win. We know we’re talented and have not shown our full potential, and were ready to show it during the playoffs. The pressure is good for us. We play better under pressure.”
Duke Shelton
Duke Shelton, an American big who joined the Riders midseason, has stepped into the starting unit in recent weeks.
After an adjustment period where he looked to settle into the team, he feels comfortable in his role going into the playoffs.
“I’ve adapted really well and found my position within the team. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far.
“I feel like I’ve shown flashes of what I can do, but maybe not to my full potential yet. There’s been times where I’ve been consistent but I’m looking forward to what’s to come.
“Anytime you come into a new situation in the middle of the year it can be a little challenging finding your spot. Everyone is comfortable where they are and you don’t want to ruffle any feathers or step on toes. You want to come in, have good energy and try to help the team any way you can.”
Over the course of his nine-year professional career, Shelton has learned that postseason appearances are a valuable commodity, and is looking to make the most of his upcoming run.
“This is going to be my second time in the playoffs in my professional career. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere we’re going to be playing in. Everyone is going to step up and raise their level of play. It’s the playoffs, which is almost like a new season where anything can happen.”
And with the new season comes a new mentality, where the urgency is ramped up and everything is on the line. Shelton understands as much, and the team is ready to go.
“It’s a new mindset now. I’m sure the rest of the team feel the same way, and that also goes for the other teams in the league. We’re ready to compete.
“The team that’s willing to give a little bit more, most of the time, will win. Basketball is a game where the team with the fewest mistakes has a huge edge, so we need to be focussed and ready to play our best ball.”
Rob Paternostro
Five-time British Basketball League Playoff champion, Rob Paternostro, understands more than anybody what it takes to lift the silverware at the O2 Arena.
Since the Playoff Final has been played at the O2, the Riders have been there every year bar one, and Paternostro is keen to continue that trend.
“Once you get to the playoffs there’s so much urgency because if you don’t play well you’re going home. Everyone wants to be at the O2 by the end, and we’ve been there nearly every year. It’s wonderful to be there, so that’s always the goal.”
As was the case for most teams in the League, the gauntlet of the British Basketball League schedule saw ups and downs throughout the season.
But now that the dust has settled, Paternostro feels the team is in a good position to go on a postseason run.
“We had a tough last couple of games, but we’ve been similar to most teams this year on our ups and downs. It’s been a real grind.
“The changes to our roster had a positive impact for us midway through the season. Of course, injuries hurt us in the second half of the year with Jaren and TJ especially late, but at our best we feel like we’re a really good team, and we’re in good shape going into the playoffs.”
Tickets are on sale for the Riders’ round one home game against the Sheffield Sharks on May 4.
Tickets are 20% off until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 24. Get yours here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Report: Riders finish Championship season with a win in Surrey
Leicester Riders concluded their British Basketball League Championship season with an 94-88 road win against the Surrey Scorchers.
Teddy Allen led the game with a red hot 30 point performance, going 11-22 from the field. Allen was cooking from deep, going 6-11 from behind the line, and draining back-to-back triples from deep three point range to get the Riders out of a deficit in the second quarter.
But it was Sesan Russell who got Leicester over the line, logging a season-high 20 points with 17 in the second half. His free throws sealed the game late, capping off an impressive display.
The win sees the Riders lock up the fifth seed for the postseason, ensuring they will face the Sheffield Sharks in the opening round of the Playoffs.
Scorchers survive sharpshooting Allen
Allen wasted no time in taking it to the Scorchers. A four point play, drawing contact from Abdul Mohamed, gave him 9 points in three minutes as the Riders took an 8-12 lead. He was into double figures quickly after with his third three of the game.
The highlights kept coming in a high-scoring first quarter. Next it was Jaren Holmes on the break, throwing it up for Miryne Thomas who threw it down with authority.
Despite the big plays, they couldn’t shake the hosts who had a hot hand of their own: Quin Cooper. He drained three triples early in a back-and-forth start. He stayed hot in the second, hitting from the corner to make it 27-28 with 11 minutes played.
Scorchers take initiative
An 8-0 Surrey run, highlighted by a breakaway jam from Tayo Ogendengbe, gave them their first separation of the afternoon.
The Riders responded with an and-one at the hoop from Russell, before Thomas connected on a tough fadeaway on the buzzer for his 12th points.
But a corner three from Mohamed took momentum back, and Cameron Copeland made a layup inside to give the hosts a nine point lead. He then went back up the floor and nailed a contested triple over Holmes, making it a double-digit advantage.
Teddy takeover
The Riders, whose high-level scoring to start the game cooled off in the Scorchers run, re-found their rhythm through Allen, who took over once again.
He drove to the rim for two, then drew contact for an and-one to pull the deficit down to eight. Testing his range, Allen went back-to-back from deep emphatically, pulling up from the car park and finding nothing but string.
He cut the game to a single possession as the half came to a close, but Dijiani Parkinson ended the quarter from three to make it 54-48 going into the locker rooms.
On fire out of the half
12 points in two and a half minutes gave the Riders the lead quickly after halftime. Allen got them going by driving inside and dishing to Russell, Thomas followed with an and-one play (his sixth make in as many shots), and Russell then tied the game at 56.
After a Cooper miss, Allen pulled up from the elbow and found the bottom of the bucket to force a Surrey timeout. He then made his tally 27 with a steal and score after the break.
Gooden stopped the Riders’ run with a three, but Leicester were back in it.
Riders win out in the clutch
With Russell shouldering the scoring load with buckets to end the third, Blake Bowman gave the Riders a four point lead with one to play, finishing on the fastbreak, plus the foul.
Leicester started fourth on a run to make it a seven point advantage, Russell staying hot to snatch the ball from Cooper and add another two to his now 13 point tally.
Surrey came storming back after stemming the Leicester momentum, however, and Mohamed’s three cut it to a one possession game with 4:52 left.
The Riders seized control, building off the interior defence of Sam Idowu. He sent away Gooden’s attempted layup, and on the other end Russell and Allen hit threes to put Leicester up nine.
Mohamed made an and-one to breathe life into the Surrey cause, but Holmes hit back with a finish inside.
Copeland had a chance to cut the game to four, but dribbled off his knee, and Russell sank his foul shots next time up for his 20th points, sealing the win.
A series with the Sharks
Game one against the Sheffield Sharks will take place on Sunday April 28 at 4 pm, and will be played at the Canon Medical Arena.
Game two, at the Mattioli Arena, will be played at 6 pm on May 4.
Stay tuned for information on game three, if necessary.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
How things stand in the Women’s British Basketball League Championship
The postseason is fast approaching for Leicester Riders in a tightly packed Women’s British Basketball League Championship.
The Riders have two pivotal games remaining in their League season, which could see them land in second, third or fourth in the standings.
Here’s how things are shaping up for the Riders ahead of their final two games…
The state of play
The Riders currently sit third in the standings with a 15-3 record, tied with the Caledonia Gladiators and a win behind the undefeated London Lions, who have two games in hand.
The Riders are battling for seeding with the Gladiators and the Sheffield Hatters in fourth, who are their two remaining fixtures.
Sunday’s game against the Gladiators will decide the tiebreaker between the sides, which may prove vital come season’s end. Leicester currently possess it with a four point win against the Scots last week, so a win against Caledonia would lock up the two seed for the Riders.
A loss however, would risk the potential of Leicester falling to the four seed, with a showdown against the Hatters awaiting. Sheffield is a win behind the Riders with the tiebreaker, so the winner of that matchup would take the three seed for the postseason.
Riders’ recent form
Leicester enter this game having won nine of their last 10 games in the Women’s British Basketball League Championship.
They have responded to their only hiccup, a road loss to the Hatters, with three straight wins, including an important victory against the Gladiators in the clutch last time out.
The Riders have beaten the Essex Rebels, who knocked them out of the Trophy in January, the Newcastle Eagles twice and the Gladiators on their recent run, coming out on top against the better teams in the Championship.
The win against the Gladiators made a statement to the League as they approach the 2024 Playoffs.
The numbers
The Riders have established themselves as one of the elite offensive threats in British basketball, putting up the second most points in the League this season with 75.9 per game.
They have done so with efficiency inside, knocking down 49% of their two point looks, led by Rayevn Peeples who is connecting on 65% of her shots in close.
Peeples has been pivotal for the Riders establishing themselves on the glass this year. She ranks first among all players in offensive rebounds, and second in total rebounds per game, while sending away an average of 1.1 blocks, third best in the League.
Defensively, led once again by Peeples, the Riders average the most blocks of any team with 4.3 per game. Katie Janusewska has been key to this from the wing, putting up 0.8 blocks per game.
But the leading scorer of the Riders’ high-powered offence is Taylor O’Brien. The two-time Player of the Month has put up 15.7 points per game in her rookie season. She comes off the back of scoring 13 of the team’s 59n points against the Gladiators, and will look to lead the Riders to a crucial road win in Caledonia.
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Leicester Riders are set to take on Surrey Scorchers on the road in their final game of the 2023-24 British Basketball League Championship.
Here’s some of the key head-to-heads in tomorrow’s action…
Saiquan Jamison vs Duke Shelton
Making a forceful impact in the paint this season for the Scorchers is Saiquan Jamison, who has established himself as one of British basketball’s elite big men.
He ranks second among all players in rebounds per game with 9.9, and has logged 13 double-doubles over the course of the season.
Jamison is a weapon in the pick and roll, and is near unstoppable when he receive the ball in motion to the rim. He finishes explosively in close, but can also take defenders off the dribble from the centre position to drive inside, and keep defenders honest from distance with his shooting ability.
Jamison is Surrey’s third leading scorer with 10.5 points per game to his name, and is able to generate his own offence at the rim by consistently pulling down missed shots for offensive rebounds.
Looking to keep him off the glass is Riders centre Duke Shelton. Shelton has stepped into a starting role seamlessly in recent weeks, proving energy and hustle from the centre position.
Three double digit performances in his last five outings has seen the 6’10” American become a reliable source of points, and his 14 points, 16 rebounds double double against the Plymouth City Patriots in late March showed his ability to get on the glass for big numbers.
The Riders will need a similar night on the boards from Shelton against the electric Jamison to control the paint in the final game of the Championship season.
Cameron Gooden vs Jaren Holmes
The Scorchers leading scorer this season, high-flying guard Padiet Wang, is set to miss tomorrow’s game through injury. Therefore, they will once again rely on the services of rookie Cameron Gooden, who went off for Surrey last time out.
The American led his team with 21 points and 5 assists against the League champions, going 5-13 from three as he tried to shoot his team back into the game.
Gooden is averaging 9.4 points in 20 minutes per game, but thrived in an increased role against the Lions.
The shifty guard has elite handles to beat defenders off the dribble, getting to the hole or stepping back and taking midrange jump shots consistently.
Looking to slow down Gooden will be rookie guardJaren Holmes, who is lighting up the League in his first professional season.
Holmes is the Riders’ second leading scorer this season with 13.2 points per game, and leads the team in steals with an average of 1.2.
He led the Riders last time out against the Giants with 20 points, his late three point shooting giving Leicester a chance late.
His work on the defensive end has impressed throughout the year, and he will be faced with the challenge of Gooden in the backcourt in this one. But Holmes’ ability to lock down opponents on defence will put him in good stead to stay in front of his opponent one-on-one.
He has the size to contest Gooden inside when he drives to the hoop, and the offensive skillset to keep him honest on the defensive side of the ball whenever he is in the game. Get ready for a hard-fought head-to-head in this one.
Justin Robinson vs Sesan Russell
To overcome the Scorchers, the Riders will have to contend with a two-time British Basketball League MVP in Justin Robinson from the backcourt.
Robinson won the award back-to-back in 2018 and 2019 for the London Lions, averaging 19.2 points per game in his second MVP season to earn the award.
This year, Robinson has provided valuable experience to the Scorchers roster while putting up 10.8 points per game and shooting 39% from behind the three point arc. He has been a consistent threat from deep over the court of his 12-year professional career, and now is no different.
Faced with the tall task of slowing the experience veteran down is Sesan Russell, who made his first start from the point last time out against the Giants.
Russell’s playmaking has been a key asset for the Riders in recent weeks, and it was no different after his insertion into the starting line-up. He put up 10 points and 6 assists, leading the team through the opening stages of the game.
Two games ago, Russell once again pulled the strings to dish 9 assists against the Bristol Flyers. His court vision has found open cutters to the rim consistently, as he runs the pick and roll from the point effectively with the Riders big men.
Keeping Robinson active in defending the pick-and-roll will go a long way in making his life difficult in the Riders’ last game of the Championship season.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders fell to the Manchester Giants 89-94 in their final home game of the British Basketball League Championship season.
After a quick start, Evan Walshe scored 10 straight in the second quarter to lead the Giants a double-digit lead. The Riders made a run late in the game led by Jaren Holmes, but it wasn’t enough to complete a comeback.
Holmes led the Riders with 20 points, going 8-13 from the field, 3-7 from three and grabbing 6 rebounds. He was backed by Teddy Allen’s 19 and Miryne Thomas’ 18.
But leading the game was Walshe for Manchester with 24, sinking the late free throws to end the game.
Early Leicester lead
Thomas got the action underway in style for the Riders emphatically. The lane opened up for him after Mason Bourcier fell in the paint, and Thomas needed little invitation to drive to the hoop and throw down a two handed jam.
Neither side found an edge in the first five, however. Allen and Russell stringed back-to-back threes, but they were offset by Bouricer and Lee from deep as the sides stayed locked.
But out of the media timeout, the Riders found some separation. Allen got to work to snatch momentum, dancing behind the arc before pulling up for a deep three. Next up, he went to the hole on the drive for a two to put the Riders up 26-16.
Giants battle back
Manchester fought back into the game in response, taking the lead early in the second quarter. Former Rider Walshe logged 10 points in as many minutes off the bench to lead the visitors to a 30-28 advantage.
He scored 10 straight to take momentum back, and was followed by Jalen Harris and Callum Jones who connected from within the arc in the midst of the Manchester run.
Russell stopped the run with an and-one, driving to his right and drawing a foul on Harris for three points the old fashioned way. But the Giants led 38-32 by the media timeout.
The Riders mustered just 12 points in the second quarter, unable to take the lead back. Bourcier scored 5 points to end the half, and the sides went into the locker rooms with the score 38-49 in the Giants’ favour.
All even in the third
Nicholas Lewis found his rhythm in the third, hitting a tough fadeaway and a contested three back-to-back to grow the Manchester lead to 15.
But in response to Lewis, Holmes got his head down to get two on the board at the hoop, before Allen connected from three to peg the deficit to 10, and force a Giants timeout.
Homes drew an offensive foul out of the timeout, before Thomas hit from deep- the Riders recapturing their early form.
Lewis responded to take back the big lead with back-to-back threes, but next time up, Holmes made a four point play by connecting on a three through contact, keeping the Giants within touching distance.
But the score remained there until the fourth, Manchester leading 63-74 with one to play.
Giants respond to Riders run
Holmes sparked life into the team to start the final period, driving to the hoop to get it underway, then throwing a lob to Shelton who threw it down two-handed.
The quick scoring brought it to a five point difference quickly in the final period, as TJ Lall added three more points from the foul line.
But Walshe rebuilt the Manchester lead with a three from the corner and a layup inside, taking away the Riders work to start the quarter.
It was 72-81 by the media timeout, with 4:49 left to play.
Riders give themselves a chance late
A barrage of threes went down for the Riders to give them a late chance. Thomas connected first, before finishing off a fastbreak from a Russell three, then Holmes and Allen caught fire.
The Giants kept their side of the scoreboard ticking, Walshe, Lewis and Nick Stampley combining for seven points, but Holmes fired away from the corner with 52 seconds left to make it a three point game.
The Riders got their stops, Walshe then Stampley missing, but the Giants crashed the offensive boards, getting three possessions and forcing Leicester to foul. Walshe made both from the line to make it a five point difference.
Thomas couldn’t hit from three in response, and the Giants dribbled the game out.
Riders return to action on Sunday, hitting the road to take on the Surrey Scorchers. A win will see them lock up home court advantage for the 2024 postseason.
Stay tuned for playoff ticket information.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
The Riders take on the Manchester Giants in their final home game of the 2023-24 British Basketball League season.
It’s an important weekend of action for the Riders in their final two games of the Championship, needing two wins to secure home court advantage for the postseason.
Here are the key matchups as the Riders take on the Giants…
Nicholas Lewis vs Kimbal Mackenzie
The Riders will need to zero in on their opponent’s leading scorer this season, Nicholas Lewis. Lewis is putting up 14.9 points per game this season, 11th among all players, and comes into this one on good form.
He has three 25+ scoring games in his last 10 appearances, his best outing being a 27 points, 7 assists and 4 steals game against the Cheshire Phoenix. Lewis played all 40 minutes for the third time this season in the game, putting a high workload on his back to carry the scoring effort.
The American is a shifty guard who makes his money driving inside, and can step back and take consistent twos from the midrange, finish at the hoop, or kick to teammates for open looks after the defence collapses.
Lewis leads his team in assists with 4.5 per game, pulling the string while leading the scoring for the Giants.
Looking to go back and forth with Lewis is Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie, who is enjoying the best statistical season of his career. The Canadian is averaging a career high 13.2 points and 5 assists per game, and has led the team through the biggest moments of the season with his clutch play.
He made a go-ahead and-one in the Trophy final four with seconds left, and took over late to see the Riders past the Caledonia Gladiators on the road. In the absence of Jaren Holmes and Teddy Allen, he played 45 minutes in a double overtime win against Plymouth City Patriots and hit the game-tying shot to send it to overtime.
Mackenzie can match Lewis’ scoring and playmaking, making the head-to-head at the point guard position an interesting proposition going into the game with the Riders’ captain facing up against the Giants’ leading bucket getter.
William Lee vs Miryne Thomas
High-flyer and former Riders William Lee patrols the sky for the Manchester Giants, making huge plays on both ends around the rim.
The “Alabama slammer” is playing in his second season in Manchester having won the League in Leicester in 2021.
Lee is best known for his aerial ability. The human highlight reel throws down monster jams and swats away shots emphatically on a game to game basis. But Lee has a versatile game, and can knock down shots anywhere on the court.
He’s scoring 13.4 points per game, and pulling down the third most rebounds of any player with an average of 8.3. From outside, the 6’9” forward is shooting 38.5% from three, the second best on his team.
Meeting him in the frontcourt will be Riders forwardMiryne Thomas, who has composed an electric highlight reel of his own in his rookie season.
Putting up 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds, the Cleveland native has come up huge for the Riders this season to lead the team to wins. He has scored double digit points in six of the last eight League games, including a 21 point and 15 rebound double double against the Newcastle Eagles.
Thomas is always a threat above the rim, but defenders, like Lee, need to respect the three where he can get hot on any given night. Last month against the Patriots, Thomas went 4-5 from three on his way to 19 points in 22 minutes, demonstrating his threat from anywhere on the court.
The frontcourt matchup between the two athletic fours is sure to get fans out of their seats.
Evan Walshe vs Jaren Holmes
Another former Riders, Evan Walshe, is enjoying his best statistical season of his professional career in his first season with the Manchester Giants.
The Brit, who suited up in Riders red between 2021 and 2023, is putting up 11 points per game with the Giants this season.
Walshe caught the attention of the League from the off this year by putting up 16.5 points per game in his opening two fixtures. He has taken over games for the Giants with seven 20 point performances to his name.
The 6’4” wing is aggressive on offence. He’s quick to get his head down and drive to the hole, but has shown his ability to step outside and knock down shots to keep defenders honest, going four for five from three against the Plymouth City Patriots earlier in the month.
Walshe’s real threat comes in transition, however, where his speed and aggression takes him coast to coast consistently for scores on the fastbreak. He shares this in common with Riders’ guard Jaren Holmes, who made his return from injury last time out.
Holmes was an All-Star in his rookie season after graduating from Iowa State University. He has lit up the league with his energy and effort this season, and is the Riders’ second leading scorer on the season.
Call his name🤙
Jaren is ready to light up the Copper Box for Sunday's @britishbasketm All-Star game 🔥
Michigan-born Holmes is averaging 13.4 points per game this season, and his 1.3 steals per game has led to a multitude of fastbreak opportunities where he is extremely effective. His speed is transition and vision when driving at pace makes him a dual threat to score and pass, in the half court and on the break.
The fastbreak battle between Holmes and Walshe will be fought at an electric pace, and paired with the highlight plays from Thomas and Lee, expect a flurry of highlights from the Riders final home game of the Championship season.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Key Storylines: The final weekend of Championship action
Leicester Riders are fast approaching their final weekend in the 2023-24 British Basketball League Championship.
They face pivotal fixtures in determining their seeding for the postseason, with home court advantage hanging in the balance.
Here are the key storylines for the Riders going into their final two games…
Home court in our hands
The Riders hold pole position for home court advantage in the postseason with two games to go. Wins against the Manchester Giants and Surrey Scorchers would secure fourth place, as the Riders possess the tiebreaker against the Newcastle Eagles and Sheffield Sharks.
This scenario would see Leicester finish the season in fourth with a 19-17 record, and could potentially see all three contenders for home court advantage finish on the same number of wins.
The Sharks hold the season series against the Eagles, meaning if all three teams win out it would be Riders vs Sharks in round one of the 2024 Playoffs.
But above anything, the Riders need to handle business in their final two games, and secure home court with two momentous wins.
Riders look to build late form
Wins are not a given for the Riders in the two games, who enter this weekend having lost two on the bounce.
The first was a 91-96 loss to the Eagles in a game where Leicester could have essentially locked up home court after beating the Sharks two games prior. The narrow loss, however, did mean Leicester secured the tiebreaker against their North Eastern rivals.
Most recently, the Riders fell to the Bristol Flyers 77-89, a big result for Bristol in their mission to secure the seventh seed.
After a weekend off, and a chance to recover, the Riders will look to lock in, bounce back and build their form going into the postseason.
Healthy Holmes
The week away from action was significant for the Riders, who can heal any bumps and bruises and get fresh ahead of an important Playoff campaign.
Head Coach Rob Paternostro echoed that sentiment while looking to the remaining two games of the Championship season.
“These last couple of weeks are really significant,” he commented. “We want to make sure we’re healthy, and that we understand what our strengths are going into the playoffs. When we have everyone available we have a lot of weapons that can cause huge problems.”
Jaren Holmes, in particular, will benefit from the added recovery time, having spent a number of weeks away from action through injury.
He returned to the roster in limited minutes last time out, and will look to build back into game shape in the final two games before attacking his first postseason campaign of his professional career.
Having Holmes back is a major boost, and Leicester will look to maintain a healthy roster in their final two fixtures.
“In any sport, the healthiest do well in the postseason,” added Paternsotro. “We’re happy to be able to spend some time recovering.”
The last few tickets remain for our final home game of the Championship season against Manchester Giants.
Leicetser Riders lost 105-89 to the London Lions on the road, to fall to 15-13 in the British Basketball League Championship.
The sides were squared at 27 after one, but an explosion in the second quarter from the Lions gave them a 20 point advantage which the Riders were unable to overcome in the second half.
Leicester won the final three quarters by 5, but couldn’t find enough to get back into it.
Teddy Allen led the game with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals, continuing to establish himself as the League’s premier scorer. He was backed by Miryne Thomas, who scored 10 in the third quarter on his way to 17 points to get the Riders offence back in rhythm.
But the issues were on the defensive end. The Lions had five double digit scorers, led by 17 points from Sam Dekker, and the team shot 58% from the field.
The Riders burst out to a 9-2 start, attacking with authority led by four from Kimbal Mackenzie out the gate. London hit back in minutes to tie it at 11, but the Riders established their offence early to go toe to toe with the hosts.
Allen scored seven in the first five minutes, getting buckets on the board early. A minute later, he drove the length of the floor on the fastbreak for the second time in the game, scoring his second and-one play.
Dekker, in his return to the roster from injury, got to work to close the first. He scored seven straight points to take the lead for London. But the first ended 27-27 led by 9 points from Allen.
London started the second quarter 6-0 to extend out to a lead. They found success at the rim, as the Riders did early, scoring their first five buckets of the period in close to force a Rob Paternostro timeout.
Tarik Phillip scored six points in three minutes for London on their run. They made it a double digit lead through David Nwaba, who was found on a backdoor cut to make it 41-30.
The onslaught continued through to the half, the Lions winning the second quarter 33-14 to take a 60-41 advantage, led by 12 from Dekker at the break.
The Lions picked up in the third quarter where they left the second, scoring six straight to grow their lead. Thomas found joy for the Riders to score 10 points in three and a half minutes, but visitors couldn’t slow down London’s scoring to break into the deficit.
The Lions won the third 28-23 to lead 88-64 with one to play.
The Riders went bucket for bucket to start the fourth, once again finding success at the hoop. Blake Bowman’s free throws made it an 8-6 start to the period.
But London saw it out late, having built enough of a lead early to secure the win.
The Riders return to action on Sunday, staying on the road to face the Bristol Flyers.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Sponsor spotlight: Anthony James Insurance Brokers
Leicester Riders are thrilled to have Anthony James Insurance Brokers as part of the Riders family.
With a rich history of serving our local community, the Loughborough based firm prides itself on being the go-to source for comprehensive insurance solutions.
Their team of experienced insurance professionals is dedicated to providing personalised and tailored coverage options to protect what matters most to you.
Whether you’re a small business seeking cost-effective protection, a commercial business with specific industry demands, or an established corporate managing complex risks, they have the expertise and flexibility to provide solutions that fit your requirements precisely.
“Partnering with the Leicester Riders was a natural choice, as our ethos and philosophy align perfectly,” commented Steve Borman, CEO of Anthony James Insurance Brokers.
“We knew we had to get stuck in and join them on their inspirational journey. We can’t wait to take clients and colleagues this season to enjoy the game day experience.”
Interested in joining the Riders family? For more information, contact [email protected], or read our corporate brochure here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Riders duo named to 2024 British Basketball League All-Star Team
Leicester Riders duo Teddy Allen and Jaren Holmes have been voted 2024 British Basketball League All-Star starters.
They will suit up for the South, alongside London Lions guard Matthew Morgan and forward Sam Dekker, and Bristol Flyers center Brad Greene at the Copper Box Arena on March 24.
Allen is the League’s leading scorer, and has been named captain after amassing the most votes of any player in the South. Since signing with the Riders in mid-December, he’s putting up 26.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, while shooting 47.6% from the field and a red-hot 46.5% from three in the Championship.
Allen commented: “It always feels good to be recognised for what you do, in any light. Thank you to all the fans who took the time to vote!”
Holmes was the highest-voted player in the guard position in the South. He is logging 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in the Championship this season, impressing in his rookie year.
Holmes commented: “It’s an honour to be voted an All-Star. I’m grateful to my teammates for putting me in the situations to be successful, and to the coaching staff for believing in my abilities day in and day out.
“Thank you the fans for voting me in, especially with this being my rookie year. I’m super excited to be making memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait to be there, and have a good time with the rest of the players.”
The full starting fives for the All-Star game are as follows.
Position
North
South
Guard
Larry Austin Jr. (c) –Newcastle Eagles
Matthew Morgan- London Lions
Guard
Jordan Johnson- Newcastle Eagles
Jaren Holmes- Leicester Riders
Forward
Aaryn Rai- Cheshire Phoenix
Teddy Allen (c)- Leicester Riders
Forward
Tajh Green- Newcastle Eagles
Sam Dekker- London Lions
Center
Ethan Chargois- Cheshire Phoenix
Brad Greene- BristolFlyers
The remainder of the team will be chosen by the two head coaches, Caledonia Gladiators’ Gareth Murray for the North and London Lions’ Petar Bozic for the South.
Sunday evening sees the 12-11 Riders take the tough trip north to face the 14-9 Caledonia Gladiators and wrap up Round 18 of the British Basketball League Championship.
The game is sure to be a battle of attrition after both teams played in competitive matches on Friday night as part of a weekend doubleheader.
Rob Paternostro’s squad will travel to Glasgow high in confidence after Friday’s 102-81 defeat of the Plymouth City Patriots gives them a chance to extend their League Championship winning run to four games.
The Riders didn’t have it all their own way against the Pats, but a devastating 33-point fourth quarter saw them through to the impressive double-digit win.
Friday’s 102 points was the fifth time Leicester reached triple-digits in the past nine games, and history dictates that when they breach that total, they win.
Teddy ‘Buckets’ Allen took Player of the Game honours in the victory, yet again making 20 points look easy with a cool 25 on 58% shooting from the field.
The prolific scorer had an off night from three-point range – dropping just one of his six attempts – but displayed elite adaptability, pulling from an extensive bag of tricks on multiple occasions to finish at the rim.
Big Samuel Idowu also turned heads with a 20 point – 12 rebound double-double from the bench in what is becoming a familiar sight of dominance.
Idowu is proving to be a nightmare for defences, often imposing his will inside before sliding quietly out to the arc to splash from deep, currently hitting around 30% of his three-pointers.
The introduction of Allen and the emergence of Idowu is also allowing captain Kimbal Mackenzie to play a more well-rounded point guard role without the burden of being the roster’s primary scoring option.
The Riders’ leader can still shoot the ball – often in clutch situations – but 11 assists against the Patriots demonstrate his increased role as a distributor as the trust between the squad improves with each game.
Solid shooting, good distribution and trust are three things the Riders will need if they are to best the Gladiators on home court. On recent form, they have all three in abundance.
A Tough Return to Championship Action
The Gladiators have been enjoying a fantastic season so far, sitting third in the League Championship standings and making it to the semi-finals of the League Trophy competition.
Gareth Murray’s men play safe, solid basketball predicated on stingy defence and hustle on the boards.
It is a tactic that has worked well throughout the season, however the return to championship play has been a tough one.
A low-scoring home victory over the Bristol Flyers started February off in winning fashion, however this was followed by a double-digit defeat in Newcastle on Friday night.
The biggest concern for the Gladiators was allowing the Eagles to dominate the fourth quarter after beginning the final stanza just three points adrift.
Former Rider Patrick Whelan scored 21 points to continue the season as Caledonia’s primary scorer. Leicester supporters will be familiar with Whelan’s pinpoint accuracy from three-point range, currently hitting at an impressive 43% clip.
The Scottish side also boast a trio of impressive forwards – Lukas Palyza, Princeton Onwas and Fahro Alihodzic posing a formidable front court arsenal, boosted by true centre Clifton Moore Jnr coming off the bench.
Caledonia are a team without any glaring weaknesses for the Riders to exploit, however their aggressive defence does give up more fouls than most teams.
The Riders are one of the best free throw shooting teams in the League, so if the likes of Allen and Mackenzie can repeatedly get to the line, they could keep the scoreboard ticking over, making like difficult for the Glaswegians.
Key Matchup
There will be entertaining battles all over the court on Sunday, however the most crucial may come between a pair of bench big men: Samuel Idowu and Clifton Moore Jnr.
Standing at 6’10”, Moore Jnr is an imposing figure inside the paint. The young centre – in his rookie season after five years playing college ball – uses his length well to finish at a high clip while also blocking shots at the other end.
The former La Salle Explorer is averaging 9.8 points per game from the bench on over 57% from the field and leads the Gladiators in blocks per game with 1.5.
Moore presents a tough problem to solve for any big man in the League, however in current form, the Riders’ own second unit big man will be up to the task.
Standing at 6’8”, Idowu gives up a bit of size to his younger opponent but makes up for it with bulk, experience and shooting range.
The four-year veteran is a bruiser on the inside, using his strength to force missed shots near the rim before motoring down the other end of the court to forge a scoring opportunity.
The Brooklyn-native averages 8.2 points per game currently, but with four double-doubles since the turn of the year, those numbers are consistently on the rise.
Idowu also brings range to the Riders’ offense, averaging nearly three deep balls a night, so expect to see him dragging Moore out to the perimeter to open up inside space for a cutting guard.
Sunday’s game could be the perfect end to Round 18 between two well-matched teams.
The starting lineups could well cancel each other out, so bench points will be crucial. How effectively Idowu and Moore Jnr use their minutes could decide which set of supporters go home happy.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Saturday evening sees the Riders attempting to claim their most important win of the season as they take on the Cheshire Phoenix in the British Basketball League Trophy semi-final.
Rob Paternostro’s young squad will take the trip to Birmingham to face the Group A winners under the lights of the Utilita Arena.
The Riders’ journey to the final weekend of the Trophy initially looked tough, placed in Group B with the London Lions, Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles, Bristol Flyers, and Manchester Giants – all of whom have scored wins over Leicester this season.
However, with a renewed focus on defence and the seamless introduction of mid-season signings, the Riders finished the group stage with a 3-1 record to finish second behind the Lions.
The Trophy season began on January 5 with the visit of the Flyers to the Morningside Arena, confident after defeating Leicester on their home court in the Championship just a week prior.
The Riders learned from the previous contest that limiting big man Brad Greene’s effectiveness on the offensive glass was key to victory, and so they did, outboarding the visitors 45-36, led by a physical showing from Samuel Idowu, who bagged 14 rebounds.
The second-unit power forward backed up his glass-eating with 15 points for a maiden double-double, only bested by a spectacular 30-point night from Teddy ‘Buckets’ Allen.
The CEBL MVP showed against the Flyers that he isn’t just a dominant scorer – he can dish an assist, use his 6’6” frame to grab rebounds and make life tough in perimeter defence.
The Riders hit the ground running with a 21-point win, and despite losing 89-74 to the London juggernaut, carried moment into a Wednesday-night tilt against the exciting Manchester Giants.
Paternostro knew that a win would put pressure on both the Flyers and the Eagles playing later that week, and with the Giants’ leaky defence and lack of Jamell Anderson, the Riders’ coach sent his team onto the floor to score early and often.
The players responded, buoying the home crowd with 59 first-half points and a double-digit lead going into halftime. The Giants threatened a comeback in the third quarter behind Nick Lewis’ 17, but it proved to be a false dawn after a 29-point fourth quarter from the Riders saw them to a 104-88 win.
The team win treated fans to several excellent performances, but the pairing of Miryne Thomas and TJ Lall stood out from the crowd.
MT from Downtown 🔥
Riders leading 21-14 with 3 minutes to play in the first.
Athletic big Thomas hit a near triple-double, rattling the rim for 16 points, collecting nine boards and even laying on eight assists for his team.
Lall also stuffed the stat sheets in 19 minutes from the bench, blocking shots on defence as well as bagging 19 points at the other end in an efficient display.
Sitting at 2-1 and in prime position to make the ‘Finals Weekend’, the Riders faced a must-win battle in Newcastle’s Vertu Motors Arena.
Facing the prospect of crashing out of the Trophy with a loss, Paternostro galvanised his squad throughout the night which inspired them to put on a fantastic showing.
After a back-and-forth game of scoring runs, the Riders rose over the typically raucous Newcastle atmosphere to earn a 101-85 win, led by ‘Team of the Week’ point guard, Kimbal Mackenzie (22 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists).
Phoenix’s Road to the Semis
After a surprisingly bright first half of the season, Cheshire entered Group A of the League Trophy as favourites to progress through.
The unexpected pressure didn’t appear to tell on Ben Thomas’ squad though, as they remained unbeaten through group play and came top with a perfect record.
The trickiest game of Cheshire’s Trophy campaign came in Round One with a long trip north to face the in-form Caledonia Gladiators.
The two teams often play each other tight, and January 5 was no different, with the scores level on points after four quarters and overtime needed to decide the winner.
With a 100-97 lead in the final minute, Cheshire missed a couple of free throws to give the home side a chance to tie the game at the overtime buzzer.
Luckily for the Phoenix, Clifton Moore Jr’s three-pointer missed the mark and Cheshire could ride the wave of a late win into the upcoming rounds.
As he has been throughout January, free-scoring forward Cam Christon made the difference for the Phoenix, bringing 18-points off the bench on an 80% shooting day.
The next two games were a pair of one-sided affairs which showcased the scoring potential of Cheshire’s offense.
First, Christon, Ethan Chargois and Maceo Jack all scored 20-plus points in a 102-74 victory over the Plymouth City Patriots, soon to be followed up with a 105-63 demolition of the Surrey Scorchers, where floor general Laquincy Rideau fed his team with ten dishes.
With qualification all but guaranteed, the Phoenix rotated the squad heavily in their final group game against the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, but despite being down heading into the fourth, role-player EJ Stephens led a comeback to give Cheshire a healthy 78-70 win.
Key Matchups
The Utilita Arena court will be awash with talent this weekend, as two of the league’s best offences face off.
The team that advances to the Trophy Final will be the one that can orchestrate their potent attack most effectively, making the point guard battle between Kimbal Mackenzie and Laquincy Rideau the key matchup.
6’1” Florida-native Rideau has been a huge part of Cheshire’s rise in the Championship this season and has continued that form into the Trophy competition.
Known as a dynamic defender, Rideau is displaying his fast hands and timing by averaging over three steals per game, good for second in the league.
The 27-year-old – who has seen his professional career take him to Luxembourg and Ecuador – also has an eye for a pass, feeding out six assists per game including a ten-assist performance against the Scorchers.
Attempting to unlock Rideau’s defence will be in-form Riders’ captain Kimbal Mackenzie.
Leicester’s leader has displayed excellent form during January, saving his best for the crucial victory over the Eagles.
The experienced Canadian is a big game player and Riders fans are accustomed to seeing him come through in the clutch with a dagger bucket.
If the Phoenix threaten to go on a run or the game is tight in the final few minutes, expect to see Mackenzie’s famous stop-and-pop jumper swishing the net.
The all-action point guard is averaging nearly 13 points per game and is +41 in plus/minus in the Trophy.
For the Riders to advance to the tournament final, Mackenzie may need to go over and above the already significant impact he is having on each game.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
The Riders return from their winter break to tip off their Women’s British Basketball League Betty Codona Trophy campaign on the road against the Essex Rebels.
They enter the competition at the quarter-final stage- last year’s finalists received a BYE for the first round of the competition.
Here’s how the teams shape up…
Fixture information
Leicester Riders at Essex Rebels
Essex Sports Arena
Saturday, January 13, 4 pm
Back after the break
The Riders last played on December 9, and are now set to take on the same opponents in the same building.
They concluded their pre-winter campaign with a 79-70 win on the road to Essex, led by 20 points from star guard Taylor O’Brien.
The Riders are one of two teams with a single loss in the Championship this season, their only defeat coming on the road to the undefeated London Lions. They’re 5-1, with the second-best points production in the League.
O’Brien has hit the ground running in Riders red, leading the team in scoring on the season. She’s scoring 19.7 points per game, the second-highest scorer in the League through six games, getting her points on 46.4% shooting from the field.
Her efforts in November saw her named Women’s British Basketball League Player of the Month, averaging 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 61.7% shooting from the field.
The American guard signed from Flordia State, having averaged 6.7 points for the Seminoles last season.
Facing off against O’Brien is fellow American Katherine Tudor, who went off for a game-high 23 points last time out against Leicester.
Tudor signed in Essex in the offseason and leads the team’s scoring with 18.3 points per game.
The 25-year-old signed from Australian NBL1 West side Mandura Magic, where she averaged 15.6 points per game last season across 22 NBL games, the second-highest points average amongst the team.
Her best scoring performance of the season came against the Riders, and the ever-consistent scoring threat will look to match O’Brien in this one.
Statement: Bristol Flyers Fixture Unavailable for Live Stream Viewing
Due to adjustments in this week’s fixtures, our Trophy fixture against the Bristol Flyers on Friday, January 5, will not be available to be viewed via live stream.
The game, tipping off at 7 pm at Morningside Arena Leicester, will therefore only be able to be watched in person at the Arena.
The Riders begin 2024 by welcoming the Bristol Flyers to the Morningside Arena in Round One of the British Basketball League Trophy.
The competition’s format has been revamped this season, placing Rob Paternostro’s squad in Group B with the championship-leading London Lions, the in-form Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles, the dangerous Manchester Giants and the always-tough Flyers.
Riders’ fans will be keen to see the return of the British Basketball League Trophy competition after last season’s second-round exit to the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks. The pure knockout format saw the Riders play just two games – both on the road.
The opening round was an entertaining 114-107 victory in Manchester, the Riders benefitting from a deadly night of three-pointers from Marc Loving and Zach Jackson, who finished with 32 and 25 points each.
Fellow former Rider Patrick Whelan also splashed for 20 points, and current Riders’ captain Kimbal Mackenzie dropped 18 in a typically energetic display.
Both Loving and Whelan pulled down enough rebounds for a double-double as the Riders matched an excellent rebounding team in the Giants.
Posting double-doubles will be tough for the current Leicester squad against a Flyers team containing Brad Greene (17 boards against the Riders on December 28) but look for 2024’s power forward-shooting guard duo of Miryne Thomas and Teddy Allen to replicate Loving and Whelan.
The second-round loss told the opposite story for last season’s squad, who fired more shots than the Sharks but only converted at a 17% clip from deep.
Loving, Jackson and Mackenzie once more led the way for the Riders in the box score, but only four of their 23 three-ball attempts hit the mark, allowing the Sharks to take advantage of a rare night of inaccuracy.
The current crop of Riders ended 2023 with a clash against the Sharks and the ball hit nothing but net from downtown. Leicester’s shooting percentage has been a major strength this season, demonstrated by the team hitting 50% from inside the arc, 51% from beyond it and 87% from the free throw line in the victory on December 30.
If the Riders want to get their Trophy campaign off to a flyer, they need to learn from the mistakes of last season’s second-round performance.
An Early Exit
If Riders’ supporters were starved of Trophy action, the Flyers’ faithful must be ravenous after last year’s first-round exit to the Surrey Scorchers.
Bristol hosted the Southeasterners and – given the form of each team – will have been confident of victory. However, in a minor shock the Scorchers rode the hot hands of Padiet Wang and Boban Jacdonmi to claim a deserved 78-72 win.
The Flyers, who have struggled hitting from the floor efficiently this season, suffered the same woes last January, dropping only 37% of their field goals despite having 12 more attempts than the visitors.
They also failed to outrebound Surrey, a problem 2024’s squad do not have.
Assisted by their hulking centre Greene and a brilliant showing from Rowell Graham-Bell, the Flyers bested the Riders on the boards 48-40 on December 28, and after a poor first half, shot accurately enough in the second half to take the win.
Leicester allowed Friday’s first-round opponents too many second-chance points the last time they visited the Morningside. Victory may hinge on how well the Riders’ frontcourt manages to box out the ball-hunting Greene.
Key Matchup
As previously mentioned, the battle to grab missed shots between Brad Greene and the Riders’ ‘bigs’ is going to be huge, but the supplementary scoring from Rowell Graham-Bell and Miryne Thomas could become the deciding factor in the game.
Versatile British forward Graham-Bell showed the Riders how effective he can be in a supporting role in their last game.
The 29-year-old’s experience led him to 14 points and eight boards – all on the defensive end of the court – despite dealing with two personal fouls early in the game.
A journeyman who has played primarily in Spain, Graham-Bell is a big-bodied defender who has the range to pull up for long two balls or the occasional three.
He is averaging just north of ten points per game as the Flyers’ fourth scoring option and has nearly broken the 20-point barrier on several occasions.
Aiming to use his speed and athleticism to outplay Graham-Bell will be Riders’ rookie Miryne Thomas.
On form Thomas has proven to be one of the most devastating power forwards in the league, able to blend his offence between high-flying jams and picturesque threes.
The young American is also improving dramatically on defence, using his length and timing to block multiple shots a game.
The Ohioan is currently in sparkling form, earning a spot on the British Basketball League Team of the Week for superb performances against the Sharks and the Flyers.
Thomas is averaging a cool 12 points per game this season and has posted multiple double-doubles.
He will need to continue that form into the Trophy. The first obstacle is Graham-Bell and the Flyers.
How to watch
This game will not be available to view via live-stream. Therefore, the only way to watch the action is at the Arena.
The Riders were unable to make it a three-game winning streak after a tight 87-81 loss to the 11-11 Bristol Flyers in round 16 of the British Basketball League Championship.
Rob Paternostro’s team remains seventh in the standings with a 9-11 record and hopes to finish the year with a win against the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks in two days.
The home team outscored their opponents from three-point range, and strong first-half defence held the Flyers to just 33 points, but a record-breaking game on the offensive glass by Brad Greene willed the visitors to victory.
The powerful centre put up a 19-point, 17-rebound double-double, which included a franchise record of 14 offensive boards.
The Riders spread scoring nicely, with five players dropping double-digit point totals, led by 17 from Teddy ‘Buckets’ Allen who started the game on the court for the first time.
Forwards Miryne Thomas and Samuel Idowu both gave good accounts facing up to physical inside play from the Flyers, scoring 10 and 11 points respectively, and Kimbal Mackenzie hit some clutch shots down the stretch to keep the Riders in touching distance.
The Flyers’ Greene was supported by second-half scoring runs spearheaded through Trejon Jacob and Kedrian Johnson, who dropped 18 points apiece, largely helped by the second chances provided by their double-double machine.
The opening minutes of the game began with rare inaccurate shooting by the Riders, who missed their first four attempts allowing the Flyers to build an early six-point lead.
Visiting power forward Rowell Graham-Bell made space for a couple of buckets early, but the Morningside Arena didn’t have to wait too long before Teddy ‘Buckets’ gave fans a reason to cheer.
The wing forward hit high off the glass to open the Riders’ account before casually pulling up from three and draining the game’s opening triple.
The home side’s defence soon started to cause the Flyers problems too, big centre Mo Walker standing up well in the paint against the hulking Greene, forcing missed shots that regularly allowed the Riders to spring a fast break attack.
Excellent defence led to the most eye-catching moment of the quarter, Walker jamming home in transition after a spectacular block by lengthy forward Thomas.
Thomas then splashed from deep to give Leicester the lead and complete the mini-comeback, but tenacious offensive rebounding from the Flyers’ front court (they finished the half with seven) saw them take advantage of the second chances to head into the second quarter with a two-point lead.
The second ten minutes tipped off with a clash of styles, as the Riders’ speed faced off against the Flyers’ size.
Both teams found increased success on the offensive side of the court, but it was Paternostro who appeared the happier as his small second unit built a multiple-shot lead.
High-flyer Blake Bowman led the way, finessing a tough step back jumper before displaying his famed euro step to hit a transition layup. Bowman’s buckets came either side of a picturesque Sechan Russell three, and the Riders were gaining momentum.
A Leslie Smith ‘and one’ slowed the home side’s roll for a minute, but a classic Conner Washington three and a beautifully destructive TJ Lall dunk kept the scoreboard ticking in Leicester’s favour.
The Riders’ defence caused nine first half turnovers for the Flyers and, coupled with good ball movement on the other end of the court, the lead grew.
A late dry spell allowed Bristol to close the gap, but another three from Teddy ‘Buckets’ and a tough layup by captain Mackenzie pushed the Riders to a 38-33 half-time lead.
The defence limited Bristol to a scoreless half from three-point range, and the home fans knew that a better shooting percentage from Leicester would give them a great chance at victory.
The third quarter began with Allen in heat check mode, stringing his 12th point to open the half before another transitional three found its mark.
The Flyers would develop effective offense of their own though, Jacob heating up after a cold first half assisted by Greene’s insatiable appetite on the glass.
The 6’11” big man’s quality play was only trumped by the 16 third quarter points for the red-hot Jacob.
The Riders needed to halt their opponents’ momentum, and a strong rebound from Idowu who put back the easy layup did the trick.
Still, 31 third quarter points from the Flyers catapulted them into a four-point lead, with a lot to do for Paternostro’s squad heading into the closing stanza.
Lall got the Riders off to the perfect possible start, facing up to the much larger Smith to finish at the rim. Idowu soon followed suit and when Jaren Holmes hit his first big three of the night, Leicester retook the lead.
A momentum-stealing takeaway and jam from Holmes saw the home side on a 9-2 run, forcing the Flyers to take a timeout and rethink.
Kapoulas’ squad did manage to swing the pendulum back in their favour, going on a nine-point run of their own, although a crucial five points by captain Mackenzie kept Leicester in contention.
More glass-eating from Greene saw him break the Flyers’ franchise record for offensive rebounds in a game, and the Riders were facing a five-point deficit with 90 seconds left.
A timely block by Idowu gave the home crowd hope, but a couple of calls that went the Flyers’ way allowed the visitors to ice the game.
The Riders return to action on Saturday, hosting the Sheffield Sharks in their final game of 2023. Get tickets here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders games confirmed for Sky Sports coverage
The British Basketball League have confirmed the Leicester Riders fixtures that have been selected for broadcast live on Sky Sports for the remainder of the Championship campaign.
With this British Basketball League season at the midway stage, fixtures up until the end of the 2023/24 Championship campaign have now been confirmed.
Fans can tune into each game from 7:30 pm via Sky Sports and their YouTube channels.
See the fixtures confirmed for Sky Sports coverage below:
We sat down with new signing Teddy Allen to talk about his arrival in the British Basketball League.
It was a whirlwind week that saw Allen sign in Leicester. Following talks with Managing Director Russell Levenston, he headed straight to the UK to join the team.
“On Thursday, Russell called me to ask if I wanted to come and play for the Riders. I hadn’t played since the CEBL in the summer, so I was itching to get out on the court. I was on a flight the next day.”
Allen played alongside former Bristol Flyers Jelani Watson-Gayle for the Winnipeg Sea Bears in the summer.
In Canada, he competed in the League featuring both Kimbal Mackenzie and TJ Lall, the British Basketball League connection helping to inform his decision to sign with the Riders.
“I knew that Jelani played here. I talked to him about the League, and he had great things to say.”
“It’s cool being able to compete with and against guys in different countries. It should be fun being able to go against them.”
The American joins the team after a historic CEBL season, where his ability was on full display throughout the summer. Allen described his game:
“I’m always attacking the hoop, and I’m versatile on both ends of the floor. I can score the ball, make plays, rebound and compete on both ends. Right now, I’m trying to get my legs under me the best I can and get ready to help the team in any way.”
Sunday evening sees the Riders travel northwest to Cheshire as they take on the Phoenix in Round 12 of the British Basketball League Championship.
It will be the second game of a weekend double-header for Rob Paternostro’s squad after a spirited 89-79 defeat to the London Lions on Friday night.
Fixture Information
Leicester Riders @ Cheshire Phoenix
Ellesmere Port Sports Village, Cheshire Oaks
Sunday, December 3, 6:00pm
Riders Looking to Play Smart
After Friday’s defeat to the league leaders, Paternostro expressed the need for the Riders to play smartly if they are to claim victory in Cheshire. The Phoenix have only lost once at home since October 1 and have won five of their last six in the league.
Every member of the Riders’ squad should expect significant minutes on the floor and will need to make the most of them.
One player that made the best of his opportunity against the Lions was recent signing Sesan Russell. The British two-guard drove his team forwards in the second half, coming off the bench to score 13 points in just 14 minutes.
The Florida Tech University graduate also flashed his playmaking ability, dishing four assists to add to his scoring.
Young forward Victor Ndoukou may also need to step up against the Phoenix as his minutes have increased since the reshuffling of the Riders’ roster.
The 6’8” man from Wigan has bags of potential, representing Great Britain at under-20’s level last summer. Now could be the time for Ndoukou to start realising that promise.
The Phoenix, who sit second in the BBL standings, are excellent on the offensive side of the ball. The Riders’ defence has improved over the past two games, largely down to high effort plays from the likes of Russell and Ndoukou.
That hustle will be needed once more on Sunday night.
Phoenix in Great Form
Cheshire have been the surprise package of the BBL championship this season. Ben Thomas’ squad play turnover-free basketball which – combined with rampant crashing of the offensive glass – gives his team more chances at buckets than anyone else.
The Phoenix have claimed two victories over the Riders this season. The first a shock road win on the opening weekend of the season, the second a tight 102-96 win at home after a previous Riders’ double-header.
Round 12 is an exact replica of Round 9, with Leicester falling to both London and Cheshire. The Riders will be looking to change history on Sunday with a victory.
Cheshire’s success is largely due to the elite play of dynamic duo Maceo Jack and Aaryn Rai.
Jack, a tall point guard who play five seasons in college before joining the BBL, has been at the centre of everything good the Phoenix have done this season. The ‘shoot first’ guard stands at 6’5”, making him difficult to guard and tricky to keep off the boards, shown by 18.1 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game this year.
Rai is a big-bodied 6’6” small forward whose speed and ball handling skill belies his size. The former Dartmouth player has added a lethal second scoring option that Cheshire lacked last season, averaging just over 17 points per game.
Keeping the Phoenix’s scoring stars quiet will be priority number one for the Riders’ defence.
Key Matchup
Both teams possess high volume stars such as Jaren Holmes, Kimbal Mackenzie, Jack and Rai, but the most enticing matchup could come between a pair of rangy big men.
Cheshire’s Skylar White has been putting up good numbers this season, dropping over 11 points per contest, pulling down 4.1 rebounds per game and hitting at nearly 85% from the charity stripe.
The 6’8” Brit is an intelligent player, and while he doesn’t possess great speed or athleticism inside the paint, his shooting touch cannot be questioned. White dropped 22 points on the Riders on opening night, so Paternostro will be aware of the danger he poses.
Facing up to the test of White is exciting rookie, Miryne Thomas.
If White lacks in speed, Thomas has it in abundance. The Cleveland-native has an eye for the spectacular dunk and is adept at freeing space inside for the monster jam. The 6’8” power forward is averaging 12.4 points per night and is hitting over 62% of his shots inside.
Thomas also shows confidence to hit from downtown and shows hustle on the boards, evident in his team-high three double-doubles. #3 is yet to score in double digits against Cheshire this season. If the Riders are to snag the road victory, he may need to set his sights on a fourth double-double.
— Women’s British Basketball League (@britishbasketw) November 27, 2023
Taylor O’Brien makes the team two weeks in a row following her stat-sheet-stuffing outing against Nottingham. She put up 22 points, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks, impacting every aspect of the game.
Player of the Game Sam Ashby backed her teammate with 18 points,10 rebounds, seven steals and four assists, the GB international logging her first double-double of the season.
6 Academy games this weekend including a National Cup Quarter Final win for our U16 Girls Premier. Check out our coaches thoughts below.
U16 Girls Premier 83-50 Bristol Flyers – National Cup Quarter Final
“Solid 30+ point win in the end for the 16s prem girls in the cup quarter final. We had a bad 1st quarter which made it look like it was about to be a game. But then some honest words in between quarters saw them come out a different team, going on a 12-2 run inside about 45 seconds. Sticking to our system, trusting in the process. Onto the semi finals” – Coach Lewis.
U14 Boys Premier 88-63 St Helens Saints
“After a slow start and with poor offence and defence we found ourselves behind by 5 at half time. After talking to the players and going over what we need we had an amazing 3rd quarter scoring 40 points and giving us a 15 point lead. After that was just about slowing down the game and getting the best shot possible.” – Coach Ricardo.
U18 Men 79-62 Nottingham Hoods
“Really solid win on the road for our U18 Men team. On a day when not everything came perfect (3 points % were very low, we we possibly had too many turnovers), we managed to find our identity, made of hard defence and quick transition. The key was the energy throughout the game, keeping it high really helped us to lead from the beginning to the end. Congratulations to the boys and to Luke Heath (double double), Brad Mushambi and Noah (leading our transition), we had a solid impact on the game.” – Coach Pietro.
U16 Boys Conference 67-65 Doncaster Eagles
“U16 kept it close all the way, we just turned it up when needed. Great ball pressure gave us some much needed breaks in the game, the boys showed big hearts today.” – Coach Emo.
The Leicester Riders Foundation are delighted to be hosting a Primary Schools Tournament at the Morningside Arena on Wednesday 10th January prior to the Leicester Riders taking on the Manchester Giants later that evening.
“We are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity for both the schools we work with and new schools in the local area to be able to compete in the tournament and also experience a Riders Game day. This season our team have been working very hard out in schools across Leicestershire, we are looking forward to bringing everyone together to celebrate this hard work.” – Greg Ellis, Interim Head of Education & School Sport.
The Tournament will run throughout the afternoon with the final taking place on centre court during half time of the Riders game. This provides an excellent opportunity for the students to both experience a Riders game day and also put into practice what they have learnt whilst in the sessions we have delivered within their schools.
8 of our Academy teams were in action this past weekend, check out our coaches thoughts on the action below.
U18 Men 77-64 Charnwood Riders
“U18 Conf beat Charnwood 77-64. We started slow in the first half (sometimes we tend to adapt to the teams we play, rather than imposing our game). The second half was better, defensively and on the break as Dominic and Noah really helped us on both end to take the lead and keep it to the end. We will take the win.” – Coach Pietro.
U16 Girls Premier 96-27 City of Birmingham Rockets
“U16s prem girls took a very convincing 96-27 win against COB. The penny is really starting to drop with this team, fixing the small details week by week. Strong full court press in our system for 3/4 quarters. Right attitudes throughout the entire game. Good game to take us into the quarter final next weekend.” – Coach Lewis.
U14 Boys Premier 85-36 City Of Leeds
“After our first the win the team was very excited to get back on court. With some solid defence and good transition offence we saw ourselves ahead from the start. Throughout the game we played great help defence allowing us to go on fastbreak. Overall great performance.” – Coach Ricardo.
U16 Boys Premier 62-88 Manchester Magic
U16 Boys Conference 113-25 Sheffield Sharks Yellow
U15 Boys 45-57 Shrewsbury Storm
“Disappointing 57-45 loss for the team. We played great defence for the first 3 quarters and was leading narrowly going into the 4th. In the 4th, we turned the ball over too much which lead to fast breaks for the opponents. We had a lot of positives to start the game, we need to improve our composure and take care of the ball better.” – Coach Damon.
U14 Boys Conference 41-54 Northamptonshire Titans
“I’m really proud of the lads, they worked really hard as a team and performed what we have been working on in training, help defense and learning to take charges. We got two charges and and should of had more, we just needs to work a little more on boxing out and it be a lot closer. It was the second quarter that killed us and only having 7 players.” – Coach Ady.
Leicester Riders Foundation Partnership Opportunities
We are delighted to launch our new partnership opportunities brochure showcasing the wide array of opportunities for your organisation to make a positive impact on the community with the Leicester Riders Foundation.
“I am really excited that we have launched our partnership brochure and the potential new opportunities that may come off the back of it. At the Leicester Riders Foundation we are extremely passionate about creating new partnerships within our local community to be able to increase our delivery and provide additional opportunities for young people to access basketball within the community.” – Laura Shephard, Leicester Riders Foundation General Manager.
CLICK HERE to read our Partnership Opportunities brochure.
For more information on our partnership opportunities or to get involved email [email protected].
How to donate to Leicester Hospitals Charity’s “Boss Breakout” event
Leicester Riders’ Head of Commercial, Tracey Hallam, is taking part in the “Boss Breakout” charity event, led by Leicester Hospitals Charity at the Highcross Shopping Centre in Leicester.
We need your help to break Tracey out! She needs to raise £1,000 towards the initiative in order to escape the LHC pop-up shop at Highcross Shopping Centre.
The money will be directly channelled into the purchase of 12 fold-away hospital beds. These beds will serve an essential purpose, allowing parents to stay overnight with their children during their hospital stays.
This invaluable support aims to ease the burden on families when faced with the challenging circumstances of having a child in hospital.
Your contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of families who find themselves in the difficult situation of having a child in the hospital.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
This weekend saw 5 of our Academy teams in action, including a double header for our U16 Girls Premier who had both a league and cup fixture. Check out our coaches’ thoughts below.
U18 Men 76-83 Nottingham Wildcats
“It was a very close loss for the U18 men at Wildcats. The team played good fast basketball despite the big physical difference between the teams. We managed to fight back multiple times to nearly take the win but just fell short in the end.” – Coach Pietro.
U14 Boys Premier 90-72 City of Birmingham Rockets
“The boys really wanted to win so from the start we played very well on offence and limiting the amount of shots COB got. We led from the start to the end. The team played some great offence and defence allowing us to win the game.” – Coach Ricardo.
U16 Boys Premier 65-78 City Of Birmingham Rockets
U16 Girls Premier 87-24 Manchester Mystics II
U16 Girls Premier 59-51 Sheffield Hatters – Cup Fixture
“We played in an extremely tough environment to be playing in, and with Kyrah and Eliana fouling out, everybody else needed to step up and they did. We were Committed to the zone defence in the second half to slow down the scoring and see out the game.” – Coach Lewis.
The Riders improved to 6-4 in the British Basketball League Championship after a convincing 111-88 victory over the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles on Saturday.
A 36-point third quarter from Rob Paternostro’s team rattled the Eagles in the second half, and the loss drops Marc Steutel’s squad to 3-7 on the season.
On a night where several Riders caught the eye, energetic shooting guard Jaren Holmes had potentially his best game yet, dropping 25 points on 84% shooting, adding four assists and five boards for good measure.
Holmes lit up the pine all game, his impact displayed with a plus 22 score differential when he was on court.
A high-quality first half from Xavier Pinson gave the Riders a boost early, continued by pure dominance from the second unit, who scored 51 points from the bench.
Eagles’ point guard Jordan Johnson bagged his usual 25 points, and enigmatic forward Tajh Green made a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double, but a spectacular second-half of offense from the Riders put the game beyond doubt.
After a pre-game build up heavy with anticipation, both teams came out looking determined to gain a useful lead early. The half that followed, didn’t disappoint.
Three-pointers dominated the first few minutes of play, the dynamic duo of Pinson and Holmes hitting back-to-back triples to answer five early points from the Eagles.
Newcastle crept out to an eight-point lead thanks to tenacious defence and 11 points from Rickey McGill, but a couple of beautiful buckets from Pinson and tough play from the Riders’ bench kept the lead narrow.
One move in the paint from the Riders’ starting point guard saw him scythe through multiple players before readjusting mid-shot to draw the foul and hit the ‘and one’ play.
Skilled big man Samuel Idowu made his presence known from the bench, slamming home a dunk, dismissing a McGill layup with authority and stroking from deep all within a couple of minutes.
With the Idowu three, Riders went into the second quarter trailing by just a single bucket.
The second quarter began, and the pace of the game took a step up.
Five quick points from talented point guard Jordan Johnson were answered by a pair of threes from Riders’ veterans, Mo Walker and Connor Washington.
Leicester’s much discussed depth was showing its value once again, the Riders’ bench outscoring the Eagles 25-6 in the first half.
Johnson was cooking for Newcastle – hitting 14 first-half points – but he was matched by the tandem of Pinson and Kimbal Mackenzie, who dropped 14 and eight points respectively.
A pair of corner threes from the Riders’ captain sparked the home side as the half rushed to a close, and when Pinson hit his free throws following more aggressive play in the paint, Leicester took their first lead of the game.
The Riders were now forcing their visitors into poorly taken shots, and despite Green working his way to his double-double, Leicester went into the locker rooms in the lead, 53-50.
The first 20 minutes was a virtuoso display of deep ball shooting, both teams draining over 50% of their threes – the Riders at an eye-watering 66%.
If fans thought the pace would slow in the second half, they were badly mistaken.
Two deep threes from Green and wing player Devin Whitfield were quickly answered by the Riders – buckets from Braelen Bridges, Caleb Asberry and four fast break points by Holmes giving Paternostro’s squad a steadily growing lead.
Leicester were now running hot, playing wonderful transition basketball combining effective defence with ruthlessness on offense.
Even Eagles’ talisman Johnson was struggling to hit shots, and when scores from Pinson and Miryne Thomas dropped, the visitors were staring at a 15-point deficit.
Leicester were also riding the heat of Holmes’ hand, the two-guard boasting 17 points after hitting every one of his shots from the floor.
A lengthy break following a facial injury to Thomas slowed Riders’ momentum, but Holmes quelled any thoughts of a quick Newcastle comeback with another triple.
The Eagles were still dangerous though, big-bodied forward Malcolm Delpeche wowing both sets of supporters with a thunderous dunk off an alley-oop.
With Newcastle’s shooters hitting a cold snap and the Riders’ second unit continuing to dominate the floor, Leicester entered the final stanza holding a comfortable 20-point lead.
Leicester’s exceptional play continued into the fourth, a cool-headed Washington draining a step back three to build the lead further.
The Eagles could not handle the Riders’ defensive intensity, and with Holmes looking impossible to defend, the result looked certain with six minutes still to go.
The contest meandered to a close in jubilant fashion for the Riders’ faithful as their team saw out the well-earned win.
Late ejections for Green and Darius Defoe for persistent fouling summed things up for the visitors, who will be hoping for better as they look to move up the BBL championship table.
Important Notice: Abbey Park Fireworks Event on November 4th
Leicester Riders fixture on November 4th, 7:30 pm, at Morningside Arena Leicester is set to coincide with Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display.
The Arena are working with Leicester City Council to ensure both events can proceed successfully.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for fans visiting the Arena for Saturday night’s fixture, please note the following information.
Congestion The Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display is expected to draw a substantial crowd.
As a result, heightened traffic congestion may occur in the vicinity. We kindly request fans to prepare for potential travel delays when commuting to and from the game.
We recommend planning your travel routes in advance and allowing extra time for any unforeseen traffic hold-ups.
Parking
In light of the anticipated crowd attending the fireworks event at Abbey Park, fans are strongly advised to avoid parking in the Abbey Park car park on the day of the game.
Memory Lane and Charter Street parking areas remain unaffected by the event. Fans can continue to utilize these parking facilities without the risk of interference from the fireworks event.
We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to an exciting game night!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Basketball came late to Cleveland-born Miryne Thomas. At 15, he was searching for a direction to shape his life until the game found him.
Now, he suits up as a professional, competing for the Leicester Riders as one of their marquee players.
The 24-year-old reflected on where it all started:
“I talked with my mum about my future and what I wanted to do in life. I told her that I wanted to go to school and break the generational curse that had been on our family.
“One day in high school, some NCAA advocates showed us the statistics of how many high school students go on to play sport in college. I knew I could be one. I was athletic and felt I had enough time to get good enough.”
With his dream of attending college spurring him on, he applied every part of himself to basketball. That included moving schools to give himself every chance of getting a scholarship.
“The school I was at was very academically focused, so I changed to Central Catholic where athelticim was through the roof. They had three State Championships before I got there and had people go to D1 year after year. I knew that was where I was supposed to be.”
Thomas received a scholarship from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and transferred to Ball State after his Freshman year, then to Kent State as a Senior.
He accomplished what he set out to, graduating in the summer with a B.A. in Telecommunications Video Production and an M.A. in Promotional Management and Tourism.
“Getting to college was never about going pro. It was all about getting a degree and becoming the first in my family to do that. But when I got there, it was clear I was getting better than a lot of the other guys, and one day, my coach told me that I can do this professionally.
“Now I’m a first-generation college graduate, and doing what I love for a living. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.”
Cleveland: This is for you!
Living in Cleveland during that period meant there was no shortage of basketball inspiration. The Cavaliers’ 2016 Championship inspired a city, and Thomas was there to witness it all.
“Game Seven was in Golden State, and we had a watch party outside the Cavs arena. When the confetti came down, me and my friends started crying. Balling our eyes out. We’d never experienced something like that for our city.
“Growing up in the inner city was always one of the most dangerous places in America. It was overwhelming that the same city accomplished that. It gave people hope that things can be better despite all the darkness.”
The NBA title coming to Cleveland gave Thomas an extra push to fight for his dream.
“I had been playing basketball for one year at the time, and it kicked me into gear. It gave me an extra push to show me I can do it. I remember crying and looking at my friend and saying: ‘We can really be something. Lebron was just a normal kid before he was Lebron.’”
It wasn’t only the star of the city who inspired a young Thomas. Watching the 2016 Cavs showed him that the team is a sum of its parts, and every player down the roster is pivotal to team success.
“I was never the star, so I took a lot of inspiration from the guys who knew their role and helped get the team over the line. It showed me that everyone has an oar on the boat, and they all have to work in the same direction. JR Smith was the guy I looked up to.”
Returning to Central Catholic after that summer, Thomas’ drive saw him achieve his dream. As a former boxer, his devotion to his craft came naturally.
“My work ethic Carried over from boxing. Working as a boxer is so much harder, so applying myself to basketball has never been a problem.
“Being from Cleveland, you can’t just be athletic. We’re inner-city kids: everyone’s athletic! In order to stand out, I realised I had to find a way to be different. The way I did that was learning how to shoot effectively.
“My coaches told me if I got 10,000 shots up over the offseason I could become a shooter. So I followed that plan, worked hard on my shot, and it became automatic.
“That work ethic has carried over to college and the pros. If I play badly I’d be practising the next day, so why is it any different if I play well? You have to keep your grind and process consistent.”
Teammates become family
Thomas quickly learned, coming up as a collegiate athlete the importance of a team pulling in the same direction. Despite finding differences with a teammate to start the year, they ended it as brothers.
“At Ball State, in my sophomore year, we played Kent State and things got a bit chippy between myself and Malique Jacobs who played for them. A couple of years down the line I transferred to Kent State, and he was still there.
“We didn’t have the best relationship off the bat. We just couldn’t see eye to eye.
“But at the end of the year we won the MAC Championship, and when we sealed the Championship game, he walked to me and said ‘It was all worth it’.
“I got the same feeling you get when you’re plummeting down on a rollercoaster. This was a guy who I’d clashed with going back three years, and those few words just cleared the air in an instant.
“We’re like brothers now. We had to battle through not loving each other to becoming family.”
Knowing the importance of the collective unit is one of Thomas’ great strengths. As a rookie, he came to the Riders understanding that he had to get on the same page as his new teammates.
“If you want to be successful, you have to understand your teammates as people. We all come form different backgrounds, upbringings and families, and we all have to find a way to find common ground.”
💥TO THE RACK!
Miryne Thomas showing his strength inside as he shrugs off the defence to SLAM home for @RidersBball!
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) October 6, 2023
That has come naturally to this group, who have connected on and off the court.
“I love this team. Mo, Kimbal and Conner are the best vets I’ve ever had. I love their energy.
“Kimbal is one of the greatest people I will ever play basketball with. Mo is such a point of wisdom in my life, and he always has something to say that will help. Conner is like me; he comes with energy, and I look up to him and want to be like him.”
As he did when he first found the game, Thomas has hit the ground running in Leicester. He has two Team of the Week selections, put up a team-leading 20-point double in back-to-back games, and ranks top 10 in the British Basketball League in rebounds.
In his ninth year of playing basketball, the sky is the limit for this ever-improving talent.
It was another busy weekend of Academy fixtures with 9 of our teams in action. Check out our coaches thoughts below.
U14 Boys Premier 58-88 Manchester Magic
“After a slow start against a strong team. We found ourselves behind but the team in the second half played some great basketball on defence and on the fastbreak showing a lot of positives to take away from the game and to improve.” – Coach Ricardo.
U18 men 59-83 Leicester Dynamite
“U18 men lose to Dynamite in a well fought game. The difference was the very effective zone press and better energy shown by Dymanite in the first quarter, that built a deep lead for the home team. Riders did not give in and managed to get back into the game (-13 in the third) to then not find the energy to complete the come back. Harry Smith led the team with a good scoring and defensive performance.” – Coach Pietro.
U15 Boys58-65 Birmingham Bears
U16 Boys Conference 69-71 Doncaster Eagles
U16 Boys Premier 71-67 Trafford Magic
U16 Girls Premier 54-56 Manchester Mystics
U16 Girls Conference 61-29 Leicester Warriors
“Another good win for the girls! We ran a great offence and adapted well to different defence styles that we have not come up against before. Despite having to overcome some adversity, the girls played very well!” – Coach Neve.
U12 Red 48-82 Sheffield Sharks
“A tough first game for us but it was a great learning experience for the team. It was wonderful to give 9 players their first experience at this level.” – Coach Greg.
Earlier this week we headed over to Whitehall Primary School to deliver an assembly on Black History Month for both their KS1 & KS2 students. The aim of the assembly was to educate, inspire and create discussion on Black History and how it has influenced who we are today as a community.
The assembly was led by our Inclusion Activator Myalls Martin who spoke to the students about his story, key figures who influenced him growing up and how black history has shaped the person he is today.
“It was a liberating experience delivering the Black History Month assembly to Whitehall Primary. Black History is a subject that is close to my heart from a professional and personal stand point, so to be able to educate and inspire the students is something I am extremely proud of.” – Myalls Martin, Leicester Riders Foundation Inclusion Activator.
“I just wanted to take this opportunity on behalf of Whitehall Primary School to say a huge thank you to Myalls for taking the Black History Assembly this afternoon. Myalls’s story, background, and messaging to the children was extremely powerful. Myalls was in his enthusiastic element and had a had an amazing impact on the students.” – Neal Ruparelia, PE Consultant at Whitehall Primary School.
The students were engaged throughout the assembly and were encouraged to get involved, discussing black role models who have had an impact on their personal journey and highlighting the challenges that they have overcame to get to where they are today.
Here at the Leicester Riders Foundation we believe that it is important to share the stories of those who have inspired and impacted our lives and use these stories to educate the younger generation.
We’ve launched a WhatsApp Channel to bring you all of the latest news, closer to the Team than you’ve ever been before.
Reasons to Follow our Channel
Get Riders news straight to your phone
You’ll get all the latest updates from around the club
We want your feedback. Use the reaction function to give us a 👍 or 👎 to reply to any questions we ask
Click here to join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest stories and updates from the club.
It looks and feels like any other chat on WhatsApp. You won’t be able to comment or reply, but you can use emoji reactions.
Privacy is also important, so other followers of the channel won’t see any of your personal information like your name and number.
How to Join our WhatsApp Channel
If you’re browsing on your iPhone or Android, just click this invite link and it will take you to the channel – then click “Follow” at the top-right of the screen. You might need to update to the latest version of WhatsApp.
And once you’re in, hit the bell at the top of the screen to get notifications for our breaking stories. Remember: you can turn them off at any time!
You can also find the Leicester Riders channel via the ‘Updates’ icon on the menu bar.
Tap on any post to read the story, see the photo or watch the clip. Press and hold a post to react with an emoji.
Messages will vanish from the channel after 30 days, so make sure you don’t miss out!
Check out what went on in our 8 Academy fixtures that took place on October 21st & 22nd.
U16 Boys Conference 61-50 Leicester Warriors
“Great to get a win against Warriors, every player stepped up in a game that challenged the lads to stay focused. Honourable mentions go to Rance for his offensive intensity getting to the basket, Denis closing out the game with 2 clutch steal and scores, along with our bigs Ramaan and Lucious for getting crucial And 1 baskets in the game.” – Coach Ryan.
U16 Girls Conference 56-44 Northants Lightning
“It was a great win to start the season for the u16s girls conf! We managed to run effective offence and be active on defence to create a lead that we held throughout the game. There is still lots to work on and perfect but it was a great start!” – Coach Neve.
U16 Boys Conference 63-62 Sheffield Elite II
“To come away with a gritty comeback win and chase the mistakes we made early on, was impressive to see. We were challenged by a tough Sheffield side, though to see the building spirit from the boys was credit to them. Flynn gets a shout out with his 3 to ice the game.” – Coach Ryan.
U15 Boys 38-59 Northants Thunder
“The game was a real tale of two halves. We struggled offensively in the first half, not taking advantage of some good defence we were playing. But in the second half, they switched on and implemented the adjustments really well. Lots to take away from it but happy with how we responded.” – Coach Damon.
U16 Girls Premier 58-86 Milton Keynes Breakers
“In a game full of controversy, the girls played well in what had the potential to be a very good game. We look to bounce back next week” – Coach Lewis.
U16 Boys Premier 50-86 Milton Keynes Breakers
“We came out on fire pushing Mk all the way showing much improvement from the last game. Despite the score line I am happy with the improvement within our team, we are going in the right direction.” – Coach Emo.
U18 Men 48-74 Leicester Warriors
“It was a bad day at the office for the young men, just struggled to find rhythm against a well drilled warriors team. The team are looking forward to getting back on the practice floor with Coach Pietro and look get back to winning ways in their next game.” – Coach Lewis.
U14 Boys 21-109 Derby Trailblazers
“A Well drilled all round Derby team caused us problems in transition. A positive to take away is that we didn’t give up and the 3/4 quarter we played better defence and offence, scoring 12 points in the fourth.” – Coach Ady.
The Riders host the Manchester Giants on their opening night of the Women’s British Basketball League.
Attempting to follow up on making all three domestic finals last season, Leicester’s revamped roster will test themselves in competitive action for the first time in this one.
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Manchester Giants
Netball & Badminton Centre- Loughborough University
The Riders enter a new era under newly appointed Head Coach Ben Stanley, who brought in a plethora of new signings among returning familiar faces.
Accompanying the likes of Mckenzie Johnstone and Jessica Eadsforth-Yates, who played a pivotal part in last season’s success, are six new additions to the roster.
Australian guard Sam Ashby, Israeli forward Shahd Abboud and American pair Rayven Peeples and Taylor O’Brien are just a few of the new faces suiting up the East Midlands this season.
Back in the lab ahead of Saturdays season opener! 🧪
🎟 Get your tickets for the game via the link below ⬇️
They impressed in pre-season, beating the Sheffield Hatters and Newcastle Eagles, the latter by 20 points on the road.
The League Championship will prove a whole new task, but early signs are positive for the new Riders roster.
Giants re-franchise
Over the summer, the Manchester Mystics franchised to become the Manchester Giants, putting both men’s and women’s basketball under the same name in Manchester.
🤝🟢 The @McrMetMystics have re-franchised to join the @McrGiants, forming an exciting dynasty for basketball in the city.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) July 24, 2023
The Mystics have left a lasting legacy on the sport, having played nine seasons in the Women’s British Basketball League, memorably lifting the Cup in 2017.
Their first signing of the summer: British Basketball legend Georgia Anderson who returns to action following a season away from the game after the birth of her first child.
Accompanying Anderson is Leah McDerment, who won the quadruple with the London Lions last season, Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist Hannah Shaw, and former Rider Brooklynn McAlear-Fanus.
With a talented roster marking the start of a new-Giants era, Manchester will have high aspirations going into their first game of the season.
Key matchup
Having spent a year on the sidelines, Georgia Anderson will be itching to get back on the court for this season opener.
The 5’8” point guard is one of the League’s all-time greats, leading the Women’s British Basketball League in all-time Regular Season assists (942) and steals (255), ranks third in scoring (2226) and defensive rebounds (615) and in the top four overall for overall rebounds, assists per game and games played.
The last time we saw Anderson in action, she put up 13.8 points, seven assists, 4.3 rebounds and two steals per game.
Facing up against her, and a player who will play a pivotal role from the same spot is American guard Taylor O’Brien.
The rookie signed to the Riders from Flordia State, having averaged 6.7 points for the Seminoles last season.
She spent four years prior at Bucknell University, leading the team in scoring for two straight seasons and earning a place on the All-Patriot League First team for 2021 and 2022. The Pennsylvania native averaged 16.7 points and 6.5 rebounds in her final season with the Bison.
O’Brien also owns Bucknell’s record in the outdoor high jump and was named to the second Team All-Patriot League with a runner-up finish in the 2019 Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
That athleticism will aid in her defensive efforts against Anderson, as they battle for supremacy in the backcourt.
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Coach’s thoughts: Rob Paternostro on the season so far
Let me start by saying how much your support has meant to the team to start the season. The way you all have embraced our guys, and the new players we have, means a lot to them and myself, and it’s something I’ve come to expect from our tremendous fanbase.
The season is in full swing, and I’m excited about the group we have. As a coach, you’re always looking to improve each game, and I think that we are doing exactly that.
It’s been nice to see the work we’ve done in practice translate over to the court. When I look at our team I feel like we have a high ceiling. We’re nowhere near our best right now, and as the season goes on, that’s what we’re striving for.
Since the opening game, our communication on defence, our transition defence and our ball movement and spacing continue to improve. They’re all work in progress, and now the guys have been together for a couple of months, they’re starting to get a feel for what each other on the floor.
Our game against Plymouth was a pivotal test for us, and I think winning a close game after a loss was important for this team. We showed that not only do we improve game to game, but quarter to quarter.
That was an important step for us. To shrug off a below-par half on the defensive end and respond with better play in the second half showed real maturity and intelligence. And when you have a new group, winning a tight, tough game can certainly build confidence.
When you look at our roster, we have so many guys we can turn to that can make an impact on the game. Our depth is huge, and that becomes especially important with so many games in this league and a lot of two-game weekends.
I’ve been impressed with so many of our players. Jaren Holmes has done a really good job of making plays, and his physicality has been tough for defences. Braelen Bridges’ ability to finish around the basket is really impressive.
Kimbal Mackenzie, TJ Lall and Sam Idowu playing off the bench in this winning streak has been crucial for us. In our wins, those three have made a really good impact, and it’s important to have those types of players on the bench.
Early in the season, we’re a team that is fast and can play in the open floor. We’re unpredictable and can win in different ways with different guys. We have a roster deep enough to where the other team can’t figure out where we’re going.
Being able to win in multiple ways is especially important when you look at the strength of the League across the board. Teams being allowed six imports have changed things. Each team has numerous dangerous players, and it doesn’t look like the type of league where you can play poorly and expect to win.
You need to play well, or teams will get you. It looks like the League is going to be really competitive, even though it’s hard to tell this early. Night in and night out, you need to play well to come away with wins.
That means we’ll need all of our fans behind us every night. The margins are so tight this season, that the extra push from the stands is as important as ever. Thank you for your incredible support, and we hope to make this season an enjoyable one for you all.
Mackenzie was Player of the Game on Friday night, scoring a game-high 22 points against the Surrey Scorchers and putting up six assists and six rebounds.
He followed up the next day with another playmaking exhibition against the Manchester Giants, dishing another six assists on the road.
“Sometimes, I don’t know how I’m still playing.”- Samuel Idowu on battling back from injury
After over a season on the sidelines, Samuel Idowu battled back from injury to take to the court for the Leicester Riders. The American/Brit has returned to the UK after months of dedication to his recovery.
“I surprised myself at what I could endure,” reflected Idowu. “I always knew I was a hard worker, but this was different. From September 2022 to August 2023, I was in rehab at 10 am every day, sometimes until 7 pm.
“It’s not easy, and it gave me a newfound respect for people who have gone through serious injuries that lead to multiple surgeries. I had to do it two years in a row, and it was a massive mental challenge.
“With everything I’ve gone through to get here, I sometimes don’t know how I’m still playing.”
After a dominant two-year stretch to start his professional career in Europe, averaging 16.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the Netherlands as a rookie, Idowu suffered a ruptured patella in May 2021 and was sidelined for the first time.
He returned the following season after going through knee surgery, and despite his continued elite play, all wasn’t right with Idowu’s body.
“Something had gone wrong with the first surgery, and while I was able to play, I was told the injury was going to happen again. After months of rehab to get back onto the court, I had to go through the whole process again.
“Luckily, the surgery went well the second time, and I took no chances with my recovery. I spent the whole year out to focus on it.”
For any athlete, sitting on the sidelines is a mental challenge. Despite his calm demeanour, this was no different for Idowu.
“It was new for me. Sitting out was really difficult. I’m a level-headed person and I don’t usually stress or get too anxious, but sitting for a whole year was really hard.
“It wasn’t too difficult at the beginning when I could barely walk. My whole focus was on being able to stand. But once I was out of my brace and I could walk or even run, I started thinking I could play, which was really dangerous.
“My body wasn’t there yet, but my mind was ready. I was shooting a little bit and feeling like I could play, which just made me want to do more.
“That was a seven-month period where it was a battle to keep myself off the court, knowing I wasn’t 100% ready to be back.”
After his second surgery, Idowu didn’t take the court until his first practice in Leicester. Many would be anxious to test their injury, hoping the hard work in rehab had paid off. But Idowu’s love of the game left no room for emotion, barring his itching excitement.
“I couldn’t wait to get back on the court. I wasn’t scared. There was so much emotion that goes into joining a new team, so to get back to it felt great. I missed it a lot, and it feels amazing to be able to trust my body.”
His impact was immediate for the Riders. In his first competitive outing, he was named Player of the Game after scoring 12 points in his debut.
“I’m seeing the improvements in my game, and I’m starting to get back to the player I was before. Those small improvements meant a lot. I trained myself to think about that during rehab, so I’m appreciating the little gains I can make on the court.”
Idowu finds himself as a veteran on a young Riders team, tasked with helping to guide six rookies through their first season of professional basketball.
In his five years as a pro, he has been on winning teams and losing teams, and understands what it takes to be the former.
“I try to reiterate the fact that in order for us to win, everyone has to buy in. That was an issue with some teams I’ve been on in the past.
“That’s the main thing that excited me about this team. We get along off the court: the chemistry between us is incredible.
“Everyone has bought into winning. Every game, there’s a different Player of the Game. We don’t care as long as we win.
“Of course, guys want to individually play as well as they can, but it’s ultimately about the team goal. It’s about winning the game. I’m excited to be a part of that winning culture.”
Part of that buy-in comes from the Riders bench, whose play has earned the team the reputation for having one of the deepest rosters in the British Basketball League. Idowu is an integral part of that unit, which takes pride in the impact it can have later in the game.
“We want teams to look at us like we have two starting lineups. Even though we’re coming in off the bench, we still play to the standard of the starters, so there’s no break for the other team.
“That keeps everyone fresh. Coach Rob likes to play everybody, and that keeps our energy up throughout the game.”
As he continues to get back to his best, Idwou’s impact on the Riders roster has proved his dedication in rehab was well worth the wait. He’s proved an invaluable addition to the Riders since his arrival, and expect much more to come.
Leicester Riders improved to 4-1 with a 92-74 win against the Surrey Scorchers.
Here’s how the team reacted to the win…
Rob Paternostro
The Riders blew the game open in the third quarter, holding the Scorchers to five points over an eight-minute stretch. Head Coach Rob Paternostro credited the defensive success to the team’s work on the glass.
“Defensively, we were solid when we started rebounding. We had trouble on the boards early, and they had 15 offensive rebounds in the first half. Once that picked up, it was a solid night for us.
“I don’t think we played particularly well offensively at times, there was some sloppy play, but all in all it was a really good game with contributions from a lot of players on the bench tonight.”
The Riders got 47 of their points off the bench, led by Player of the Game Kimbal Mackenzie who put up 22.
“Kimbal of course played well with those numbers, and I think the rest of the unit did a really good job on defence. TJ Lall and Conner gave us some really good minutes, and it’s nice to have a bench you have confidence in.
“That becomes especially relevant when you play back-to-back games. Nobody played more than 26 minutes tonight, so it was a total team effort.”
The team returns to action tonight on the road against the Manchester Giants. Paternostro spoke on how he plans to prepare the team for the clash.
“Ice baths for the guys! But overall, we’ve got to be focused. When you play a back-to-back, you don’t have an opportunity to talk about that team until the day of the game, so tomorrow we’ll have a meeting to go over them.
“They’re a talented team that played London close last week, so it’s going to be really important to utilise the bench.”
Kimbal Mackenzie
Mackenize led the game with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists, his best statistical performance of the season to date.
He saw the positives of the victory, while recognising the team did not execute a perfect game.
“It was a good win. Any time you can get one in the win column it’s a good thing in this league.”
“We were a little better on the glass than we had been the rest of the game. Today, we were good in stretches and not so good in other stretches, but that’s the nature of the early season. We need to keep getting better.”
The newly formed group have hit the ground running, winning four games on the bounce.
“I’m proud of the guys. Everyone is coming into their own and starting to find themselves as a team. We have a lot of room to grow, and everyone on the team will tell you that, but we’re definitely glad to get four in a row.”
Sam Idowu
After the Riders’ opening night loss to the Cheshire Phoenix, the Riders have bounced back emphatically, putting themselves in a positive position going into the rest of the year.
Riders forward Sam Idowu said the loss made it clear to the team that they needed to lock in.
“The opening game set the tone for us to turn things around quickly, so I’m glad we reacted positively, and that’s led to a four-game winning streak. It feels good to have done that, and we all want to keep the ball rolling and build momentum.”
Idowu matched up against Scorchers big man Saiquan Jamison, who battled on the boards all evening. He finished with 10 points and nine rebounds, but had more joy in the first half than the second.
“Stopping him was something we prioritised. We recognised we needed to keep him off the glass, so it was about boxing him out and being the first to react to the ball coming off the rim.
“We wanted to make sure they didn’t build any momentum from offensive rebounds. We didn’t do a good job of that early, but in the second half, we controlled the glass.”
Idowu had nine points and nine rebounds in the game, making his presence known on the inside. He also drained a three to extend the Riders’ lead in the third.
“It felt good to step outside and hit a three. Being versatile really helps open up different parts of my game, so that’s something I’ll keep working on.”
It’s early in the season, but the British Basketball League is starting to take shape!
Here we take you through the early statistical talking points for the Riders.
Scoring success
The Riders find themselves near the top of the offensive charts, following back-to-back games putting up 92 points. They rank second in points per game with 89.5, and in field goal percentage hitting on 50% of their shot attempts.
Their ball movement leads to 19 assists per game, third-best in the League, and every player sees involvement in the dynamic offence. 10 Riders are scoring over seven points this season: Leicester’s deep roster getting contributions from top to bottom.
Much of the Riders’ success in scoring the ball has come at the free-throw line. They shoot the most free throws in the league, 27.5 per game, converting their foul shots at a 74.55% rate.
Aggressive play in attacking the hoop gets the team to the line, and opponents in foul trouble, proving an effective way to get points on the board.
Braelen’s efficiency
Braelen Bridges’ scoring ability at the hoop means he leads the League’s efficiency charts by a wide margin.
His 18-21 shooting from the field leaves him at 85.7%, over 20% more than the second most efficient scorer in the League, Leicester’s own Samuel Idowu.
With his efficient numbers, Bridges caught the eye last time out against the Newcastle Eagles. He put up 15 points, and more impressively, went 6-6 from the field, not missing a shot.
Alongside Idowu, Bridges ranks 12th in the League in blocks per game, and is scoring 11 points per game on the season so far.
His ability to muscle in close and score consistently with his touch around the rim makes him a deadly threat inside.
Pinson’s playmaking
Establishing himself early as one of British Basketball’s elite playmakers, Xavier Pinson leads the League with his assist numbers through four games. The Chicago-born guard dishes six per game, and boasts an assist:turnover ratio of 3:1.
Pinson dishes an assist on 40% of his possessions, second most in the League. His best game sharing the rock came against the Bristol Flyers, where he put up a near double-double with nine assists.
🐴💬 "If I win MVP … it doesn't mean anything if we don't get the Championship."
Miryne Thomas named to British Basketball League Team of the Week
Riders forward Miryne Thomas has been named to the British Basketball League’s Team of the Week, following his performance in the Riders 92-85 road win against the Newcastle Eagles.
🔥🥵WHAT A SQUAD! The Team of the Week is ELITE … stacked with incredible performances!
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) October 9, 2023
Thomas led the Riders to victory with 17 points, seven rebounds and a block, injecting energy into the Riders’ roster with ferocious attacks at the rim.
He went 6-11 from the field in 29 minutes of action, finishing with a game-high +/- of 16.
💥TO THE RACK!
Miryne Thomas showing his strength inside as he shrugs off the defence to SLAM home for @RidersBball!
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) October 6, 2023
“I’m living my dream. I’ve been working to get here for over 10 years, and now I’m soaking it in,” said Thomas post-game.
“I’ve been telling the team I’m here to run and get tired. If I have zero points and rebounds and we come out with a win, I’m as happy as I would be if I had 100 points.”
This season the Leicester Riders Foundation is offering number of opportunities for you to get involved through our new volunteer programme.
Below are the roles available and you can apply for any of the roles below by CLICKING HERE.
Team Manager
The Role of a Team Manager is to Support the Head Coach with one of Junior National League Academy teams, take lead on communication between parents, kit washing and collecting and handing and making sure the team has all of the equipment they need for game day.
Community Sessions Assistant
This is an opportunity to shadow one of our coaches to learn the roles and responsibilities of a coach whilst supporting on data collection, registers and case studies.
Game Day Activator
Game Day Activators will support LRF staff on our Leicester Riders Game Day activation zone, helping to promote sessions and raise money for hardship fund via our shooting games. This is a great day to be a part of a Leicester Riders Game Day.
Game Day Manager Assistant
Game Day Manager Assistants will support our Junior National League Academy Game Days when we have numerous fixtures at the Morningside Arena. Game Day Manager Assistants will act as a welcome host to opposition and inform them of changing rooms, court timings and make sure that game day runs smoothly.
Table Officiating
Learning how to officiate the game of basketball and towards a qualification in the process.
Refereeing
Learning how to referee the game of basketball and towards a qualification in the process.
Coaching
Learning about all the aspects of being a basketball coach at community and academy levels shadowing and mentored by our qualified staff.
Statistician
Learning how to take stats for our Academy teams.
Team Leader
Certain projects that we run at the Leicester Riders Foundation need a youth worker to liaise with participants and staff so the role wouldd provide opportunities to learn about specific themes such as NCS or working with the Local Police and Home office.
Event support staff
Event Support Staff will engage with schools, communities and charities on various events to raise awareness of the foundation and its delivery sessions and projects.
Birthday Host
Be an integral part of our game day experience by being one of our birthday hosts and welcoming our birthday ballers into the Arena on game day. You will also be a liaison point for parents, guardians or group leaders ensuring that all aspects of their birthday package and game day experience are met.
Chuck A Duck
Chuck A Duck is a fan interaction game that takes place during the 3rd quarter of Leicester Riders games. In this role you will be responsible for selling the ducks and making sure that the activity runs smoothly.
Game Day Season Guide Seller
At Leicester Riders games you will be responsible for selling our Leicester Riders Season guides and game day team sheets.
Steward
Our game day Stewards will be on hand on Leicester Riders games to help fans find their seats and be on hand to help with anything they may need throughout the game.
Courtside Hospitality Host
Courtside hospitality hosts will greet our sponsors and help them to find their seats and that they have an enjoyable game day experience.
For any of the roles above working with children you will be required to go through and full reference check and have a DBS.
The Leicester Riders Foundation offers a wide range of Education programmes from Primary School through to University provision. Our Education offering includes in school coaching, development days, mentoring programmes and much more.
Leicester Riders took a convincing win on the road, beating the Bristol Flyers 92-74. Miryne Thomas led the game with 18 points, shooting 7-10 from the field in a red-hot performance.
Supporting Thomas in a strong team display was Xavier Pinson, whose playmaking provided an offensive spark throughout. He dished a game-high nine assists to pair with his 17 points, pulling the strings with his flashy passing.
The Riders cooked from deep, going to come away with victory in their first road game of the season. They exploded out to a 37-10 lead after a quarter, and fended off a Flyers second-quarter comeback to see the game out comfortably.
In contrast, the South Westerners struggled to get their three-ball falling, going 6-31. American guard Tevin Olison was the hot hand for Bristol, putting up 17 points and shooting 37% from range.
The win improved Leicester’s record to 2-1 early in the season after last week’s win against Plymouth.
The Riders charged out the gate, forcing turnovers from the Flyers, which led to points in transition. Thomas hit a three from the corner with five minutes gone to make it a 20-2 Leicester lead.
Thomas dominated the paint in the opening stages. His buckets inside set the tone for the Riders’ explosion to start the game, his interior play opening up the three for his tenth points of the game.
Leicester caught fire from deep, hitting tough deep shots consistently to extend their advantage. Kimbal Mackenzie concluded the first, his turnaround jumper making it 37-10 in their favour.
The Flyers showed fight in the second, scoring the first seven points of the quarter to cut into their deficit. They crashed the offensive glass to generate second possessions and generate momentum.
British forward Raphell Thomas-Edwards had five offensive rebounds and 11 points by the half, Bristol’s rebounding making it a single-digit game after the Riders led by 27 after one.
The Riders responded coming out of the break, stretching the lead back to 16 following a pair of contested Xavier Pinson triples.
With the Riders having snatched back momentum, Thomas heated up once again, hitting a three off a no-look Pinson pass, and an and-one play next time up the floor.
Thomas forced a Flyers timeout with a minute and a half left in the third, making it 72-52 and bagging his 18th points.
With a significant lead in the final period, the Riders saw the game out in the fourth, keeping Bristol at arm’s length until the buzzer.
The Riders play the second game of their two-game road trip on Friday, taking on the Newcastle Eagles. Newcastle look to bounce back after their first loss of the season last time out, so expect a fiercely fought encounter between long-standing rivals in British Basketball.
Leicester Riders secured their first win of the season, beating the Plymouth City Patriots 88-81.
Here’s what Head Coach Rob Paternostro and game MVP TJ Lall had to say postgame.
Coach Rob- “It wasn’t perfect, but we showed a lot of character.”
The Riders found themselves down nine going into halftime, having given up 35 points in the second quarter to their opponents.
They responded in the second half, and were able to overcome the deficit.
“We had to play better defence in the second half and be a little tougher,” said Paternostro.
“The challenge I set at halftime was for the guys to give it their all on the defensive side of the ball, and we held them to 29 in the second half.
“We did a really good job defensively, and that was important. When we’re getting stops, we can run in transition, which is where we’re strong.”
The return of rookie guard Caleb Asberry from injury lit a spark in the Riders backcourt. His gritty performance led to six points and four rebounds in 13 minutes of action.
“I thought Asberry gave us some really good minutes. He hasn’t played in a while, and defensively he was really solid.
“Caleb adds a lot. He’s quick, and he wins the ball. When the ball is loose, he has a talent for finding it. He can really shoot and make plays on the other end. He was in the lineup that turned the game around.”
It was a gutsy win for the Riders, bouncing back from their defeat to the Cheshire Phoenix on opening night. It was important, in a lot of ways, to get a win on the board.
“It wasn’t perfect, but we certainly showed a lot of character to be able to come back and get the win. We have to understand that we’ve only been together a few weeks. We have to have patience. We have a lot of bodies, and we need to get as healthy as we can.
“A game like tonight will give the team some confidence that they can win a game in the fourth quarter.”
“That’s what was impressive for me. It was a tough loss last week, and no one felt good going into practice. We had a good week of practice, but then we went into halftime down nine.
It was a challenge at halftime to come out and show some mental toughness to get the job done. We have a lot of work to do, but hopefully, we can keep getting better and better.”
TJ Lall- “It was good to get our first win.”
Canadian wing TJ Lall was named MVP after putting up 14 points, four rebounds and two blocks in a well rounded performance.
Lall showed to the Riders faithful his ability to do what is needed to secure a victory. He battled on the glass, contested shots and put the ball in the basket when it counted.
“It was a hard-fought game,” said Lall. “We struggled on defence early, but in the second half, we turned it up, and good things happened for us. It was good to get our first win.”
He got most of his points in the first half to keep the Riders in it, but made clutch free throws down the stretch with the game in the balance.
Lall was bright throughout, but the team’s intensity left room for improvement following the first half.
“Our energy wasn’t where we wanted it to be. We needed to communicate better and rebound to close out possessions. It really helped us once we improved our standard in those areas.”
“We really picked up the ball pressure near the end of the third quarter and forced some turnovers. That got us some easy transition points and we could see the game out from there.”
DF Precision Machinery Ltd sponsor LRF Academy Kit
A massive thank you to DF Precision Machinery Ltd for sponsoring our new playing kit and warm up tops for our Academy teams this season.
DF Precision Machinery Ltd’s sponsorship has meant that we have been able to provide new kit for all 13 of our teams ahead of the season getting underway this weekend, this would not have been possible without their generosity. The kit will be worn in all Academy fixtures up and down the county in both the National League and YBL competitions.
DF Precision Machinery Ltd’s provide specialist support High precision grinding machines in Sales, Applications and Customer Care. In addition to ensuring they build long term mutually rewarding partnerships with customers and suppliers they also want to give back to the community and the environment. 5% of profits are given to charities and good causes each year. CLICK HERE to visit DF Precision Machinery Ltd’s website. Mike Duignan from DF Precision Machinery Ltd is a parent of one of our Academy players who has been in our Academy for a number of seasons.
“It’s fantastic that we have been able to provide new kit for all 13 teams ahead of the new season. The kits look amazing and it’s great that we have been able to unify the kit across all of our teams. A massive thank you to DF Precision Machinery Ltd, without their sponsorship it wouldn’t have been possible.” – Natalie Narrainen, Academy Lead.
“We are delighted that DF have supported us over the past 2 seasons. We’re so excited to showcase the new kits this season. As our Academy has grown it’s brilliant to provide fresh new kits for all the teams in our Academy that will be showcased across the country” – Laura Shephard, LRF General Manager.
Our first fixture of the season takes place this weekend with our U16 Boys Premier team on the road against Frankley Falcons in the National Cup.
Last Friday’s contest with Cheshire tipped off to the sound of anticipation around the Morningside Arena, as the Riders’ fans saw a new-look squad in competitive action for the first time.
The game proved to be a source of valuable lessons for a unit looking to build cohesion over a long British Basketball League campaign.
While the Riders fell to the Phoenix, Coach Rob’s teams take pride in improvement throughout the long British Basketball League season. The first focus after the season opener: offensive rebounding.
Cheshire only secured five more rebounds than the Riders, but 17 of their 38 total came on the offensive glass. Comparing that to the Riders’ five offensive rebounds paints a clear picture of how the visitors were able to secure the win.
There were positives to be taken from the fixture. Versatile guard Jaren Holmes led the Riders’ scoring charts, dropping 16 points in 32 minutes of play. Many of the rookie’s points came from the free throw line – Holmes the only player to make double digits from the charity stripe.
The Riders shot efficiently (54.9% from the field), helped by the impressive bench duo of Samuel Idowu and Xavier Pinson.
Front-court bruiser Idowu looked excellent from deep, draining three of his four three-point attempts, while Pinson reached his 12 points through a mix of difficult finishes and accurate shooting.
Checking into the tie midway through the third quarter, Pinson led a charge back into the game, which saw the Riders trail by just three with one to play.
A major goal for the Riders this Friday is to gain parity on the boards and play turnover-free basketball.
If they can clean up those areas, the sky is the limit for this quick and athletic unit.
Plymouth’s 2022/2023 in Review
Last season proved to be a tough one for the Patriots who, despite a solid start to the year, finished ninth in the championship standings with a record of 11 wins and 25 losses.
A run of difficult results down the stretch dropped Plymouth level with the Newcastle Eagles and out of the playoffs on head-to-head.
Individually, the Patriots’ brightest spark came in the form of Rashad Hassan, who netted 15.6 points per game and seven rebounds per game. Hassan has departed Plymouth, but donning the colours again this season is lead distributor Elvisi Dusha.
Dusha provided 6.1 assists per outing a season ago, enjoying the best statistical season of his career last year.
Led by Dusha, the Patriots will be hoping 2023/2024 brings with it a playoff place come the end of the season.
Significant Retool for the Patriots
After losing the services of influential players like Hassan and Anontio Williams, the latter leaving midway through last year, the Patriots’ front office has worked hard to rebuild the spine of the team.
Joining Dusha (who has returned as club captain) are no fewer than seven new signings to help Plymouth push for a return to the playoffs.
Perhaps the most notable addition of the South Westerner’s summer comes in the form of recent National Basketball League joint-MVP, Taylor Johnson.
The playmaking guard, who is as dangerous as he is unselfish with the ball in his hands, brings a winning mentality to Plymouth, having led the Hemel Storm to an undefeated season in the NBL Division One last year.
Johnson will be accompanied by second-year pro, TJ Atwood. The 6’6″ wing player, who originates from Texas, comes over from Slovakia, where he spent a season playing for BK Iskra Svit. Atwood got big minutes in Europe, leading the Slovakian Extraliga in time on court.
A Tricky Start
Like the Riders, Plymouth sits a 0-1 after a difficult trip to Bristol last Friday.
The Patriots were downed 82-65 in a low-scoring game plagued with turnovers. Plymouth gave up possession 26 times, giving the Flyers impetus on the fast break and the ability to force trips to the line.
✈️ It’s all over in the south-west and @BristolFlyers take a comprehensive win over rivals @PlymCityPatriot to get their season started on a high!
T. Johnson and Atwood joint top scored with 17 apiece, assisted by Dusha, who dished eight assists on the night.
Expect the Patriots to be much tighter in possession this Friday, especially against a Riders team that possesses an abundance of pace.
Played for Both
Plymouth Head Coach Paul James will be no stranger to his surroundings in this matchup. The Leicester native is one of the longest-serving Head Coaches in British Basketball and suited up in Riders Red during his playing career.
The 59-year-old began coaching in 1996, enjoying long spells with the Thames Valley Tigers, Guildford Heat, Worcester Wolves and the English National Team, most notably earning BBL Coach of the Year in 2007 after guiding the Heat to a league and cup double.
James has also previously played for Leicester, starting as a 17-year-old with the Leicester All-Stars in 1982 until the 1987/88 season that saw the point guard score 6.9 points per game.
The veteran’s battles against Rob Paternostro have spanned over a decade, as they get set to write another chapter in their storied history in this one.
Rob Paternostro: “We have to be able to bounce back after a tough defeat”
The Riders started 0-1 for the 2023-24 season, falling to the visiting Cheshire Phoenix 110-86.
Following his second opening night loss in 16 seasons as Leicester Riders head coach, Rob Paternostro made clear the areas for improvement.
“They beat us up on the glass. That was the main issue we had. They got every second chance point. For me, that and the points-off turnovers were the most disappointing stats. Those are free points in a lot of ways,” said Paternostro postgame.
The Phoenix grabbed 21 offensive rebounds to the Riders’ seven, leading to 18 second-chance points. Leicester’s 20 turnovers led to 24 points for the visitors too.
Cheshire were also lights out from behind the arc all night long. They made 18 on 46% shooting, with big man Skyler White going 7-14 from three, not attempting a two all game.
“Their three ball was going in like crazy. We really struggled to defend them on the three-point line: they were unconscious from out there. We knew they were a three-point shooting team going in, and when they’re shooting the ball like they did, it will be a long night.”
The Riders’ roster featured six rookies playing in their first professional game. Despite their youth, Paternostro made no excuses for them.
“It’s not about your age, it’s about making the right plays. We’re still a new group that has to learn different things, but when you give the ball away, it has nothing to do with how old you are.”
Leicester cast their attention to the Plymouth City Patriots, who they face on Friday. They’ll need to iron out the creases quickly to avoid an 0-2 start.
“We have to challenge ourselves to come out on Friday and play way better. We ran into a team that played great tonight, so I tip my hat to them, but we have to find a way to improve in these areas. If we don’t, no matter who you’re playing, you’ll face a similar result.
“We have to get out on the practice floor and keep our heads up. We’ll figure it out. We have to be able to bounce back after a tough defeat, so we’ll see what they can do this Friday.”
The Riders fell in their season opener against the Cheshire Phoenix.
It was an uncharacteristic performance from Leicester, who suffered from turnovers and rebounding throughout. This marks only the second loss in an opening game for the club during the 16-year-long Rob Paternostro era.
Iowa State guard Jaren Holmes led the team with 16 points, in a game where 20 Riders turnovers proved costly. The Phoenix had three 20-point scorers, led by Aaryn Rai’s 23 in his first British Basketball League game.
Cheshire settled into the new season quickly, taking an early lead after a number of turnovers from the home side.
The Riders quickly quashed any Phoenix momentum in the opening stages, and a monster Miryne Thomas jam assisted by a no-look assist from Kimbal Mackenzie tied it up at 15 five minutes in.
It rained threes for the Riders at the back end of the first half, with big man Sam Idowu hitting three in the quarter, but the Riders trailed by four after one after Cam Christon’s nine-point first period.
The game stayed in the balance until halftime. Mackenzie took over the opening of the second period with six, followed by back-to-back buckets from Blake Bowman, but the Riders struggled to keep Cheshire off the boards.
Cheshire had 11 offensive rebounds by halftime, and new man Skyler White had success in the first half, putting up 13 by the break. Maceo Jack ended the half with an offensive board off a missed White three, making it 51-44 in their favour.
The Phoenix momentum carried into the third quarter, stretching their lead to 12 a minute in. They maintained their double-digit advantage through the third, until the insertion of Xavier Pinson back into the game.
With Pinson in, the Riders hit back-to-back threes, the second by the Chicago-born guard to light a fire into the team. Bowman continued the run with a triple of his own which cut it to five.
To end the third, Pinson went coast to coast, laying it up for two and making it a one-possession game with one to play. It was a 14-4 finish to the quarter for the Riders.
The Phoenix rebuilt their lead in the final period of play, as second-year Phoenix Maceo Jack’s two three-pointers stole back momentum. From there, they ran away with the game, stretching their advantage to by the final buzzer after a flurry of threes.
The Riders are back in action next Friday, looking to bounce back as they host the Plymouth City Patriots.
The Riders enter the 2023-24 season with a revamped and revitalised roster, with seven new additions entering the fray. Early signs in pre-season show a deep, athletic team, which looks to be gelling quickly ahead of a long, demanding British Basketball League season.
The Riders have had contributions all the way down the roster throughout pre-season, and their ability to get out in transition following suffocating defensive possessions makes them a threat to any team in the League.
Leicester outscored their opponents 82-17 in transition in pre-season and will look to utilise their speed throughout the year.
Coach’s thoughts
Head Coach Rob Paternostro looked back on a positive pre-season campaign.
“Looking back on the pre-season, while the results don’t matter in the long run, ultimately, you want a team that will play hard and try and win every possession.
“Those games were important for getting a feel for the rotation and understanding how to play different lineups. The more pre-season games, the better in that sense, and I think it was a successful run of fixtures for us.
“We don’t look too far ahead at this stage of the season, other than wanting to be in great condition. We want to be in great shape to deal with the season, and we want to be a group that loves playing basketball.
“We always want to grow through the season and be better at the end. We have a great track record of playing our best basketball in the second half of the year. But what jumped out to me straight away is how much speed and athleticism we have out there.”
The Phoenix enter this year off the back of what they’ll consider a successful 2022/23. Finishing fifth in the standings with a 19-17 record, they made it to the Playoff semi-final, losing to the eventual champions in the London Lions.
The first round saw them take revenge over the Caledonia Gladiators, whose game-winning shot at the hands of David Sloan saw the Phoenix fall a game short of silverware in the Trophy final.
But making a domestic final showed progress for the North Westerners, who will look to make the final leap this year.
Cheshire’s off-season overhaul
Like the Riders, Cheshire has faced the task of bringing in a new core of players after their five top leading scorers left the club in the offseason. Their most notable departure, leading scorer Larry Austin Jr., signed with the Newcastle Eagles as they look to rebuild after an eight-placed finish last year.
Hoping to compensate for the loss of Austin Jr. at the point guard position, the Phoenix have invested in a number of young American guards. Among them are EJ Stephens from Lafayette College and Laquincy Rideau, who signed from the Slovenian first division.
Time will tell who can step into the shoes of Austin Jr. Early pre-season signs are that one of their few returners, Maceo Jack, may look to step into that role.
Jack went off for a 31-point explosion against last season’s third-placed finishers, the Bristol Flyers. The American guard averaged 10.5 points per game last year, and the performance suggests further improvement in his second professional season.
Pre-season
The Phoenix faced up against British opposition in their pre-season fixtures. In their only game against British Basketball League opposition, Jack’s 31 points still saw them fall 91-83 to the Bristol Flyers.
They did take wins against Loughborough University and the Derby Trailblazers, concluding their pre-season against Derby, beating the NBL opposition 106-83.
The Trailblazers have pulled off upsets against British Basketball League opposition in the Trophy, and put on a good showing in the Trophy semi-final last season against the Phoenix, so the matchup was a good test for the newly formed Cheshire roster.
Played for both
Riders legend and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Jamell Anderson suited up for the Phoneix last season, following eight seasons in Riders’ red.
The 6’8” British forward amassed over 2000 British Basketball League points for the Riders and won eight pieces of silverware for the club. His prowess on the defensive end earned him a spot on the Molten BBL Defensive Team of the Year on three occasions.
Anderson put up his best statistical performances for the Phoenix last season, putting up 13.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, helping the team to the BBL Trophy Final.
The Leicester Riders Foundation is thrilled to offer an energising morning basketball session “Morning Madness” begining on Wednesday 20th September, 7-8:30am.
Open to all adults aged 18 and older, this initiative invites you to harness the power of sport and camaraderie before heading to work. Our expert coaches will guide participants through skill-building drills and friendly games, fostering teamwork and physical fitness in a fun and supportive environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to try something new, our morning basketball session provides an ideal opportunity to improve your game, meet new people, and kickstart your day with a burst of energy. Join us at the Leicester Riders Foundation for an exciting way to start your mornings and elevate your overall well-being through the love of basketball.
Loughborough Basketball can announce the addition of combo guard Megan Curran.
The 18-year-old played for Charnwood College in both the WEABL and U18s competitions last season, alongside the WNBL D1 side.
Curran will compete for the WNBL D1 side and in BUCS competition this season.
She will accompany her playtime with her studies, as she completes her course in Sports Management at Loughborough College.
Curran commented: “I’ve always said the first thing in my mind for continuing my journey is that I want coaches to have a step-by-step plan in mind for me to be able to develop to my full potential, and Loughborough is definitely the place for me to do that.
“I look forward to all the future challenges that come my way whilst knowing my teammates, friends, and family have my back.”
Nick Moodey, Head of Girls Academy at Charnwood College, commented: “Working with Megan during her two years at Charnwood has been super enjoyable, she’s battled through adversity and developed as a person both on and off court.
“I’m excited to see Megan continue her growth within the Riders programme whilst completing her studies at Loughborough College, I know she is ready to work and bring the energy to any team she is a part of.”
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
The Riders took the win in their final pre-season game, beating USA Select 105-62 in their return to the Morningside Arena Leicester.
Here’s what the team had to say after the game.
Rob Paternostro
“I loved the way we jumped on them early. We moved the ball well, defensively, we were in gaps, and we had a huge lead. Once we were up big, the game was played a little differently.
“Our conditioning needs to get better. because I thought at the end we were a little gassed. But all in all, we were good.”
Coach Rob was cautious with Xavier Pinson to start pre-season as he recovered from an injury sustained in the CEBL over the summer, but he made his return to the court last night.
“I liked Xavier out there. He’s a natural point guard and he’s so slick with his dribble. His head is always up because he’s such a good ball-handler who doesn’t need to look at the ball. He can get in gaps and make plays, and tonight he did that.”
“The injuries hurt us at the start of pre-season. Losing Xavier and Caleb hurt us because we haven’t got a good look at who we are with a full roster.
“But overall, I like our depth. It’s been great having Mo and Conner back out there, and I also thought Blake has been great this pre-season. He’s been playing consistently well. We’ve got a lot of good guys, and come Friday, we’ll be able to utilise them.
“We’re happy to be home, and we’re looking forward to having a good crowd for our season opener. It’s always exciting on opening night.”
Blake Bowman
Young star Blake Bowman has impressed in his second Riders pre-season, scoring in double-digits in every game.
“I’m feeling great. It’s a good opportunity to get out there and put on a show for the fans. I’ve been working on the three-point shot, and my dribble pull-up to add some range to my game.”
“As long as Coach Rob trusts me, I’m going to be out on the floor. I just need to make winning plays to force him to keep me out there.”
Bowman was perfect from the field in the game, going 7-7 and 1-1 from three.
Xavier Pinson
Upon his return to court, Xavier Pinson impressed. He had 12 points, three rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes of action.
“It was great to be out there with my teammates. I thought we controlled the pace better than we had throughout the pre-season, and we were sharper as a team. For the most part, I was just happy to be on the court.
“I know the level of competition is set to increase, but after the game, I feel like I’m in great shape. I’m ready to show the fans what we can do.
“I feel like we learned a lot about each other, and what Coach Rob wants from us as a team. It’s a great starting point for us to build going towards the season.”
Miryne Thomas
Miryne Thomas once again showed his scoring ability against USA Select, leading the Riders with 19 points and seven rebounds despite only playing 19 minutes.
After picking up fouls battling inside, Thomas says his biggest focus is staying on the court.
“The biggest thing for me is to play without fouling. I got into foul trouble tonight, so I couldn’t play for long stretches.
“I’m in good shape and feel like I can play hard for 40 minutes, so I want to be in a position where I can play big minutes.”
In his first game in front of the Riders’ home crowd, Thomas fed off the energy.
“I loved the energy here at the Morningside Arena. I liked how the fans reacted to everything we did out there, and after the game, they stayed to give us love.”
Also making a return to action this pre-season was American/British big Sam Idowu, who sat out the previous season.
“I had a lot of fun tonight, and it was great to meet all the fans. It’s nice being on the court again because it’s been a long year and some change sitting out.”
“I feel good. I’m in the best shape I’ve been in a long time. The preparation going into the season has been good, and I’ve played consistent minutes.
“Now I’m impatiently waiting for the season to start. I can’t wait to get going!”
Pre-season report: Riders take win against USA Select
The Leicester Riders welcomed a near-sellout crowd to the Morningside Arena tonight as they hosted a USA Select squad in their final game of the pre-season.
The Riders put on an entertaining display of offence to win 105-62 against a battling USA Select defence that competed well until the final minute, with 34 of the home side’s points coming on the fast break. It is clear that speed will be a major strength for the Riders this season.
Jaren Holmes put in another impressive performance, knocking down 17 points on 58% shooting as well as dishing four eye-catching assists. The 6’4 guard played solid team basketball as he looked to develop chemistry with fan favourite Kimbal Mackenzie and the exciting Xavier Pinson.
Pinson showed some lovely touches, flashing high-level handling skills on multiple occasions on his way to 12 points.
Second-year forward Blake Bowman also impressed, hitting 15 points at a 100% clip to demonstrate the strides he has made during the off-season.
USA Select benefited from good performances by Vaughn McCall and Braden Young, who scored 17 points each.
Tale of the Game
The Riders’ first possession set the tone of the game as all-action guard Mackenzie sliced his way to the rim for an early layup. Mackenzie was joined in the points column by Miryne Thomas, Holmes and Bowman as Leicester built a 16-point lead.
USA Select defended with endeavour but new Riders’ guards Holmes and Pinson looked too sharp – especially from 3-point range.
Leicester took a 30-4 lead into the second quarter but found scoring a much tougher task in the second as the visitors improved their play. USA Select’s captain McCall led the way, showing hustle on both ends of the court and was rewarded with 12 first-half points.
Despite the stiffer challenge, the Riders found a way to make their class show. Pinson repeatedly caught the eye and drew a rapturous cheer from the home crowd as he hit a devastating spin to shake his defender before calmly hitting the layup.
The half came to an end but not before Samuel Idowu stamped some authority on the game.
Retreating on defence, the 6’8 forward dismissed a layup into the front-row seats before muscling his way into the offensive paint to earn a couple of free throws.
The Riders carried their positive offensive play into the second half, Holmes and Pinson unrelenting in their ability to impress the home faithful.
Idowu once more showed why he could be a wall in the paint this season and athletic forward Thomas was quietly building an efficient stat sheet of 19 points and 7 rebounds.
Passing looked slick, especially on the fast break. One surge down the court saw Thomas receive the ball at speed before slamming a huge two-handed dunk.
The USA Select did still have their moments. Braden Young played a nice second half, hitting 50% of his shots from deep, and Xavier Johnson was active on the boards, pulling down an impressive 9 rebounds.
After a cohesive performance on both ends of the court, the Riders’ Coach Rob Paternostro, will feel happy that his squad are ready for the Cheshire Phoenix in next Friday’s British Basketball League opener.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders Foundation are delighted to launch our Annual Report for the 2022/23 season. We’re really proud of all of the work we have done in the Community over the past year and our Annual Report is a fantastic representation of the impact we have had.
Every year, USA Select take on a gruelling European Tour. Last year they played 19 games in 22 days, on a tour spanning four countries and 18 cities.
The team is made up of rookies straight out of college. For some, it’s an opportunity to showcase their talents on the European stage, hoping to secure their first professional contract. For all, it’s a life-changing life experience.
“It’s brutal, but it’s fun,” explained Sean Kilmartin, Head Coach and General manager of USA Select.
“We don’t frame this as a mental burden, we frame it as an opportunity. They have the chance at an experience that their friends may never receive.”
Kilmartin has personally scheduled each and every camp. He directly organised in excess of 500 games with professional teams all over Europe. He has booked every hotel, flight, train, and bus ride for hundreds of players on tour.
He has personally spoken to each and every one of their players, and helped negotiate every contract for every player signed professionally.
“All the coaching staff have other careers, and the tour costs us money every year. It’s completely self-funded. We take the cost of our trip, divide it by the amount of players, and that’s how much we charge. The coaches pay their own way every year.”
The coaching challenge alone is mammoth. With limited time, Kilmartin and his staff turn a brand new group of young men into a functional team, ready to take on professionals overseas.
And they only have 10 hours of training camp before flying them over the Atlantic. Every player undergoes an intense three-game training camp before the final squad is picked.
Top of the agenda when selecting the team is who will respect the programme’s outstanding reputation. This is taken so seriously that Kilmartin sends coaches to eavesdrop around his camp to decipher who is the right fit for the tour.
“We have three or four people in plain clothes acting like they’re on their phones, but they’re listening to guys between games. How are they acting? How are they talking to their teammates? How are they talking about their teammates? We’re doing character assessments throughout.
“If we think there are going to be issues, it’s just not worth it to us. Our reputation is so much more valuable to us than that. We would never recommend someone to a club that we don’t think will represent us and our values. During our camp, we take the screening process very seriously.”
The process is such that in 25 years, USA Select has never sent a player home for behavioural issues. Every player selected for the tour is a representation of the exemplary standard USA Select sets.
It’s a process that began in Leicester, at the start of Kilmartin’s career.
“The Riders organisation is indirectly the lineage of our first USA select player 40 years ago. When I graduated college, I played in Great Britain. Ricky Pitts was my friend in college, who reached out to me and asked if I could help him play over here.
“I got him in touch with the Riders, and the rest is history. That was in 1987: Our first USA Select player was with the Riders.”
USA Select has been a mainstay on the Riders’ pre-season schedule for a number of years. It’s a thriving relationship between the two organisations, with an immense amount of mutual respect.
“Leicester Riders, like so many other clubs in the UK, has been phenomenal for us over the decades, which is why I never miss the UK out on these tours,” said Kilmartin, reflecting on the relationship between his programme and the club.
The time playing against professional organisations is invaluable to the USA Select team, as Kilmartin explained:
“Leicester are professionals on so many levels. They have a great youth infrastructure with Loughborough and Charnwood, whose programmes are first-class, and a top educational system through the University.
@RidersBball @RidersMD thanks for a great weekend. Your club and it's incredible history have influenced generations of players in the UK. Good luck in Europe , we are proud of you @BBLofficial pic.twitter.com/Ixl4ylx8yp
“Then you get to the club, and its vision in a sport that was always under the radar and never truly appreciated in the UK. The Riders have changed the way people look at basketball in the country. Their venue is the first of its kind, and it set the bar for the other clubs in the league.
“When my players can see all that, they see what professionalism looks like. They see how professionals put pride in their job, and their humility when they put their jerseys on for the fans.
“The Riders fanbase is amazing. The love and respect we get from those fans is humbling. They really get it.”
The relationship between USA Select and the Riders has thrived in no small part thanks to Head Coach Rob Paternostro. Coach to coach, the respect Kilmartin has for Paternostro is evident.
“If there were a backgammon tournament or a thumb wrestling contest, he’d be competitive in that. That’s what I respect about him. From the tip to the buzzer, he’s your mortal enemy, but when the game is over, he’s got your back.
“We always have a player or two that has what it takes, and Rob is always one of the first to make an email or a call or help these guys get a start. A word from him, one of the most respected coaches in the game, can change the trajectory of their lives.”
And changing the trajectory of young people’s lives has been the mission of USA Select for decades. They’ve had great success in doing it.
Sheffield Sharks Head Coach Atiba Lyons came through the ranks of the programme. He represents just a fraction of those who have gone on to enjoy successful careers.
“Sometimes people think they have to be high-level ballers to join the tour. This isn’t the case. If you want the opportunity to play in high-level professional arenas and experience something new, there’s a place for you here.
“From there, you can go be a good middle-school coach, a good father and a good person. That’s where the real success of our programme lies. The most successful people from USA Select use the experience to close the playing chapter of their lives, and go on to do great things.
“We still get phone calls from guys that did our camp in the 90s telling us how we’ve impacted their lives. That’s empowering. Now we have a history of helping young athletes, so that gives us a tangible, realistic opportunity for these players to build a career.
“A lot of these young men have never been coached at the level as Rob coaches the Riders. Our goal is to develop them along the way, whether they become professional or not. This experience will stay with them their whole lives”
As the Riders welcome USA Select through their doors once again, it will be an experience for the group that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Loughborough basketball are delighted to confirm the retention of Harrison Gamble for his fourth and final year.
The 6’10” Brit spent his seven-year professional career for the Leicester Riders, winning, three BBL Championships, three BBL Playoff titles, three BBL Trophies and a BBL Cup.
Gamble is also an NBL Patrons Cup winner with Loughborough and averaged 11.2 points per game in the NBL D1 last season.
Gamble commented: “I’m very excited to be back playing in Loughborough for my final year. It’s great to be back working with the core group of guys from last year and then seeing the new faces that will no doubt be a big part of the programme going forward.”
Head Coach Will Maynard added: “It’s great to have Harrison back for another year. His leadership on the court is excellent for our younger guys, and he has really brought into a veteran role.
“The rest of the guys love having him on the team, and he is definitely someone the players will lean on an awful lot through the season.”
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
Kimbal Mackenzie led the team with 17 points, backed up by his backcourt teammate Jaren Holmes’ 16.
It was a confident display throughout. Donar’s only led the game for 15 seconds early in the first quarter, as the Riders took control of the tie. They won all four quarters, and after a Groningen surge to make it 52-51 to get the second half underway, the Riders blew the game wide open.
Their points total, surpassing a century, came from only five three-point makes. The Riders play style leant into their youth and athleticism, outscoring Donar on the fast break 27-4.
An eight-point quarter from Mackenzie got them over the line, the newly named captain continuing his hot form from last season which saw him named to the BBL British Team of the Year.
Following up a 15 point game in the Riders’ pre-season opener, American rookie Jaren Holmes caught the eye once again with another impressive scoring display.
As was the case in Leicester’s pre-season opener against Loughborough University, forward Myrine Thomas led them out the gate with his infectious energy. His seven-point first quarter set the tone from the jump.
Meanwhile, after a 13 point showing against Loughborough, young forward Blake Bowman continued to show the promise of his potential. The East Midlands native had 12 points and five rebounds, leading the game with a +/- of 22.
“I thought we did a really good job,” commented Head Coach Rob Paternostro.
“Our depth has been impressive. We played 10 guys, and all of them made a great impact. We know we have a long way to go, but I like where we’re going.
“These are the types of trips where you learn a lot about your team, and because we have so many new players this season, it’s a great opportunity for them to bond on and off the court.”
Loughborough basketball is excited to welcome 6’10” forward Sam Keita for the 2023/24 season.
The 23-year-old played in the BBL for the Plymouth City Patriots last season, playing seven minutes per game and featuring on 34 occasions.
Kieta spent his final college season in the NCAA D1, playing for North Carolina Central.
He will accompany his play in the NBL D1 with his studies in Sustainable Engineering at the University.
Kieta commented: “I’m excited to get on board with the programme. I can’t wait to get the ball rolling, and succeed on and off the court.”
Head Coach Will Maynard added: “Sam is a big body for us and definitely adds to our front line. He has had plenty of experiences that will help him at the D1 level.
“He adds both a scoring threat inside and good rim protection, so he will certainly help us on both ends of the floor. We are excited to have him over the next couple of years and are looking forward to seeing him contribute to the team both in BUCS and D1.”
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
The Meet & Greet provides a great to explore all the great education packages and opportunities we can deliver in your school, an opportunity to meet our Community & Education Team, the chance to meet the Riders professional players, exclusive offers on our schools packages & much more!
Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of American rookie Marissa Hamilton for the 2023/24 season.
The 6’0” forward played her final college season at Merrimack College, where she put up 13.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game and was named to the NEC Third Team.
Just in case you missed the game on Wednesday, here's a hint:
Prior to that, Hamilton spent three years at the University of Buffalo, playing all 31 games as a junior and leading the Bulls in blocks.
Hamilton will play for the Riders while studying at Loughborough University. The club would like to thank the University for their continued support.
Hamilton commented: “I feel blessed to be able to continue my professional career with the Leicester Riders! I’m super excited to get to work and create some fun memories with the new staff and teammates in places I’ve never been!”
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
The Riders head to the Netherlands to take on Donar Groningen over two games.
Here’s all you need to know:
Fixture information
Leicester Riders at Donar Groningen
Sporthal Wildervanckhal, Wildervank, Netherlands
Friday, September 1, 6:30 pm GMT
Familiar opponents
The sides face off in their annual pre-season meeting, providing a stern test for both outfits ahead of their respective seasons.
Like Leicester, Donar enters this year after falling just short in the BNXT playoffs, losing game five of a best-of-five series to ZZ Leiden in the Finals.
The prestigious organisation has won seven Dutch Championships, seven Dutch Cups and three Dutch Supercups in their history, most recently winning the Cup in 2022.
Last pre-season, the Riders took back-to-back victories against their Dutch opponents, winning 80-75, then 69-61 two days later.
🎥 Coach Rob reflects on the double over Donar Groningen & looks forward to welcoming the Swedish champions on Wednesday, Norrköping Dolphins.
There were two tightly contested games, with a late surge seeing the Riders take a win in the second fixture.
Positive strides in pre-season opener
The Riders enter this game after a win in their first pre-season outing against Loughborough University.
It was a 99-64 win in the annual pre-season “Red vs Purple” fixture. Miryne Thomas led the Riders with 17 points, in a game, backed up by 15 from Jaren Holmes.
Thomas impressed throughout, making highlight plays and showing early aggression to build his points tally in the opening stages.
Another positive was the return of Mo Walker and Conner Washington following their injuries last season. Both put on good showings in positive minutes.
“It was great to have them back,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro post-game.
“Conner missed a lot of time with a back injury last season. I gave him a lot of minutes tonight, and he was the same old Conner. Mo also missed almost all the season, and he played really well today.”
Played for both: Carrington Love
Former Riders guard Carrington Love joined the team mid-season, after playing the 2019/20 season for Donar.
There, he averaged 13.4 points and 5.8 assists and 2.3 steals, helping Donar to a 17-5 record in his 22 games.
Donar, seven-time Dutch champions, enter this campaign after finishing second in the playoffs last season.
The game will provide key minutes for the newly formed Riders roster, looking to build on-court chemistry for a packed Britsh Basketball League schedule.
Donar has a storied history in Dutch basketball. We take a look back into the prestigious organisation’s past.
Beginnings
Founded in 1951, Donar is one of the original Dutch first-division clubs, entering the league in 1970. 12 years on, they won their first championship with an emphatic 158–58 win against BOB Oud-Beijerland.
The 100-point win has never been repeated in the Netherlands, as Donar wrote themselves into the history books.
Following relegation just one year later, Donar returned to the first division in 1986, where they remained ever since.
Winning ways
The 2009–10 season kick-started Donar’s modern trophy-winning run. They won their third national championship, beating West-Brabant Giants 4–1 in the Finals.
The title-winning squad returned for the next season, and they became the first Dutch basketball team to take part in the qualifying rounds of the new Euroleague.
Star man Jason Dourisseau was named the Dutch League MVP, and the team won a second NBB Cup in 2011, beating WCAA Giants.
They fell just short in the playoffs Finals to Zorg en Zekerheid Leiden, in a historic game seven featuring three overtimes.
The 2013/14 season saw a reshuffled roster, which won the 2014 NBB Cup by beating Zorg en Zekerheid Leiden 79–71. They went on to win their fourth national title, this time emerging victors of a seven-game series against SPM Shoeters Den Bosch.
Dynastic run
In the 2015 offseason, Erik Braal took the role of Head Coach, and became the most successful coach in club history, winning five trophies in six seasons. The first: Donar’s fifth DBL title.
In the 2016–17 season, Donar reached the second round of the FIBA Europe Cup, their best European performance in club history. That season, they won the treble for the first time, winning the Supercup, the NBB Cup and the playoff title.
In 2017, Donar again qualified for the FIBA Europe Cup. They made strides in Europe, progressing all the way to the semi-finals of the playoffs before falling to the defending Italian champion Reyer Venezia, despite winning the second leg at home.
Domestically, the club had success behind star man Brandyn Curry, who was named league MVP. Donar won its third consecutive Dutch title after sweeping ZZ Leiden in the finals.
— Inception Sports (@Inception_Bball) May 11, 2018
The following season, Donar reached the round of 16 in the FIBA Europe Cup for the second time in their history.
BNXT
In 2020, Braal departed the club. A year later, Donar joined the newly formed BNXT League, which merged the national leagues of Belgium and the Netherlands. They immediately added more silverware to their packed cabinet, winning their seventh Cup, and making the playoff finals.
In 2022/23, under Head Coach Andrej Štimac, Donar reached the finals of the Dutch League for the 13th time. In the series, Donar played ZZ Leiden once again and narrowly lost a decisive Game 5, therefore finishing second in last season’s playoffs.
In late 2022, we partnered with Leicestershire Police to launch our Positive Futures project, funded by Street Games. Positive Futures is our latest project aimed at reaching young people who are at risk of involvement with antisocial behaviour, crime, and violence. Since January, more than 30 youngsters from St Andrews Play Association (SAPA) (a youth club based at Walnut Street, Leicester) have been taking part in the programme led by local neighbourhood officer’s PC Millie Barton and PC Carley Johnson, Leicester Riders player Mo Walker and staff from the Leicester Riders Foundation.
Before the launch of this programme, the core group of individuals were committing offences and causing antisocial behaviour in Leicester City Centre and the St Andrews Centre of the City. One individual had been involved with 10 incidents that had been reported to the police, including offences of assault, public disorder, arson, and possession of an imitation firearm. In the 7 months since the implementation of the diversionary activities, this group of individuals have now only been involved in 3 low level incidents, this is a drop of 77%.
By engaging with the young people at SAPA through our Positive Futures initiative, we have also encouraged them to participate in a variety of our other events, such as our community sessions and camps, where they have been recognised with awards such as Camper of the Week.
“We are proud to be working with the Leicester Riders Foundation on the Positive Futures programme, a project set up to work with young people who have been involved in antisocial behaviour, criminal behaviour or at risk of committing crime and ASB. The Leicester Riders Foundation have been instrumental in providing a support network alongside engagement, interventions, and educational inputs to assist in reducing criminal activity in the Leicester area.” – PC Mille Barton, Leicestershire Police.
The Leicester Riders Foundation was awarded the Problem Management Award from Leicestershire Police in April this year, in recognition of our efforts on the Positive Futures Programme. Winning this award is a testament to our ongoing efforts to better our community and provide positive role models for young people. This is an incredible achievement for our Foundation as we have witnessed the progression and growth of the young people across a number of our provisions, particularly Positive Futures.
In July we launched our Positive Futures project in South Wigston in partnership with Oadby and Wigston Council allowing us to work with a new group of young people and continue to expand the programme across Leicester and Leicestershire.
“The programme has enabled us to build strong relationships with young people from the Oadby and Wigston area throughout the summer holidays, seeing a group of regular attendees. Here at LRF we are excited to take the next steps in our delivery and build on these initial foundations and take the programme to the next level over the next eight weeks, where the young people will take part in a variety of workshops around hygiene, mental health and Respect. Partnership working is key, and we thank the team at Oadby and Wiston council for developing this partnership with us here at LRF.” – Laura Shephard, General Manager.
To refer a young person onto the programme email please email [email protected] for more information.
Leicester Riders renew partnership with Everything Branded
Leicester Riders are excited to renew our relationship with our merchandise partner, Everything Branded.
Everything Branded is the UK’s number one for promotional products, merchandise and gifts. Their staff and management team have over 12 years of experience and insight into the worldwide promotional products industry.
Our partnership last season included sponsoring the Leicester Riders pop-up shop in John Lewis.
James Kyte, Commercial Director of Everything Branded, commented: “Here at Everything Branded, we’re delighted to have renewed our partnership with Leicester Riders for a second season.
“As the UK’s leading supplier of branded products, it’s hugely important to us that we partner with organisations who share our passion for innovation and excellence, and it was clear after our inaugural season with Riders that we’ve sponsored a team who clearly embrace these values both on and off the court.
“The hospitality, game night experience and quality of matches have all been fantastic highlights for our team and customers, and we look forward to continuing to supply game night giveaways and an extended range of retail products throughout the 2023/24 season.
“Also – be sure to keep an eye out for some exciting surprises during the mid-game entertainment!”
For more information on partnering with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders took a 99-64 win in the annual pre-season “Red vs Purple” fixture against Loughborough University.
Miryne Thomas led the Riders with 17 points, in a game, backed up by 15 from Jaren Holmes.
After a tightly contested opening exchange, with Loughbroough’s Justin Hedley’s five quick points making it 10-8 to the hosts after five minutes, the Riders seized control of the game.
Miryne Thomas made an immediate impression on the Riders faithful with eight first-quarter points, and a highlight throw down from Jaren Holmes’ lob pass.
Leicester leapt out to a double-digit advantage early, with Mo Walker’s five-point burst ending the period 26-14 in the Riders’ favour.
Thomas continued to dominate in the second, rising high to swat away Hedley’s layup attempt. He was backed by Kimbal Mackenzie, who came alive in the quarter for eight points.
Loughborough kept within touching distance for stages, and Elija Bailey entered halftime the game’s leading scorer with 11 points and five rebounds.
But Riders big man Sam Idowu stretched the lead to close the half with a three, followed up with a layup and a block of the next possessions. The teams entered the half with Leicester up 49-32.
Mackenzie and Idowu saw the Riders build on their advantage in the third, finishing as the Riders’ two leading scorers by the end of the period. On the other end, Bailey found the hoop consistently to rack up 16 with a quarter to play.
Leicester won the third quarter 28-16, taking a 77-48 lead into the final period.
The fourth was a case of seeing the game out, which the Riders did professionally. They kept their 30-point lead until the final buzzer, taking home a win from their first preseason game.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Loughborough Basketball is delighted to welcome 6’3” guard Dan Hadley ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Hadley committed to Loughborough from the Charnwood Academy, where he’s suited up since 2020. The 19-year-old has been a part of the Riders pathway system since 2014, averaging 12.5 points per game in the EABL, and 12.7 points per game in NBL DII last season.
“I’m really looking forward to studying at Loughborough University, and getting on the court with the team this season,” said Hadley.
“I’m hoping to take my skills to the next level with the help of this elite programme.”
Head Coach Will Maynard added: “It’s great to see Dan’s progression over the years with the club. We are proud to keep Dan on our Riders pathway. It will be an inspiring story for all junior players within Leicester.
“When I first saw him at the Riders all-star camp, he definitely had something about himself, and he brings that same grit and same tenacity to the court now.
“I loved coaching Dan over our time at Charnwood together, and if there is one player who is trying to outwork everyone else in practice, it’s Dan. I’m excited to see what he can bring to the group, but from what I’ve already seen over the summer, he will bring competitiveness to the team, which will help us in the long run.
“He joins us for four years at the University, and hopefully, he will continue to prove himself like he has done throughout his time with the programme.”
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce Champions (UK) plc as an official partner.
Champions is a strategy-led growth and implementation partner for businesses with market-leading expertise across strategy, digital, communications, creative and talent.
With a team of over 75 dedicated specialists, they provide market-leading expertise to drive businesses forward.
After more than 20 years of adding capability and driving innovation, Champions are one of the UK’s leading full-service business consultancies.
Champions CEO John Hayes commented: “I’m truly proud and excited to begin this partnership with Leicester Riders.
“The Midland has been the home of our business for the last 20 years, and I’m always keen to support the winners in the region which bring more attention to this fantastic area.
“I’ve been following the incredible success of the team closely for the last 10 years. After watching the Riders secure back-to-back championship glory after lifting the trophy in 2022, I knew it was time to get involved with them
“Like Champions, Leicester Riders are winners, which is everything we embody here. This is the perfect fit, and I’m eager to see the continued success of the Riders.”
For more information on partnering with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Loughborough Basketball are delighted to welcome Seth Wylie ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The 19-year-old 6’2” guard, arrives at Loughborough after spending the last three seasons with Oaklands Wolves EABL and NBL sides, competing in Division One last season. In 2022, he helped Oaklands to the EABL Southern Conference title and was named Student-Athlete of the Year.
Wylie will combine playing with his studies at Loughborough University, starting a foundation year in Sport.
He will suit up for Loughborough’s NBL D1 and BUCS teams.
Wylie commented: “I’m really looking forward to a new challenge. I can already tell that the experience is going to push me! I’m ready to work, and everything I get during my time here will be a blessing.”
Head Coach Will Maynard commented: “Seth joins us from Oakland, where he had 3 good years within their academy set-up. Speaking with Seth’s previous coaches was a no-brainer that we wanted him to be part of the Loughborough programme.
“His attitude to the game is what really stood out for us. He has a great mindset to the game so really looking forward to having him with the group and looking forward to his progression over the next four years.”
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
Leicester Riders have been thrilled to partner with 1284 for the past two seasons.
1284 is a chartered PR agency providing agile corporate communications to innovative public and private organisations in the East Midlands.
The B2B PR agency has deepened its relationship with the Riders and will assist with our business-to-business communications for 2023/24.
In addition, 1284 will sponsor Riders forward Victor Ndoukou for the upcoming season.
George Oliver, founder and director of 1284, commented: “We first went along to the Riders’ hospitality towards the end of the 2021-22 season as guests of one of the other businesses.
“We loved the gameday experience and what the club is about – both on the court and off it through the work being done in our communities through the Leicester Riders Foundation.
“1284 works a lot with social entrepreneurs and innovators we could see those characteristics running through the club.
“The success on the court is used to feed the work done by the Foundation and vice versa. It doesn’t stand still.
“In the middle, there’s this tremendous asset, in the shape of the Arena, which is increasingly being used for world-class events including top-flight snooker and darts.
“We think there’s still much potential for growth here – and that there’s real ambition at the club to push forward and deliver it.
“That’s why we are expanding our investment in sponsorship year-on-year – and why we are also so pleased to now be working with the Riders on their B2B comms for 2023-24.”
For more information on partnering with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Former Rider JR Blount on Riders signing Jaren Holmes
Jaren Holmes signed to the team this season, but already has Riders connections. He played his final college season at Iowa State University, under assistant coach and former Rider JR Blount.
Blount played for Leicester in the 2010/11 season and made an immediate impact. His 20.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.9 left an impression on the Riders faithful, and he has since established himself as one of the top college coaching prospects in the NCAA.
The 36-year-old helped Holmes through the recruitment process following his college career but left a message for him before he departed for Leicester:
“I told him he won’t top the scoring numbers I had, but he already knows that!”
It would take a special season for anybody to better those numbers, but a talent like Holmes is capable of it. He was named to the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team and received an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, playing in the toughest conference the NCAA has to offer.
Blount has nothing but praise for his game.
“He can play multiple positions, and he’s strong with deceptively good athleticism. He can get to the free throw line and play through physicality, which is something that’s really important in the pros.
“Jaren can defend the perimeter, and he’ll bring toughness. He was the personality of our team at Iowa State. He brings the energy, brings the fight: he’s a throw-the-first-punch kind of guy.”
However, what leaves the biggest impression on those who have known Jaren is his persona off the court.
“He’s a great man, very outgoing, and the fans will love him. He’s the ultimate teammate, and he’ll do anything to win. Jaren isn’t looking for stats and accolades, even though those things come to him.
“He’s someone my wife and kids like and ask about. He’s a genuine person, and a lot of that comes from his mother. I’m sure she’ll be in Leicester in Riders gear because she didn’t miss many games at Iowa State!”
Blount credits Holmes’ work ethic for getting him where he is today. He worked his way from Ranger Junior College to the Big 12 conference through grit and determination.
“Jaren was one of our hardest workers. We started practice at seven in the morning every day, but he was always there at 5 am to get a workout in before and stayed afterwards too.
“He was in the gym all day, and you saw that come to fruition with us. The way he works on his craft, you saw him develop throughout the year until he’s hitting big shots in the NCAA tournament. He was huge in the biggest games.”
Holmes worked with a professional mentality as an amateur, so Blount says he is well-prepared for life in the pros.
“The transition will be easy for him. I told him just to do what he does. He has the mindset and mentality to come in and work hard. His transition will be seamless. He’s going to set the tone based on his work ethic, and he’s a big-time talker and communicator on the floor. He’s someone the guys want to work with and be around.”
I asked Jaren Holmes to reflect on his time with Iowa State, and his response was one of the most measured, gracious and thoughtful perspectives I've ever heard from a college athlete. pic.twitter.com/uVlgfAPlXD
Holmes and Blount grew close during their time together at Iowa State. Helping him through the process of finding a pro team, Blount knew where would be the best fit for him—his time with the Riders told him everything he needed to know.
“I told him it was a great experience for me. The fanbase was great, I still have great memories of playing in Loughborough. Rob’s commitment to development and making it a great experience, and having the Leicester community around you is something that’s really exciting. He’s going somewhere where he’ll be set up for success.
“It’s a great platform. The Riders’ goal is to get to the top, so Jaren’s goal has not changed from college. He’s trying to win trophies, and the individual accolades will come with it. It’s a great place for him to start. There’s a tradition of success, and he wanted to go to a winning programme, so this is the perfect place for him.
In addition to the organisation, Blount believes Rob Paternostro is the best coach for his development.
“Rob’s going to instil confidence in you and allow you to play through your mistakes. Jaren will grow through that, and Rob can coach point guard mechanisms that he knows from his playing days.
“Rob will help him with decision-making: learning when to get teammates involved and when to be aggressive. He is going to allow you to play with freedom, and you don’t really get that in college with how the defence is played, and scouting reports and schemes. Rob will have a major impact on how his game transforms.”
From their initial conversation, Holmes and Coach Paternostro are already on the same page.
“I was able to connect Jaren and Rob, and it seemed like they hit off right away! After a few days, he was a Rider!”
All that’s left now is for Holmes to hit the court.
“I just told him to embrace it,” said Blount, speaking about his conversation with Holmes before his departure to Leicester.
“It’s an opportunity he’s worked his whole life for. I know who he is. He’s not going to take this for granted. He’s ready to go, itching to get there, and the Riders won’t be disappointed!”
This week the Leicester Riders Foundation Academy returned for pre-season as our teams begin to prepare for the 2023/34 season. Over the course of the week we’ve welcomed over 100 players from our 13 teams to the Morningside Arena as the teams come together for the first time since squads were selected.
“It’s been great to have over 100 of our players come together at the Morningside Arena for pre-season this week. It has been the first opportunity for our teams to practice together since our trials so it has been a fantastic opportunity for the players to get to know each other and work with the coaches ahead of the new season” – Ricardo Silva, Academy Lead.
This summer we have added Sports Rehabilitation to the programme for our premier teams, this week the players have gone through pre-season testing alongside their on court workouts.
“This week we’ve been putting the players through some pre-season testing, they’ve done vertical jumps tests, full court sprints and T tests. I’m going to analyse the results over the next week and put together some performance enhancement programmes and hopefully we can continue to push the players and improve their performance.” – Neve Considine, Sports Therapist.
The teams will continue their preparations over the coming weeks with pre-season fixtures getting underway in September before the National League season begins in October.
She spent four years prior at Bucknell University, leading the team in scoring for two straight seasons and earning a place on the All-Patriot League First team for 2021 and 2022. The Pennsylvania native averaged 16.7 points and 6.5 rebounds in her final season with the Bison.
O’Brien also owns Bucknell’s record in the outdoor high jump and was named to the second Team All-Patriot League with a runner-up finish in the 2019 Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
“I am so excited to be a part of this organisation, and have the experience of playing professionally for the first time,” said O’Brien.
“I am grateful to be on the Riders, and I’m looking forward to seeing what our team can do this year. I can’t wait to get back on the court!”
Head Coach Ben Stanley added: “We’re thrilled to have Taylor in Riders Red this season.
“We were extremely impressed by her scoring ability both at Bucknell and Floria State, and we’re excited that there is a lot that she continues to add to her game. I’m anticipating her developing a lot with us this year.”
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Leicester Riders are thrilled to welcome the return of Conner Washington to their 2023/24 roster.
The Riders veteran holds 10 years of experience in the East Midlands and has 14 pieces of silverware to his name. Washington has been an integral part of the Riders’ successes over the past decade.
Conner has been featured on the British Basketball League all-British team on four occasions and the all-defensive team three times. He is a dangerous perimeter threat, averaging over 40% from three in three separate seasons.
Washington is respected around the League as an intelligent veteran, playing to an elite standard on both ends.
Playing in his entering his 13th year as a pro, Conner brings a wealth of experience to the Riders roster. His championship pedigree is a vital component of Rob Paternostro’s side.
“I’m excited to be back on the court, and feeling free,” commented Washington.
“It feels great to be back out there again. This season is going to be a memorable one!”
Last Season the Leicester Riders Foundation hosted 7 Development Days welcoming 287 children to the Morningside Arena prior to a Riders’ BBL home games. The 2023/24 BBL season gets underway in mid September and we are looking for groups, schools and parties to join us for our Development Day experience.
— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) March 3, 2023
Development Days are an opportunity for large groups within the community, including schools to join our team of coaches for a 90-minute coaching clinic on court to enhance their skills, focusing on three different areas: passing, shooting, and dribbling.
Food is provided to the participants following the coaching session, all enjoyed whilst watching the Leicester Riders Professional Team warm up. Finally, as part of the Development Day, participants receive a ticket to watch the Riders in action against another BBL team.
If you would like to book your group onto one of our 2023/24 season Development Days CLICK HERE to express your interest.
Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the retention of Blake Bowman for the 2023/24 season.
The high-flying Brit returns for a second season after making his pro debut last year. Bowman, a Derby native, lit up the league with electric dunks and highlight plays, quickly becoming a favourite among the Riders faithful.
He is touted as one of British basketball’s exciting young talents, taking significant leaps every single year.
Blake’s father Barry had a spell in the BBL during his professional career, while his uncle, Marc Hawley played 56 games in two seasons for the Riders between 1997 and 1999.
Bowman continues his Riders family legacy while completing his studies at Loughborough University.
The club would like to thank the university for their support.
“I’m super excited to get back out there,” said Bowman. “I’m ready to compete with a group of new guys, and a few returners.”
“I’m hungry to win, after making two finals last season. That lit a fire in me to compete at the highest level.
“With this new young group, I’m ready to fly up and down the court. I’m excited to enter this new era with the team.”
Leicester Riders are thrilled to continue their relationship with Red Monkey Play for the 2023/24 season.
Red Monkey Play are one of the UK’s leading wooden outdoor play equipment and playground designers for primary schools and nurseries.
The bespoke school playground equipment service offers its expertise with free design and consultancy.
The Leicester-based business creates unique playgrounds for schools and nurseries with excellent design, perfect for any play and learning areas, and children of all ages and abilities.
Red Monkey Play will sponsor Riders forward TJ Lall for the upcoming year.
Simon Winfield, managing director of Red Monkey Play and chairman of the Leicester Riders Foundation, commented: “As proud sponsors of the Leicester Riders Basketball team, Red Monkey Play is thrilled to extend our support for yet another year.
“Our enduring partnership with the Riders family has proven to be immensely rewarding, fuelling our growth and success over the years of collaboration.
“Beyond the courts, what truly inspires us is the remarkable impact that the Riders Basketball and Foundation have on the local community and young people.
“Being able to contribute to such meaningful initiatives aligns with our core values, as we firmly believe in the significance of giving back to the community.
“As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming 23/24 season, we wish the team the very best of luck in their endeavours. Together, we will continue to make a positive difference and build a brighter future for the local community.”
For more information on partnering with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Sport is in Jaren Holmes’ blood. He and his brother were raised with it, and now, they make careers from it. His brother, William, was drafted to the Los Angeles Angels in the MLB, and Jaren has signed his first professional contract with the Leicester Riders.
“I was raised by a single mother, and she always put sports in our hearts,” said Holmes, reflecting on his journey. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a ball in my hand.
“I played baseball too until my freshman year in high school. But when I had to choose, I couldn’t live down the fact my little brother was better than me at baseball! So basketball was my choice.
“I’ve always had a great IQ, my grandfather taught me how to play the right way: making the right play, not being selfish, it’s all about winning. That’s how I was raised.
“Now, when I step on the basketball court, it always feels like home. It feels like I’m supposed to be there. It’s peaceful.”
It wasn’t a straight road to the best conference in college basketball, where Holmes completed his final college year. It all started at Ranger Junior College, under legendary coach Billy Gillispie.
There, he helped them to a berth in the NJCAA Division I championship game, starting all 33 games as a freshman, averaging 12.0 points and winning 31 games.
“Coach G brings a lot out of you as a player. He has a mentality of everyone leaning on each other to get through all his ways of coaching. Playing for him was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life.
“I believe that my body changed in JUCO playing Coach G. The workouts he had us doing were second to none, and prepared my body for D1. I give all the credit to him.
“He moulded me into the player I am today, and I take my body very seriously now.”
And at Ranger, Jaren made lifelong friends. Most notably with Caleb Asberry, who will suit up with him on the Riders roster this season.
“Caleb and I have been really good friends for about five to six years. We started from the bottom at Ranger, and we had to endure a lot of trials and tribulations to get where we are today.
“I hold Caleb and his family close to my heart, and we’ve stayed in close contact. Even our mums are close! It’s come full circle now we can play together again, and I’m super excited about that.
“There was nothing to do at Ranger; the town is literally a petrol station and a Subway. We only had each other, and we became brothers. It’s good to be back with my brother again.”
His work at Junior College brought him to the big leagues. St Bonaventure gave him a shot in the NCAA D1, and he took it, proving he belonged at the top level of collegiate sport.
He scored over 1000 points for the Bonnies, putting up 13.5 points, five rebounds and 3.6 assists in the 2021/22 season. He was named to the Atlantic 10 Second Team All-Conference in 2021.
Holmes transferred to Iowa State in the Big 12 conference for his final year of college and continued to impress. He was named to the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team and received an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, playing under Assistant Coach and former Rider JR Blount.
“It was amazing to get to D1—a breath of fresh air. I worked so hard to get to that level: through every no, the doubts and people saying I couldn’t play at that level. After all of the hard work, faith, prayer and sacrifice, it was something I could never imagine. I couldn’t believe it.
“I always thought I was supposed to be at that level. I just had to change my body, become more athletic and become a better ball player. I proved that this year.
“I was able to play in the best conference in the country and not miss a step. I’m tremendously thankful to St Bonaventure and Iowa State for the opportunities they gave me. They both gave me a shot when a whole lot of other teams didn’t.”
But even after all the rejection and upset that led him to this point, Holmes wouldn’t change a thing.
“I’d go through every situation, every heartbreak that I had to endure on this journey to make it here to the Riders. It’s made me a better basketball player and a better person. It helped me understand that life is hard, and you’re going to be disappointed throughout it.
“It doesn’t matter where you want to go, or what you think you deserve. Timing is everything, and I’m a firm believer in waiting for your time and being ready when your name is called. Keep your head down, work and believe in yourself.
“Keep God first, and no matter the situation, the upset and the heartbreak, I keep my head high and move two feet at a time.”
His assistant coach at Iowa State, Blount, helped recruit Holmes to Leicester. Blount played for the Riders in the 2010/11 season, averaging 20.6 points under Head Coach Rob Paternostro.
“JR always talked about his time in Leicester and said it was amazing. He said Coach Rob believed in him and trusted him, and let him play his game. When Coach JR brought this opportunity to me, I would never pass it down.
“I had a great conversation with Coach Rob. We talked everything through and I liked what he said: the way he talked about my game, and how he wanted me to play my role.
“The Riders are the best fit for me because of how they carry their organisation. It’s a well-run club, with a tremendous fanbase.”
Holmes is now ready to build on the success the Riders have had over the last decade.
“I love basketball, and I love to win. And that’s what the Riders do. They win.
“I’m excited and happy to be a part of this great organisation. I can’t wait to see the fans go wild. I’ve watched a couple of games already and the fanbase is crazy! I’m super excited.
“I’ll bring a winning attitude and work ethic, and excitement, laughter and intensity. I’m also committed to working hard in the community of Leicester.
“It’ll be an honour to meet the fans in Leicester. I’m ready to get to work!”
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
The Leicester Riders Foundation have continued to provide opportunities for young girls and women to get involved in the game of basketball over the past year.
This summer we have hosted two All Girls Summer Hoops sessions at Broughton Astley Leisure Centre allowing girls aged 8-16 who have both played previously and never before to come along and play. Broughton Astley is also an area we haven’t previously delivered sessions in so it as been fantastic to continue to expand our reach within the Leicestershire Community.
“I’ve enjoyed learning how to play basketball over the last 2 weeks. I haven’t played basketball much before so to be coached properly has been a great experience.” – Orla, All Girls Summer Hoops Participant.
“It’s been great to deliver our All Girls Summer Hoops sessions at Broughton Astley Leisure Centre. It’s been fantastic to welcome around 60 girls over the past 2 weeks and to engage in a new area within Leicestershire” – Neve Considine, Leicester Riders Foundation Community Coach.
We plan on having many more All Girls events and sessions over the coming season, keep and eye on our website and social media channels (@ridersbf) for more information.
Leicester Riders are excited to present their rebrand ahead of the 2023/24 season, ushering in a new era of Riders basketball.
The Riders are proud to have innovatively evolved throughout their 56-year history as Britain’s oldest professional basketball club. This rebrand allows the club to continue modernising, 10 years on from the launch of its previous logo.
This marks a fresh start for the club, with a revitalised roster of young talent ready to take the reins and add to the Riders’ rich history.
The updated brand incorporates every facet of the club, from its community work with the Leicester Riders Foundation, its player pathways and development through Charnwood College and Loughborough University, to the first teams in the BBL and WBBL.
The club would like to thank its partners at 5or6 for their support during the rebrand.
Leicester Riders managing director Russell Levenston commented: “It’s been 10 years since the previous logo was created, as we thought it was the fitting moment for us to re-evaluate the Riders brand.
“Looking at how branding has changed over the past decade, we thought it was the right time to refresh ours.
“Thank you for all the work 5or6 has put into supporting the club, both with the rebranding and their continued support through the years. We have worked closely with the team there since they designed the last logo in 2013.
“What is especially pleasing is the new brand’s versatility, and how it can incorporate everything we are about, from our pathways and community work through to the pros.
“These are exciting times for the club, and we look forward to seeing how the brand grows over the coming years. We hope everyone loves it as much as we do!”
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
In his final year in Missouri, Pinson exploded for 36 points for his career-high in scoring.
The Tigers needed every one of his points to take a 102-98 win against TCU, as Pinson three point eruption took the game over.
Missouri was down eight with two minutes left, but he led a comeback with a deep shooting, making a four-point play to cut it to four, then tying the game with a clutch three with four seconds left, sending it to overtime.
In OT, yet another three-point bomb connected to take the lead with a minute and a half remaining, which the Tigers would see out.
In the game, Pinson hit a career-high eight threes; the Horned Frogs with no answer to Pinson’s hot hand.
They attempted to stem the bleeding by sending Pinson to the foul line, but he cooly knocked down eight of his nine free throws, including at the end of OT to seal it.
The game was one of his five 20-point scoring explosions in his junior year, and his last season at Missouri.
Winning, whatever it takes
Pinson kicked off his season at LSU on a 12-game winning streak, and winning 14 of his first 15 games.
During that time, he was recognised as a player who would do anything to contribute to winning, no matter how that manifested on the stat sheet.
X came to win.
A conversation with @LSUBasketball point guard Xavier Pinson on toughness, leadership, and winning.
Nothing demonstrates that more than Pinson’s seven-steal game, in a 75-61 win against the undefeated Wake Forest.
Pinson had nine points on the game, six of them from the free throw line, he remained engaged and intense throughout. His defensive efforts allowed LSU to get out on the run, in a game where buckets were tough for both sides.
Pinson found a way to impact the proceedings and proved the difference between the sides without lighting up the points column as he so often does.
Pinson’s play for LSU helped set a new culture, centred around suffocating defence leading to transition points.
Hot start for New Mexico’s new man
Transferring to New Mexico State for his final year of eligibility, Pisnon went off for two 20-point games in his first three outings. The highest scoring of the pair was a 25-point game, another three-point explosion for the 23 -year-old.
He drained six threes in a 90-77 win against the University of San Diego. Pinson shot 80% from the field and dished eight assists for the Aggies, dominating all areas of the game.
His explosiveness and quickness made a quick impression on his new team, as he led the game to take New Mexico State’s second win of the season.
Pinson went on to put up five 20-point outings on the season, leading the Aggies in points and assists per game.
Pinson put Missouri on his back for two straight games in his sophomore year, averaging 30 points to lead his team to consecutive wins.
He followed up a 28-point outing against Auburn, where he went 10-12 from the field and 6-8 from the free throw line, with a 32-point explosion against Ole Miss.
Pinson went 4-4 from three and 10-11 from the foul line in a three-point win, where the Tigers needed every point he put up. He went off for 24 in the second half alone.
He hit six free throws in the final minute, and eight of Missouri’s last 12 points to seal the victory, coming up clutch in just his second college year.
The outings broke Pinson’s career-highs in back-to-back games, as he demonstrated his ability to take over proceedings and lead a team to wins.
Freshman’s first 20 point game
Pinson had consistent success against Ole Miss, putting up his first 20-point game against them in his freshman year.
He had 20 points and six assists, pushing the Rebels all the way in a six-point loss. He led the team with his points tally, going 8-12 from the field in just 29 minutes of play.
Missouri entered the game as underdogs, against an Ole Miss side with their eyes set firmly on the NCAA Tournament.
The game was tied with 3:35 to play, but their opponents saw the best of the late momentum to avoid the upset. Pinson impressed on all fronts in the game, setting him up for three successful seasons in Missouri.
#Mizzou guard Xavier Pinson says he's grown a lot throughout his freshman year. He scored 11 points and brought down nine rebounds in the Tigers win over Arkansas last night. The future looks bright for him at PG. pic.twitter.com/1DPNEGN14Y
Leicester Riders are thrilled to continue their long-standing relationship with 360 Autoleasing!
360 Autoleasing is an independent vehicle finance, contract hire and car leasing broker.
They specialise in sourcing the best car contract hire and van leasing special offers for both businesses and individuals from a range of automotive funders and dealers.
360 Autoleasing’s support of the Riders includes the sponsorship of Riders’ guard Caleb Asberry for the 2023/24 season.
Ian Hallam, regional sales director of 360 Autoleasing, commented: “Being part of the Riders family means so much to us and our team, we are really excited for the forthcoming season.
“Aligning our business with a local sports team helps us to demonstrate our commitment to the wider community.
“What the club offers on a grassroots level through its foundation is inspirational, and we would recommend any businesses to consider their support.”
For more information on how to partner with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
LRF & Menphys continue to develop their partnership
In 2020, our Foundation were incredibly fortunate to secure funding for 3 years from Children in Need that has enabled us to develop our partnership with Menphys. We currently deliver weekly inclusive sessions at the Menphys hub in Wigston for those children with special educational needs. These sessions are taught by our community coaches in an environment that allows the children to express themselves freely.
Following the success of these sessions over the last couple of years, this has resulted in Menphys being integrated into 5 of our Community Camps, whereby the Foundation hosts basketball camps throughout school holiday periods, delivering key coaching and mentoring sessions.
At our Foundation Awards Night in May, we were incredibly pleased to present Menphys with our Community Organisation of the Year award. By including basketball into their programmes, embracing our partnership and using basketball as part of their delivery model, Menphys has positively contributed to the local community and helped to proactively increase opportunities for young people with special educational needs.
In June 2023, we are expanding our work with Menphys to promote more inclusive sessions across Leicestershire, giving more children the opportunity to get active and participate in basketball sessions. Throughout the summer, Menphys Together will reach children in areas across Leicestershire, including Melton Mowbray, Wigston and Hinckley and offer sessions at our Morningside Arena. We aim to get more children involved in sessions that teach them the fundamental basketball skills, encourage teamwork and most importantly to discover the benefits of basketball and to have fun whilst learning. Partnering with Menphys has given us the opportunity to work towards our goal of increasing the possibilities for young people with disabilities in our communities.
“The partnership Menphys has built with the Leicester Riders Foundation has gone from strength to strength. More young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities now have access to basketball, positively impacting their engagement with sport. Access to basketball is helping them to grow their confidence, Independence and build lifelong friendships, It is great to see our young people flourish.It is also fantastic to be working with a forward thinking, inclusive and engaged organisation that is working with us to make sport for all.” – Emma Sharpe, Head of Services at Menphys.
Leicester Riders are delighted to welcome Better IT as a sponsor for the 2023/24 season!
Better-IT is a premium supplier of IT services and IT Support for businesses that want their technology to be world-class and ultra-secure.
Better IT will sponsor Riders forward Braelen Bridges for the upcoming season.
David Nicholls, Managing Director of Better IT, commented: “We are delighted to join forces with the incredible Leicester Riders, supporting our local community and being a part of something truly special.
“As a local business, we believe in the power of supporting our community and investing in its growth.
“Joining hands and sponsoring the Leicester Riders allows us to give back and celebrate the amazing talents right here in our city.”
For more information on how to partner with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders, Britain’s oldest professional basketball club, was founded in 1967. Our rich history spans five arenas, 19 pieces of silverware and three name changes.
As founding members of the National Basketball League in 1972 and the British Basketball League in 1987, we have forever been staples of the sport in the UK.
Take a look back in time at the club through the decades.
1960s– Loughborough All-Stars
The club, originally known as the Loughborough All-Stars, was founded by students and lecturers at Loughborough University on 26 April 1967.
Vaughan Thomas, a Wales and GB international, created a team that included the best players the East Midlands had to offer.
Pictured is the squad from the 1968/69 season, following a win against the Edinburgh Hornets.
Peter Shaw (#6), was a founding member who played seven seasons with the team.
Shaw became the club’s coach in 1974, and was a fixture of the sidelines for much of the next 15 years.
1970s- National Basketball League founded
1972 marked the founding of the National League, of which the All-Stars were among six competing teams.
Pictured is the Loughborough squad from the 1972/72 season, the first year of the NBL.
The All-Stars finished with a 5-5 record that season, led by Riders legend Carl Olsson’s (#13) 19 points per game.
After a half-decade of the National League, the All-Stars departed in 1979 to become a non-league club.
1980s- Riders are born
Between 1979 and 1981 the club won the Founders Cup (the top honour for a non-league side) during both their seasons out of the top flight.
1981 marked the year that the club moved from Loughborough to its current home, Leicester, as they reentered the National League in Division Two.
The move was backed by Leicester City Council and Leicester City Bus, hence the change in name to “Riders”.
Coached by Shaw, the Riders played their games at the newly refurbished Granby Halls, until its closure in 2000.
The side made light work of Division Two, winning the league undefeated and collecting the National Trophy.
They also tasted their first major final in the mid-80s, but fell to the dominant Solent Stars.
1990s- National Cup Final
Image credit: Mansoor Ahmed
Near the start of the 90s, the Riders made the second National Cup Final of their then 24-year history.
The competition has run since 1936, and this iteration saw the Riders take on the Sunderland Saints at the London Arena.
The Riders lost 88-81, led by Gene Waldron’s 26-point effort, but returned a decade later to win the Cup against the Greater London Leopards in an 84-82 thriller.
They would have to wait a decade to return to the big stage.
2000s- Riders’ first BBL silverware
The Riders kicked off the 2000s with a bang.
They celebrated their move back to Loughborough, this time to the Sir David Wallace Centre, by filling the trophy cabinet immediately.
With their 2001 NTL Cup and BBL Playoff win, they took home their first pieces of British Basketball League silverware, led by legendary Head Coach Billy Mims.
It all started in the Cup Final, where the Riders broke their 30-year duck in major competitions. Their 84-82 win against London was led by MVP Ralph Blalock, who scored 26 in the game.
To end the famous 2000/01 season, the Riders came through to win the BBL Playoffs as the 8-seed, beating the Sheffield Sharks at Wembley Arena (pictured).
Blalock, again, led all scorers with 25, capping off a Cinderella story.
“The Riders were written off as no-hopers at the start of the season, but under the stewardship of former London Leopards head coach Billy Mims, the unfashionable Midlands outfit became a revelation.”
Daniel Routledge
2010s- Dynastic decade
It was over a decade-long wait for the Riders to lift their next trophy, but good things come in threes!
Led by Head Coach Rob Paternostro, now the most decorated coach in BBL history, the Riders were crowned treble winners, winning the 2013 BBL Cup, BBL Championship and BBL Playoffs (pictured).
The Playoff Final was a 68-57 win against the Newcastle Eagles, led by Drew Sullivan’s 24-point dominant display.
The historic season kicked off a dominant Riders run, where they won 10 competitions in six years!
In 2016, they moved into their current home, the Morningside Arena, allowing the Riders to bring British basketball dominance into their own arena.
2020s- Completing a trio of trebles
Having followed up their 2013 treble with another in 2017, the Riders made it three in ten years in 2022.
After winning the league a year prior, the Riders returned with a bang to take home the BBL Cup, BBL Championship (pictured), and BBL Playoffs.
With a 25-2 record, they dominated the league, before beating the London Lions in the Playoff final 78-75, led by back-to-back BBL MVP Geno Crandall’s 23 points, to cap off another historic year.
Throughout the 2022/23 basketball season, we have hosted 7 Development Days at the Morningside Arena prior to a Riders BBL home game. This is an opportunity for large groups within the community, including schools to join our team of coaches for a 90-minute coaching clinic on court to enhance their skills, focusing on three different areas: passing, shooting, and dribbling.
A selection of food is provided to the participants following the coaching session, all enjoyed whilst watching the Leicester Riders Professional Team warm up. Finally, as part of the Development Day, participants receive a ticket to watch the Riders in action against another BBL team.
Our Development Days have been a great way for us to further develop our partnerships built through in-school coaching and intervention by enabling us to bring the students to our home and experience the energy of a Riders game day.
— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) April 21, 2023
“To have the opportunity to work with our coaches, play on court at our arena and watch the pro team in action in such a safe yet fun environment, is such a fantastic experience for the community groups to be involved in. It’s been such a success and a pleasure to be a part of!” – Damon Taylor, Community Camp Officer.
“I really enjoyed the development day at Leicester Riders, the drills were really fun and the coaches were really positive and supportive. It was a great way to really develop my basketball skills before watching the game. I really enjoyed watching the Riders game and it was a great experience playing on court at the Morningside Arena” – Cameron, Development Day attendee.
This season we have worked with 287 children throughout our Development Days, and this has been a great initiative to get aspiring basketballers and members of the community on court to increase sport participation and facilitate the experience of a night at the Riders.
We hope to host even more Development Days next season, if you would like to book your group onto one of our 2023/24 season Development Days email [email protected] for more information.
Leicester Riders announce the continuation of their partnership with Vertu Motors and their Leicester dealership – Vertu Toyota Leicester.
The leading automotive retailer’s three-year deal with Leicester Riders, which began last season, involves supplying a fleet of Toyota Hybrid vehicles from their Leicester dealership, branding on the team’s shorts and across the Morningside Arena, plus the provision of match day advertising opportunities.
As well as their local Vertu Toyota Leicester location, Vertu Motors has several additional dealerships in the surrounding area, including Vertu Toyota Loughborough as well as many more throughout the East Midlands area and UK.
Chris Taylor, Group Operations Director at Vertu Motors, said: “Not only are Leicester Riders the most historic professional basketball team in the UK, they are also one of the most successful. This comes from having a true commitment to providing a great environment for players and fans alike, and most importantly a commitment to community basketball and youth development in the surrounding area.
“The club is a credit to Leicester and Loughborough and has a dedicated fan base. This is something we hope to emulate locally with our recently acquired Toyota retailers in Leicester and Loughborough.
“We are very proud to continue our partnership with the Club and look forward to another exciting season ahead.”
Russell Levenston, Managing Director of Leicester Riders, added: “It gives us great pleasure to continue working with 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.
“I look forward to growing our relationship on the foundations that we have built. Thank you to all the colleagues at Vertu Motors for all of their support.”
For more information on how to partner with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of 5’11” guard Shahd Abboud for the 2022/23 season.
The Israeli international joins from Maccabi Ramat Gan in the Israeli Premier Division.
She represented her country in the 2021 European Championships, and has regularly played for Israeli senior team since 2018.
In 2018, the Nazereth-native was named the first-ever Arab-Israeli captain of an Israeli Premier League team by Hapoel Petah Tikva.
In college, Abboud suited up for Northwestern State University, averaging 8.4 points per game as a junior while starting 28 games.
“I’m really thankful for the opportunity and excited to be joining the Riders,” said Abboud.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to work with Coach Stanley, getting to know my teammates and building chemistry in order to achieve our goals this season.”
“Shahd is going to be a huge credit to the programme,” said Head Coach Ben Stanley.
“She brings a wealth of experience and determination, and she really knows how to play the right way. She’ll be a fantastic role model for our community with all she’s accomplished so far, and we’re excited to have her here.”
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Canadian/British forward TJ Lall has become the sixth member of our 2022/23 roster.
To help you get to know more, here are some things you may not know about our new man:
He ended a 30-year championship drought
In his final college season, Lall led Brock University to their first OUA title since 1992.
In front of a sold-out crowd, Lall put up a game-high 27 points, eight rebounds and five assists on the Badgers’ way to a 95-75 blowout against Queens University.
He dominated, going 11-16 from the field 4-7 from three, getting it done in all aspects of the game to bring long-awaited silverware back to his university.
He was named MVP in college
Lall dominated the OUA in his final college year. His 22 points and 7.9 rebounds per game earned him the honours of First Team All-Canadian, OUA West MVP and OUA West First Team All-Star.
Not only did he lead the Badgers to their first title in three decades, Brock University also made an appearance at the U SPORTS Final 8 Tournament.
They posted a regular-season record of 14-1 in the OUA West and won three straight playoff games to make their first appearance at the national championships since 2017-18.
He was the number one pick in the 2020 CEBL Draft
As a 23-year-old, following his college career at Carleton University, Lall was selected number one overall by the newly established Ottawa BlackJacks in the 2020 CEBL draft.
TJ Lall, a six-foot-six forward from Cambridge, Ontario, was the first pick in the 2020 @CEBLeague x @USPORTSca draft by @ott_blackjacks GM Dave Smart.
Lall averaged 7.0 points & 3.4 rebounds in 92 games with the @CURavensBBall. 🏀
The three-round draft saw 21 players selected from 10 universities across Canada, and Lall was deemed the best prospect of all for a bran new franchise.
Ottawa Head Coach Taffe Charles told the Waterloo Region Record described him as “athletic”, “a really good two-way player” and ,” a very good rebounder” after their selection.
He was a national champion boxer
Sport runs in the Lall family, as TJ’s dad was a kickboxer.
Lall took up the sport competitively until the age of 15, even winning a national championship!
Lall ultimately settled on hoops over the ring, but remains a huge boxing fan.
His favourite player was Allen Iverson
During the early 2000s, Allen Iverson made waves across the basketball landscape.
His flashy handles and elite scoring captured the imagination of Lall, who greatly admired “AI”.
The Answer, Allen Iverson, was at the NBA Store in London to share his knowledge with some @JrNBA future stars 🤩🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/jRFTTUWzKG
Along with Tracey MacGrady and Kevin Garnett, he was one of the first to get him into the sport, kickstarting what would become his professional career.
Want to see Lall in action? Buy tickets to the Riders’ preseasonhome opener against USA Select!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Loughborough Riders are thrilled to announce the appointment of Tor Freeman as women’s Division 1 Head Coach.
Freeman will also take the reins of the BUCS 2 programme at Loughborough University and the role of assistant to Ben Stanley for the Leicester Riders’ WBBL outfit.
He joins from the WBBL’s Oakland Wolves, where he served as Head Coach for the 2022/23 season.
The 24-year-old is one of the country’s best young coaching prospects, winning Young Coach of the Year at UK Coaching Awards in 2021.
St Albans Wolves (@Oaklandsball) coach Tor Freeman has won Young Coach of the Year at @_UKCoaching awards 🏆
"It’s great to know that what I do has an impact, and that other people are appreciative of it," said the 22-year-old
“The opportunity to be involved with a club as successful as the Riders is something I’m really excited about,” said Freeman.
“I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the team at both Loughborough and Leicester. Speaking with the club, the vision they have for the women’s pathway is something that really impressed me.”
“The chance for players to progress from WEABL to D1 and finally the WBBL is something that nobody else offers.”
Managing Director Russell Levenston added: “Tor is a fantastic young coach that we’re really excited to work with. He will prove a key asset to the development of our already successful Loughborough and WBBL programmes.”
“We would like to thank Loughborough University for their ongoing support!”
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
Leicester Riders and Morningside Arena announce the continuation of their partnership with long-standing sponsor, Torr Waterfield.
Torr Waterfield has been a sponsor for eight seasons and have been providing the Riders and the associated companies with general financial advice, as well as their accounting and payroll services, over recent years.
The Leicester accountants’ corporate hospitality and branding arrangements include access to a wide range of sporting and entertainment events at the Arena, and sponsorship of one our the large stands.
Mark Torr, Director and Senior Partner at Torr Waterfield, is delighted to continue working with the Riders and the Arena.
“I first got involved with the Leicester Arena and Leicester Riders through my youngest son’s love of basketball in 2015. As a local business owner, I quickly realised the unique offering of the Leicester Riders’ hospitality being something completely different from competing sports.
“In the last few years, we have bought hundreds of guests and multiple businesses to the corporate hospitality offering at the arena.
“The hospitality experience has significantly widened to incorporate a vast array of sporting events and entertainment, and we have been delighted to not only attend the hospitality offerings but have now entered into a long-term sponsorship agreement.
“We as a business receive numerous positive comments about our involvement and will continue to support both Leicester Riders and the Arena in its activities. In fact, many of our guests are now sponsors and supporters.
“More businesses and individuals need to experience what it has to offer. I’m still amazed when I ask clients to join me that they have never heard of this gem.”
For more information on how to sponsor the Riders, please contact [email protected].
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
The Leicester Riders are excited to sign 6’7” forward TJ Lall to their 2023/24 roster.
The Canadian, who holds a British passport, has played four seasons in the Canadian CEBL, most recently alongside Riders’ guard Kimbal Mackenzie for the Niagara River Lions.
Lall played last season in the Japanese first division for Kyoto Hannaryz, putting up 6.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
He was selected by the Ottawa BlackJacks as the first overall pick during the 2020 CEBL Draft, where he had his first taste of professional basketball.
In college, the Ontario native won four national titles with the Carleton Ravens before transferring to Brock University for his fifth college season.
He averaged 22 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and was named First Team All-Canadian, OUA West First Team All-Star and Brock Men’s Basketball Team MVP.
“I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity to play for the Riders,” said Lall.
“I can’t wait to experience basketball in the UK and get on court to battle with the team!”
2022 Nighthawks Team Award Winner🏆
The Canadian Player of the Year is given to the best performing 🇨🇦 player of the 2022 CEBL Regular Season.
The KitKing Trophy for teams in Basketball England’s NBL Men’s Division One is set to return in September.
The competition will again be organised by NBL Division One Men’s clubs in partnership with naming rights holder Kitking.co.uk and Basketball England.
It will see all 14 NBL Division One clubs, plus a pair of invited Division Two sides, competing in four regional groups of four.
The additional Division two teams for 2023/24 are last season’s NBL Division Three playoff champions Milton Keynes Breakers, who topped a number of NBL Division One sides as part of a lengthy National Cup run a year ago, and former NBL D1 winners Manchester Magic, who were relegated from the top flight at the end of last season.
Holders Hemel Storm will defend their title. KitKing have supplied winning team wear to NGBs, professional and grassroots clubs throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond since 1992.
They are the UK’s leading teamwear specialist with 30 years’ experience across more than 25 sports, including basketball.
KitKing.co.uk CEO Dips Patel said: “We are excited to continue our partnership with Basketball England’s NBL Division One clubs.
“Last season’s competition was a big success and our sponsorship will further extend our help and support of the Trophy in 2022/23.
“It’s an exciting time for the sport in the UK as basketball continues to grow. We’re pleased to be a part of that, and to be able to support Basketball England’s D1 clubs through this partnership.”
Tim Brown, former Basketball England Board member and chair of the Men’s Division One group, said: “I would like to thank KitKing.co.uk for their ongoing support as we push the competition from strength-to-strength.
“The D1 men’s clubs are continuing to grow and move the league forward as a group with Basketball England’s support, making this an exciting time for both the sport and the Trophy itself.”
The group stages of the competition will be played from 16 September through to 24 September, with the 16 contenders split into four groups of four teams.
The games will provide a curtain raiser to the Men’s NBL Division One season, which gets under way in October.
Playing each other once, the top two sides in each group will progress to the quarter-finals then semi-finals, with the final set to take place later in the year.
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
As part of our on-going partnership with Leicester City Council we’re offering a number of free places on our Christmas Camp.
In order to be eligible children must live in Leicester, be aged between 8 to 16 and in full-time education are receiving benefits related free school meals.
Melton Camp – August 1st-3rd
John Fernley School, Scalford Road, LE13 1LH
Hinckley Camp – August 7th-9th
Hinckley Leisure Centre, Argents Mead, LE10 1BZ
Coalville Camp – August 15th-17th
King Edward VII Science & Sports College, Warren Hills Road, LE67 4UW
Ndoukou averaged 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in the group stage, going off for 14 and 11 in the tournament-opening win against Austria.
Campbell also went off in the game, becoming just the fourth GB player to record at least 10 assists in a single game at the Under-20s European Championships.
He had eight points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the game and put up six points, five rebounds and 5.5 assists throughout the group stage.
🇬🇧 Strong start to the campaign!
🦾Our U20 Men's kick off their European run with a win over Austria!#BritishBasketball
— Great Britain Basketball (@gbbasketball) July 7, 2023
GB went 2-2 in Group B, with wins against Austria and Hungary, seeing them through to the Division B quarter-finals.
They take on North Macedonia in the opening round of the knockout stage, the game tipping off at 7:45 on Friday, July 14.
Photo credit:FIBA
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Leicester Riders are delighted to confirm that Jessica Eadsforth-Yates has been retained for the 2023/24 roster.
The Manchester-born guard signed a two-year deal last summer, joining from the Newcastle Eagles.
Eadsforth-Yates, a Charnwood graduate, averaged 7.7 points per game in the WBBL Championship for the Riders last year, putting up a season-high 25 points against the Oaklands Wolves.
The deal includes Jessica’s studies at Loughborough University, where she won the BUCS championship last season.
The club would like to thank Loughborough University for their support.
“I’m very happy to be back with Riders following an overall successful season for the team last year!” commented Eadsforth-Yates.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know Coach Stanley more and improving personal development, along with new team goals! I can’t wait to get back to work and start building towards what should be an exciting year for the team!”
“We’re really happy to have Jess back,” said Head Coach Ben Stanley.
“I’ve watched her for many years, and I know she’s passionate, team-oriented and ready to work. I’m looking forward to having her with us for another year.”
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Leicester Riders can confirm the retention of Victor Ndoukou for the 2023/24 season.
The 6’8″ forward signed his first professional contract with the Riders in January to accompany his studies at Loughborough University, committing him to Leicester for four years.
Ndoukou won the 2021/22 EABL MVP award and averaged 11.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in NBL D1, shooting 46% from three that season.
“It’s an honour to play for the Riders,” said Ndoukou.
“Only the good players play for them, so I’m really grateful to be a part of that, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to sign here.
“Having the trust from all my coaching staff is a big thing for me, and hopefully, coming into this year, I can make strides with my career.”
Head coach Rob Paternostro commented: “Victor is a guy who has been with our programme for years, and we have really enjoyed working with him and watching his game develop.
“He is a skilled player with a high basketball IQ, who makes good decisions out on the floor and possesses good size and strength.”
Ndoukou is in action for GB Under-20s this week for the FIBA European Youth Championships.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
First, let me say that it’s a privilege to be a head coach in this historic club, and I can’t wait to get started.
It’s been a bit of a whirlwind process. I was expecting to stay with Solent for another season, but this was too good of an opportunity to pass up and something I’m thrilled to be doing.
Watching from a distance, this club looked like a great environment where everyone got on. I spoke to Ashley Arlen, who I’ve known since her Nottingham days, and she said this was a great group.
I’ve heard similar things from everyone I speak to. That’s really exciting, and of course, this was a very competitive team last year.
This year, we’re going to be trying to figure out who we are and what our goals are. In the short term we’re going to be focussing on our character and culture.
We still want to win, that’s massively important to me and the club, but we also want to establish who we are as a team.
In the long term we want to be highly competitive in the WBBL. We want to continue to make finals and win things.
It’s essential to me to build a strong culture within this team. Culture is led by the coach, but ultimately it comes from the players. I can guarantee we’ll play hard and play together.
In my role as women’s coach it’s very important to me that the players get the respect that the men get.
They work as hard and they are just as knowledgeable, so it’s very important to me that we grow the women’s game.
I would love to be in a position where we are close to selling out the arena every game. That would be huge for us. That comes from having the right character of players throughout the programme, from juniors to pros.
That includes everything on the court and everything we do in the community as well. I’ll be out there doing everything I can, and the players will support that too.
I’m also delighted to begin my role as Loughborough BUCS head coach!
I played for Brunel just as our rivalry with Loughborough was coming to a close, so it’ll be a little weird having the purple on me for the first couple of games!
But I’m extremely excited about it, and to be a part of that programme with a storied history is something I’m looking forward to.
— Loughborough Basketball (@lborobasketball) March 22, 2023
I can’t wait to get to know the fans! Please come out and support the girls, we’ll have a great on-court product for you next year and I know we’re going to have great people that will be great examples for the youth of Leicester and Loughborough.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all!
Ben Stanley
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Riders’ new man Braelen Bridges is entering his first professional season following a five-year college career.
The 6’10” Georgia native made a name for himself as an elite rebounder and scorer during his time in the NCAA D1.
Get to know him with some of his top performances!
Career high in points vs Ole Miss
In Febuary, Bridges dropped his career high in points against Ole Miss. The Bulldogs fell short in the game, but his 26 points in 29 minutes kept the game close, with their opponents winning by just four.
Bridges shot 76.9% in the game and dominated the glass to grab 11 rebounds, recording one of his four double-doubles on the season.
It was his second double-double against Ole Miss that season. His opponents had no answer for Bridges’ size and physicality.
During his first season at Georgia, Bridges led the team with 25 double-digit scoring performances. None topped his showing in his second game as a Bulldog against the Cincinnati Bearcats.
He put up 24 points and eight rebounds, four of which came on the offensive glass. He went 11-15 from the field, finding success with his back to the basket to score in close.
With this performance, Bridges showed off his scoring ability to the Bulldogs. He went on to be their second-leading scorer and leading rebounder for the 2021-22 season.
After sitting out for the 2019-20 season, Bridges came back with a bang for his sophomore year at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
His best statistical performance of the season: 20 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks to lead UIC to a win against Youngstown State.
He went 9-13 from the floor in the 90-83 win, and his team needed every one of his points as he dominated the paint.
That season, Bridges started all 34 games and helped lead UIC to the championship game of the 2020 Horizon League Tournament, a first for the Flames since 2004.
Dominant display vs Hampton
In his fifth-colle year, Bridge’s Georgia Bulldogs went 16-15 on the season, helped by dominant performances in the paint from Bridges.
Perhaps the most eye-catching was his 21 points and 13 rebounds against the Hampton Pirates, where he led the game in both categories on the way to a 73-54 blowout win.
He added a block and a steal to the box score on the defensive end, contributing in all areas. Hampton had no response to Bridges, who shot 69.2% from the field.
He achieved this in only 25 minutes of play, making the most of his minutes with a clinic on the boards.
Four of his 13 rebounds came on the offensive end, as Bridges generated multiple second-chance points to lead Georgia to a significant win.
Career high in rebounds vs DePaul
In a local rivalry for UIC, Bridges showed up on the glass to grab his career-high rebounding total.
He went off for 14 points and 14 boards, shooting 55.6% from the field and recording a steal and a block on the defensive end.
While his efforts were not enough to secure a win, his heart and physicality in just his 10th game for UIC endeared him immediately to the Flames’ faithful.
Photo credit: Georgia Bulldogs
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Firstly, I’d like to thank everybody for your continued support. The offseason is an exciting time for us, but we can’t wait to see you back in the stands for our first game!
Looking back, we’re coming off a really good season. We improved from the beginning to the end, and I thought we were a better team at the O2 Arena in May than we were throughout the course of the year. That’s satisfying as a coach.
We just couldn’t get over the hump against London. We had opportunities, but we just weren’t able to convert them. But when you look at how we competed against the rest of the league, we had an exceptional record.
This time of year is exciting for coaches. We’re looking at prospective players and putting the pieces together.
We anticipate having to sign a lot of players so we’re trying to see who is the right fit. It’s a change from last season where almost everyone came back. This year is going to be totally different.
It’s a huge task going into the offseason after we’ve had the core of our team together for so long, but we have to do our due diligence looking at the players that are out there and trying to figure out the best way to rebuild.
We haven’t ruled out re-signing guys from last season, but we have to understand that our players have put in really good seasons and will be marketable around the world.
Having Kimbal back is a blessing for us. On the court, he’s a really dangerous player to deal with for opponents. His ability to score and get in the lane to make key plays at key moments is really valuable to our team.
Off the court, his leadership and commitment to practice and gameplan are second to none. He’s going to help immensely with the transition with new guys.
And speaking of new players, we’re delighted to have Sam Idowu on board!
He is versatile, which I really like about him. You can put him in different positions on the floor, so he’s not just a traditional big. His versatility will be really beneficial.
He’s a good rebounder and he’s always been a high-field goal percentage scorer, so we have an efficient player with energy and versatility. I’m really looking forward to working with Sam.
It’s almost like unwrapping a gift! So when we get to August, we can’t wait to look at some of these players. It’s one of the parts of the job I look forward to. It’s a challenge, and it’s not a science by any means, but I’m looking forward to it.
We know there’s plenty of games in the BBL, so there are lots of opportunities to compete, and we’re excited about the challenge ahead.
Thank you all for your patience this offseason, and we have some exciting news down the line for you all!
Rob Paternostro
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
International watch: Riders suit up for GB Under-20s
There was Riders’ representation on the international stage this week in preparation for the FIBA European Youth Championships in July.
Victor Ndoukou and Lane Campbell were joined by Charnwood product Ceejay Hanson to represent Great Britain Under-20s, taking on last year’s fourth-placed finishers, Finland, in Helsinki over two games.
🇬🇧🇫🇮 Proud of our three Riders who represented the @gbbasketball U20s out in Helsinki!
“It was a great environment in Finland,” said Riders women’s head coach Krumesh Patel, who was appointed head coach of GB U20’s in March.
“They are a competitive team that got a lot right! The Riders guys did really well over the two games, and we hope that’s something they can use to build towards the Euros!”
In his four seasons with the club, Darien Nelson-Henry helped to create ever-lasting memories not only for Riders fans but himself.
As captain, Darien led the team to four pieces of silverware, including back-to-back league titles and a treble. He was also named to the BBL Team of the Year in consecutive seasons.
He took some time to reflect on his tenure at the Morningside Arena.
After joining, what made you want to stay?
Darien’s first season in Leicester was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the initial months at the club left an impression.
They were all he needed to re-sign, committing to the Riders long-term. According to Darien, coach Rob Paternostro had a lot to do with it.
“Rob is a reason why a lot of us wanted to stay. He’s been through it, in terms of playing around Europe, so he knows what it’s like in other places.
“He knows how to get along with players to where you feel comfortable with him, but is great at keeping his boundaries as a coach to where you’ll always do what he asks.”
“I respect that about him a lot because it’s a really hard line to walk.”
But as well as choosing coach Rob, Darien chose Leicester.
“Of course, it was great because of all the similarities to the US. I knew it was a place I could thrive, and I loved enjoying the countryside, the culture, the food and other cities in the UK.”
“In Leicester, I knew my life outside of basketball was going to be quality, and I’m a huge believer that peace of mind will translate to performance on the court.”
How do you reflect on the season played without fans in the arena?
“Any basketball player would tell you it’s weird without fans. They are where we draw our energy from. They’re the backbone and the lifeblood of why you play basketball- for the fans. To not have them there was very strange.”
“On the other hand, the basketball was pure. Our COVID season is so special to me because we were the best. With no momentum boost from the crowd and no real home-court advantage, it was all about who the better team was.”
“It came down to who was prepared better, who was in better shape, who was running better plays and who was executing better. While we didn’t win any of the tournament competitions, we won the one that. to me, matters most in the league.
“We proved we were the most consistent team in a pure setting, which was pretty awesome looking back on it.”
What was it like to play on the treble-winning team?
Winning the league title was not enough for Darien. He and the rest of the team wanted to do it all again (and more) in front of the Riders faithful.
“Winning the treble on the big stage, in front of all the fans in the arena, was really special. But that type of season is typical for this franchise in recent years when the majority of the team returns for another season.”
“When that happens, the club usually accomplishes something special. A lot of the plays we ran and our defensive strategy, while Rob does call plays here and there, he leaves the responsibility to us during the game. Once he laid the game plan, it was up to us to execute.”
“Having spent a year together, we found ourselves all on the same page. It really helped us, having spent all that time together. The stars really aligned that season.”
How would you describe playing with Geno Crandall?
For two straight seasons, Darien and two-time BBL MVP Geno Crandall shared the floor to a devastating effect.
Their relationship on-court seemed near-telepathic at times, leading to the pair winning four pieces of silverware in their time together.
What an assist from Crandall! Nelson-Henry finishes for two!
“He’s a special player. And the main thing for our relationship was that we were both very vocal and very trusting of one another.
“If something went a little differently to the way we saw it, maybe he’d lead me a little too far with a pass, or he’d want me to reset a screen, and I’d roll instead, we would get together and talk it out.”
“We had a very open dialogue which helped us. But he’s so talented I think he could have done it with any big man”, said Darien modestly.
“We both had the desire to win, and his competitiveness gave me the desire to play my heart out, knowing he’s going to do the same.”
When did you know it was time to retire?
Towards the end of last season, Darien revealed the news to the home fans that he would retire.
“I had a feeling I was going to retire going into my final season, I could see the writing on the wall a little bit. My body was starting to ache, I had some nagging injuries that were tough to overcome, and all my attempts at recovery weren’t helping as much as they used to.”
“I’d finished my masters, and I’m getting married. It just seemed like my life was pointing me in a different direction.”
🎓👏 Massive congrats to our captain Darien Nelson-Henry who graduated from his masters in International Business from @lborouniversity today!
How do you reflect on your career, having had some time to look back on it?
“I was able to win multiple titles in multiple countries, achieve personal accolades everywhere I went and meet amazing people who I would otherwise never had the opportunity to meet.”
“I can honestly say I got so much out of basketball, and it was worth every second I put into it.”
“I’m taking a break from the game for now and taking some well-earned rest, but I’ll be back one way or another and cheering the Riders on from wherever I may be!”
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
The club is excited to announce the return of point guard Kimbal Mackenzie for the 2023/24 season.
Mackenzie has proved a fan-favourite in his two seasons in Leicester, earning the Supporters Club Player of the Year last season – voted for by the Riders faithful.
His 12.7 points and 3.8 assists also saw him named on the Molten BBL British Team of the Year alongside teammate Patrick Whelan.
“Kimbal has been excellent for us and we are thrilled to have him back at the club. We have enjoyed working with him these past two seasons, he is a player who comes ready to play every day,” reflected Head Coach Rob Paternostro.
“He is a versatile guard who can be effective in many different spots on the floor and has shown the ability to make winning plays in important moments of the game.”
“His ability to fill different roles last seasons was very impressive.”
Mackenzie put in countless team-leading performances throughout the 2022/23 season, perhaps none better than his 31 point explosion against the Cheshire Phoenix in February. He went 11-15 from the field and 7-7 from the free-throw line in the Riders’ 105-91 win.
“My family and I are thrilled to be returning to Leicester for my third season,” commented Kimbal. “The experience that we have had within the city and with the fans has been amazing. I look forward to continuing the winning ways of the Riders. Since day one, Leicester has felt like home, and in the business of being a professional athlete, it can be rare to be with the same team for multiple years, so I’m thankful for that.”
“I’m happy to still be playing in front of the best fans in the league! A fanbase that makes Morningside one of the best home court advantages in the league, and fans that frequently travel across the country to support us.”
“In deciding to come back, it’s the culture that Coach Rob has built for years that played a big part. Rob is a players’ coach, and the ultimate competitor, someone who I love going to battle with. I look forward to playing with a great group of guys, and to winning a lot of basketball games!”
Mackenzie’s form earned him his first call-up to the Great Britain Senior squad, making his debut in a FIBA World Cup Qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade.
Welcome back Kimbal!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Last week we hosted our Leicester Riders Foundation end of season awards night at the Morningside Arena and welcomed 500 of our academy players, parents, project groups, schools and partners which made it our biggest awards night to date.
This year we redesigned our awards night to represent all of the work that we have done in the community over the past year in our 3 departments; Education, Community & Academy. In addition to our usual Academy awards we also added 11 awards from the work we have done in the community and schools recognising individuals and groups who have excelled over the past year. These awards went from our Champion School award right through to our Community Organisation of the year award and there were multiple nominations for each award from across our programmes.
The night was made possible by an extremely generous donation from Pukka Pies who have enabled us to grow our awards night into a true representation of all the work we do in the community. As well as sponsoring our awards night Pukka Pies donation will also go towards allowing us to continue to run our Positive Futures diversionary project.
“At Pukka, we are thrilled to not only be involved with Leicester Riders but also supporting the Foundation and children in the local community.” Said Nik Jones, Pukka Pies National Account Manager. “As a Leicester business with such strong historic ties to sports we are keen to work with local sport clubs and foundations to invest back into our great city and people. It was great to see such huge support on the night and really see the scale of what the foundation does and people it reaches. A huge thank you should be given to the foundation team and volunteer coaches who make all of this possible.”
Laura Shephard, General Manager of the Leicester Riders Foundation added “We’re extremely grateful for the generous donation from Pukka Pies that has gone towards hosting our end of season awards and also continuing our Positive Futures programme at St Andrews Play Association. The awards night was our biggest yet and it was amazing to be able to fully showcase all of our work in the community alongside, from celebrating our inclusive work with Menphys & Vista through to our Young Official of the year award, our awards night was a representation of the breadth of our delivery across Leicestershire.”
For updates on who won all of our individual awards check out @RidersBF on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Last Wednesday Leicester Riders Foundation delivered our first United Leicester Resilience day at Taylor Road Primary School in Leicester City Centre.
United Leicester is a partnership delivered by the community foundation of each Leicester sports club, Leicester Riders Foundation, Leicester City in the Community, Leicester Tigers Foundation, Leicestershire CCC in the Community, and Leicester Hockey Club.
The morning began with an ambassador assembly delivered by professional players Mo Walker and Kirsty Brown. Mo and Kirsty spoke to the students about their path to professional basketball as well as key characteristics such as respect, resilience and teamwork that can be related to life both on and off the court.
Following the assembly the years 3 and 4 students were split with one year group heading to the classroom for a resilience workshop and the other group heading outside for a basketball session. The resilience workshop involved a presentation, examples of resilience in professional sport and a group task on healthy eating and physical activity. We then focused on passing, shooting and dribbling in our basketball session which also put the resilience of the students to the test as they learnt new skills.
Neal Ruparelia from Taylor Road Primary believes that the resilience day left a positive impression on all of the students. “A fantastic day with inspirational, dedicated, and enthusiastic staff who truly care to make a difference to young people in the city. Thank you for leaving smiles on the faces of all children at Taylor Road Primary School.”
Darren Kay, Leicester Riders Foundation’s Head of Education and Schools Sport was delighted to see the students so engaged. “On behalf of The Leicester Riders Foundation – We was delighted to host our first United Leicester session at Taylor Road Primary School. The students was really engaged and provided much learning for our staff too with their good answers around their physical health and how to overcome challenges in their personal and school life. They showed the key skill taught of resilience in abundance. We are super proud of them!”
“I felt that both sessions were well thought out and appropriate to the ages of the pupils. I know there was much interest from the children about what you all do and this was particularly reflected in the children’s questions, particularly in the Key Stage 2 assembly.” Said Anna Grant-Thomas, Headteacher at Taylor Road “I was also very impressed by the answers from both Mo and Kirsty and felt that they did a fabulous job around the bullying question; it was answered so thoroughly and clearly, I don’t think any of the staff in school could have answered it better!”
Taylor Road Primary was the first of three resilience days, this week we visited Whitehall Primary school and in May we are at Stokeswood Primary.
The Riders will begin the final weekend of the BBL regular season on Friday when they host the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks.
Victory for Leicester should wrap up a second-place finish in the championship standings and will taste even sweeter after the 72-64 loss to Sheffield on March 24.
Riders’ Season So Far
The Riders currently sit in second place in the BBL standings on 48 points, just two points ahead of a Bristol Flyers squad they have battled with all season.
The narrow lead over Bristol came after Leicester willed their way to an 83-82 triumph in Manchester last Sunday.
The enthralling contest boiled down to one last play for Manchester, but Rahmon Fletcher’s drive to the basket was thwarted by a number of tireless Riders defenders, and he missed his shot.
Defeat to the Giants seemed entirely possible at half-time, Rob Paternostro’s men staring down a 12-point deficit, having only scored 31 in the first 20 minutes.
But with their coach’s impassioned words ringing in their ears, the Riders turned things around to claim a famous road win.
Point guard Carrington Love was ever-present (as he has been so often in recent weeks) dropping 17 points, snagging six rebounds and dishing out just as many assists.
His do-it-all display was backed up by the starting trio of Patrick Whelan, Zach Jackson and Darien Nelson-Henry, scoring 15, 13 and 10 points respectively.
Nelson-Henry, the Riders’ captain, bagged himself a double-double, matching his points haul with 10 rebounds.
The clutch victory was Leicester’s 24th on the season, taking their winning record to an impressive 24-10.
Sharks’ Season So Far
Much like the Riders’ last opponents, the Sharks are embroiled in a tight mid-table battle, tussling for playoff seedings with a 17-17 record.
Their form, however, has been good since the short winter break as they have manufactured an 11-6 record in all competitions.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 7, 2023
One of the wins came against the runaway leaders in London and two came against the Riders, including a BBL Trophy quarter-final win at the Morningside Arena.
Sheffield pride themselves on a formidable defence that concedes 74.73 PPG, second only to the London Lions.
The Sharks’ smart defensive play sees them rarely get into foul trouble, and players like Devearl Ramsey pressure the opposition into mistakes. Since his arrival in Sheffield, Ramsey has been one of the most tenacious on-ball defenders in the league.
The Riders will need to keep things clean on offense if they are to defeat a team that has gotten the best of them more than once this season.
Key Players
Sheffield are a team that likes to play slowly and methodically on offense, backed up by their stifling play on the opposite end of the court.
One player that has broken that mould this season, especially when facing off against the Riders, is forward, Kipper Nichols.
The American has dropped double-digits on Leicester every time they have played this season, including 19 points in the BBL Trophy QF back in February.
The Ohio native is somewhat of a fan favourite up in Sheffield, having plied his trade there for three seasons.
Nichols is averaging 12.1 PPG, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists. His ability to score inside will likely keep Zach Jackson and Marc Loving busy all night.
Sheffield’s defensive hustle makes it tough to see any clean looks at the basket, but they do slip to middle of the pack when it comes to giving up the deep ball.
Whelan’s abilities from beyond the arc are well known, so look for them to be on show again come Friday night.
The Warrington-born guard is currently second in three-pointers made with 72. The Sharks only need to give him a glimpse of the basket and Whelan is likely to take the shot.
Whelan is averaging 13.7 PPG and shooting nearly 44% from deep.
There aren’t many chinks in Sheffield’s armour, but it’s a strong possibility that Patrick Whelan will find them.
Where to watch
Tip-off is at 7:45 pm at the Morningside Arena Leicester.
Today sees the Riders return to Morningside Arena after their southern road trip to tip off against the Newcastle Eagles.
Leicester have the chance to go equal on points with Bristol in the BBL championship, after both teams suffered defeat on Friday night.
Sunday’s contest will carry added flavour for fans as it is one of this season’s ‘Retro Nights’. Old school tunes will be playing, BBL legends will be making an appearance and the Riders will be donning their 1987 jersey’s worn during the first ever BBL Championship.
It promises to be a fantastic celebration of the club’s history.
Friday proved to be an exhilarating yet ultimately frustrating night for the Riders, who came back from a 20-point deficit to push the London Lions to the final shot in an 83-81 loss.
Leicester’s players proved their resilience and had the chance to send the game to overtime in the final seconds, but Carrington Love’s shot bounced off the rim at the buzzer.
The starting point guard led the team in scoring on the night, racking up 17 points and six assists in an all-action, attacking display.
With Marc Loving sidelined through injury, Blake Bowman answered the call to start at forward. The young Brit performed well, dropping five late points after a solid defensive display in which he pulled down six rebounds, snagged one steal and rose for a block.
Adekoya finds the cutting Bowman! One possession game 👀
Strong bench performances came from Kimbal Mackenzie and Evan Walshe, both notching double-digit point totals.
Despite sustaining their 10th loss of the season, the Riders will feel confident that they can go toe-to-toe with the best the BBL has to offer during the final stretch of the season.
Eagles’ Season So Far
Newcastle’s record sits at 8-23 after Friday’s 82-71 loss in Sheffield to the in-form Sharks. The Eagles allowed Sheffield to build a double-digit lead early and were simply unable to claw their way back into the game.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 7, 2023
Kyle Johnson had a great day ball-in-hand, putting up 26 points at a 64% clip, but the Eagles lacked much support from their bench.
Lack of offensive firepower that performs consistently has affected the Eagles for most of the season.
They have the players on court to trouble any team in the BBL – they just need to put it all together more often, especially now the chance is there to catch Plymouth in the last playoff position.
The recent two-game series between the Eagles and the Riders was split one apiece.
Leicester know that a full 40-minute performance is needed to see off Newcastle’s challenge.
Key Players
Currently, no player is catching the eye on the Eagles’ roster as much as the aforementioned Kyle Johnson.
The guard has dropped over 15 points in his last four outings including the 26 he posted against the Sharks.
Standing at 6’5”, the Brit brings power and athleticism to the guard position, as well as a tenacity that has seen him snag over 10 rebounds in a game when playing at small forward.
A player with the size, strength and attitude to match up against Johnson is the Riders’ action man, Zach Jackson.
Jackson has the tools to go basket-for-basket with Johnson, something he has demonstrated over the last three games where he is averaging over 20 PPG.
The 6’7” American combines speed with a soft touch and – at his best – is possibly the most devastating scorer in the BBL.
Fans attending the Morningside arena on Sunday can’t predict the result. What they can predict is that Jackson and Johnson could have an almighty battle of buckets.
Where to watch
The game will be streamed live on the British Basketball League youtube channel, starting at 3:45 pm.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Following the conclusion of the 2022/23 NBL season we’re now focusing our attending on preparation for the new season. We’re hosting trials for new players on both our boys and girls teams on the last 2 weeks of June at the Morningside Arena.
The Riders beat the Plymouth City Patriots 99-85 on the road. They took a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never surrendered their advantage to improve to 21-9.
Zach Jackson led the team for the second straight game, scoring 24 points after putting up 28 on Friday. He was followed up by Marc Loving’s 22 points and eight rebounds, but the Ohio-born forward played just 25 minutes after picking up a wrist injury in the third period.
Whelan and Jackson combine for five quick points! Jackson goes to the line to make it six!
It was an efficient display from the visitors, who shot 50% from the field and went 25-27 from the free-throw line. Loving went 4-6 from three to stretch the lead, which the Riders saw home professionally.
The win sees them claim second place in the BBL Championship standings in the final month of the regular season.
The Patriots’ Elvisi Dusha’s 19 points were not enough to win the tie, as the hosts missed 10 foul shots in the game. That proved the difference, as Plymouth now sit just two wins ahead of the Newcastle Eagles in the final playoff spot after their win this afternoon.
The Riders jumped out to a lead early through a hot offensive start. They looked to get out in transition, running the fastbreak often to score plenty of points in the first. Leicester ended the quarter up 25-16, led by Patrick Whelan and Jackson who had six points each.
Kimbal Mackenzie took over the scoring load to start the second with back-to-back threes.
Little separated the sides through the period. Former Rider Rashad Hassan found success finishing at the rim to keep his side in it, but the Riders were up going into the locker rooms after Loving’s 12-point half.
The Patriots had the better start to the second half, cutting it to a one-possession game after a fastbreak slam from James Hawthorne Jr. The Leicester response was immediate, and Jackson’s drive to the rim capped off a 5-0 run from the visitors to rebuild their lead.
The three ball started to fall for Leicester, as Loving and Whelan hit in to make it a 14-point advantage. Meanwhile, Jackson got himself to the free throw line consistently to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The Patriots also got to the foul stripe, shooting eight free throws in the third quarter to stay in it. Blake Bowman drove to the hoop for Leicester to put them up 11 with one to play.
Jubril Adekoya took over the game with his playmaking ability to start the fourth. He dished a pair of no-look assists to get the Riders’ offence hot.
Showtime ✨ Adekoya runs the fastbreak with the no-look to Walshe!
After Adekoya got them going, the Riders comfortably saw the game out to secure their third win on the bounce. He went for six points, two assists and two rebounds in the fourth to see it home.
The Riders remain on the road for their next fixture, taking on the London Lions on April 7.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
On Tuesday 4th April we hosted our first inclusive schools basketball tournament of the season at the Morningside Arena. We welcomed the students from Westgate, Quorn Hall, Sketchley and Birchwood that we have been coaching at our in school sessions for the past year.
The tournament was a success with Quorn Hall coming out on top winning all three of their fixtures however, all 4 of the teams gave a great effort and had a lot of fun.
Adam Wheatcroft from Quorn Hall School thought the tournament was a fantastic experience for his students.
“This is the first tournament our students have experienced and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing on the professional court and are eager to experience this again. The staff at Leicester Riders Foundation were helpful, supportive, and engaged our students in friendly competition. I was to thank each member of staff involved for their hard work in getting the day organised and the running of the day. ”
Darren Kay our Head of Education & Schools Sport was delighted to be able to host an inclusive tournament at Morningside Arena and to continue to support the students in their basketball development.
“The Leicester Riders Foundation is delighted to have hosted our inclusion tournament. Supporting young people to take their first steps in sport but also to participate using the values that make basketball such a inclusive sporting activity. Teamwork and Equality regardless of ability. All participants upholding these values with commitment and support. A massive thank you to all our schools who participated today and my staff who supported the tournament throughout the course of the day.
If you would like the Leicester Riders Foundation to get involved with your school contact [email protected] for more information!
Friday will see the Riders finish March with a crucial clash against the second-place Bristol Flyers.
The Morningside Arena will host the second of a two-game home stand as the Riders look to build on Tuesday’s victory over the Plymouth City Patriots.
Riders’ Season So Far
The win was the Riders’ 19th of the season in the BBL Championship, keeping them fixed in third place in the standings and now within reaching distance of Friday’s visitors.
Leicester consigned Plymouth to a fifth straight loss, but the game was never a foregone conclusion.
The Patriots mounted a spirited fourth-quarter comeback and the 92-89 scoreline perfectly reflects the competitiveness of the contest.
Marc Loving and Kimbal Mackenzie typically topped the Riders’ scoring output, dropping 24 and 23 points respectively. Loving especially had his stroke going, hitting 61% from the field including six from downtown.
Zach Jackson also had a nice night with an energetic 18 points, but it was two late plays on the defensive side of the ball that clinched victory for the Riders.
Holding a tenuous one-point lead with less than a minute to go, the Riders needed a stop. Up stepped Jubril Adekoya, one of Leicester’s most tenacious stealers of the ball.
The strong forward shot out a quick hand and pilfered possession away from the Patriots’ guard, forcing the away team to foul.
A couple of clutch Mackenzie free throws and a last-second block by Loving put the seal on an entertaining game.
No doubt more of the same will be needed to stop a high-flying Bristol team.
Flyers’ Season So Far
The Bristol Flyers have been one of the best teams in the BBL this season and travel to Leicester boasting a 21-9 record.
They sit a narrow four points above the Riders in the table, the proximity between the two teams adding extra spice to Friday’s contest.
Mixed results in recent weeks have seen the Flyers go 3-2 in their last five meetings, both losses coming against a Manchester Giants squad that fell 104-84 to the Riders in February.
Bristol’s latest game ended in a 39-point win however, the Flyers prevailing over Leicester’s Tuesday night opponents riding a strong 23-point show by guard, Tevin Olison.
A dangerous three-point threat when on the left side of the court, Olison is averaging 9.58 PPG and shoots a respectable 82% when he gets to the free-throw line.
Despite the single-digit PPG average, Olison can rack up buckets, as shown by his dominance over Plymouth.
Leicester will want to keep him in check as they did when the teams met on January 6.
Key Players
The Flyers are the least accurate team in the BBL when shooting, currently hitting 43.58% of their shots.
What they lack in efficiency, they make up in scoring chances.
Bristol attempt 69.82 field goals per game, second in the BBL. The key to this plethora of shots is their ability on the offensive glass – the Flyers are the only team to have snagged over 400 offensive rebounds this season.
The driving forces behind Bristol’s thirst for second chances are forward Thomas Bell and Flyers veteran, Malcolm Delpeche.
Never in doubt. 🔥
Thomas Bell has been named in the @BBLofficial Team of the Week.
As a result of swapping in and out at the center position, the two big men don’t trouble the BBL’s top 10 in defensive rebounds per game.
However, they rise up the statistics table when the criteria is changed to DREBs per 40 minutes.
Nelson-Henry and Menzies grab 7.87 and 9.78 DREBs per 40, the 7’3 Brit placing second in the championship in that metric.
While players like Jackson, Mackenzie and King may grab the post-game headlines for their ability to sink the rock, the battle of the frontcourt may be the true area where this game is won and lost.
The Leicester Riders Foundation is continuing to grow in stature and workforce. We are seeking a new community basketball coach to join their Community team. LRF are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about coaching and wanting to learn more about basketball and the many pathways that Riders can offer them.
Main Duties and Responsibility
To deliver effective sessions with relevant skills, tactics and techniques for the age group or ability of the players involved
To deliver a variety of basketball and physical activity-based programmes and sessions across a variety of settings including schools, and the community
Deliver curriculum and non – curriculum sessions
Working with people from the community using basketball as a tool of delivery on programmes such as NCS, PL kicks, Street Games, Carry A ball not a blade
Planning and delivering sessions for SEN schools and targeted SEN / inclusion groups including Memphys and Vista.
Co-ordinating participants’ attendance at meetings and other sports events
Planning and running programmes of activities for groups and/or individuals
Assist with the running of festival, tournaments and leagues
Opportunities to be involved in BBL/WBBL Game days and events
Complete all necessary reports and evidencing of the sessions and projects delivered
Assist with the delivery of projects and satellite clubs.
Coaching on Holiday Camps and Development days
Opportunity to Coach within University Programmes and Junior National League Teams
Continuous Personal Development opportunities.
Promotion of sports events to increase participation at sessions
Completion of Health and safety and risk assessments when applicable.
Deliver with in school and education settings working with children of all ages and abilities
Working across a wide variety of programmes focusing on health and wellbeing
Delivering on programmes such as Hoops for health, Ambassadors programmes delivering assemblies within schools
Being a leading light working with the community and developing key relationships for programmes within the community
Travel is necessary to fulfil the role.
Essential/Desirable
Clean Driving Licence and access to own vehicle
Applicants must live with in a commutable distance of Morningside Arena, LE1 3UL, Leicester
Level 2 Basketball Coach award
Fully enhanced DBS check
Ability to work with players from Grass Roots to Elite
Excellent communication levels and Administration skills
Good organisational skills
Ability to encourage and motivate people
Ability to be flexible and work unsociable hours & weekends
Display a professional approach at all times, setting an example to others
Good leadership skills
Experience of working in a school setting or professional environment
Ability to engage with people from all backgrounds
Be professionally approachable
Teaching experience within sport
Ability to work with partner organisations such as United Leicester to design and deliver programmes.
Be dynamic and a hard-working individual
Up to date safeguarding / child protection certificates
Up to date emergency first aid certificate
Job Title
Community Coach (Full Time Contract 38 hours per week)
Responsible to
LRF General Manager – Laura Shephard
Location
Leicester City, Leicestershire & Rutland
Salary
£18,525-£19,500 (depending on experience)
Closing Date
3/4/23
Interview Date
3/04/23-6/04/23
How to apply:
Please complete the enclosed application form with your CV and covering letter and email to [email protected] no later than 5pm on 3/04/23.
Friday sees the Riders play the second of a two-game home stand as they tip off against the Caledonia Gladiators. Leicester will hope to make it two-for-two at home after a hard-fought 89-79 victory over the Newcastle Eagles last Sunday.
Riders’ season so far
After sharing the spoils in last weekend’s series with Newcastle, the Riders head into Friday night with a 17-8 record, six points behind the second-placed Bristol Flyers.
Leicester had to wait until the fourth quarter to create some breathing room between them and the Eagles. Marc Loving, who led the scoring with 20 points, dropped 11 in the final stretch to inspire the Riders to their ninth home win.
Loving was ably supported by captain Darien Nelson-Henry who contributed 16 points in an efficient shooting display.
Nelson-Henry is currently scoring 8.5 PPG and shooting at a 56.41% clip, good for third on the team. The 6’11” center is also the Riders’ most prolific rebounder, snagging 6.4 per contest.
Darien Nelson-Henry with some words after @RidersBball secured the win 🐴
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 12, 2023
If he has another dominant day on the boards this Friday, the 29-year-old could be the first Rider to pass 200 rebounds this season.
Gladiators’ season so far
Much like the Riders, Caledonia notched another mark in the win column after a well-fought victory against the Manchester Giants. The 92-83 triumph pushed the Gladiators to a 14-13 record and boosted their league position to fourth, leapfrogging their Manchester opponents.
The most significant difference between the two teams came on the boards – the Scottish outfit outrebounding Manchester 51 to 34. Centers Patrick Tapé and Fahro Alihodzic were excellent on the offensive glass, hauling in four OREBs each to help the Gladiators to 13 second-chance points.
Sloan is averaging a cool 16.97 PPG while dishing nearly five assists per game. The 6’0” Tennessee State Buccaneer possesses wicked ball-handling skills and has a habit of scoring points in bunches, racking up 36 against the Riders earlier in the season.
A win over Leicester would give the Gladiators a firmer hold over the fourth spot in the league.
Key Matchup
Expect guards David Sloan, Patrick Whelan and Kimbal Mackenzie to light up the scoreboard, but of more importance may be the number of chances they get.
As he did against Manchester, Patrick Tapé will want to pose as a problem for the Riders on both end of the court. The athletic big man was Caledonia’s ‘Player of the Game’ on Sunday, after a fine showing where he earned a double-double, scoring 13 points and reeling in 12 rebounds.
Another hard fought two points from Patrick Tape 🔥
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 12, 2023
The Ivory Coast international is averaging 10.5 PPG in four games against the Riders this season, but rebounds haven’t been as plentiful. Leicester have restricted Tapé to just four RPG, some way off his season average of 6.55.
Continuing the keep the 6’10” center off the glass will be key for the home team if they want to lead the season series against Caledonia, which currently stands at 2-2.
On the front line to achieve the task will be the previously mentioned Nelson-Henry and Sunday’s hero, Marc Loving.
The free-scoring forward has been dependable on defence all season, pulling down over five defensive rebounds per game. Couple that with the Ohio native’s talent for scoring, and you have a two-way forward who can match up with any front-court player in the BBL.
We are delighted to announce that the launch of our Good For The Sole programme has been a huge success. We have already had an amazing 68 pairs of shoes donated and as a result are now ready to give our shoes out to young people in the community in order to help support their basketball journey.
If you would like to apply for a pair of shoes or wish to refer another person CLICK HERE.
We are also still looking for donations and are actively seeking smaller sizes. If you wish to make a donation CLICK HERE to donate via our JustGiving page.
The Riders are back in action with the second game against the Newcastle Eagles in three days. It is a chance to bounce back for Leicester, who fell to the Eagles on Friday 92-85 on the road.
Riders’ season so far
Leicester enters this game off back-to-back losses, losing to the London Lions before the Newcastle Eagles. They possess a 16-8 record, sitting third in the league standings, six points from second place.
They held a 20-point lead against the Eagles, but a second-half comeback saw the North Easterners take the win. Zach Jackson led a late effort to take the result, but the Riders fell short in the final seconds.
Marc Loving leads the Riders this season with 15.9 points and 6,1 per game, playing at an elite standard on both ends. Leicester is the league’s most efficient team in field goal, three-point and free-throw shooting, making the most of their offensive opportunities.
The Morningside Arena has proved a fortress for the Riders this season, going 9-2 in their building. A win in this one would snatch back momentum for Leicester, as they start a two-game home stand.
Eagles’ season so far
The win against the Riders was massive for Newcastle, as they fight for the final playoff spot in the BBL Championship. They improved to 7-17, three wins from the eighth-placed Sheffield Sharks.
They shot the lights out from deep last time out, going 41% from deep led by three off the bench from Jermel Kennedy, Their second-half comeback was led by an explosion from Kyle Johnson, who led the game with 21 points.
But it’s Javion Hamlet who leads them on the season with 20.2 points per game, the former G-Leaguer ranks second in the BBL’s scoring charts in his second pro season.
Hamlet attacked the rim relentlessly in his previous game, shooting 10 free throws in the contest. Newcastle ranks second in free-throw percentage this season behind the Riders, making the most of their charity shots.
Back-to-back wins against the Riders would be a monumental momentum shift in the Eagles’ season.
Key matchup
The battle between Zach Jackson and Kyle Johnson proved pivotal in the previous fixture between the sides and is likely to play a key role in this one.
Johnson’s 21 points were his sixth 20-point performance of the season, and enter this one on a run of hot form, putting up 19.3 points per game in his last four.
The 6’6” wing is a 14-year veteran and has played across Europe and Canada in his professional career. Johnson spent three seasons in Iceland before landing in Newcastle and scored 12 points per game last year.
In 2017, Johnson’s scoring prowess was on full display as he dropped a 51-point performance in the Canadian NBL, the most points scored in a game in league history.
This season, Johnson is scoring 14.9 points per game on 47.4% shooting and grabbing 5.2 rebounds per game.
Facing Johnson on the wing is Kansas-born Jackson, who led the attempted charge back into Friday night’s fixture with seven points in the final period.
He’s the Riders’ second-highest scorer on the season, putting up 15.8 points per game on 55.8% shooting. Jackson is red-hot from deep, hitting 43.1% of his three-point attempts while playing elite defense on the other end.
Jackson is a third-year Rider and has made improvements each season. This has shown up in the box score, as the fourth-year pro is scoring six more points per game than in his first BBL season.
The 6’6” small forward is one of the BBL’s best scorers, able to get it done on all three levels. He shows up in the biggest moments for Leicester, so expect a good showing in this get-back game for Leicester.
Kimbal Mackenzie has been named Molten BBL Player of the Month!
The point guard averaged 19.5 points per game in Febuary, including a 31-point outing against the Cheshire Phoenix in the highest-scoring game of his Riders tenure.
His play earned Mackenzie his first GB call up, and helped the Riders to a 3-1 record over the month as the Riders climbed the BBL Championship standings.
Head coach Krumesh Patel has been named Molten WBBL Coach of the Month for Febuary!
The Riders went 3-0 during the month, including convincing 30-point victories in the WBBL Championship against the Oakland Wolves and the Cardiff Met Archers. They currently top the WBBL Championship table with an 11-1 record.
This week Mo Walker completed his first Mo-mentum programme after completing a 5 week block at Wigston Academy, Manor High School, Gartree and Beauchamp College.
Throughout the Mo-mentum programme Mo uses his experiences playing professional basketball to offer help and support and inspire students.
Each session involved a presentation on a different chapter of Mo’s life, activities focused on the life skills Mo learnt and some time on court playing different basketball games.
Mr Carton from Wigston Academy believes the programme offered his students a valuable insight into the life of a professional athlete and the life skills you need to develop in order to be successful. “Mo’s 6 week programme offered a real personal insight into his life and the life of a professional athlete, where he discussed many important life skills such as confidence, resilience and much more. Thank you Mo!”
Mo is pleased with how his first programme has gone and hopes the students were able to take plenty away from it. “I think the first run of the program went very well. The kids at each school were all very engaged in every session by participating and asking good questions. Hopefully all the kids walked away with some valuable life lessons by listening to the trials and tribulations that basketball has put me through. They also had fun playing basketball games and having some competitions mixed in throughout the weeks. I’m looking forward to working with the next group of schools.”
If you would like Mo to run the Mo-mentum programme with either your school or youth group email [email protected] for more information.
The Riders improved to 15-6 in the BBL Championship, beating the Manchester Giants 104-84 at home. Marc Loving led an explosive offensive performance with 25 points, following up his 32 points last time out against Manchester.
He was backed by 18 from Zach Jackson and 16 from Kimabl Mackenzie, as the Riders’ offence shot 58% from the field and 45% from three in an explosive performance.
The Giants could not contain the Riders’ offence and now have given up over 100 to them in the second-straight game. Offensively, they crashed the boards to grab 21 rebounds but shot just 21% from three in their loss.
They had five scorers in double digits, led by 16 points and 3 assists from two-time BBL MVP Rahmon Fletcher. Nick Lewis also scored 16 off the bench, going 4-8 from deep.
The opening stages were defined by high flying plays from the Riders, as Jackson and Loving threw down monster jams to help the Riders to a quick lead. Mackenzies’s three from the corner made it 15-6 with five minutes gone.
The Riders attacked the rim all quarter, throwing down four jams. But the story of the first was Evan Walshe, who in his first Riders start ran the show from the point. He has five assists five minutes in, lighting up the arena with his flashy passing.
Walshe with the touchdown pass to Nelson-Henry! Five assists for him already!
Fueled by the momentum of the dunk party, the Riders burst out to a 27-13 opening period led by 10 points from Loving.
The Giants found the bottom of the basket to start the second, stalling the Riders’ progress with 11 points in three minutes led by five from Lewis. Lewis scored nine in the period, helping the visitors cut the Riders’ lead to five.
But Loving beat the buzzer to have the last say in the first half, draining a stepback three to make it 54-46. He had 21 points in the first, leading the game going into the locker rooms.
Mackenzie kick-started the action in the second half, taking it coast-to-coast to make it a 10-point Riders lead. He had six in the first three minutes of the third, as the Riders extended their advantage.
The Riders outscored the Giants 17-7 to start the third quarter, making it an 18-point lead. The period took the form of the first, as the Giants’ defence could not contain Leicester, who scored 30 points, led by nine from Jackson.
Leicester saw the game out comfortably, keeping the Giants at arm’s length. Blake Bowman put up nine in the fourth to tally a career-high 12 points off the bench, sealing the win.
The Riders play the second of a weekend doubleheader on Sunday, heading to Cheshire to take on the Phoenix. The game tips off at 5:30 pm, and a Riders win would see them continue to chase down second place in the BBL Championship standings.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
7 Academy players make it through to Aspire Super Camp
We are delighted to confirm that 7 of our Academy players have made it through to the Aspire Super Camp for the central region.
Kyra Johnson, Grace Nzeakor and Hanya Correria from our Under 16s Girls, Louie Marchesi, Finley Tuck and James Hardy from our Under 16s Boys and Ike Davids from our Under 14s boys will attend four groups of sessions in Birmingham for a place on the Central team in the All Star National Tournament at the National Basketball Performance Centre, Manchester from Friday 7 July to Sunday 9 July.
We’d like to wish all of our players the best of luck at their upcoming camps.
The Riders improve to 14-6 in the BBL Championship after a 99-77 win against the Surrey Scorchers.
Marc Loving led the game with 21 to steer the Riders to the win, in a game where five Leicester players scored double-digit points. His efforts were backed by 20 points from his wing partner Zach Jackson, who went off for 20.
It was a one-point affair midway through the second period before the Riders blew the game open with a 13-2 run. They shot a red-hot 42% from three and 50% from the field, after entering the game leading the BBL in both categories.
It was the first appearance in Leicester for point guard Carrington Love, who impressed with eight points and five assists off the bench. His three-point shooting and playmaking added a different dimension to the Riders’ offence, as he looks to settle into the second half of the season.
The win makes it 38 games undefeated in all competitions against the Scorchers for the Riders. Padiet Wang and Jalen Ray combined for 13 each for the visitors, who cut the game to nine early in the fourth.
But the Scorchers could not contain the Riders’ offence, who bounced back to seal the win.
After scoring 18 points in the first half of the previous meeting between the sides, Surrey’s leading scorer on the season Wang went off to start the game, scoring the first seven Scorchers points.
The Riders fought back, taking the lead midway through the first with back-to-back threes from Jackson and Loving. The dynamic duo led the team with seven points each in the first quarter.
Love carried the momentum into the second period, hitting from midrange to get another two on the board. But the Scorchers had the best of the early stages of the quarter, bringing their deficit to one point after a jam from Wang.
Whelan hit back, finding his from deep to make two threes, making it a nine-point game four minutes from halftime. The Riders commenced a 13-2 run following Whelan’s first three to jump out to their first significant lead of the game.
Love concluded the quarter yet again, drawing a foul on a three before making two shots at the line. He finished the half with eight points in six minutes off the bench in his first Riders home game, as the hosts entered the locker rooms up 51-41.
Leicester continued their hot deep shooting form to start the second half, as Whelan and Loving knocked down their first attempts to stretch the lead. The Riders controlled the game with their advantage, getting to the rim to win the third 28-21 to make it a 17-point game.
Leicester responded to Surrey’s surge with a 10-3 run, to leave the result in little doubt.
Next up, the Riders host BBL Trophy action, taking on the Sheffield Sharks in the quarter-final. The game takes place on Febuary 10th, tipping off at 7:45 pm.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
The Riders are set to take on the London Lions on the big stage, as they fight for the BBL Cup in the Utilita Arena Birmingham.
Riders look to beat the undefeated
This game features the top two sides in the WBBL this season, as the 8-1 Riders face the 9-0 Lions. The Riders’ only defeat this season came against London, but they look to tie the season series on their way to much-desired silverware.
Leicester are fighting to reclaim their BBL Cup title from two seasons ago against last season’s quadruple winners. The winner of this one will become the first WBBL side to lift multiple BBL Cups.
Keep your eyes peeled for more content later today and click below to get your tickets to the Final on January 29th NOW!#BritishBasketball
— Women’s British Basketball League (@britishbasketw) January 17, 2023
This will be no small task for the Riders, as they attempt to be the first side to beat the Lions domestically since they got the better of them on April 24 2021.
Bossing the boards
The Riders’ success this season has come on the glass, as they pull down the second most rebounds in the WBBL and the most defensive rebounds. Not allowing second possessions has been key to the eight-game winning streak they take into this one.
They’re led in this department by former Cup Final MVP Ashley Arlen, who is averaging 8.6 rebounds per game. The Riders have four players grabbing at least six rebounds per game, as gang rebounding has dominated the paint for this physical Riders side.
One of the best to ever do it in the WBBL is heading to ANOTHER final … and this time she’s got a very special supporter cheering her on!
— Women’s British Basketball League (@britishbasketw) January 17, 2023
Rebounding’s importance will be emphasised in this one, as the Riders face the league’s most efficient shooters in the Lions, who shoot at a red-hot 47.8% from the field this season. Leicester won’t be able to afford to give the ruthless Lions’ offence extra chances in the game.
Key matchup
Oliana Squires has been in hot scoring form over recent games, averaging 14.2 points over her last four fixtures. She put up a season-high of 26 against the Caledonia Gladiators earlier in the year and has averaged 15.7 points per game in the league thus far.
The American guard is a first-year pro, having spent four years of college at Montana State. There, she averaged 11.3 points and 1.7 steals, scoring 20 points four times as a junior.
Squires is a shifty guard, using her agility and handles to find space at the rim or outside, where she can knock down shots effectively. She is shooting 56% from two and 34.7% from three this season, getting it done at all three levels.
Taking on Squires in the backcourt from London is former Rider Holly Winterburn, the three-time WBBL young player of the year. The British guard is putting up 15 points per game in the league this season in her second Lions year.
Winterburn is one of Britain’s top prospects and was named to the WBBL British Team of the Year on the last three occasions. She is a GB international and won the WBBL Trophy Final MVP last season after a 16-point effort.
— Women’s British Basketball League (@britishbasketw) March 20, 2022
Winterburn is a professional scorer and is elite at slashing to the basket and getting points in close. Her three-point shots keep defenders honest, and finds her teammates open for buckets often, averaging five assists per game.
Expect fireworks between these two guards in this one.
Where to watch
The game, taking place at Utilita Arena Birmingham, tips off at 12 pm on Sunday, January 29. It will be televised live on Sky Sports and streamed live on the Sky Sports Youtube channel.
After the game, the BBL Cup Final takes place between the Riders and Lions, tipping off at 3 pm.
Leicester Riders are thrilled to have agreed terms with American point guard Carrington Love.
The 29-year-old averaged 16.6 points and 5.8 assists last season in the German division two, playing for Eisbären Bremerhaven. He shot 47.4% from the field and 36.1% from three, finishing the year with a 16-13 record.
Love is a Green Bay graduate, having spent four years with the Phoenix between 2012 and 2016. He showed improvement every year, scoring a team-high 17.3 points per game as a senior.
In his senior year, he ranked third in NCAA in steals with 2.57 per game, setting a programme record with 95 steals in a season.
Since then, Love has taken his talents to Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium before landing in Leicester. He also has experience on the European stage, putting up 10 points per game in the Europe Cup for Donar Groningen in 2019.
Love’s ties to Leicester makes him a seamless fit to the roster.
“I’m excited to join the Riders! I’ve only heard great things about the city, the coach, the players and the club!” commented Love.
“Knowing Jubril and Darien prior to my arrival has already made me comfortable with the team, and it’s a major plus having former Rider Justin Hedley and my godson Will nearby!
“I’m just excited to get on the floor with the guys and try to win as many games as possible!”
The Milwaukee native is a confident three-point shooter, able to knock down deep shots off the dribble, and with a defender in his face. He can take defenders off the dribble to attack the hoop, where he finds open teammates effectively or finish himself.
“We’re excited to get a player like Carrington at this stage of the season,” said head coach Rob Paternostro.
“He is a multi-year European professional, who has played very well throughout his career
“Carrington is a player who can play both guard positions, and has shown the ability to score and play make from many different spots on the floor.”
Love has signed for the remainder of the season. Riders can confirm we have been granted special dispensation from the league, following the injury to Devonte Bandoo, to enable Love to suit up for Sunday’s BBL Cup Final!
Welcome to Leicester Carrington!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
As part of our continued work with Leicester City Police our staff took the short trip to Mansfield House Police Station for a workshop with PC Millie Barton on Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines.
The workshop helped the team to both gain a better understanding of Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines, how to spot potentially vulnerable children and how to deal with any issues that rise when working with young people.
“Thank you to the Leicester Riders Foundation for coming to Mansfield House Police Station today to receive an in put on Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines.” Said PC Millie Barton. “The Riders do a lot of work in the community with young people involved in crime and having knowledge around CCE and CL really shows their commitment to helping young people.”
Laura Shephard, General Manager of the Riders Foundation is delighted that the Foundation’s relationship with Leicester City Police continues to go from strength to strength.
“Working with the PC Barton and the team of offficers at Mansfield house has been greatly beneficial for our team and developing the opportunities that LRF are able to offer in our community, engaging all young people. Relationships are key in working in the community and the power of working together is evident here. It’s been fantastic to learn and gain new perspectives from the officers at Mansfield house to empower our LRF team to continue to work and develop our programmes.”
Keep and eye on our social media channels (@RidersBF) for all updates on our work with Leicester City Police in the coming weeks.
Unfortunately due to an event being held at the Morningside Arena from January 21st-31st we are able to run any of our Academy or Community sessions at the venue.
Sessions will resume as normal from Monday January 30th.
Although we are unable to offer any Arena sessions during this period we are still running a number satellite sessions.
Walking basketball is fun and social session with the chance to look at playing games against other groups around the country. The session is aimed at all levels from beginners to skilled players and is perfect for players who are rehabilitating injuries and looking to get back into playing.
CLICK HERE to book onto our Walking Basketball sessions.
The sessions take place 10-11am at the Morningside Arena (LE1 3UL) and our coached by our Leicester Riders Foundation coaches. Baby Ballers is a family session; you are welcome to bring family members/ friends/siblings to watch.
CLICK HERE to book your child onto our next block.
Leicester Riders are delighted to have signed young British talent Victor Ndoukou on his first professional contract.
The young forward has signed a 4 and a half year deal which will see him as part of the BBL team through to the end of the 2026-27 season. Ndoukou will also be studying a Loughborough University on a scholarship through the Loughborough College Elite pathway with the Riders, and will be eligible to suit-up for the D1 roster and BBL.
“We really enjoyed working with Victor while he was at Charnwood College over the last few seasons,” commented Head Coach Rob Paternostro.
“He is a player with good size and skill who has a lot of potential.”
“The partnership with Loughborough University and Loughborough College has been invaluable and very influential in developing our young British players over the years .”
Ndoukou will be a familiar face to Riders fans as he first joined our pathway in 2019.
“I feel grateful to be given the opportunity to play for the Riders,” reflected Ndoukou. “I am very thankful for the opportunity the Riders pathway gave me and for the support from Loughborough University & Loughborough College. I really can’t wait to get my professional career started.”
The 19-year-old is a 6’7″ athletic wing, who averaged 15.5 points per game for Charnwood College in the 2021/22 season. He is widely regarded as the best British talent of his age, winning the MVP award in the EABL final last year.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
The Leicester Riders Foundation are launching the Positive Futures project in collaboration with Leicester City Police funded by Street Games.
The Positive Futures programme aimed at reaching young people at risk of involvement with anti-social behaviour crime & violence is using basketball and life skills as a tool to better their future.
The children on the programme will participate in a number of sessions involving mentoring, life skill classes and basketball sessions led by Leicester Riders Foundation staff & Riders professional player Mo Walker.
PC Millie Barton of Leicester City Police is delighted to be able to continue their work with LRF. “We are proud to be working with the Leicester Riders Foundation on the Positive Futures program, a project set up to work with young people who have been involved in antisocial behaviour, criminal behaviour or are at risk of committing crime and ASB. The Leicester Riders Foundation have been instrumental in providing a support network alongside engagements, interventions and educational inputs to assist in reducing criminal activity in the Leicester area.”
Leicester Riders’s Mo Walker added “Growing up in my community there was a lot of violence and distractions. I was fortunate enough to have positive role models and structure provided by my parents and basketball coaches. I know how important it is for kids to have positive influencers in their lives, as well as some structure or just safe place where they can have fun, interact with others, and stay out of trouble”.
Ricardo Silva the Foundation’s Community Project Officer hopes the programme allows the young people to develop skills for life.”The programme will allow all the participants to gain a variety of skills and experiences. We hope to use our knowledge and experience to help them develop their life skills. I want the Leicester Riders Foundation to be a point of contact for kids at high risk of involvement with anti-social behaviour, crime and violence. We are here to provide opportunities for young people to grow and develop.
Keep and eye on our social media channels (@RidersBF) for all updates on our Positive Futures project in the coming weeks.
If you would like to refer a young person to join the programme please email [email protected].
Join us at the Morningside Arena on Friday 20th January for our Development Day prior to the Leicester Riders BBL Championship fixture v Cheshire Phoenix.
The Development Day involves a hour and a half coaching clinic, food before the game and a ticket to Leicester Riders v Cheshire Phoenix all for just £15.
Forge Your Career in Sport with SMB College Group and Leicester Riders Foundation!
Leicester Riders Foundation are proud to be working alongside SMB College Group to launch a brand new Sport programme that allows young people to combine basketball with a Level 3 college course in Sport.
Based at the college’s 850-acre Brooksby Campus in Leicestershire, the programme will give students the opportunity to develop vital career skills through sport whilst gaining their Level 3 qualification in Sports Coaching and Development, benefitting from a specialised timetable encompassing their academic studies, basketball coaching, strength and conditioning sessions, performance analysis and more.
Open to all students who wish to study Level 3 Sports Coaching, this programme aims to enable students to develop a wealth of transferrable skills to set them up for progression into a career within sport, or within a variety of other industries.
When speaking about this exciting new programme, Andy Graham, Director of Curriculum at SMB College Group’s Brooksby Campus said ‘Working with such an impressive and well-established organisation enables us to broaden the student experience, increasing the breadth of learning and sports that students can get involved with.
‘Whilst students are now able to play basketball wrapped around a full time programme of study, this partnership has a particularly important focus on careers in elite sport and the transferable skills and advantages that this can give our students, no matter which industry they eventually choose to work in. Through working with Leicester Riders Foundation, we wanted to develop a course that will open the door to a career in sports for anyone, even if they have never picked up a basketball – and this programme does just that. We can’t wait to enrol our first students in September!’
Laura Shepherd, General Manager at the Leicester Riders Foundation, added ‘We are delighted that we are able to partner with SMB College Group to provide an alternative pathway for those to wish to excel in a career in sport.
‘It is so important to provide opportunities, and to highlight the importance of all roles and opportunities that are available within sport. The skills and attributes that can be developed by those who work in sport and coaching is a unique set of transferable skills that are valuable in a variety of roles and open the door to a wide variety of careers and opportunities.’
Students will study at the college’s £3.6million Sports Science complex at the Brooksby Campus, which includes a full-size sports hall, a strength and conditioning gym, an outdoor gym and sports science facilities with a range of performance analysis equipment.
The Leicester Riders Education Programme comes as a welcome addition to the SMB College Group’s other sports partnerships, through which they offer rugby and football programmes with Leicester Tigers and Future Elite Sports, respectively.
Applications for September 2023 are now open! To find out more and register for a Brooksby Campus Open Day, visit the college website at www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk.
For those interested in this programme, accommodation is available on-site at the Brooksby Campus, in addition to a range of college bus routes and great public transport links across the county.
SMB College Group is a Leicestershire-based Further and Higher Education college with three unique campuses – Stephenson, Melton and Brooksby. The college offers a variety of courses for students aged 16 and over, spanning a range of subjects from Sport to Agriculture to Construction to Performing Arts, and many more.
The Riders are gearing up for BBL Championship action, heading to the North East to take on the Newcastle Eagles! They look to make it nine wins out of their last 10, to improve their league record to 10-4.
Riders on the road
This game will be Leicester’s ninth away fixture of the year. They’ve won 50% of these games, positioning them third in the BBL Championship standings after a recent run of good form.
A win in this one would make it four on the bounce in all competitions, with the Riders’ offence executing with elite efficiency on this winning streak.
They lead the BBL in field goal, three-point and free-throw percentage, their offence producing the second most points in the league.
Their shooting form was on full display in their previous game, as they scored 100 points against the Caledonia Gladiators. Leicester shot 57.6% from the field and 42.1% from three, led by Patrick Whelan’s emphatic 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The Riders last faced the Eagles in the BBL Cup quarter-final, booking their spot in the semis with a 94-75 win. Marc Loving’s 27 points led the team to the next round, where they will take on the Caledonia Gladiators on December 21.
Loving went 10-12 from the floor and 5-5 from three, and will hope for another elite performance in this fixture!
Eagles’ season so far
Facing their historic rivals is a golden opportunity for the Eagles to get their season on track after a 2-9 start. They enter the game on a four-game winless streak but will take encouragement from their previous fixture.
It was a closely fought encounter against a talented Caledonia Gladiators team, resulting in an 81-77 loss. The Eagles were up double digits with 7:30 on the clock, but the Gladiators finished strong to secure the win.
Newcastle was led by Darius Defoe, the most decorated player in BBL history with 27 trophies to his name, who scored 20 points in the tie. The 15-year Eagle rolled back the clock in a vintage performance, as the big man dominated inside to make 66% of his shots.
The Eagles can take confidence from their ball-sharing ability, as they average the third most assists in the BBL this season. They’ll aim to display their best brand of team basketball to secure a win from the reigning league champions.
Key matchup
GB international Patrick Whelan is leading the Riders in scoring for the second straight season, putting up 15.9 points per game on a red-hot 49.3% from deep.
The Warrington-born shooting guard was named to the Molten BBL Team of the Year last season and has continued his form into his second Riders year. His 25 points in his previous game was a season-high points tally, earning him a place in the BBL ALL-Star Five last week.
“Pat’s a great player. When he lines up a three-point shot I think it’s going down, and more importantly, he thinks it’s going down,” said coach Rob Paternostro after the game.
“He’s a confident player who’s a team-first guy, and he does a lot of little things. His teammates did a great job of finding him tonight.”
Facing up against him in the backcourt is Newcastle’s leading scorer on the season, Javion Hamlet. The American guard is scoring 19.2 points per game for the Eagles this season and is the fourth-highest scorer in the BBL.
The former North Texas Mean Green was a two-star recruit coming out of high school but proved all doubters wrong in his college career when he put up 15 points per game as a sophomore. He is an automatic scorer at all three levels and will look for a big scoring night against the Riders.
Hamlet went off for a season-high 31 points against the Plymouth City Patriots in October and has scored over 25 points on three other occasions this season.
The 24-year-old can go off for huge numbers on any given night, so Whelan and the Riders will have to bring their best defensive effort against him to slow him down.
Leicester Riders Foundation are delighted to announce that we are launching the “Good For The Sole” shoe donation programme.
The aim of the programme is to provide basketball shoes for young people in order to help kickstart their basketball journey.
Tracey Hallam a Trustee of the Foundation hopes that the Riders family will get behind the initiative. “With the cost of living putting increasing financial pressure on families, Good For The Sole is allowing children and young people to access suitable footwear to enable them to play basketball. This is such a great initiative from the Leicester Riders Foundation, I hope the community can get behind this campaign and show your support.”
To donate your shoes either come to the Foundation office and dunk them in the Good For The Sole donation bin or CLICK HERE to donate via our just giving page.
The Leicester Riders Foundation is hosting an All Girls basketball Event at the Morningside Arena on Saturday 14th January.
The event is open to girls & women of all abilities, ages 8+, providing opportunities for players to develop their game in a fun, sociable and safe environment with Leicester Riders Foundation community coaches.
The Riders got the best of the Newcastle Eagles, winning to advance to the semi-finals of the BBL Cup.
Marc Loving led the team with 27 points, his fourth 20-point performance on the season. He scored 11 in the first quarter to get the Riders rolling, and went 10-12 from the field and 5-5 from three on the game.
He was one of two 20-point scorers for Leicester, as Derryck Thornton put up 21 in 25 minutes. The California-born point guard attacked the rim relentlessly, going 8-9 from the free-throw line and 6-12 from the field.
The Riders put up an efficient and clean offensive effort. They shot 49% from the floor, 43% from three and turned the ball over just eight times to blow out their long-standing rivals.
Kyle Johnson put up big offensive numbers for the visiting Eagles. The Canadian guard put up 24 points, six rebounds and four assists in an effort to swing the scoreboard in his team’s favour.
Loving caught fire to get the Riders’ offence firing early, scoring 11 of the team’s first 15 points to pull back an early eight-point deficit. After the slow start, the Ohio native’s electric play got the Riders in rhythm to make a quick recovery.
They finished the first up 24-20, and the sides continued to trade baskets in the early stages of the second. Thornton was the hot hand midway through the period, making back-to-back buckets, including an and-one on the fastbreak.
With two and a half minutes remaining in the half, Jubril Adekoya, returning to the lineup after missing the previous game through injury, hit a corner three to give Leicester a seven-point lead: their biggest of the night.
The triple saw momentum shift the Riders’ way, and Kimbal Mackenzie dished a flashy pass to a cutting Darien Nelson-Henry to continue to grow the lead.
Mackenzie drops it off to Nelson-Henry for the dunk!
The Riders finished the half on a 10-0 run, going into the locker rooms up 49-37.
Zach Jackson came out into the second half gunning, scoring nine straight points to put the Riders up 20. Leicester started the third on a 17-6 run, making the run 27-6 since late in the second period.
Thornton got back to work, taking over from Jackson to bag seven points on the bounce. Mackenzie concluded the period with a two at the rim, as the Riders won the third 29-13.
The Riders saw the game out comfortably, led by Loving’s six points in the fourth to take a 21-point win.
Loving gets the defenders in the air before laying it in for two!
The Riders return to league action in their next fixture, heading to Surrey to take on the Scorchers. A win would see them improve to 8-4, and bring the season series against the Scorchers to 2-0.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
As part of our on-going partnership with Leicester City Council we’re offering a number of free places on our Christmas Camp.
In order to be eligible children must live in Leicester, be aged between 8 to 16 and in full-time education are receiving benefits related free school meals.
Academy players feature on CITV’s Makeaway Takeaway
A number of our LRF Academy players and coaches have featured in the latest episode of CITV’s children’s arts and crafts show Makeaway Takeaway.
The episode was filmed at the Morningside Arena as the players joined presenter Bec Hill in creating a piece of art using basketballs in an attempt to wow coaches Greg & Damon.
The full episode is available to watch on the ITV Hub, CLICK HERE to see what they got up to.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
