Leicester Riders launch 2024/25 corporate brochure

Britain’s oldest professional basketball club has unveiled its sponsor packages for the 2024/25 season.

The online Leicester Riders brochure details a host of opportunities for partners to boost their brand, engage with a passionate local fanbase, and become part of the club’s winning tradition.

The brochure also details opportunities to support the Riders’ Women’s Basketball League side, as well as the Leicester Riders Foundation.

Chair Kevin Routledge said: “For more than 50 years we have been building more than just a sports club – we are building a community.

“When you partner with us you align your brand with what’s happening on the court, but also the thousands who attend our other events at the Mattioli Arena – as well as those who benefit from the Riders Foundation.

“You’ll gain visibility, reach a young and diverse audience and become part of an impactful narrative.”

Among the packages for prospective partners are:

  • Player and kit sponsorship
  • Mezzanine hire for parties and work events with 50+ guests
  • Courtside and big screen advertising
  • Reaching Riders’ 50,000+ social media followers
  • Supporting community work of the Leicester Riders Foundation
  • VIP game day hospitality in the 1967 Club.

Tracey Hallam, Leicester Riders commercial manager, said: “Many of our sponsorship packages sold out this season, and early feedback we’ve had suggests we can expect them to be popular again for the 2024/25 season.

“We have a growing sponsorship and hospitality offer that is flexible and designed to suit the needs of partners of all sizes and budgets.

“Our sponsors are crucial to the club, the foundation and our community so we’re thrilled that we’ve had so much support and look forward to what next season brings.” You can view the brochure here.

Contact Tracey Hallam to discuss your individual sponsorship needs at [email protected].

Why sponsor the Leicester Riders?

Brand visibility

The club offers a uniquely affordable way to associate your brand with a championship calibre organisation and elite athletes, with packages starting at £800. 

Riders sponsorship is tailored to suit businesses of all sizes, ensuring a strong return on investment.

The Riders are one of the country’s most successful sporting organisations, having won 17 trophies in the last decade. 

Through sponsorship with the club, you can showcase your brand live to thousands of viewers on Sky Sports, Twitch, YouTube, and spectators at the Mattioli Arena on Leicester Riders game day. 

Put your brand on centre stage with sponsorships on player jerseys, courtside displays, and throughout Mattioli Arena- Leicester’s largest indoor arena. 

Digitally, you can tap into the Riders’ social media following to expand your brand reach. Leicester Riders sponsorship offers the opportunity to put your brand out there to 50,000 total followers over all social platforms. 

Brand association 

For over 50 years, the club has been building beyond the court. Their dedication to the local community is ingrained into the culture of the club; the Riders ensure their impact is felt throughout Leicestershire. 

Sponsorship with the Riders is an opportunity, therefore, to strengthen your ties to the Leicester community and demonstrate your commitment to local initiatives.

Through their work with the Leicester Riders Foundation, Riders players embody the club’s community values through work with local charities and visiting Leicestershire schools and establishing themselves as positive role models.

The Riders’ player sponsorship package aligns your business with a professional athlete and invests in Leicestershire’s youth by promoting positive role models to thousands of schoolchildren.

Hospitality offers 

The Riders corporate brochure outlines their exclusive 1967 Club and Mezzanine Hospitality packages for a VIP game day experience.

You can entertain clients and reward employees by watching top-tier professional basketball in style. 

1967 Club hospitality offers courtside/baseline seating, a two course meal served before the game and much more for a VIP experience, all for just £80 per person + VAT.

Alternatively, you can watch the action from a unique vantage point on the Arena’s Mezzanine. This experience provides a panoramic view of the game, catering, and private bar facilities as well as opportunities to meet the Riders team.

The Mezzanine Hospitality includes the private use of one of our two mezzanine areas, with a pre-game hot buffet, tickets to watch the game from the mezzanine or in seats, a private cash bar and toilet facilities and more, for £500 + VAT for up to 50 people. 

Season series: Caledonia Gladiators

The Riders are set to take on the Caledonia Gladiators for the fourth and final time in the British Basketball League Championship on Friday.

All three of the games so far have delivered, featuring back-and-forths deep into the fourth quarter and incredible standout performances. 

Here is how the season series has unfolded so far… 

Game 1: Glads’ game-winner breaks Riders hearts

The tone was set from the first meeting between these sides, which went down to the wire in the clutch. 

Kimbal Mackenzie would have been forgiven for thinking he’d won the tie with a pull-up jumper from midrange, putting Leicetser up one with 10 seconds remaining. But Caledonia found a response at the hands of star forward Clifton Moore Jr, who connected with a hookshot inside to snatch the lead back with two seconds on the clock. 

Mackenzie had a look at the rim to win it, but his attempt fell short and the Gladiators took an 84-83 win to kick off the series. 

Former Rider Patrick Whelan led the game with 24 points, and came up huge late for the hosts. He hit back to back threes in the final minute and a half of play, nullifying a five point Riders advantage. 

Meanwhile for the Riders, Blake Bowman went off for his best performance of the season so far, leading the team with 15 points and going 6-7 from the field. 

Game 2: Allen debut puts Gladiators to the sword

The return fixture saw the debut of League-leading scorer Teddy Allen explode onto the British Basketball League scene with a 32 point debut.

Allen, off the bench, went 10-19 from the field and 5-7 from three, including a triple in the fourth to put the Riders up five. All-Star guard Jaren Holmes followed up with a three of his own next time up, before Allen sank dagger free throws to win the game 96-90.

The Riders trailed 69-73 going into the fourth, but rode the hot hand of Allen to get one back against their Scottish opponents.

Mackenzie supported Allen with 19 points in 26 minutes, putting in a captain’s performance in front of the home crowd.

For the visitors, Ian Dubose led the scoring with 22, but the team ran out of steam late against a wave of Riders momentum.

Game 3: Captain clutch Kimbal Mackenzie leads Riders to road win

Where Mackenzie fell just short earlier in the year against the Gladiators, he took his revenge last time out with an epic performance in the clutch.

He went off for three straight scores in the final 1:22, the first a go-ahead three to put the Riders up two, the second a jumper from midrange to break a tie game at 93, followed by a foul shot to put them up three.

Sam Idowu made a free throw with seconds left to put the game beyond doubt next time up the court, as the Riders took a 97-93 win.

Mackenzie had 21 points and 5 rebounds on the game, going 8-12 from the field and leading the team with a +/- of 8. Holmes also went off for a stat-sheet-stuffing performance, logging 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.

A group effort for the Gladiators almost saw them win their second straight at home against Leicester. They had five double digit scorers, led by Lukas Palyza who had 17.

The game enraptured exactly what games between these sides have provided this season, neither team allowing their opponents anything other than a hard fought win, wire-to-wire.

The final chapter

The Riders take on the Gladiators in chapter four of this series on Friday. If the games earlier in the season are anything to go by, this will be can’t-miss action!

Get your tickets here!

Gallery 2024 All-Star Game

Leicester Riders stars Jaren Holmes, Teddy Allen and Kimbal Mackenzie suited up to play in yesterday’s 2024 British Basketball League All-Star game.

Relive the event through the lens…

Want to see the Riders in action? Get tickets to our next home game against the Caledonia Gladiators on March 22 here!

Andrew Sullivan named to British Basketball League Hall of Fame

Leicester Riders legend Andrew Sullivan has been named as one of the first 10 inductees of the British Basketball League Hall of Fame. 

Sullivan played five seasons of his 13-year professional career with the Riders, helping to bring nine pieces of silverware to Leicester, including two trebles in 2013 and 2017. 

He suited up for Leicetser from 2011-2014, before re-signing for two more seasons in 2015. 

He was named British Basketball League MVP for the second time in 2013, averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. 

A serial winner, Sullivan won 20 pieces of British Basketball League silverware and two MVP awards.

Internationally, Sullivan was capped 100 times for Great Britain, and captained his country in the 2012 London Olympic games. He also won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in 2006 in Melbourne. 

Sullivan’s services to basketball earned him a place in the League’s Hall-of-Fame, amongst legends of the Men’s and Women’s League, from players, coaches, officials and those who have demonstrated invaluable services to the Legaue.

You can read the full list of inductees to the British Basketball League Hall of Fame here!

Report: Riders fall to Flyers

Leicester Riders fell 108-71 on the road to the Bristol Flyers, making their record 15-14 in the British Basketball League Championship.

The Flyers led convincingly wire-to-wire, hitting shots consistently all afternoon. Tevin Olison went off for 31 points, and was one of three Flyers with over 20 points. 

Jaren Holmes led the Riders with 20 points and 3 rebounds. Despite their All-Star guard’s play,  Leicester lost the turnover battle 17-9, and shot 39% to the Flyers’ 49% in the defeat. 

The sides exchanged jabs through the first few minutes, the Flyers building a narrow advantage going into the first media timeout. They found joy getting to the rim, generating eight points in four minutes in close, giving the hosts an 11-7 lead with 4:41 left in the opening quarter. 

Bristol went on a run out of the break to stretch the difference to nine. An Olison and-one followed by a Levi Bradley long two sparked the run, allowing the Flyers to lead 32-20 after one. 

The momentum continued in the second quarter, the hosts building their lead to 16 midway through the period. Miryne Thomas and Jaren Holmes, with 10 and 9 points respectively, led the attempted comeback, but the Flyers had three scorers in double digits 15 minutes into the game in an offensive onslaught. 

The Flyers won the second 29-16, led by Tevin Olison who had 25 points at the half. Bristol shot 13-20 from the foul line in the first to the Riders 3-5, turned the ball over four times to the Riders eight, and shot 50% from the field to the Riders 36%.

Leicester trailed 61-36 at the half. 

The Riders chipped into the deficit in the third, but the Flyers hit big shots throughout to maintain their hefty advantage. Back to back Flyers’ threes rebuilt their lead, and an Olison corner triple made it 30. 

It was 92-57 with one to play, Blake Bowman ending the quarter from the foul line. 

The final quarter was a formality, with the game proving out of reach for the Riders. The Flyers won the fourth 16-14 to seal their win. 

Leicester returns to action after the All-Star break, hosting the Caledonia Gladiators on March 22. 

Key Matchups- Bristol Flyers

Leicester Riders are set to take on the Bristol Flyers on the road, in their last game before the 2024 British Basketball League All-Star game.

Here are the key battles to watch in the game…

Brad Greene vs Sam Idowu

The Riders face the challenge of taking on the League’s leading rebounder in Brad Greene. The American, who was named the All-Star starter for the centre position, has averaged a double double this season with 12.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. 

Greene is a force on the offensive boards. He leads all players in offensive rebounds with 3.9 per game, on a team that grabs the most rebounds of any team this season. 

The 6’11” California native went off for 19 points and 17 rebounds against the Riders in December, grabbing 14 offensive rebounds. 

In the rematch, however, in January, Riders big man Sam Idowu was his equal. Greene was held to 7 points, while Idowu muscled his way to 15 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks, pulling down 5 offensive rebounds going against Greene. 

Idowu has been a physical force inside the paint off the bench for the Riders this season, . He has the size, the physicality and the hustle to contest Greene on the boards, and limit the Flyers’ second chance opportunities.  

Trejon Jacob vs TJ Lall

Despite his team’s loss, Trejon Jacob led the Flyers in a spirited performance last time against Leicester, scoring 16 points with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. 

He scored 10 points in the third to keep Bristol in the game, but the visitors couldn’t capitalise on the offensive momentum, and Leicester kept their opponents at arm’s length. 

Jacob has averaged 17 points in the last two games against Leicester, finding joy putting points on the board. The American is putting up 12.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game committing to the glass from the wing. 

Tasked with helping to slow Jacob down will be Canadian wing TJ Lall, who is coming off the back of a Team of the Week selection for his performance against the Cheshire Phoenix.  

With leading scorer Teddy Allen and captain Kimbal Mackenzie ejected from the game, Lall stepped up in the fourth against the Phoenix to lead the team to a win. He scored seven to start the quarter, bringing his game tally to 22 points and 7 rebounds. 

Lall has made his name as an elite two-way wing, able to impact every facet of a contest. His size and length, combined with his playmaking and shooting ability, makes him a versatile threat on the offensive end.

On defence, Lall can pick up all five positions, and will feel comfortable going up against Jacob’s scoring threat from the wing. Should Jacob get hot again in this one, Coach Rob Paternostro will feel confident in Lall’s ability to stem the tide. 

Tevin Olison vs Jaren Holmes

Alongside Greene, Bristol’s other All-Star on their roster is Memphis-born guard Tevin Olison, who is shining in his second season as a pro. 

Olison is Bristol’s leading scorer, averaging 15.8 points per game on 46.5% shooting from the field. He’s taken a step up from his rookie year, where he averaged 10 points as a rookie for the Flyers. 

Olison missed the previous two fixtures against the Riders through injury, but played at home against Leicester at the start of the season. He scored 17 points on 37.5% shooting from three, leading his team’s scoring in a 92-74 Riders win. 

Going face to face with Olison in the backcourt will be Leicester’s own All-Star, Jaren Holmes, who has been playing elite hoops of late. 

He went off for 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in the game, stepping up alongside Lall. Holmes has gone off for big performances throughout the year, and is the Riders’ second leading scorer on the season. 

Michigan-born Holmes is putting up 13.2 points and 4.4 rebounds from the backcourt, and can go toe-to-toe with any guard in the League on both ends of the ball. 

Expect a battle between the two All-Star guards in Bristol.

Teddy Allen named British Basketball League Player of the Month for February

Teddy Allen has been named February’s British Basketball League Player of the Month.

Allen averaged 28.6 points and 7.6 rebounds during February, including back-to-back 35 point performances.

He became the first British Basketball League player to score 35 in consecutive Championship games since 2012, and the second player to post 35 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists since 2008.

The Phoenix-born wing is the League’s leading scorer this season, putting up 24.8 points per game, and the Riders’ leading rebounder, pulling down 6.6 per game.

His play saw him named captain of Team South for the upcoming British Basketball League All-Star game.

It is the second time winning the award for Allen, who was named Player of the Month in December following his explosive arrival in the middle of the month.

Allen returns to action on Sunday, where the Riders will face the Bristol Flyers on the road.

Jaren Holmes reflects on the weekend’s action

Leicester Riders are the back of a 1-1 weekend, where they faced the top two ranked teams in the British Basketball League Championship standings. 

They kicked off with a hard-fought 101-93 victory against Cheshire Phoenix, handing them their first loss in 2024. 

On Sunday, they headed to London to face the league champion Lions, falling 105-89. 

Riders All-Star guard Jaren Holmes reflected on the weekend of play… 

Overcoming adversity 

The Riders pulled out the win against Cheshire in the face of adversity. They fell in a 20-2 hole to start the game and battled back to tie it in the second quarter.

Their leading scorer, Teddy Allen, then picked up a double technical foul as the game approached the half, and their captain, Kimbal Mackenzie, picked up a second unsportsmanlike foul in the third quarter. 

Despite all of that, playing against a team they were yet to beat this season, they rallied to grind out a win. 

“It shows our competitive nature,” reflected Holmes, who went off for 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in the game. 

“We had to have a next man up mentality, and we have a great group of guys that love to play the game and compete. It showed that night. 

“When Kimbal and Teddy were ejected, we took a breath and continued to play our game. Guys stepped up and it showed in those moments. We have a lot of talent on this team.”

Despite falling in a big hole early, the home crowd willed their team to the win with infectious energy all night. 

“There was a great energy in the building, and our team really fed off it,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro after the game, and Holmes seconded that sentiment.

“The crowd had a huge impact. They willed us to it. They kept getting louder and louder, and bringing that positivity. It truly helped me throughout the entire game. It was an exciting game overall, and they made it fun. They were world-class.

“I think it was our best win of the year so far.”

Battling in the capital

The second quarter is where the damage was done against the Lions. They lost the second 33-14, heading into halftime down 19. 

“Playing London, you have to hit shots and get back in transition. We missed a few shots in a row and they ended up with two threes. Those are swings you can’t have when you come up against a team that talented,” said Holmes. 

Despite the loss, the Riders won the other three quarters by five, fighting wire to wire despite the heavy deficit. 

“There are always positives to take from games. Kimbal had to sit out in the second quarter, and Conner [Washington] stepped up to lead the point.

“It showed his ability to step up in the big moments. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but we didn’t skip a beat. The offence continued to flow, we played hard until the end. 

“We were up against a good team who are in the playoffs of the EuroCup. There are moments where anyone can be beaten, so if you keep knocking on that door, it’s going to open.”

Ready to bounce back in Bristol 

The Riders are back in action on Sunday, heading to Bristol to face the Flyers. 

The last time the sides met in Championship action, the Flyers took an 87-81 win in Leicester. The Riders took revenge in the next meeting, winning 95-74 in the British Basketball League Trophy. 

“They’re a great team, coached well with dynamic players,” commented Holmes on his next opponent. 

They’re up in your face and they press most of the game. We have to take care of the ball because they thrive in transition, and then limit their three-point opportunities in the half-court.”

The Flyers lead the league in rebounds per game in the Championship this season and pull down the most offensive boards in the League as well. Their All-Star centre, Brad Greene, leads all players in rebounding with 10.2 a game and is averaging a double-double this season. 

“They rebound extremely well, especially on the offensive end,” said Holmes. “We have to keep them off the glass. Rebounding is absolutely the emphasis this week.

It’s not just Greene, They all crash and help him, so we have to find ways to create two-on-one against him and  take him out of the play when the ball comes off the rim.”

The sides play at opposite ends of the spectrum in regards to their play style. Leicester play at the fastest pace of any team this season, and Bristol at the second slowest. 

Holmes says it’s important to establish the game at Leicester’s tempo. 

“We have to trust in the work we have, not change who we are regardless of who is in front of us. We want to push the pace, get up shots and play together as a team.” 

The game tips off on Sunday, March 10, at 2 pm. You can watch the action live here, on the British Basketball League Youtube channel!

Scouting Report: London Lions

Leicester Riders are set to take on the London Lions in their second game of the weekend. They will face the League champions for the final time in the British Basketball League Championship, heading to the Copper Box for the second time. 

Here, we take you through what to expect from our opponents… 

Shooting efficiency

London have operated with killer efficiency on the offensive end this season. They lead the League in field goal, three point and free throw percentage, their effective field goal percentage sitting at 58% on the season, 4% more than the second ranked Riders. 

The Lions attack the hoop to generate offence. They lead all teams in points in the paint and free throw rate, getting easy buckets at the rim and putting their opponents in foul trouble consistently. 

While their leading scorer, Matthew Morgan, is the second highest scorer in the League with 19.4 points per game, the Lions share the ball to great effect to lead all teams in assists. 

The Riders offensive production is close to matching the Lions on the season, scoring just one point less on average in their games, but they’ll have to lock in on the defensive end to find success in this game, especially because of the quality London has on the other side of the ball. 

Stifling defence

While some of the Lions’ defensive success can be credited to their high field goal percentage, preventing opponents getting easy looks on the fastbreak, they have ranked among the League’s best in their score stopping. 

The Lions are the best at stopping transition buckets, allowing only 15.4 fast break points per game, they also hold their opponents to the worst field goal percentage of any other team at just 41%. 

In addition, London close possessions consistently, allowing few second looks at the basket. Their 31.69 defensive rebounds per game is best of any team. Their defence is a contributing factor with that number, forcing their opponents into more misses and getting more opportunities for defensive rebounds. 

Another aspect of London’s stifling defence is their rim protection. Led by the league-leading rim protector Josh Sharma, who sends away the most shots of any player with 1.7 per game, London tops the blocked shots charts also. 

The Riders’ high powered scoring will need to be at its best to overcome London’s defence. 

Giveaways

An area of weakness in the table toppers is their tendency to give away possessions. 

The Lions turn the ball over 15.69 times per game, the most in the League. This leads to them giving up the third most points off turnovers per game at 13.86 per game. 

While their shooting efficiency means London doesn’t give up many fastbreak points, but the Riders will look to take advantage of any Lions turnovers to generate good shots against London’s defence. 

The Riders rank third in fastbreak points, and their desire to get out and run in transition may play a factor in the action at the Copper Box.

Report: Riders grind out gritty win against Cheshire

Leicester Riders pulled off a gritty 101-93 win against Cheshire Phoenix, snapping the visitor’s undefeated streak in 2024. 

The entire Riders unit stepped up after the League’s leading scorer, Teddy Allen, and Leicester’s captain Kimbal Mackenzie were ejected from the game. 

TJ Lall topped the team’s scoring off the bench with 22 points, backed by Miryne Thomas’ who had 19 and exploded out of the half following Allen’s ejection. 

Leicester were red hot from three, shooting 47% from deep on the game led by Lall and Thomas who combined for six. 

Aaryn Rai led the game with 28 points, fighting wire to wire in his team’s effort. But they couldn’t overcome a spirited Riders effort, backed by a raucous home crowd.  

Starting slow

Leicester weren’t just faced with the adversity of two ejections. They started slow, falling in a 20-2 hole in the first quarter. 

Rai scored 8 points to start the game, and Leicester turned the ball over four times in three minutes in a stuttering start. 

Thomas took the lid off the basket with a score at the rim to make it 20-4.  One score was all it took for the Riders to find form, and Lall sank a corner triple to make it 20-9 with 4:10 left in the first.  

Bouncing back

The Riders rallied, going on a 15-3 run to end the first. Big man Duke Shelton ended the first with a drive to the hoop to make it 23-17, getting Leicester right back in it.

The surge continued in the second, and Sam Idowu grabbed the Riders the lead, as the hosts continued to attack inside. 

The sides were locked in a back-and-forth towards halftime. Jaren Holmes put up seven points in the second quarter to shoulder the scoring load, hitting a corner triple after an Allen behind-the-back pass.

But the big moment in the game came minutes later, as Allen picked up a quick double technical which saw him ejected from the game. With the League’s leading scorer out of the tie, the Phoenix ended the period on a 4-0 run to make it 42-42 at the half. 

Gunning out of the break

Thomas drained a three to settle the Riders into the second half. Leicester started the quarter in a 7-0 run, after three Skyler White misses on the other end. Thomas came out hot, hitting two quick triples to put Leicester up 55-48. 

He brought his game tally to double figures with 3:55 left in the quarter, sinking a tough and-one finish over White. 

Up 10, Leicester battled hard to close the third to keep their opponents at arm’s length. But to close the quarter, Riders captain Mackenzie picked up an unsportsmanlike foul after incidental off ball contact, which saw him out of the game with Allen. 

Battling it out late

The third ended 70-62, the Riders needing heart and hustle to see it out. 

Holmes attacked the hoop for two to start the final quarter, followed by Lall who put Leicester up 12. Lall hit a corner three, assisted by Holmes, before Miryne came down and nailed a triple of his own as the Riders ran away with the tie late. 

Cheshire’s star guard LaQuincey Rideau was the third player thrown out of the game, picking up his fifth and final foul in the fourth.

On the other end, Riders’ veteran Conner Washington stepped up in the absence of Mackenzie and Allen, taking a charge on Cam Christon and finishing a layup through heavy contact with four minutes remaining. 

Lall put the exclamation point on the performance with an explosive one handed jam, sending the Riders fans into raptures and sealing the win. 

The Riders are back in action on Sunday, heading to London to take on the table topping Lions.

Kimbal Mackenzie named 2024 British Basketball League All-Star

Leicester Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie has been named to the 2024 British Basketball League All-Star team.

South Head Coach Petar Bozic picked Mackenzie as one of his five reserves to suit up at the Copper Box Arena on March 24. 

This comes after Riders duo Teddy Allen and Jaren Holmes were named All-Star starters a week ago.

Mackenzie is one of the League’s premier playmakers, ranking top 10 in assists per game on the season. He is scoring 13 points per game from 44.9% shooting, and has been the team’s go to man in the clutch of late.

The full All-Star teams are as follows:

PositionNorthSouth
GuardLarry Austin Jr. (c) –Newcastle EaglesMatthew Morgan- London Lions
GuardJordan Johnson- Newcastle EaglesJaren Holmes- Leicester Riders
ForwardAaryn Rai- Cheshire PhoenixTeddy Allen (c)- Leicester Riders
ForwardTajh Green- Newcastle EaglesSam Dekker- London Lions
CenterEthan Chargois- Cheshire PhoenixBrad Greene- Bristol Flyers
Reserve Jamell Anderson- Manchester GiantsKimbal Mackenzie- Leicester Riders
Reserve Clifton Moore Jr- Caledonia GladiatorsTJ Atwood- Plymouth City Patriots
Reserve Rickey McGill- Newcastle EaglesTevin Olison- Bristol Flyers
Reserve Jalon Pipkins- Sheffield SharksPadiet Wang- Surrey Scorchers
Reserve LaQuincy Rideau- Cheshire PhoenixGabe Olaseni- London Lions

You can get tickets to see your Riders at the All-Star game here!

Key matchups: Leicester Riders vs Cheshire Phoenix

Leicester Riders take on the Cheshire Phoenix on Friday, in an important clash for the team.

The star-studded fixture features three All-Star starters, and some of the best talent the League has to offer going head to head.

Here, we take a look at the key matchups in the game…

Aaryn Rai vs Teddy Allen

Last season’s NBL Player of the Year, Aaryn Rai, has established himself as one of the League’s best in his step up to the British Basketball League. 

The Canadian wing ranks top five in scoring (17.38 points per game), sixth in rebounding (7 per game) and top 10 in field goal percentage (56.47%), as well as knocking down his threes at a red hot 41% rate. 

Rai leads the League in three point percentage from the top of arc, finding success pulling up in transition and losing his defenders at the top of the three point line. 

He has also relentlessly attacked the rim all season long, and his willingness to push the tempo in transition has been key to Cheshire’s high-paced, fastbreak offensive approach. 

Rai has exploded for huge games this season, the biggest of which was a 32 point outing against the London Lions. But he’ll be faced with the tall task of keeping up with the League’s leading scorer- Teddy Allen. 

Allen enters this game after back-to-back 35 point performances. Only two players have scored more points in their first eight Championship games. Allen has averaged 26.4 points per game in the League so far, and will look to continue to rack up the points in an attempt to overcome the Phoenix.

Laquincy Rideau vs Kimbal Mackenzie

Laquincy Rideau was instrumental to Cheshire’s Trophy success, hitting the game winning layup against the Riders in the Final Four, and winning Final MVP with 25 points and 10 rebounds against London Lions. 

He has been the League’s true point guard, leading all players in assists (6.8 per game) and steals (3 per game), making his impact felt on both ends of the ball. 

Rideau pulls the strings for Cheshire, and has logged double digit assists seven times this season. This has contributed to his seven double doubles so far, three of which coming against the Riders. 

He battled down the stretch with Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie in the Trophy, Rideau having the final say on that occasion, but Mackenzie has stepped up consistently in the clutch for the Riders over the past few seasons, and will look to again when his number is called. 

He led the team down the stretch in a clutch win against Caledonia Gladiators, scoring six points in the final two minutes, and has hit a rich vein of form of late. 

Mackenzie had scored 15+ in his last three games, earning Player of the Game with his 21 point performance against the Gladiators. 

The Canadian has been a killer from midrange, getting to his sports consistently and connecting on over 50% of his looks. Expect a back-and-forth between him and Rideau from the backcourt in this one. 

Skyler White vs Sam Idowu 

A Cheshire weapon that has been effective against the Riders this season has been stretch four Skyler White, who has put up big numbers from behind the arc. 

Two of his best games of the season were against the Riders, the first a 22 point outing on opening night, and 23 points in the Trophy Final Four. 

White hit a combined 13 threes in those games, and chucked up 31. His high volume of three point attempts mean the Riders have to close out when he drifts to the perimeter. 

Sizing him up in the front court will be Sam Idowu, a versatile forward who is more than comfortable stepping up to the outside. 

Idowu has a versatile game on both ends, capable of hitting the three, taking defenders off the dribble and working in the post down low. He has the size to challenge White when he goes to work in the paint, and the athleticism and perimeter defence to follow him out to the three point line and contest his three point attempts. 

Idowu has enjoyed good form over the last few months, and went off for 20 against Plymouth City Patriots on February 9. The matchup at the forward position has been a significant factor between the sides this season, and it could be no different in this one.

We need you there!

The team need your help to get over the line in this one!

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Report: Riders dominate the Eagles for fourth straight win

Leicester Riders won their second straight against Newcastle Eagles, and fourth straight in the Championship, dominating wire-to-wire to emerge 90-75 victors. 

Star guard Taylor O’Brien set the tone with her scoring early, and stayed hot throughout to go off for 29 points and 11 rebounds. She led the Riders scoring for the second straight game, matching up well against the Eagles. 

She was backed by Sam Ashby and Marissa Hamilton, who both put up 15 points. Hamilton went 5-5 from three in the game, torching the Eagles from deep. 

The Riders shot 50% from the field and 45% from three in an efficient scoring display.

They also won the rebounding battle 48-42, as Rayven Peeples dominated the glass to grab 16 rebounds on the game. 

Newcastle struggled from deep throughout, shooting 15% from three against the Riders’ stifling perimeter defence. Leading scorer Tierra Hodges put up 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to lead her team to a win. 

O’Brien started the game aggressively. She scored the Riders first two buckets to take the lead, stringing a pull up from midrange and a floater off the dribble. The American guard led the game in the quarter, which Leicester led throughout. 

They were up by as much as seven, but the Eagles stayed in the game with the score 23-19 at the buzzer. A rainbow floater from Newcastle’s Lauren Saiki concluded the quarter’s action.

Back-to-back threes from Hamilton blew the game open, putting Leicester up nine in the second. The Riders held the visitors at arm’s length at the half, riding the hot hand of Peeples who followed up her frontcourt teammate with drives to the rim in the pick and roll. 

With 2:25 left in the quarter, O’Brien’s three gave the hosts their biggest lead of the evening at 38-26. Her corner three brought the Riders’ lead, and her points total, to double digits. The Eagles responded with a 5-0 run, and the sides entered the locker rooms with the Riders up 40-33. 

Triples from Hamilton and newly named All-Star Ashby rebuilt Leicester’s lead to start the second half. Ashby then attacked the hoop, followed by O’Brien, to make the score 56-37 halfway through the third. 

Hamilton’s hot hand continued to punish the Eagles. She drained her fourth triple to make it a 20 point difference. It was a lead they took into the fourth, after finished the third with a three from the top of the arc to make it 74-50. 

The final period was a formality, with the Riders having done the groundwork in the third quarter to set up a comfortable finish. Athena Thompson got to the hoop late, the 15 year old scoring her first points in the Women’s British Basketball League. She finished up with 6 points in the final quarter. 

The Riders are back in action on March 2, hosting the Oaklands Wolves.

Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leicester-riders-womens-v-oaklands-wolves-2nd-march-tickets-801096911427?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Sam Ashby named to 2024 British Basketball All-Star Team

Leicester Riders guard Sam Ashby has been voted a 2024 British Basketball League All-Star starter. 

She will suit up for the South, alongside Oaklands Wolves’ Allison Day and London Lions’ trio Shanice Beckford-Norton, Temi Fagbenle and Megan Gustafson at the Copper Box Arena on March 24. 

Ashby was the highest-voted player in the guard position in the South. January’s Player of the Month is logging 13.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in her first season in professional basketball. 

Ashby commented: “I’m super excited to be selected for the All-Star game! Having the opportunity to play alongside the best players in the League, and under Head Coach Stella Kaltisdou, will be an amazing experience.”

The full starting fives for the All-Star game are as follows.

PositionNorthSouth
GuardGeorgia Anderson (c)- Manchester GiantsShanice Beckford-Norton- London Lions
GuardGeorgia Gayle- Sheffield HattersSam Ashby- Leicester Riders
ForwardHarriet Ittewill-Soulsby- Durham PalatinatesAllison Day- Oaklands Wolves
ForwardEmma Eichmeyer- Sheffield HattersTemi Fagbenle- London Lions
CenterKirsty BrownCaledonia GladiatorsMegan Gustafson- London Lions

The remainder of the team will be chosen by the two head coaches, B. Braun Sheffield Hatters Head Coach Vanessa Ellis for the North and London Lions Head Coach, Stella Kaltisdou for the South. 

The reserves will be revealed on February 29.

Get your tickets to the game here!

Championship Preview: Riders vs Eagles

Leicester Riders play the Newcastle Eagles for the second of back-to-back games against their North Eastern opponents. 

They will host the Eagles at the Mattioli Arena, Leicester, as the club looks to pack the house.

Here’s how the game is shaping up…

Fixture information 

Leicester Riders vs Newcastle Eagles 

Mattioli Arena, Leicester, 7 pm

Get tickets here! 

Last time out

Last week saw the Riders head to Newcastle to face tomorrow’s opponents, coming away with a 77-55 win. 

Contrary to the scoreline, the game was contested until late. It was a four-point game going into the final quarter, before the Riders won the fourth 30-14 to blow the game open and take home the win. 

Star guard Taylor O’Brien led the team with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, proving the difference in the final quarter with 10 points. 

The Riders’ defence won the day, however, forcing 24 turnovers out of their opponents and holding them to 36% shooting from the field. 

Season so far

The Riders have established themselves as one of the premier teams in the League once again this season. They sit third with a 9-2 record, their two losses coming to the undefeated London Lions, who they are one win behind in the standings. 

They bounced back from a loss to London with three straight wins, beating the Cardiff Met Archers, Durham Palatinates and the Eagles convincingly. 

The Riders have made their trade on the offensive glass this season, leading the League with 14.1 per game. They only grabbed nine last time out against the Eagles, so expect the boards to be a point of emphasis in this one. 

One to watch

Despite her team’s loss, Tierra Hodges led the game with 20 points and 9 rebounds for the Eagles. 

Newcastle’s December signing exploded onto the scene in Newcastle, leading the League in scoring through six games. 

The 5’9” wing is scoring 22.1 points per game, awent off for 30 points on her debut and has failed to score 20 points in just one game for the Eagles. 

Hodges signed in the North East after an outstanding collegiate career at Furman University and an excellent rookie campaign last season in Finland.

In her final college season, she was named first-team all-conference by coaches and media, led the Southern Conference in rebounding with 10.4 per game and ranked third in scoring with 16.2 per game

Riders fall on the road to the Patriots

The Riders fell on the road 109-93 to the Plymouth City Patriots. 

A second-straight 35-point performance from Teddy Allen wasn’t enough to overcome a red-hot shooting night from the Patriots. 

The hosts went 12-26 from three, led by 33 points from Tyrell Green who went from 8-10 distance on the night. 

The Riders fall to 14-12 in the British Basketball League Championship, faltering in their pursuit of the Caledonia Gladiators and Cheshire Phoenix above them in the table. 

The Riders came gunning out the gate, with Mo Walker and Allen combining for their first 17 points. Allen made the highlight of the first, pulling up from near the logo and banking in a three to make the score 17-10 with 4:20 left in the first. 

The Patriots came into the game as the worst three-point shooting team in the League, but caught fire from deep to cut into their early deficit. They hit three straight to cut the difference to three points, Green connecting back-to-back. 

The Patriots tied it up at the hands of Jules Dang-Akodo from deep with less than a minute left in the period, but Allen ended the quarter with his 12th points, making it 26-24 after one. 

The hosts found their groove in the second, riding the hot hand of Green for 6 points and starting the quarter 14-5. Green hit his fourth three with a contest in his face, making it a double-digit advantage at 41-31. 

The Riders came storming out of the following media timeout with eight straight points, Allen pulling up from deep once again for his 18th points to make it 41-39 within a minute. 

It took another three minutes to tie the game up, and it was Shelton who did it with a putback layup. It was the last score of the half, and the sides entered the break tied at 46. 

Allen got the second half underway with a finish at the rim to get Leicester the lead back. The sides exchanged buckets to start the third quarter, both attacking the rim relentlessly. 

Both teams couldn’t miss to start the third. They combined for 36 points through six minutes, Kimbal Mackenzie making the last score before the media timeout to make the score 65-63 in the Riders’ favour. 

But the Patriots were the team to find some separation, Green staying hot to knock down his sixth three from seven attempts. Dusha stole the following inbound and beat the buzzer at the end of the period to make it 82-73. 

Green hit another to start the fourth to help build the host’s lead to 14. Allen then responded with a three in transition and a spin move in the lane to get five points back. Next time up the floor, he hit a stepback three to complete an 8-0 run on his own. Out of the following timeout, Allen drained yet another triple for 35 points. 

The Patriots responded with two straight scores, Cam Copeland with the second at the rim. With the newfound momentum they scored eight straight points, Jacob Wiley’s fastbreak jam off a lob pass forcing a Riders timeout. 

Green hit a three out of the timeout, making the difference 14. The Riders couldn’t overcome that deficit and fell to the Patriots on the road.

The Riders return to action after the international break, hosting the Trophy champions Cheshire Phoenix on March 1. 

Get your tickets here.

Scouting Report: Plymouth City Patriots

Leicester Riders are set to play the Plymouth City Patriots on the road for the first time this season after beating their opponents twice at home so far this year.

A win would see the Riders improve to

Here are three things to look out for in our game in the South West…

Close games 

The Patriots have featured in 10 games that finished within single digits in the Championship this season. Their record in those games is 2-8, including three losses that finished within a single score.

Two games ago, they lost another heartbreaker against the Surrey Scorchers 94-92. Should they have secured a defensive board following Saquon Jamison’s deliberately missed free throw with five seconds left, they’d have had a shot for the win.

Plymouth are 0-2 against the Riders this season, and they remained in both games until late. The first was an 88-81 Leicester win, and the game was within two points with less than two minutes remaining. The Riders saw it out late, led by four points from Mackenzie.

Mackenzie has put the Riders on his back this season and scored six points in the clutch against the Caledonia Gladiators last week to secure an important win.

Should Plymouth keep it close once again, the Riders may look to their captain to get over the line. But the Patriots will expect these close games to bounce their way later in the season, as they look to step it up in the clutch.

TJ Atwood

Plymouth’s leading scorer this season, and a player who has been in hot contention for a place on the British Basketball League starting five, is American TJ Atwood. 

Atwood went off for 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists last time he suited up against Leicester, and has been one of the Patriots’ most effective players all season. 

He is putting up 15.26 points per game from an efficient 52% from the field this season, leading the team. His 6.74 rebounds per game is second most on the Patriots roster, and he also leads them in steals with 1.44 per game. 

Atwood doesn’t need much of the ball to do his damage. He ranks eighth on his team in usage rate at just 18.85%, meaning the Riders will have to remain aware through 40 minutes of his presence on the court off the ball. 

If they’re not, he can go off for 30 as he did earlier in the year against the Bristol Flyers. 

Offensive rating

Despite the firepower of Atwood, the Patriots’ offence has struggled for rhythm this season, ranking last in offensive rating with 99.95. They score 78.46 points per game, one more point than bottom-ranked Sheffield Sharks, but rely on their offensive rebounding for second-chance opportunities. 

Their lack of consistent deep threat has been a contributing factor to this, as they shoot the lowest percentage from behind the arc in the League at 28.67%. From two-point range, they rank fifth, finding success attacking the hoop.

In addition to their shooting percentages, the Patriots have struggled to take care of the ball. They rank second in turnover percentage, giving the ball away on 16.04% of their possessions. 

The Riders will need to maintain pressure on the ball to force mistakes while limiting chances within the arc and pulling down defensive rebounds to hold Plymouth to their season trends.


The Riders return to home action on March 1, taking on the Cheshire Phoenix.

Get your tickets here! 

Riders react to beating the Sharks

Leicester Riders made it four wins on the bounce with a 108-94 win against the Sheffield Sharks.

The win improved their record to 14-11 in the British Basketball League Championship, one win behind the Caledonia Gladiators in third.

Here’s how the Riders reacted to the win…

Teddy Allen- “Pressure is a privilege.”

Star guard Teddy Allen went off for his highest-scoring night in Riders red so far, exploding for 35 points and 12 rebounds. 

It was one of only two such performances in the last 15 years in the British Basketball League, as the leading scorer continues to take the League by storm. 

He put the scoring load on his back when the team needed him most last night. 

“Pressure is a privilege,” said Allen, when asked how he handles the scoring responsibility when the Riders need a basket.

“I’m happy my teammates put me in those positions and that I could deliver for them when my opportunities arose. I’m just happy to get this win at home with my team.”

The Riders found themselves in a double-digit hole in the first half, and gave up the highest-scoring half in the Sharks’ season so far. Defence was the priority for the Riders to come back. 

“We had to lock in on defence. You’re not going to win many games if you give up 57 in a half. We did that in the second half, and I’m proud of my guys.”

Allen has hit the ground running with the Riders since signing in December. He spoke about how his relationship with Head Coach Rob Paternostro has allowed him to succeed. 

“We have a lot of trust in each other. He has never got on me for a shot- he just wants me to play my game, and he trusts me in those moments. I can do nothing but thank him and be appreciative to have a coach like that.”

Rob Paternostro- “He’s worth the price of admission!”

Coach Paternostro repaid the compliment from Allen, signing the American’s praises after the win. 

“He’s worth the price of admission! He was awesome tonight. He had two quick fouls, but we rode him for a while, and he did a good job of not fouling. 

“What’s impressive about Teddy is his stamina. He has the ball a lot and takes a lot of shots, but he doesn’t get tired. He can stay on the floor for a long time without me needing to give him a break. He came up big tonight.” 

After a tough start to the game, unable to stop the Sharks’ scoring onslaught, Paternstro made adjustments at the half to slow Sheffield down. 

“To give them credit, they were really shooting the ball well, and we struggled to guard them in the first half. But we knew if we were in the game after they shot like that, then this one could be ours. 

“We had to do better in transition and stop second chance points, and we were much better defensively after halftime.”

The Riders saw it out in the clutch for the second straight game, after they beat the Caledonia Gladiators in the final minutes on the road last weekend.

Getting wins out of close games has given the group confidence in those situations. 

“It was an entertaining game! Anyone who was here tonight enjoyed that. We really made the big plays late in the game, which we’ve been doing as of late. We played really well in the second half. 

“Our guys were really confident late in the game. When it’s tight, we feel like we can see the game out, and earlier in the year, we didn’t have the same confidence after we lost a couple of close ones.”

It’s a quick turnaround for the Riders, who head to Plymouth to take on the Patriots on Sunday afternoon. Rest and recovery is the priority for the Riders. 

“Rest is our biggest focus now. We know Plymouth can be a difficult opponent and challenging on the road. It’s our first time there this season, so we have to go down here and have a solid game to finish the weekend right.”


The Riders return to the Mattioli Arena on March 1, taking on the Cheshire Phoenix.

Get your tickets here!

Report: Riders overcome red hot Sharks

Leicester Riders made it four wins on the bounce, beating the Sheffield Sharks 108-94 in a game contested wire-to-wire. 

Teddy Allen went off for 35 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 50% and 44% from three in a Player of the Game performance.

He was backed by Jaren Holmes who scored 19, hitting a tough three through contact to end the half to jolt momentum into the team. 

The Sharks started hot, scoring 57 points in the first half, their most in any half this season. But the Riders overcame it, ending the third quarter on an 11-0 run and seeing out a win in the clutch. 

Sheffield was led by Malek Green who put up 19 points and 11 rebounds. They entered the game as the lowest-scoring offence in the League, but caught fire from the off to challenge the Riders throughout. 

A slow start for the Riders, with them struggling to find the bottom of the basket despite generating good looks, saw them fall into a 10-3 hole after 5 points from Sharks’ forward Jordan Ratinho.

It became 15-6 after Green spilt out onto the fastbreak for an easy two, which forced a Riders timeout after 3:24. 

The Sharks poured in the points in the first quarter. Green was firing from the jump to put up double digits in six minutes, and he made it a double-digit lead at 22-12 with a triple. Sheffield found joy on the glass to snatch 5 offensive rebounds until the Riders closed in to end the period. 

The insertion of Duke Shelton into the game saw the Riders clean up the glass and get back into the game. An 8-2 end to the first meant they trailed 30-27 after one. 

The high-scoring start didn’t stop in the second quarter, with each of the teams scoring on their first two possessions. Sheffield rebuilt their lead to 10 as Rodney Glasgow Jr pulled up from midrange- the visitors continuing their offensive hot streak. 

But again, Leicester found form as the clock ticked down. They went on an 11-2 run, capped off by a triple from Mo Walker, to bring it back within a score with two minutes left in the half.

The Sharks bit back, bringing it back to an eight-point game with a pull-up from three in transition by Glasgow Jr, but Holmes ended the second period with a three-point heave, taking a foul for another point at the foul line to make it 57-53 at the half. 

Leicester quickly tied it up to start the second half. Allen and Samuel Idowu scored four quick points to even the score and set the stage for the remainder of the tie. They took their first lead of the game a few minutes into the half, and Allen pulled up from deep to find separation with the score 64-59. 

Leicester had momentum in the final few minutes, Allen lighting the spark after pulling up on the dribble from deep. He drew an unsportsmanlike foul on Jalon Pipkins after they tangled legs on the break, and Shelton followed his subsequent free throws with a monster two-hand jam. 

The Riders entered the final period leading 82-71. 

Allen made his mark on the start of the fourth, pulling up from the car park for his fourth triple. But the Sharks stayed in the game, finding runs to the rim to chip into their deficit. They started the fourth 12-5, RJ Eytle-Rock cutting the game to five at the foul line. 

It was a tie game with five minutes left, as Devearl Ramsey pulled up from midrange to lock the teams at 88. They took the lead next time down through Bennet Koch, the Sharks holding all of the momentum. 

Kimbal Mackenzie took it back with a corner three, off the back of his clutch performance last time out in Caledonia. He was followed by Holmes, who fought his way to the free-throw line and put Leicester up 94-90. 

Lall was the next to be sent to the foul line, and rebounded his own miss and made the putback as the Riders found form in the clutch. Idowu scored a layup next time up the floor to put Leicester up seven with 1:37 left, and the Riders saw the game out from there. 

The Riders return to action on Sunday, heading to Plymouth to take on the Patriots on the road.

Championship Preview: Riders at Eagles

The Riders return to action after a winning weekend of action, facing the Newcastle Eagles on the road. 

The 8-2 Riders are coming off back-to-back wins, ready to play an Eagles team that has endured a difficult start to the season. 

Here’s how the teams shape up…

Fixture information 

Leicester Riders at Newcastle Eagles

Saturday, February 17, 7:30 pm

Vertu Motors Arena 

Watch Live!

Two-win weekend 

The Riders are coming off an impressive weekend of wins, beating the Cardiff Met Archers and Durham Palatinates in back-to-back days. 

They won by an average margin of 37 points, making a statement with dominant victories. They won every quarter of the weekend and maintained their pursuit of the top end of the table. 

Rayven Peeples dominated the weekend on the glass, notching two double-doubles on her way to a Team of the Week nomination. She averaged 16 points and 13 rebounds across the two games. 

The Riders, led by Peeples, have set the tone on the glass on their way to eight wins this season. They rank second in rebounding (0.1 rebounds per game behind the top-ranked London Lions) and first in offensive rebounding. 

Playing against an Eagles team who have struggled to pull down boards this season, will play a large factor in the North East. 

Newcastle looking for form 

Having lost the last three Championship fixtures, the Newcastle Eagles are looking for a win to turn their season around. 

Losses to Oaklands Wolves, Essex Rebels and London Lions are responsible for the poor run of fixtures. They enter this game after a loss against the League-leading Lions, who won 102-56 at home. 

They pulled off back-to-back wins against Durham and Cardiff in mid-December, but failed to build off their form to make a rise up the table. 

They have struggled on the boards this season, ranking second-last in offensive rebounds and third-last in defensive rebounds as the Eagles struggle to generate second possession and close defensive ones.

They’ll need to improve in this department to overcome the glass-crashing Leicester Riders. 

Key matchup 

Eagles’ December signing Tierra Hodges has exploded onto the scene in Newcastle, leading the League in scoring through five games. 

The 5’9” wing is scoring 23.2 points per game, went off for 30 points on her debut and has failed to score 20 points in just one game for the Eagles. 

Hodges signed in the North East after an outstanding collegiate career at Furman University and an excellent rookie campaign last season in Finland.

In her final college season, she was named first-team all-conference by coaches and media, led the Southern Conference in rebounding with 10.4 per game and ranked third in scoring with 16.2 per game 

The American’s performances in the British Basketball League earned her the Player of the Month award for December. 

Facing up against her is another Player of the Month, Sam Ashby, who won the award for her efforts in January. 

Ashby balled out against Durham last week, leading the game’s scoring with 21 points, and logged 6 rebounds and 5 steals in the win.

Ashby’s performances this season earned her a spot on the GB roster earlier in the year. She’s averaging 12.9 points per game and ranks fourth in the League in steals with 2.4 per game. 

Expect this battle from the wing position to play a significant role in the outcome of this clash.  

Championship Preview: Riders vs Sharks

Basketball returns to the Mattioli Arena this Friday as the in-form Riders host a B. Braun Sheffield Sharks squad that have only won once in 2024.

Rob Paternostro’s team have recently pushed beyond .500 after carrying their strong British Basketball League Trophy form into the League Championship and sit comfortably in the top half of the standings.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders vs B. Braun Sheffield Sharks

Mattioli Arena, Leicester

Friday, February 16, 7:45pm

Get tickets here!

Huge Away Win

The Riders enter Round 19 of Championship play brimming with confidence after claiming one of the most impressive wins of the season – a 97-93 defeat of the high-flying Caledonia Gladiators on their home court.

Success for the Riders was crucial to maintain their current momentum and to avenge an agonising one-point loss in Glasgow towards the end of October.

As predicted, Leicester had to put in a strong performance for the entire 40 minutes to bag a 12th win of the season, coming through in the clutch after the home side took a narrow lead with less than a minute left on the clock.

Kimbal Mackenzie put in a captain’s performance, going 8-12 from the field for a total of 21 points – including six down the stretch – and dishing out five assists on the night.

The powerful Jaren Holmes also had a nice night, making his presence felt all over the court to the tune of 15 points and nine rebounds for a near double-double.

The most eye-catching plays, however, came from the palms of Teddy ‘Buckets’ Allen, who delved deeply into his box of tricks to drain 28 points on the Gladiators, including four deep balls, two of which were taken from a different postcode.

The standout performances from the Riders’ backcourt trio allowed the rest of the squad to play solid team basketball, and Sunday’s victory over a good opponent demonstrates how far this team has come.

More strong opposition presents itself this Friday in the form of Sheffield. Riders’ fans won’t know which trio will take the game by the scruff this time but should be confident that every player on the roster has the skills to shape victory.

Struggles in the New Year

The Sheffield Sharks currently sit in strong playoff contention in the League Championship with an 11-13 record and well clear of the bottom two.

An impressive November saw Friday’s visitors go five of six, including a 91-84 home win over the Riders where they utilised the fast break to great effect.

The Sharks boast a league-leading defence, conceding just 79.1 points per game while holding opposing teams to under 32% from three-point range.

A large contingent of Sheffield’s roster possesses fast hands on defence, especially American guard Terrell Allen and dunk artist Jalon Pipkins. The aggressive defenders 1.4 and 1.3 steals per game respectively, forcing teams to think twice about taking them on the dribble.

However, tenacious defence does have its drawbacks, and for the Sharks, it comes in the form of opposition free throws.

Earlier in the season, Atiba Lyons’ charges were getting away with giving up the ninth-most free shots in the League Championship, but a 2024 littered with tight losses has magnified the consequences of not matching the opponent at the line.

The Riders are the second most accurate charity stripe shooting team in the league – hitting at a cool 77.3% – and get to the line nearly 21 times a game.

The Sharks’ recent losses average a losing margin of ten points. This could be flipped on its head if Sheffield can figure out a way to avoid fouls while defending determinedly.

Key Matchup

A large number of matchups catch the eye this Friday as one of the league’s most prolific offenses battles against the league’s stringiest defence, but the key matchup will be between guards, Jaren Holmes and Jalon Pipkins.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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#5 Pipkins is a true entertainer of the league. The American’s most desirable trick is his ability to almost levitate in the air before jamming home a satisfying dunk. The guard has serious hops.

Pipkins experienced a short stint of play in Finland after graduating from the Fort Wayne Mastodons and found his eventual home in Sheffield last season.

The high-flyer is having a decent season, averaging 11.8 points per game and going nearly 60% from inside the arc.

The true test for Holmes will be to penetrate Pipkins’ defence which is some of the best the British Basketball League has to offer.

The Leicester man has mostly been excellent this season and uses his size and strength excellent to get the better of both smaller and bigger opponents.

A star of the Big-12 NCAA conference, Holmes’ rookie campaign with the Riders sings to the tune of 13.3 points per game – second on the roster – 4.3 boards each night and a couple of assists to boot.

Riders’ fans will know that despite being a primary offensive weapon, Holmes is also good on the defensive side of the ball, snagging 1.2 steals per game.

The back-and-forth contest between these two athletic guards should be fun to watch. One thing is for certain – win or lose, Holmes and Pipkins will create more than a few highlights along the way.

Riders recap: What we can take from a winning weekend

The Riders recorded two wins in a crucial doubleheader weekend, beating the Plymouth City Patriots at home, and the Caledonia Gladiators in the clutch on the road.

Here’s what we can take from the weekend of action…

Multiple scoring threats 

In both games over the weekend, the Riders had three players score over 15 points and two score 20. 

Different games are for different guys, and only two players, Jaren Holmes and leading scorer Teddy Allen, put up double digits in both games, but the Riders showed they can rely on multiple players to step up and put the ball in the basket when their name is called. 

Leicester shot 37% from three in both games and 51% from three across the two fixtures to flex their offensive firepower and efficiency. 

Their 102 points against the Gladiators on Sundays means they now average over 90 points per game on the season, third-most in the League. 

Captain Kimbal in the clutch

For the second straight game on the road in Caledonia, the Riders’ captain stepped up in the clutch for crucial scores. 

Last time, he pulled up from midrange with 10 seconds to go to put the Riders up one, but the Gladiators found a response to win it at the hands of Clifton Moore Jr. 

Two weeks ago, Mackenzie had a clutch outing in the Trophy Final Four, where he drove to the bucket for an and-one score to put the Riders up one with 20 seconds left. 

But this time, he led Leicester to a win with his performance late. The Canadian took over with a minute and a half left and scored six straight points, including two go-ahead buckets to put the scoring load on his back. 

Mackenzie’s play earned him the Player of the Game, and secured an important win for the team in a doubleheader weekend. 

Turning a corner 

Leicester entered the weekend with a .500 record, with an important pair of games awaiting them as they hoped to climb the Championship standings. On Sunday night, they improved to 13-11, and now sit fourth, just a game behind the Gladiators in third. 

The Riders have won four on the bounce in the Championship, a run which started at home against the Sheffield Sharks with a 103-75 win on December 30. They have a chance to make it five with the same fixture on Friday. 

Their game against the Sharks marks the first of another doubleheader, with a trip to the Plymouth City Patriots awaiting them on Sunday. It’s another vital run of games for Rob Paternostro’s side, and they need you behind them. 

Get your tickets here!

Riders see off Gladiators in the clutch

The Riders won a thriller on the road, beating the Caledonia Gladiators 97-93 in the final seconds of the game.  

Captain Kimbal Mackenzie led them down the stretch with six clutch points to win it, He put up 21 points and 5 rebounds, going 8-12 from the field.

Teddy Allen led the game’s scoring, however, exploding for 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals. 

The Gladiators, led by Lukas Palyza’s 17, were down big in the fourth but fought back to take the lead with less than a minute left. They didn’t have enough to secure the win however, and the Riders improved to 13-11 on the season. 

Leicester endured a slow offensive start, which found them in an early hole. They started 1-7 from the field, and the Gladiators ran out to a 9-3 start led by 4 points from Fahro Alihodzic. 

Allen took the lid off the basket with a three from the top of the arc to cut the difference to a score. The Riders found some rhythm from there, and the sides exchanged baskets going up and down the court. 

Caledonia had the better of the final stages of the first quarter. They crashed the offensive glass for second-chance points, and led 24-15 after one led by 6 points from Whelan. 

Allen got the second quarter underway with a triple to claw some points back. But the Gladiators kept pouring on the points, getting to the foul line consistently to keep their scoreboard ticking over. 

The Riders came storming back midway through the period. TJ Lall and Allen hit threes back to back, Allen pulling up in transition to make it 34-31. He exploded in the quarter, scoring 13 to bring his game tally to 17 by halftime. 

The hosts threatened to pull away, rebuilding their lead to eight, but a 7-0 Riders run to end the half, finished off by a buzzer-beating three from Holmes, to make the score 48-47. 

Mackenzie ran in transition to start the second half to take the Riders’ first lead of the game. The Riders kept the Gladiators at arm’s length for the start of the third, finding consistent offence to contrast their start to the game. 

Miryne Thomas connected from deep with a big three to put the Riders up nine going into the media timeout. Out of the break, Mackenzie ran the floor for a tough finish inside to make it a double-digit difference. 

Allen stayed hot, putting in 7 points in the third, and the Riders entered the fourth up 75-67.

But the Gladiators came out into the fourth with two straight scores to make it a four point affair. 

Mackenzie hit back, draining a three to stop the run of momentum, and Holmes built off the triple, making two buckets at the rim to keep the Gladiators at bay. Allen followed him up with two finishes of his own, responding to Caledonia’s trips to the foul line. 

But the hosts did find a way back, and Palyza hit a big three with 2:49 left to make the score 87-90. Clifton Moore Jr hit back-to-back baskets to take the lead with 1:35 left. 

Mackenzie hit back with a three from the top of the arc, putting the Riders up two. With the ball going the other way, Holmes rejected Whelan, but Bothwell found the bottom of the basket after the subsequent rebound to tie the game at 93. 

Mackenzie struck again with a midrange pull-up with 52 seconds left, and Palyza missed a three on the next possession. With 30 seconds left, Mackenzie made one of two free throws to make it a three-point lead. 

Bothwell had a chance to tie it for Caledonia but missed from three, and Idowu put the game beyond doubt from the foul line with eight seconds left, securing an important win for the Riders. 

Leicester returns to action on Friday, hosting the Sheffield Sharks.

Get tickets here!

Riders make it back-to-back wins with a blowout against Durham

The Riders made it back-to-back wins in a weekend of action, beating the Durham Palatinates 85-57 to improve their record to 8-2. 

Sam Ashby dominated wire-to-wire, the GB guard logging a game-high 21 points and 6 rebounds after hitting the ground running with 12 in the first. Rayven Peeples scored 14 to back up her teammate, grabbing 13 rebounds for her second double-double of the weekend. 

Leicester shot well from deep in the game, hitting 40% of their threes to blow the game open. On the defensive end, they held Durham to 2-18 shooting from behind the arc in a dominant defensive outing. 

Their standout was Elle Hendershot, who matched Ashby’s 21 points in her team’s effort. But the Palatinates struggled to match the Riders’ play on both ends throughout, and the hosts secured their second big win in as many days. 

Ashby’s defence made a huge impact in the opening stages of the game. She blocked Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby inside to force a 24-second violation and took a charge on Hendershot for two score-saving plays. On the other end, scored five quick points as the Riders charged out the gate for a 10-4 start. 

Durham established the interior to come back into it, led by Hendershot’s 7 points in the first quarter. But Ashby hit back with seven more points to rebuild Leicester’s lead to eight, finishing the first quarter at the free-throw line to make the score 22-14.  

Hot deep shooting meant the Riders maintained their lead in the second, as Marissa Hamilton and Katie Janszewska both hit triples. Taylor O’Brien followed up with seven straight points, and the Riders built their advantage to 39-22. 

The Riders shot 57% from three at the half, while the Palatinates missed each of their seven attempts. That made it 44-29 to the hosts by the break. 

A 6-2 start to the second half made it 50-31 within two minutes. Ashby built on her game tally with seven more points, including a three to put Leicester up 20. Peeples got to work inside with aggressive play around the rim. She scored 7 points in six minutes, capped off by an and-one play. 

To end the third, Katie Januszewska found the bottom of the basket on back-to-back plays to bring her game total to double digits. Leicester won the third 25-15 to make the score 69-44 with one to play. 

Elise Tweeide scored two straight baskets at the rim to get the Riders going in the final quarter of play. Leicester continued to be effective in their runs to the rim, seeing the game out by adding to their side of the scoreboard. 

They finished the game with a 16-13 fourth quarter, meaning they won every quarter of their two-game weekend.

The Riders are back in action on Febuary 17, heading to the North East to take on the Newcastle Eagles. 

Report: Riders secure big home win against Archers

The Riders took a dominant win against Cardiff Met Archers to improve to 7-2 in the Women’s British Basketball League Championship standings. 

It was an impressive win start-to-finish, as Leicester won the opening quarter 22-7 and never looked back. 

American forward Rayven Peeples set the tone in the paint, leading the game with an 18 point, 13 rebound double-double.

She was backed by Katie Januszewska, who had 12 points and 5 rebounds off the bench in 19 minutes. 

The Riders established the inside quickly, getting two offensive boards, a block and a finish at the rim in the opening minute. Peeples was instrumental in their physical approach, swatting Lara Habling’s shot and putting in a pair of layups within three minutes to make it a dominant 10-1 start. 

She finished the first with 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks, as the Riders got all five started on the board in the opening period. Despite shooting 0-8 from three, their dominance in the paint meant Leicester led 22-7 after Januszewska’s mid-range pull up to end it. 

Jessica Eadsforth-Yates knocked down the Riders’ first triple of the game to start the second quarter. She hit another with 5:41 left in the half to bring the team’s game tally to 30, and their lead to 22. 

With the lid off the basket from deep, Marissa Hamilton stepped into a triple to continue to pile on the points. On defence, Leicester locked off the interior, forcing the Archers to try their luck from three. They went 1-11 from range in the first half and 8-32 from the field. 

Emihear Morris joined the action from deep with a corner three to get the home bench off its feet. The Riders led 46-18 going into the break- a convincing first half of play. 

Peeples got the second half going with six quick points, as the Riders showed no let-up. She dominated the start to the third quarter with 8 points, 6 rebounds and a steal in five minutes of action. 

Januszewska caught fire in the middle of the quarter. She scored eight straight points, including two threes to stretch Leicester’s significant lead. Morris followed up with her second triple, and the Riders entered the final stanza up 65-29. 

Leicester started the fourth 6-2 to make it a 40-point advantage for the hosts. The quarter was led by 5 points from Eadsforth-Yates, as the Riders saw it home comfortably by winning the final quarter 21-11. 

The Riders are back in action tomorrow, hosting Durham Palatinates.

Get your tickets here!

Leicester Riders Weekend Preview

The Riders are set to take on a weekend of Women’s British Basketball League action, going up against the Cardiff Met Archers and Durham Palatinates in back-to-back home games. 

Here’s a look at the Riders season so far… 

The state of play

Leicester are currently third in the Championship standings with a 6-2 record. Their only two losses have come to the undefeated London Lions, which came after they hit the ground running under new Head Coach Ben Stanley’s leadership following a 4-0 start. 

The Riders enter the games off the back of a tough loss to the table-topping London Lions. The Lions beat the Riders 43-85 to remain undefeated on the season.  

Katie Januszewska provided a bright spark off the bench for Leicester with 11 points in 19 minutes, going 5-7 from the field, but the Riders couldn’t get it going offensively, especially from deep where they went 3-22. 

Former WNBA guard Temi Fagbenle went off for London in the visitor’s win, scoring 22 points in as many minutes. 

Crashing the glass

The Riders have made their name on the boards this season, pulling down 43.4 rebounds per game, the second most in the League. 

This applies especially on the offensive side of the ball. Leicester crashes the glass of their own missed shots wire to wire, and their 14.5 offensive boards per game rank the highest of any team. 

Rayven Peeples has particularly impressed in that department. She has averaged 10.3 rebounds per game, the third most of any player in the League. She leads the League in offensive rebounds with 5.8, generating consistent second-chance opportunities for the Riders. 

They’ll look to continue that trend this weekend against the two teams that grab the fewest defensive rebounds in the League this season. 

Weekend opponents 

The Riders will take on the Cardiff Met Archers and Durham Palatinates this weekend, two teams they have had success against already this season. 

Leicester took on the Archers in November, beating them 110-64 in South Wales. Their leading scorer on the season, Taylor O’Brien, put up 26 points and 6 rebounds in the win, where the Riders shot 52.4% from the field and 37.5% from three. 

The Archers currently sit bottom of the League table, going winless through eight games. As for the Palatinates, they’re currently ninth in the table with a 2-5 record. 

The Riders took them on in late January, once again going on the road and taking home the win. This time, it was a 75-62 victory, led by 15 each from GB wing Sam Ashby and Peeples. 

Leicester will need to replicate their wins from earlier in the season to continue their pursuit of the top end of the table. 

Support the team

Tickets are available for both of these fixtures, which will be played at the Loughborough University Netball Centre. 

We face Cardiff Met Archers on Saturday at 6pm, and Durham Palatinates on Sunday at 1 pm. 

Get your tickets here!

Leicester Arena becomes Mattioli Arena in recognition of charitable trust

Leicester Riders’ home venue, Leicester Arena, will now be known as the Mattioli Arena.

The Ian & Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust has accepted naming rights to Leicester Arena, the largest indoor arena in Leicester.

The venue – previously the Morningside Arena – is now being rebranded.

The Trust has donated funds to the Leicester Riders Foundation, the charity which develops basketball and other sport participation for people of all ages across Leicester and Leicestershire.

The generosity of the Mattioli family has resulted in the Trust being offered naming rights to the Arena in recognition of their continued support.

Recent donations from the Trust are in addition to the £500,000 donation made to help fund the Arena’s extension in 2022.

The Arena will work with the family to create a lasting legacy gifted to communities in Leicester and Leicestershire.

The Trust – established by the Mattioli family in 2016 – works to help enhance the lives and opportunities of local people.

In particular it works with communities and socio-economic groups which are often sidelined and struggle to access opportunities for advancement, personal growth, and to fully participate in society. 

Ian Mattioli MBE, Founder of the Trust and CEO of Mattioli Woods, said: “We are delighted to continue our support of the Arena, and are proud to accept the naming rights.

“The Mattioli Arena delivers high-quality and high-class events, while at the same time focussing on its community commitments and increasing the profile of the city.

“Leicester has always looked after our family in the very safest of environments and that is why we are delighted to be part of creating a legacy for the diverse communities we support in the City of Leicester and beyond.

“To also be able to do this through sport and a venue that has the potential to impact so many people is something we will continue to take great pride in, and we hope it will be used by many, many people over coming years.”

Kevin Routledge, Chairman of Leicester Riders, Trustee of Riders Foundation, and a Director of the Arena, said: “Once again, Ian and Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust has shown its commitment to the city and the work of our Foundation, and the Mattioli Arena, and we are hugely appreciative of that.

“The work of the Riders Foundation, and the demands on the Arena, continue to grow and we are committed to further enhancements to our facilities.

“We are hugely appreciative to the Mattioli family’s generous support, which will enable us to deliver an arena, community services, and events that will continue to make the city proud.”

The 3,000-capacity Mattioli Arena stages an increasingly wide range of national and international sports and entertainment events.

It also provides a wide range of community sports opportunities through the Riders’ extensive underage basketball programmes through the Leicester Riders Foundation.

The venue also provides opportunities for Leicester College students, wheelchair basketball users, and other community sport users – making it the largest of its type in the UK.

Last year’s extension to the Arena is already bringing significant additional revenue to the city. It consists of a standalone, 1,200-metre squared, two-court sports hall, with a new entrance to the arena also completed at the top of Memory Lane.

It also has the largest solar array on any individual building in the city, generating 246 kW(p) of solar power as helping the Arena focus on becoming a net zero business.

The Riders are in action at the Mattioli Arena tonight, taking on the Plymouth City Patriots.

Get your tickets here!

Preview: Riders vs Patriots

British Basketball League Championship action returns to the Morningside Arena this Friday as the Riders host the 4-18 Plymouth City Patriots.

The home side will certainly be favourites to take victory following impressive winter form, but coach Rob Paternostro will warn his team against complacency after Plymouth ran Leicester close at the start of the season.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders vs Plymouth City Patriots

Morningside Arena, Leicester

Friday, February 8, 7:30pm

Get tickets here!

Ready to Rise

After a turbulent first quarter of the season, which resulted in the Riders revamping the roster and sat on a record below .500, the recent upturn in form sees captain Kimbal Mackenzie and his team poised to take a leap into the upper echelons of the league.

After a promising League Trophy campaign and last week’s 20-point victory in Surrey, the Riders hold a record of 11-11, fifth in the League Championship and only three wins shy of the Caledonia Gladiators in second place.

Mackenzie himself has seen his form improve simultaneously with his squad, taking advantage of the defensive attention dedicated to Teddy Allen to drop double-digit points in five of his last six outings.

The do-it-all point guard has also seen his assist totals spike over the winter, proof that even with Allen and Duke Shelton being relatively new additions, the team is gelling more and more with each passing week.

Allen could certainly be considered the Riders’ catalyst – the league’s top scorer has failed to breach 20 points only twice as a Rider – but speaking to BBC Radio Leicester earlier this week, he stated that the team was prepared for success when he arrived.

“The team were on a skid when I got here, but we had to pieces to compete. There is a lot of talent in every position, all the way down the bench. I was able to inject some energy into the group, and after that, we rediscovered our form and everyone has been playing well.”

Read the full interview here!

Expect the Riders to maintain that energy heading into tomorrow’s clash with Plymouth. The Patriots have the least potent offense in the league (averaging less than 80 points per game) and if Mackenzie and Allen continue on their current trajectory, 80 points could be surpassed before the start of the fourth.

New Year. New Start.

The end of 2023 was tough for the Patriots. Three losses on the bounce leading up to the break in League Championship play consigned Paul James’ men to bottom of the standings with a 3-17 record.

To compound things, top scorer Taylor Johnson had recently departed the club and it was tough to see who Plymouth could look to for an offensive spark.

However, much-improved performances in the League Trophy and the emergence of Jacob Wiley as a true scoring threat has given them cause to believe that a playoff berth is not out of reach.

The solid Trophy campaign carried forward into the Patriots’ return to the Championship as they travelled to Manchester and bested the Giants 93-79.

The trifecta of Wiley, Spencer Levi and Mason Faulkner overcame a superb 26-point showing from the Giants’ William Lee to take the win, Levi particularly impressing with a Miryne Thomas-esque 14-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Wiley once again displayed his offensive prowess with 20 points and Faulkner was instrumental, running the floor during his 26 minutes from the bench.

The Riders will provide a different challenge than the struggling Giants however, and Friday’s clash could prove how ready the Patriots are to make a run at the playoffs.

Key Matchup

Friday’s game is a battle between two teams with in-form, free-scoring, 6’6” wing forwards: Teddy Allen and Jacob Wiley.

Wiley, a veteran who has married his play on the court with his name, has a career that spans at least four continents.

Following college, the 25-year-old suited up for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA before taking his skills to Europe, Australia and Japan.

His impact in the British Basketball League has been felt in the last couple of months after regular outings of 20 points or more.

Wiley isn’t a threat from beyond the arc, but his ability to use strength and finishing ability inside makes him a problem for defences, and combined with his tenacity on the boards, he will be a standout on the Morningside Arena court.

Allen will now be familiar to every Riders fan and many supporters across British Basketball.

The CEBL MVP has shown innate ability to score from anywhere, whether that’s slicing into the lane for a quick two or executing a nasty step back before splashing on a three-point dagger.

Possibly the least talked about facet of Allen’s game has been his defensive effort, rarely giving up on the cause and seldom getting beaten on the dribble.

Wiley and Allen are currently the primary outlets on offense for their teams, but both provide so much more around the court.

The winner of that battle could decide the winner of this game.

Leicester Riders speak to BBC Radio Leicester

Leicester Riders featured on last night’s episode of “Game Night” on BBC Radio Leicester. 

You can listen to the full episode here! 

Radio Leicester spoke to the team about their season so far and their mindset going into the rest of the year. 

Here’s what they had to say…

Teddy Allen- “The team welcomed me with open arms”

Teddy hit the ground running in Leicester following his arrival in mid-December, winning British Basketball League Player of the Month right off the bat.

He credited his early success to the unselfishness of his new team. 

“It’s hard to come in somewhere and be successful with my teammates being unselfish,” Allen told BBC Radio Leicester.

“This group is exactly that. I had messages from players even before I arrived, and it was good to feel welcomed to the team. Everybody had open arms for me when I got here. I can’t thank them enough for that.”

The Riders have seen a turn in form since Allen’s arrival, but the American guard said everything was already in place for the group to be successful. 

“The team were on a skid when I got here, but we had to pieces to compete. There is a lot of talent in every position, all the way down the bench. I was able to inject some energy into the group, and after that, we rediscovered our form and everyone has been playing well.”

Basketball is in Allen’s blood, as his younger brother, Timmy Allen, currently suits up for Memphis Hustle in the NBA G-League. Teddy said that growing up in a competitive environment with his brother helped them both become the players they are today. 

“We’re only a year and a half apart, so we were always competing growing up, playing with and against each other. When you have a brother is a blessing. You have a competitor and someone to help you get where you want to go, and he’s definitely been that for me.”

Kimbal Mackenzie- “This group will do anything they can to win.”

Kimbal started off by reflecting on a hard-fought Trophy Final Four battle with Cheshire Phoenix, where the Riders fell just short against the eventual champions. 

“It was a difficult loss in Birmingham- that was a tough pill to swallow. I’ve been on both sides of those types of games, and I hate being on that end of it. 

“That said, our team is playing well and with a lot of confidence at the moment, and I think we’re in a good place. We have to keep looking forward, and it’s time for us to move on to League play.”

It was a difficult start to the season for the Riders, but their recent form has seen them rise in the Championship standings, and they look to kick on for the remainder of the season. 

Mackenzie said the professionalism of the team has helped them turn their play around. 

“My teammates have been great. They’ve been excited to show up and put their best foot forward. This is a group that will do anything they can to win. That’s what I expect of myself, and that’s what Coach Rob expects of all of us.

“Everyone here is professional. At every level you play, you have ups and downs, no matter how good you are, so it’s good to be back on track. We have great coaches and vets around me and it’s a professional group to be around. 

“We approach every game to win and put ourselves in a position to lift the title come playoff time. Seeding really matters with the new format, so we have to work hard to be as high as possible in the league going into the postseason.”

Rob Paternostro-  “We’re putting ourselves in a good position for a nice run.”

Head Coach Rob Paternostro has always taken pride in seeing improvements in his teams throughout the season. 

Therefore, he has wanted to see the uptick in recent form all season long. 

“We always want to have a team that gets better throughout the season. We have had a lot of great teams here, but they’ve always been better in February than they were in January. Everyone is improving. It’s a long season, so you need to have that in your group. 

“I like the way we’re playing right now. Over the last 10 games, we’re ranked first in offence and second in defence. We’re putting ourselves in a good position for a nice run.”

Home form has been consistent all season long for Leicester. They have a 9-4 record at the Morningside Arena in all competitions, with two of the losses coming at the hands of the table-topping London Lions. 

And Paternostro has been pleased with the recent improvement in play on the road. 

“Away games always are a challenge in any sport. We went up to Newcastle in a hostile environment a couple of weeks ago and came away with a big win, so it’s clear that we’re getting better on the road. We’re showing more focus away from home than we did earlier in the season.”

While the start of the season was below the standards Paternsotro has set for this team over the previous decade, the recent improvements to the Riders’ play has given him confidence in their ability to challenge for playoff silverware. 

“Let’s let it all play out. We’ve had a run that is unprecedented in any sport in this country, and of course, it’s tough to maintain that. We know there will be highs and lows, but I like how we’re playing.”

Duke Shelton- “There’s still a lot of basketball to be played.”

Another new signing to the team, Duke Shelton, has also settled quickly into Leicester life. His high-energy play style has been a welcome addition to the roster. 

“This team really likes to get up and down the floor, so I thought it would be a good fit for how I play. It’s been great playing for Coach Rob, who knows how to get the best out of his players. He’s a player-coach, and that’s something different to what I’ve been used to.”

Basketball-obsessed Shelton’s seamless fit into the team is partly thanks to his dedication to the game off the court. 

“I started playing basketball when I was 15, so I came to it late, but since then, it’s been my daily regimen. Every day I’ve had something to do with basketball, and it has given me the opportunity to see the world and meet a lot of different people from all walks of life. 

“The game offers a lot more than what you see inside the lines.”

After their Trophy campaign, where the Riders showed signs of high-level play, Shelton sees that there is more to come from his new team. 

“We showed a bit of what we can do in terms of our identity, but there’s more potential in this roster, and there’s still a lot of basketball to be played.”

TJ Lall- “We’ve been focused on the end goal”

With the Trophy in the books, the Riders now apply their full attention to the remainder of their Championship campaign and the playoffs after that. 

TJ Lall, like the rest of the team, is locked in.

“All year, we’ve been focused on the end goal, but now, with the Trophy done, there’s an extra level of focus on the league and the playoffs.

“It would mean the world to win the playoffs at the end of the year. That’s what we’ve been striving for. We’re here to win, so it would be incredible.”

With big roster changes taking place earlier in the year, players such as Lall, who have been with the team at the start of the season, have had to adapt. But to him, it’s part of playing in professional basketball. 

“Teams change all the time. You have to adapt and move on; the new guys have improved the team. 

“We feel like it’s achievable to win it all. We showed what we can do in the Trophy, despite the loss. We were right there and lost by a point to the team that went on to win it.

“The emphasis is on getting better every practice, and hopefully, by the end of the season, we’re at our best, and we’ll see what we can achieve.”


The Riders are in action on Friday, hosting the Plymouth City Patriots.

Get your tickets here!

3 things we learned from beating the Scorchers

The Riders returned to British Basketball League Championship action with a bang, beating the Scorchers 104-84 on the road.

Here’s what we can take from the win…

Strength in depth 

The Riders had contributions all the way down the roster, with every player in the game day squad scoring multiple field goals. 

From the leading scorer, Teddy Allen, who topped the game’s scoring charts with 20, to Blake Bowman, who attacked the hoop effectively in his 14 minutes of action, Leicester relentlessly scored throughout with multiple lineups. 

The Riders bench, led by TJ Lall’s 13 points, outscored Surrey’s 39-27, despite Surrey’s Quin Cooper providing a hot hand off the bench to score 16 and go 4-9 from three. 

“We knew they were coming off a back-to-back, so we wanted to play all 10 guys and get up and down the floor,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro postgame. 

“We did a really good job of that, especially in the first half.”

Jaren Holmes, who went off for 14 points in the game, praised the group’s effort to get the job done in Surrey:

“We went out and played together and let the ball move. We had a lot of guys in double figures, so it was a good experience. It was fun to be out there- I love playing these types of games, where everyone is moving the ball and scoring.”

Practice makes perfect 

Both Holmes and Paternostro reflected on the week of practice, and how intense 5-on-5 action helped prepare them for the Scorchers and lift the mood in camp after last weekend’s Trophy Final Four defeat. 

“We were obviously a little down after the loss in Birmingham, but we had a great scrimmage on Thursday with 10 players playing really well, and that translated on the court today,” noted Paternostro. 

“The scrimmage we had this week was intense,” added Holmes. “Coach let us play for the longest we’ve played all season, and everybody was going at it.

“We were competing, getting into it with each other and trying to win, no matter what. That carried over into this game.”

Triple threat 

Coming into the game against Surrey, who take the most three-point shots in the League, it was important for the Riders to be able to win the battle from distance. 

They did exactly that, and as the most efficient deep shooters in the British Basketball League, shooting 39.5% on the season, they went 14-27 from behind the arc led by three triples from Kimbal Mackenzie. 

“We know they’re a really good three-point shooting team, and Cooper was exceptional out there. We really wanted to limit those opportunities for them where we could.”

Surrey shot 37% from three on the game, but couldn’t match the Riders’ pinpoint accuracy from range. 

“We’re not always looking for the three, but we have a lot of guys that can make it, and they made them today.”

Leicester had six players hit two or more threes in the game, providing deep threat from up and down and roster, everywhere on the court. 


Want to see the Riders in action?

Get tickets to our next home game against Plymouth City Patriots!

Report: Riders dominate in Surrey

Leicester Riders recorded a dominant win on the road, beating the Surrey Scorchers 104-84.

The British Basketball League’s leading scorer Teddy Allen came up with another 20-point game, logging 6 rebounds and 3 assists while leading the game’s scoring. 

He was backed by his captain Kimbal Mackenzie, who put up 15 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in the wake of his nomination for January’s Player of the Month. 

Surrey shoots the most three-point shots in the League, but the Riders hit at a 51% rate from deep in the game to win the battle from behind the arc. In a team display, every Rider scored at least two baskets, and five scored in double digits.  

The win sees the Riders get back to a .500 record at 11-11 as they look to climb the Championship standings in the back half of the year. 

The Scorchers made three triples to start the game to take an early lead. Two-time League MVP Justin Robinson took the lid off the basket with back-to-back triples, followed by Padiet Wang who made it 11-9. 

Wang made the highlight of the first quarter, cutting back the door before taking off to throw down Robinson’s lob pass emphatically. 

The Riders came back to take the lead by the media timeout, Allen faded away for a tough bucket to make it 16-13. 

With a minute to go in the first, both sides flexed their shot-blocking ability. Wang kickstarted a block party by spiking Blake Bowman’s layup before Sam Idowu returned the favour next time up the floor by pinning Elliot Bailey’s shot. 

Bailey hit back and finished a succession of blocks with a denial on TJ Lall. But it was the Riders who carried a narrow advantage after a quarter, as Washington hit a corner three to put them up 30-25. 

Leicester blew the game open to start the third with back-to-back threes from Idowu. 

Surrey’s GB guard Andrew Lawrence then picked up two quick technical fouls as tensions ran high midway through the second. Leicester took advantage, and Idowu’s finish inside put Leicester up 18. 

Scorchers Head Coach Lloyd Gardner was the next to pick up a technical, putting Mackenzie to the line for his 9th point of the matchup. 

Miryne Thomas exploded to close the half, draining a contested three with a minute left, and ending the quarter with a monster putback off Allen’s missed layup. They entered the locker rooms up 62-40. 

It was the Riders’ first 60-point half of the season, as their offence clicked into gear upon its return to Championship action. 

Leicester extended their lead in the second half, playing physical ball on both ends and running the break consistently. Jaren Holmes attacked relentlessly, bringing his game tally to 10 with 6:06 left in the period and making the score 72-45. 

The Riders threatened to make the lead 30 throughout the third quarter, but Surrey kept plugging away to keep their side of the scoreboard ticking over. Wang led the game with 15 points with three minutes left, running the pick-and-roll with Saiquan Jamison effectively. 

Allen and Conner Washington combined for triples to quash any Scorchers momentum, finding open looks against Surrey’s aggressive defensive approach. Their threes made it 87-61 with one to play. 

Lall got the fourth underway for Leicester with his second three of the game. But the Scorchers came flying out in the fourth to cut the Riders’ lead back to 20, finding joy in attacking the hoop. 

The Riders hit back with a 6-0 run, capped off by a second chance make from Holmes, to take any life left from Surrey’s comeback hopes. 

Leicester returns to action next Friday, hosting the Plymouth City Patriots at the Morningside Arena, Leicester. 

Get tickets here!

Championship Preview: Riders at Scorchers

Leicester Riders are set to resume their British Basketball League Championship campaign on the road against the Surrey Scorchers. 

Here’s how the sides shape up…

Fixture information 

Leicester Riders vs Surrey Scorchers 

Surrey Sports Park

Saturday, February 3, 5:00 pm 

Watch Live!

Leicester Riders

Falling short in the Final Four

Last time out, the Riders bowed out of the British Basketball League Trophy in dramatic fashion to the Cheshire Phoenix. 

Leicester were down 12 with 2:55 remaining in the game, before mounting a spirited comeback and take the lead with 20 seconds remaining. 

But Cheshire’s Laquincy Rideau’s finish at the rim saw the Phoenix take back the lead with four seconds left, and Miryne Thomas’ Hail Mary three came off the rim to send the Riders home. 

“That was a heartbreaker,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro postgame. 

“I’m proud of how we hung in there and put ourselves in a position to win. It was a heck of a comeback but a disappointing way to go out.”

Trending up

Despite Saturday’s loss, Leicester have gone 7-3 in their last 10 games in all competitions, seeing them capture some midseason form. 

A 3-1 record in the Trophy group phase saw their play rewarded with a trip to the Utilita Arena Birmingham, where they were seconds from toppling the eventual champions. 

The Riders currently possess a 10-11 record in the Championship following a 4-1 end to 2023. Their defence and rebounding, which were areas in need of improvement to start the season, became a strength during January. 

“We’re taking defence personally,” said Riders forward Samuel Idowu before the Final Four. 

“That’s from practice to in the games. We’re prideful in our efforts to get stops, so we’re happy to see it translate to the games. If we stay competitive, we’ll get results.

“Our rebounding especially has improved throughout the year, and we know how much that can control the game.”

Surrey Scorchers

Positive steps

Surrey looked set to progress to the Final Four after winning their opening two group games, but after suffering key injuries and running into two of the League’s inform teams in the Caledonia Gladiators and the Phoenix, they finished third in the group with a 2-2 record and failed to progress. 

They now turn their attention to the League, where their 7-14 record leaves them in the final playoff place, with two games in hand from the ninth-placed Giants on the same amount of wins. 

Surrey started the season 0-5, but responded with a 3-1 run and have picked up important wins throughout the year, including back-to-back victories against the Bristol Flyers in November. 

They’ll look to continue to add to their wins collum on the back stretch and make their first postseason appearance since 2018. 

Living by the three 

Surrey live and die by the three-point line this season, jacking up the most attempts in the League this season with 30.9 per game. 

While they don’t connect on the attempts at the most efficient rate, shooting 33.5%, when their shots are falling, the Scorchers become a difficult team to slow down. 

The Riders can compete from three, and connect on their deep shots at the highest percentage in the League at 37.8%, so expect the trading of three-point bombs in this one. 

Key matchup

Surrey’s three-point philosophy is led by two-time British Basketball MVP Justin Robinson, who takes a team-high 6.3 threes per game. 

The 17-year pro enjoyed his best years in British basketball with the London Lions, winning League MVP in 2018 and 2019. He signed with the Scorchers this summer, and leads the teams scoring with 12.2 points per game. 

The British point guard has been a lights-out three-point shooter throughout his career, averaging over 40% shooting in the last two seasons. 

Meeting him in the backcourt will be Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie, who comes into this game off the back of two lights-out performances. 

In a win-or-go-home game against the Newcastle Eagles in the final round of the group, he led the team with 22 points in an important win. 

He followed up with a monster fourth quarter against Cheshire, where he took a charge, hit a three and made a go-ahead and-one play with seconds on the clock to lead the comeback. 

The back-and-forth between two of the League’s best point guards will be a can’t-miss action! 


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Final Four Report: Riders bow out of Trophy to Phoenix

The Riders fell short of a dramatic comeback in the British Basketball League Trophy Final Four, losing 92-91 to the Cheshire Phoenix. 

Leicester were down 12 with 2:55 left, but led the game with 20 seconds on the clock after a spirited comeback. But the Phoenix had the final say, as Rideau finished a layup through contact to win it.

Miryne Thomas had a shot to win the game, but missed a tough running triple on the buzzer. 

Star guard Teddy Allen led the team with 20 points scoring five quick points to trigger the comeback. He was backed by 13 from Mackenzie and Thomas.

Cheshire’s physical wing Aaryn Rai led the game with a monster 27-point, 11-rebound double-double. Stretch big Skyler White went off for 23, hitting six threes in key moments throughout for Cheshire. 

Leicester’s veterans settled the nerves to start the game, as Mackenzie and Mo Walker put up the first seven points of the game. Jaren Holmes followed up with an and-one finish in transition, making it a 10-5 Riders start. 

Walker had a dominant start on the boards. He grabbed 3 offensive rebounds in the opening five minutes, the third making it 16-9 as he finished for two. 

The Phoenix hit back by driving to the hoop for back-to-back and-one plays. Rai had to second of the plays cut it to 16-13. 

The first closed at a slower scoring pace, but the Riders had the stronger of it and finished the quarter up 22-18. 

The Phoenix tied it up at 24 to start the second, with Maceo Jack running the break and finishing in close. Rideau drove to the hoop next time up the court, and took contact from Leicester’s Conner Washington for another score, plus the foul, to force a Riders timeout. 

Leicester locked in on defence to stem the tide and keep in touch with their opponents. They held the Phoenix to three points in two minutes, keeping them from the hoop with effective perimeter defence. 

All of the Riders’ second-quarter points came at the hoop. With their deep shots not falling, they stayed aggressive on both ends. 

But Cheshire ended the half with a 10-0 run, led by five from Rai, and the teams finished the half with the score 46-34 to the Phoenix. Rai led all scorers at the break with 13 points. 

Back-to-back White threes started the second half for the Phoenix, putting them up 18. The Riders started off 0-2 from deep, bringing them to 1-10 from three on the game. 

Thomas came up with a monster highlight, throwing down a putback jam off a Mackenzie missed layup. 

Walker connected to take the lid off the rim as the Riders attempted to claw back into the game. Holmes followed up with two scores to bring it to a 12 point difference. But the Riders efforts had a dent put in them with a Maceo Jack triple for Cheshire. 

Allen hit back with his first three of the game, and heated up with an and-one play, fading away from Cam Holden through contact. But Rai hit shots to keep the Riders at arm’s length, keeping his team up double digits. 

Allen scored seven in the third, but Rai came up with 9 points for the Phoenix. He blocked TJ Lall’s attempted three to end the third, Cheshire up 69-57. 

The Riders battled to start the fourth, Duke Shelton cutting it to 10 with a layup over Rai. Thomas quickly made it a single-digit affair on the next play with a score in the post. 

Allen drained a tough stepback three, then ran the break with Shelton with 5:41 remaining to bring the score to 79-73. Duke sent back Rai’s attempt in close to keep it to six with 4:52 left. 

White responded with a miracle three, pulling up from the corner with Shelton draped over him to snatch momentum back. White kept connecting from behind the arc, and the Phoenix stretched the lead back to 12 with 2:55 left. 

Thomas responded with back-to-back buckets to make it 82-89, before Mackenzie took a charge and drained a three to peg the Phoenix back. Holmes followed with a three, making it a one point affair. 

White got to the foul line with less than a minute left to put the Phoenix up two. The Riders fell back on their captain in the clutch, as Mackenzie came up with a monster and-one play with 20 seconds remaining to put Leicester up one. 

But Rideau had the final say, driving to the rim for an and-one of his own to snatch the lead back. Thomas missed a running three on the buzzer, ending the game. 

Trophy by Numbers: Breaking down the stats for the Riders Final Four clash

Leicester Riders are set to take on the Cheshire Phoenix in the British Basketball League Trophy Final Four on Saturday.

Here, we take a look at the numbers behind the matchup…

Locking off the paint

The Riders have invested in the defensive side of the ball, making the paint their own over the Trophy campaign. 

They lead the competition in blocks, sending away 6.3 shots per game, with four Riders averaging at least a block per outing. They’re led by Canadian forward TJ Lall, who has denied opponents on six different occasions through the four group games. 

Riders captain, Kimbal Mackenzie, said his CEBL teammate over the summer has been an integral factor in the defensive effort:

“TJ is a high-level, all-around threat. He can score the ball to a great standard, he is an underrated passer, and his defence, length and athleticism are special. I’ve gone against him many times in practice, and he can be tough to shake.”

READ MORE: Kimbal Mackenzie previews the Final Four

This rim protection will be vital against the Phoenix, who lead the Trophy in points in the paint with 47 per game. 

Battle on the boards

No defensive possession is complete until the rebound is pulled down, and the Riders have been closing the possessions to a high standard in recent weeks. They pull down the second-most defensive boards in the Trophy with 30 per game, just 0.5 per game away from the highest-ranked London Lions. 

The battle on the boards will be key in this matchup. Cheshire crashes the offensive glass to grab the second most offensive rebounds in the competition with 13.5 per game. 

However, their leading offensive rebounder, Ethan Chargois, will be sidelined for the game after suffering a dislocated finger last time out against the Sheffield Sharks. 

For the Riders, Lall, again, has been a beast on the boards, grabbing 4.8 defensive rebounds per outing. But it’s big man Samuel Idowu who has rebounded at the highest rate in total, with 7.5 per game, including 2.8 on the offensive glass. 

Idowu, who has been recovering from a season-ending knee injury for the previous two seasons, is back to his bruising best. He feels back to 100% fitness and can play with full confidence and athleticism. 

“My body has been feeling good,” said Idowu. “It’s finally feeling normal after recovering from an injury for two seasons. I’m not overthinking any decisions on the court and playing how I used to play. 

“I feel 100% because I have confidence in my knee again. It doesn’t hold me back from doing what I want to be doing out there when jumping or running, as it did at the start of the season. I’m where I wanted to be when I started my rehab.”

READ MORE: Samuel Idowu previews the Final Four

Idowu has ranked second on the team in scoring during the Trophy group, scoring 13.8 points per game after his 17-point explosion against the Newcastle Eagles to help send the Riders to the Final Four. 

Track meet in transition 

A key to the Phoenix’s success this season has been their ability to get out and run. They lead all teams in points off turnovers (24.75 per game) and fastbreak points (23.5 per game) and take the ball from the other team at the highest rate (21.11 turnover %), leading to the breakaway buckets. 

American guard Laquincy Rideau has been a key factor in this, leading the team in steals, and ranking third among all players in that statistical category.

The Riders will have to play clean basketball, which they have done throughout January, turning the ball over the second-least with 11.75 turnovers per game. 

Head Coach Rob Paternostro emphasised the importance of winning in transition:

“We can’t allow easy baskets. We have to take away easy runouts and layups, offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities. We have to make it tough for them to get good looks. 

“In these types of games, it’s important to limit offensive opportunities, and if you do that, you put yourself in a good position to win.

“They’re really good in the open floor- they’ve scored the most in transition of any team season. They’ve done a good job of getting second-chance opportunities. That’s going to be vital to stop. 

“When we’ve been able to limit those against anyone, we’ve been successful this year.”

READ MORE: Rob Paternostro previews the Final Four


Want to see the Riders go for gold this weekend? You can join the Sea of Red and get behind the team! 

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Sam Idowu looks ahead to the British Basketball League Trophy Final Four

Few have stepped up like Samuel Idowu for the Riders on their British Basketball League Trophy run. 

The big man has averaged 13.8 points per game to help the team to the Final Four, the second most on the team, and exploded for 12 points in the first quarter against the Newcastle Eagles to steady the nerves after an 0-7 start for Leicester. 

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Idowu has battled back from injury for the last two seasons to get to where he is today, and he’s relishing the challenge. 

“The Trophy is something to really compete for,” he said. “It ups the stakes, mentally and physically, and it’s something I’ve been taking seriously. We have a chance to win with the team that we’ve been building, so we’ve all been locked in.

“My body has been feeling good. It’s finally feeling normal after recovering from an injury for two seasons. I’m not overthinking any decisions on the court and playing how I used to play. 

“I feel 100% because I have confidence in my knee again. It doesn’t hold me back from doing what I want to be doing out there when jumping or running, as it did at the start of the season. I’m where I wanted to be when I started my rehab.”

READ MORE: Sam Idowu reflects on battling back from injury

Leicester locked in

The Riders have upped their level for the Trophy and went 3-1 through the group phase. Their loss was to the League-leading London Lions, and their three wins came in dominant fashion. 

“Our mindset was to win every group game. We didn’t play well in London- we didn’t shoot it well and turned the ball over too much- but for the other games, we handled business. 

“I’m proud of the statement we made. We tried to jump out the gate early, and we did a good job of grabbing those wins to get through to the Final Four.”

In front of a raucous home crowd in a win-or-go-home environment, it was important to start quickly in Newcastle and keep the crowd out of the game. Former Eagle Duke Shelton said as much beforehand in his preview of the fixture:

“Everybody is going to be up for the game, and we know it’s going to be rowdy in there. The key is to set the tone early, throwing the first punch and take it from there.”- Duke Shelton before the Riders faced the Newcastle Eagles.

But the Riders failed to do so, and the Eagles game flew out the blocks and forced them to dig themselves out of a hole. 

Leicester showed poise and composure, fought back and won in commanding fashion. Idowu thought it said a lot about the team’s strong mentality.

“Being down early against Newcastle showed growth for us. Coach called a timeout, and we knew it would be a game of runs- it always is against them. We just had to stay poised and play our game for the full 40 minutes. 

“Just because we went down in the first two minutes didn’t mean we needed to panic. We weren’t down on ourselves. At that point, the confidence throughout the team was there to come back and compete.”

Defence wins championships

After a difficult start to the season, the Riders have hit their stride at the right time as they go for silverware. Idowu discussed the secret to Leicester’s recent success. 

“We’ve cleaned up smaller mistakes that plagued us at the start of the season and paid attention to detail. We’re also able to adjust at halftime when we need to fix something. We take pride in our ability to do that going into the second half.

“We’re taking defence personally. That’s from practice to in the games. We’re prideful in our efforts to get stops, so we’re happy to see it translate to the games. If we stay competitive, we’ll get results.

“Our rebounding especially has improved throughout the year, and we know how much that can control the game.”

Chemistry with new teammates

The Riders have seen an improvement in their performances since the addition of star guard Teddy Allen and Idowu’s frontcourt teammate Shelton, who have complimented Idowu’s game and seen him thrive. 

“Teddy and I have a great connection on the court, especially in the pick and roll, which has led to a lot of dunks for me. 

“He reads the floor really well and sees openings to get me the ball. He’s been great for us, and we’ve found a way to integrate him into our offence. The energy has definitely changed since he arrived.”

Shelton, in particular, is a player that Head Coach Rob Paternostro expects to benefit Idowu’s game. 

“Sam’s athleticism on the defensive end has been important,” said Paternostro. “He’s a great teammate, and he’s a guy that plays with a passion out there. 

“That can really lift the players around him. Now, playing with Duke, his versatility will be on display even more, because he’ll be able to step outside and hurt teams from inside and out.”

Idowu seconded his coach, adding how much they complement each other’s game and personalities.

“Duke is an immediate energy guy, and he has contributed in a big way. I don’t see anything negative about him being out there. He’s a great rebounder and really athletic. 

“I enjoy playing with him. We communicate really well together and match each other’s energy, and it comes naturally between us. I think that’s helped him adjust at the perfect time going into the Final Four.”

Ready for the big stage

Should the Riders progress on Saturday against the Cheshire Phoenix, it will be Idowu’s first major final as a professional. 

As a rookie, playing in the Netherlands for LWD Basket, he made the final of a domestic competition, but it was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This makes the potential of a final all the more exciting. 

“I’m looking forward to going to Birmingham. I’ve heard it’s a great city and a great atmosphere. I can’t wait.

“I’ve played in a couple of big arenas and in knockout games in the conference tournament at the end of college seasons. I’m looking forward to embracing an atmosphere like that again.”

Getting one back against Cheshire

But before then, the Riders have to beat a hot Cheshire team, who are one game behind second in the Championship standings and have beaten the Riders three times already this season.

Idowu laid out the keys to success. 

“The key for us is to keep doing what we’ve been doing. When we’ve played them we’ve had a different roster and played a different style of basketball, so we’re looking forward to facing them again. 

“I’m excited to see the intensity- ours is going to be through the roof knowing we’ve lost to them three times already. We definitely have a chip on our shoulders. We’ve been waiting for this, and we’re hungry for it. We’re not trying to lose them a fourth time when it matters most.”

The moment means everything to Idowu, who has fought to be out of the court in the first place. That’s not lost on him.

“I’ve been through so much in the past two years, so win or lose, I’m grateful for how far I’ve come. I thank god that I’m still able to play the game that I love professionally.

“For everything I’ve gone from recovering from injuries and watching from the sideline to potentially winning a trophy, which would be an incredible feeling.”


Want to see the Riders go for gold this weekend? You can join the Sea of Red and get behind the team! 

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Kimbal Mackenzie named to British Basketball League Team of the Week

Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie has been named to the British Basketball League Team of the Week for the final round of Trophy group games.

In a win-or-go-home clash on the road against the Newcastle Eagles, Mackenzie went off for 22 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds to lead the team to a 101-85 win.

The victory saw the Riders through to the final four in Birmingham, where they will take on the Cheshire Phoenix.

Get tickets here!

“I let the game come to me, didn’t force anything and played within myself,” said Mackenzie.

“Shots were falling, my teammates got me good looks, and Newcastle sat back into a zone a lot which got some clean looks from three. It seemed like guys were making shots every time I passed the ball, so all credit to them.”

Kimbal Mackenzie previews the British Basketball League Trophy Final Four

Ahead of the Leicester Riders British Basketball League Trophy Final Four clash against Cheshire Phoenix on Saturday, captain Kimbal Mackenzie reflects on the campaign so far, and looks ahead to the matchup…

Thank you to everybody for your incredible support during our Trophy run so far. We’re all excited that we’ve been able to pay our fans back with another trip to Birmingham this season. 

I’m proud of the team for how we’ve played during the group phase, and that we’ve booked our ticket to the Final Four. 

Personally, I’m really looking forward to going back to Birmingham. I love that city, and I love that arena. It’s always a great atmosphere, and it’s cool to have a new format with the Final Four being played out over the weekend.

Hopefully, we can take care of business on Saturday and have the opportunity to play there again on Sunday in the Final.

We’re really looking forward to the opportunity to play Chesire again in the semi-finals. They have gotten the better of us so far this season, so we will really be looking to play well and get the win.

We’ve put together a good month of basketball so far, and most importantly, handled business at home during the group phase. Of course, we didn’t get the result we wanted in London, but they’re a tough team to play, and we knew that winning 3 games should be enough. 

Going on the road and beating Newcastle was a great response. It was a fun game, and those are the games you remember, win or lose. It’s always a good atmosphere there, so adding a win-or-go-home scenario to it created a playoff-esque environment.

It was great to get the win, and it was important to get a big game under our belts before heading to the Final Four.

The arrival of Teddy Allen has been a great boost for us over the last month. Of course, the thing that stands out with Teddy is his ability to score the ball, but he has also provided us with added depth and an overall confidence and swagger. 

There is no doubt that he is a winner. It’s simple to say, but he cares about winning. You can tell throughout the week at practice- he always wants to play more, and he works hard on both ends. He’s been great to have around. 

And beyond Teddy, we’ve had guys stepping up all the way down the roster. We’re definitely more locked into the game plan, and locked in on defence, and a special shout goes to  TJ Lall, who has been playing excellently over the last stretch.  

TJ is a high-level, all-around threat. He can score the ball to a great standard, he is an underrated passer, and his defence, length and athleticism are special. I’ve gone against him many times in practice, and he can be tough to shake. 

Another shout-out goes to Sam Idowu, who has also been playing excellently recently. He’s given us a spark off the bench which is so important, he’s been shooting it well and finishing around the net effectively. His activity level, blocking shots, rebounding, and overall energy have been amazing for us.

It’s also been great to add Duke to the roster! 

Duke has fit in seamlessly, and he’s a true professional. He came in and learned the sets quickly, and understands our concepts really well. 

His length and athleticism and his ability to finish above the rim have really benefited us on the court, and just having a great guy around who wants to win is always beneficial. It’s been great to have him and has been a brilliant addition to our team.

Having guys up and down the roster who are locked in and playing with confidence and energy has been great and it’s something we’re going to have to fall back on going into Birmingham. 

We’re hoping to be playing games in back-to-back days, and part of what has allowed us to have a good group stage is getting contributions from all over the place. 

And as usual, we’ll have to lock in on defence, rebound and take care of the ball. When we’ve done those things well, we’ve been on the right side of the scoreline this season. 

We’re hoping to do that twice this weekend and bring some silverware back to Leicester. We can’t wait to see that Sea of Red in Birmingham!

See you there! 

Your captain,

Kimbal Mackenzie


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3 things we learned from the Trophy Group Phase

The Riders punched their ticket to the British Basketball League Trophy Final Four, after beating the Newcastle Eagles in a win-or-go-home matchup.

The team has built momentum in recent weeks, putting in good performances in high-pressure matchups to progress out of Group B.

Here’s what we learned from the group phase…

The Riders are rolling

The Riders have hit a rich vein of form in the Trophy, winning by an average margin of 17.6 points on their way to a 3-1 record. 

Their loss came to the league-leading Lions on the road, but they bounced back emphatically with consecutive wins to progress to the final four. 

The Riders did so by making the most of every possession. They rank second in assists, second in scoring and third in field goal percentage through the Trophy phase, led by scoring savant Teddy Allen.

Allen leads all scorers in the Trophy through four games with a 21.5 average. His gravitational pull on offence has opened up the court for all of the Riders scorers, allowing them to click into gear as they go for silverware. 

The team are peaking at the right time, and will take confidence in their performances heading into Birmingham. 

Strength in depth

Leicester’s bench is what saw them to their momentous win against the Newcastle Eagles last night, mustering 37 points from the sideline. 

They have six scorers averaging double-digit points in the Trophy, but no one has impressed more of late than big man Samuel Idowu. 

Idowu led the charge out of the gate in Newcastle, going off for 12 first-quarter points and 17 on the game. He is the team’s second-leading scorer in the competition behind Allen, with an average of 13.8. 

“It was a real team effort. We have guys giving contributions all over the court,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro after the win against the Eagles. 

“We’re pretty deep now, we have guys in every position, and we’re locked in. We’re especially locked in on the defensive end, which has been a real positive for us recently.”

Defence wins championships

As has been the trend for Paternosto teams over the last decade, the Riders have hung their hat on their defence. 

They lead the Trophy in blocks, with 6.3 per game, led by TJ Lall’s 1.5 per outing, laying down a gauntlet at the rim and forcing teams to shoot over them from deep. 

Another strength of the team is closing defensive possessions. The Riders rank second in the Trophy in defensive rebounding with 30 a game, allowing their opposition little opportunity for second chance points. 

The Riders’ defence will need to remain locked in should they want to lift the silverware in Birmingham.


Want to join the Sea of Red, and get behind the Riders in Birmingham?

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Ticket information: Trophy Final and Semi-Final

Leicester Riders have progressed to the Final Four of the British Basketball League Trophy at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham.

You can get tickets in the Riders allocation to join the Sea of Red and get behind the team!

Here’s all you need to know about our ticket offers…

Weekend and Saturday Tickets 

With this year’s British Basketball League Trophy Semi-Final and Final taking place on the same weekend at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham, you can choose to purchase tickets for the entire weekend or just for the semi-finals. 

Tickets for the full weekend are £48 for adults and £38 for children in Band A, and £39 for adults and £34 for children in Band B. 

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets for the semi-final only, at £41 for adults and £32 for children. 

Band A tickets are for seats in the lower tiers, and Band B is for seats in the upper tiers. 

Should the Riders fail to progress to the Final on Saturday, your ticket will still be valid to watch Sunday’s action with a weekend ticket.

Travel

We can arrange your travel from our Arena to the Utilita Arena, Birmingham, on both Saturday and Sunday. 

Travel is £30 per day, or £45 for both days. 

Timings will be confirmed upon booking.

How to collect your tickets

Tickets will be available for collection at the Arena on Tuesday and Wednesday between 6 and 9 pm. 

Please collect from the main reception, at the following address:

Morningside Arena
12 Memory Lane
Leicester
LE1 3UL

You can also choose to have your tickets posted to your home address for the price of £4. 

Sea of Red

We need your support in the Trophy Final Four! Help us to create a Sea of Red at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, by wearing red to the game! 

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Riders beat Eagles to punch their ticket to the Trophy Final Four

The Riders deservedly reached the British Basketball League Trophy semi-finals tonight after a clinical 101-85 road victory over the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles.

Rob Paternostro utilised his squad’s depth perfectly, taking advantage of the depleted Eagles roster that is plagued with the injury bug.

Leicester’s bench contributed an impressive 40 points, led by big man Samuel Idowu who dropped 17 points in a display that perfectly demonstrates what he brings from the sideline.

Captain Kimbal Mackenzie also proved he can still be the main man under pressure, top-scoring with 22 points, pulling down six rebounds and dishing out eight assists.

TJ Lall and new man Duke Shelton also showed nice flashes, Lall hitting his customary near double-double going 14 and eight, with Shelton – a former Eagle – protecting the rim with some authoritative blocks.

Newcastle’s shortened rotation showed plenty of endeavour, the enigmatic Tajh Green mixing up trey-balls with rim-rattling dunks, and Larry Austin Jr displayed his rabid competitiveness on both ends of the court.

In the end, the Riders’ strength in depth was too much for the home side, and the win sees Leicester travelling to the Utilita Arena in Birmingham for the Trophy Finals Weekend.

As is often the case in the Vertu Motors cauldron, Newcastle hit the ground running, crashing out of the locker room to hit seven unanswered points in the first minute.

A Green triple kicked things off, followed by an Austin Jr layup and capped with a thunderous dunk from Newcastle’s power forward (11 first-half points).

A quick timeout was taken by Paternostro and his decision bore immediate fruit as Mackenzie pulled up for a three after causing Jordan Johnson to slip.

Both teams suddenly got hot, with every Eagles bucket being matched by the Riders.

Leicester’s captain got his second bucket with a nice layup, then Mo Walker found rare space beyond the arc to hit a triple of his own.

The net kept swishing as Teddy Allen, Miryne Thomas and Jaren Holmes all found the hot hand. Then Idowu stepped onto the court.

The second-unit star instantly made his presence felt, driving the Riders forward with aggression on both ends of the court.

The big man opened his account with a quick hit at the rim, bettering that finish with an ‘and one’ play before pulling up from three and showing his range. Idowu’s 12 first half points were a just reward for his impact from the bench.

The hot streak saw the Riders come back from the early deficit, and after taking their first lead of the game with a Thomas trey, pulled ahead of the home side.

Great defence and a lethal touch in transition saw the Riders hit 37 first quarter points and boasting a comfortable lead.

The second ten minutes told a slightly different story, as both teams locked down on defence, forcing multiple runs of missed shots.

The turnover bug also plagued the Riders, who ended the first half with ten giveaways to the Eagles’ four.

The quarter began with a much-needed Rickey McGill bucket, answered by ‘Buckets’ Allen after a nicely timed block from Lall.

Allen soon added to his total and – with Idowu and Shelton protecting the rim diligently – the lead remained a significant one.

However, galvanised by Green and Johnson, the Eagles started slowly crawling back into the game.

The lead eventually cut to single-figures and, despite Allen hitting picturesque floaters and making a one-handed offensive rebound to transition into a layup, the Eagles were back within six.

The crowd got to their feet after the 39-year-old Darius Defoe stole the ball and embarked upon a fast break that belied his years, but Lall immediately settled things down with an athletic ‘and one’ play.

The entertaining half wound down with the Riders in front, 55-49.

Leicester started the crucial second half in great fashion, showing quick hands on defence which was rewarded with a pull up and pop triple from Thomas.

The Eagles were displaying a fighting spirit, but after Green had to sit down for his third personal foul, a Mackenzie running triple saw Leicester breach 60 points.

The three was soon answered by Johnson though, and the tension in the building began to hang heavy.

One thing that remained consistent was the Riders’ protection at the rim, and during a prolonged period of missed shots and mistakes, solid defensive play in the paint kept the road team ahead.

Leicester’s front court defence was forcing Newcastle to take several ill-advised deep threes, and the lead stretched back out to 11 following a Mackenzie fast break layup and physical work on the offensive boards by Idowu.

The lead continued to advance after ice cold back-to-back threes from Idowu and Mackenzie, the latter hitting his 20th point of the night.

The quarter ended with the Riders in control but needing to keep their foot on the gas with the six-man Eagles rotation looking leggy.

Now, it was only ten minutes between the teams and a place in the semi-finals.

Yet again, the Riders shot into the quarter with a three, Lall pulling up from the top of the arc and stringing home a beautiful bucket.

Green ran the floor to dunk home a statement of defiance and to give the bumper home crowd something to shout about, but with the Riders slowing things down and sitting on a 19-point lead, the result appeared decided.

The game then started to reflect the spice seen in previous meetings between the two teams this season, and a period of heavy fouling resulted in Johnson having to take a seat.

The Riders’ rode their composure to the final whistle, capping off an excellent League Trophy group stage with a terrific performance on the road.

It remains unclear who the Riders will face in Birmingham, as the fate of Group A remains undecided.


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Trophy Preview: Riders at Eagles

The Riders will take the long, straight trip up the M1 this Friday as they take on the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles in a win-or-go-home clash in Group B of the British Basketball League Trophy.

With two wins in the bank, Rob Paternostro’s squad know that victory in the Vertu Motors Arena sends them through to the final four of the competition to face the winners of Group A.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders @ Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles

Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle

Friday, January 19, 7:45pm

Welcome to ‘Knockout’ Basketball

Leicester’s young squad face possibly the most pressurised night of the season on Friday, with the unenviable prospect of bowing out of the League Trophy lurking behind a loss.

However, much of this squad have faced games of this magnitude before. Kimbal Mackenzie, Conner Washington, Mo Walker and Blake Bowman have all suited up for the Riders multiple times in playoff basketball and in the latter stages of cup competitions, and first-year Riders’ Teddy Allen and TJ Lall have both experienced the pressure of the CEBL playoffs.

A much-improved defence has propelled Leicester into their second-place spot in Group B, a point against per game average of less than 84 proof that the squad is gelling nicely in 2024.

The tighter defence has come both on the front court – led by Miryne Thomas and Walker – and on the perimeter, with Allen proving his worth without the ball alongside his skills with it.

Those three have shown quick hands all through January, leading the Riders with over two steals per 40 minutes.

Double-digit home victories over the Bristol Flyers and Manchester Giants – where Leicester put up 104 – demonstrate that things are also clicking on the offensive side of the ball.

Teddy ‘Buckets’ has continued his devastating form, leading the league with 24 points per game, but it is the contributions of Lall and Samuel Idowu from the bench that have kept the Riders ahead in those games.

The second-unit pair are knocking down nearly 24 points a night between them, punctuated by Lall’s 19 points against Manchester and Idowu’s pair of double-doubles versus Bristol and the London Lions.

With Newcastle’s well-publicised injury troubles potentially acting as a hamper, expect coach Paternostro to utilise the full reach of his squad on Friday night to go into a crucial fourth quarter with the fresher team.

Coming Through in the Clutch

Like the Riders, the Eagles have won two games in a tough League Trophy Group B, although one of the victories was far from comfortable.

Leicester’s 104-88 defeat of the Manchester Giants last Wednesday laid down the gauntlet to the Flyers and the Eagles. Losing in Bristol could have meant the end of Newcastle’s campaign.

The contest was as tight as predictions expected, both teams trading blow-for-blow over the 40 minutes with both winning two quarters each.

Decorated veteran Darius Defoe had the final say, finding himself free after a scramble to drop in a two-pointer with 19 seconds remaining in the game. Defoe’s clutch bucket was reward for the depleted Eagles, who could only send six senior players onto the court.

Both teams have had at least a week to rest ahead of Friday’s clash, but it appears that Marc Steutel’s squad will still be without Josh Ward-Hibbert, Will Neighbour, Devin Whitfield and Scott Spencer.

As a result, many of the remaining Eagles have clocked heavy minutes in January, reflected by the four players who average over 15 points per game. Jordan Johnson, Larry Austin Jr., Tajh Green and Rickey McGill have done well to keep the team in winning form, and prove why Newcastle are a tough opponent, despite the injuries.

The battles between the Riders and Eagles have carried an added spice this season, with Leicester leading the series 2-1. Due to the high stakes – and the fact that new Rider Duke Shelton is returning to his former club – the Vertu Motors Arena will be bouncing come Friday night.

Newcastle will be hoping to shine under the bright lights.

Key Matchup

As intriguing as it is to see Shelton returning to his former club, the juiciest matchup in this game has got to be the battle of the scorers – Jordan Johnson and Teddy ‘Buckets’ Allen.

Floor general Johnson has shown true leadership qualities in recent weeks for the Eagles. The former Caledonia Gladiators point guard is in top form, averaging 20 points per game in Group B.

Often required to be Newcastle’s primary scoring option, the 27-year-old can do it all, whether it’s draining shots from beyond the arc (42% from three) or driving into the lane before finessing home a tricky layup.

Johnson has played in the NBA G-League and across Europe (Netherlands, Kosovo and Germany), and his experience will tell during Friday’s biggest moments. 

Aiming to go bucket-for-bucket with Johnson will be the Riders’ mid-season magician, Teddy ‘Buckets’ Allen.

The CEBL MVP has only suited up for Leicester seven times but has already made a sizeable impression with his scoring ability and fearlessness when taking big shots.

Allen began his time with the Riders with a 32-point exhibition of three-point shooting. His numbers from downtown have calmed somewhat during the League Trophy, but the 6’6” winger has shown versatility by sauntering into the post to drop a layup or earn a trip to the free throw line.

It is the charity stripe where the former Winnipeg Bear has really shone, hitting 22 free throws (the most in the league) at a clip of over 90%.

The battle between these two premium scorers is sure to be an exhilarating one. One thing is for sure – even if the game is low-scoring, Johnson and Allen are sure to get theirs.


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“It’s definitely a rivalry”- Duke Shelton on facing his former team, the Newcastle Eagles

Duke Shelton, in his second outing in Riders red, is set to walk into his old building in a win-or-go-home game against his former club.

The American forward suited up for the Newcastle Eagles between 2021 and 2022, and is well accustomed to the historic rivalry these teams hold. Shelton knows all too well the environment that is waiting for the Riders in the North East. 

“It’s a highly anticipated game, and there’s been a bit of heat between the teams in the last couple of games,” said Shelton. “Everybody is going to be up for it, and we know it’s going to be rowdy in there.

“We’re two of the most winning teams in the country. It’s definitely a rivalry, and you feel that when you play in these games. There’s definitely more energy, focus, and will to win when these teams play.”

The American, born in Florida, signed last week, and impressed in limited minutes on his debut in the Riders’ 104-88 win. He appreciated the chance to take to the court and impact the game where he could. 

“I felt comfortable, and really at home. I didn’t play a whole lot because I had just arrived the day before, but overall, I think I gave good effort and energy, and it was a good team win.

“I’m trying to bring energy, rebounding, communication and running to the team, and I think I did that during my time out there.”

Having been with the team for just over a week, Shelton can already see the makings of a team ready to make a run in the Trophy. 

“We have all the potential in the world. We are a pretty balanced team in all positions, and we have good team chemistry, so we just need to keep rolling. The Giants game was a good win, so we need to pick up where we left off.”

The Eagles, too, are coming into this one after a confidence-building win. They went into Bristol to play the Flyers, and got it done in the clutch to set up this knockout-style matchup against the Riders.

It was Shelton’s former teammate Darius Defoe who hit the go-ahead bucket from the elbow with seconds on the clock, and he thinks the veteran forward will have a say in the proceedings on Friday. 

“Darius is huge for them. You saw that last time out in the clutch- that was his signature shot. 

“He’s got a lot of experience, so everything he does is second nature. It’s huge to have a guy on the floor with you like that, especially on the defensive end. He can get guys in their spots and communicate- he’s the quarterback. He’ll play a huge role in the game.”

But despite the presence of the most decorated player in league history lining up against the Riders, they enter the game with confidence, having already gone into Newcastle and coming away with a win earlier in the year. 

“We match up pretty well against them, so we’ve got to come out and play team basketball. The atmosphere is going to be great, we know that, so we have to stick together and not get sidetracked by anything that’s not basketball. We can’t focus on anything that’s outside of sidelines.”

To fight for silverware so soon after signing is an exciting prospect for Shelton. With his new team, he’s ready to go to battle and help bring the Trophy to the East Midlands. 

“It would mean everything to win the Trophy. It’s what basketball is all about, and what every player is dreaming of. To have the opportunity, and be a part of a team that has to potential to win it is a great feeling, and we’d love to bring that to reality for the fans.”


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Report: Riders fall short of a comeback against Rebels

The Riders fell out of the Women’s British Basketball League Trophy, losing to the Essex Rebels 84-70 on the road. 

Leicester fell into a 17-point hole early after a slow start, and were down 23 to start the final quarter. 

They came storming back into it, cutting the deficit to six with 3:39 left after a three-point explosion from Taylor O’Brien. But it was too little, too late, and the Rebels knocked down late free throws to progress to the semi-final. 

Sam Ashby led the Riders’ scoring with 21 points after putting up 14 in the first half, backed by Mckenzie Johnston’s 18 and O’Brien’s 15. O’Brien hit five threes in the fourth quarter to spark the comeback. 

Katherine Tudor’s monster third quarter meant she led the game with 24 points. The Rebels cooked from deep, shooting 50% from three on the game. 

Ashby got straight to work for Leicester from the tip, attacking the hoop on the team’s first three possessions for a return of four points. Ashby scored the Riders’ first six, getting to the line with 7:24 left to tie the game. 

Despite the GB international’s play, it was Essex who took the early initiative. Rebel’s star guard Katherine Tudor drained the team’s second three of the game to make it 14-6. 

It was quickly 19-8 with 4:15 left in the first, forcing Head Coach Ben Stanley to call his first timeout. But the Riders had no answer for the Rebels’ physically inside throughout the first. Their opponents scored 20 points in the paint and led 31-14 after one.

Jessica Eadsforth-Yates got the second quarter going for Leicester with a triple from the top of the arc. Ashby followed up from the same spot before nailing another on the next play as the Riders began to chip into the deficit. 

But Essex hit back, and burst back out to a 20 point lead. Megan Haines’ three for her 11th points capped off an 8-0 run with 4:49 remaining in the half. 

It was Leicester’s captain, Johnston, who led the charge going into the break. She scored eight in the second quarter, and cut it to a 13-point game after Katie Januszewska blocked Claire Paxton’s three-point attempt. 

The final score of the half was Essex’s Dayzsha Rogan pulling up from midrange, and the sides entered the locker rooms with the hosts up 48-33. 

Johnston got right back to it in the third, pulling up in the lane to make the first basket of the second half. But a red-hot Rebels team kept gunning from deep, Tudor hitting three triples in as many minutes. 

Another three from Tudor with 3:42 left in the third rebuilt their advantage to 20. Johnston kept battling, scoring another eight points to bring her game tally to 16, but turnovers cost the Riders throughout the quarter, keeping the Rebels out of reach. 

Rogan finished the quarter at the foul line, making it 71-48. 

The Riders battled back in the final quarter, Taylor O’Brien connecting from deep to cut the deficit to 15. She fired again with 6”30 remaining, making the score 72-59. 

O’Brien caught fire, knocking down her third triple of the period with 4:40 left in the game to bring the score to 75-65. Johnston then drove to the hole and made it a single-digit affair for the first time since the first quarter. 

O’Brien pulled up from deep again and cut it to six, forcing an Essex timeout with 3:39 remaining. 

But the timeout stalled the Riders offence, and the Rebels had enough to hang on in the closing stages by making their free-throws. 


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Riders sign Thompson!

Leicester Riders are thrilled to sign Athena Thompson to their 2023/24 Women’s British Basketball League roster. 

Thompson, an exciting 15-year-old youth prospect, plays for Milton Keynes Breakers in the WNBL Under 16s. 

She has experience suiting up for GB under 18s, and competed for the under 16s at the FIBA European Youth Championships this summer, alongside Riders forward Katie Januszewska who played for the u20s, leading the team in scoring with 14 points per game. 

Thompson has been a valuable participant in Riders’ practices throughout the season. The club, in collaboration with the Breakers, have decided that signing to the first team roster will be a positive step in her development going forward. 

Thompson will continue to play for her current side, Milton Keynes Breakers, while signed to the Riders. 

“We’re really happy to be able to announce Athena joining us,”  commented Head Coach Ben Stanley. 

“She’s been a huge impact player in her age group with some big games already this year, and she has really come into her own in recent practices. We’re excited to help her develop and to see her on the court with us.” 

Thompson added: “Joining Leicester Riders has been a great opportunity for me, and I’ve been able to develop my knowledge around more experienced players. It’s allowed me to compete at a high level, and I’m grateful for this opportunity going forward.”

Josh Merrington, General Manager of Milton Keynes Breakers, added: “We’re grateful to the Leicester Riders for providing Athena the opportunity to play high-level basketball with their Women’s British Basketball League team. Athena has been dominating her own age group for a while, so playing at a higher level will really aid her development.”


Want to see Thompson in action?

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5 things we learned from Giants win

The Riders improved to 2-1 in the British Basketball League Trophy Group B last night with a 104-88 win against the Manchester Giants.

The victory puts them in the driving seat as Leicester looks to advance to the semi-finals in the Utilita Arena, Birmingham.

Here’s what we can take from the game…

TJ explodes with efficiency

The ever-reliable TJ Lall showed his ability to explode for big points last night and proved pivotal down the stretch. 

The Canadian wing put 19 points and 5 rebounds on the Giants in 19 minutes of action, shooting 7-8 from the field and 5-6 from deep.

Lall drained two clutch threes when the game was tight in the fourth, building a platform for the Riders to see the game out from. 

His size and strength down low provided much-needed resistance at the rim and on the glass, and his game-leading index rating of 27 demonstrates his impact on the game. 

“I was getting open shots at the beginning, saw a couple of shots go down and kept shooting,” said Lall post-game. 

“TJ is an excellent player,” added Head Coach Paternostro.

“He can play multiple positions and fill multiple roles. He doesn’t have to score. It doesn’t have to be about that for him. He can play defence, pass and rebound, so he’s a really valuable player for this team.”

Riders show their strength in depth

The Riders, having made two additions to their roster in a month with the arrival of Teddy Allen and Duke Shelton, flexed their strength in depth last night as they achieved a century of points. 

Ten Riders saw court time, five of which scored in double-digits led by Allen’s 21, Lall’s 19 and Miryne Thomas’ 16 points. 

Every Riders player finished with a positive +/- in the win, the most effective being Thomas, who finished with a +/- of 19 in a near-triple double performance. 

This proved a significant advantage over a short-handed Giants team, who in the absence of leading scorer and GB international Jamell Anderson, fielded seven players for significant minutes. 

Being able to transition seamlessly between the first and second unit is a strength of this Riders roster as the games progress.  


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Duke impresses on debut 

New Riders signing Duke Shelton impressed on his first Riders outing after joining the team only the day before. 

In six minutes, the American forward put up 6 points and 6 rebounds, 3 on the offensive end. His energy saw him all over the offensive glass, making an impact where he could during his limited court time. 

“I thought he was great today,” said Paternostro following Shelton’s performance. “He only practised with us for the first time yesterday, so he came into the game not knowing a lot of our stuff, but with his effort, he deserved more minutes than I gave him tonight. 

“He’s something we haven’t had with his athleticism and ability to run from the centre spot. He did a good job tonight.”

Allen’s infectious impact 

The Riders are 5-2 in all competitions since the arrival of CEBL Teddy Allen, who has led the team in scoring in every appearance so far this season. 

This time, it was 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals, which led all scorers in the game. 

He has sparked life into the team, who are playing with confidence as they look to attack the month of January and lift the Trophy in Birmingham. 

Lall, who played against Allen in the CEBL this summer as he suited up for the Niagara River Lions, complimented an overlooked aspect of Allen’s game: his defence. 

“He’s helped us a lot defensively and takes the pressure off our defence on the other end with his scoring,” said Lall.  “He makes our team way better.”

Win, and we’re in

The Riders’ 2-1 record in Group B means a win next week in Newcastle will most likely be enough to see Leicester through to the semi-finals in Birmingham. 

The Newcastle Eagles take on the Bristol Flyers on Friday evening, and a win would also give them a 2-1 record entering the faceoff against the Riders. 

This would mean a win would see both teams through, creating a knockout environment in the clash between the two long-standing rivals. 

For Leicester, regardless of permutations elsewhere, the focus is on the win on the road. With nine days between the Giants and Eagles games, they can rest up and prepare for the showdown. 


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Report: Riders beat Giants to improve to 2-1 in the Trophy

The Riders took another step towards the final four of the British Basketball League Trophy with a midweek 104-86 victory over the 0-2 Manchester Giants.

The win takes Leicester’s record to 2-1, putting pressure on the Bristol Flyers and Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles, neither of whom can afford to lose if they want to claim a top two spot in Group B.

The Riders struggled at times to score efficiently, but coach Rob Paternostro will be happy with his team’s dominance on the boards – outrebounding the visitors 50-37 – and the unselfish basketball on display, the Riders dishing 30 assists on the night.

The home side also did an excellent job of forcing missed shots down low, Leicester’s big men battling hard against the sizeable Manchester front court.

Athletic power forward Miryne Thomas took ‘Player of the Game’ honours, putting up a stat line of 16 points, seven rebounds and eight assists to flirt with a triple-double.

The Riders’ second unit also played well, spearheaded by 19 from TJ Lall who consistently hit big shots in important moments to keep the home side ahead.

Not to be outdone, Teddy ‘Buckets’ Allen drained 21 in what appeared to be a ‘quiet’ display by his standards, popping up each quarter with a play to get the Morningside Arena bouncing.

Manchester’s defensive issues continued, but they flashed on offense, William Lee and Nick Lewis the top scorers with 16 and 17 points respectively.

As predicted, the game started quickly, both teams wasting no time putting points on the board. Lee, one of a glut of former Riders suiting up for the Giants, opened the scoring with the first of his ten first half points before an instant answer from captain Kimbal Mackenzie, who had eight of his own.

Thomas soon drained the first three of the night after nice play from Jaren Holmes – five first half assists – before Allen got in on the act, casually pulling up and stringing a classy deep trey to give the Riders an early ten-point lead.

Thomas then splashed again from deep in transition and, with Mackenzie constantly pushing the pace of the offense, Leicester looked in control.

A couple of threes from big-man Lee (the main scoring option with Jamell Anderson injured) kept Manchester within striking distance as the first quarter clock wound down, but an authoritative jam by Samuel Idowu and Lall joining the three-point party maintained Leicester’s control.

The second quarter started with super-sub Lall hitting a tough, fadeaway three and rising for a huge block to get the Morningside on its feet.

Not to be outdone, Holmes drove to the basket for a nice ‘+1’ play which led to a string of Riders free throws, facilitated by the aggressive attacking play of high-flyer Blake Bowman.

The Giants showed fight through Evan Walshe’s 13 first half points and Legend Robertin was his usual abrasive self-down low but continued quality play from Lall and the introduction of debutant Duke Shelton – six points – built the home side’s lead.

A beautiful block on Robertin from Shelton set the tone for the last five minutes of the half, matched by another ‘+1’ play from ‘Buckets’ Allen who reminded the fans why he won December’s ‘Player of the Month’.

Thomas drained his third deep ball of the game to stretch the Riders’ lead to 15 and good team basketball carried Paternostro’s squad towards half time. 

A great first half for Leicester saw them take a 59-44 lead into the locker room, punctuated by a breakaway dunk from Holmes with a few seconds remaining.

The second 20 began and the Riders were now showing dominance on the offensive glass, Mo Walker using his size well before Thomas put back a missed Allen layup with feeling.

However, the following few minutes were scrappy for the home side, missed shots and turnovers allowing Manchester to come back into the game through Lewis, who was slowly heating up.

A nervous energy rippled through the Riders’ fans, but that was soon put to bed after a silky move by Allen.

The CEBL MVP had his man in knots with isolation moves before blowing past him and laying home a tough shot. When Thomas thundered in a two-handed dunk, home supporters were back on their feet.

The final minutes of the quarter saw both teams slow down on the offensive side of the court, the Riders uncharacteristically missing several three-point attempts, allowing the Giants to creep back within ten going into the final stanza.

As he had done to start the second quarter, Lall drained from deep to get the Riders back on track.

Bowman hit another nice move into a layup to bring the lead back to 11, but the Giants were showing something, sticking around with buckets from Jalen Harris and Robertin.

The teams hit a period of trading baskets, going toe-to-toe, the Riders lead at just four points. Leicester soon wrestled back the momentum though, Thomas setting up Idowu for a one-handed flush before ‘Buckets’ Allen hit a layup that only he can for back-to-back scores.

Paternostro’s squad rode that momentum to another double-digit lead with three minutes left, a pair of corner triples in succession from Lall virtually clinching the Riders’ victory.

A clutch trey from the Riders’ captain took them into triple-digits and iced the game, with the Giants unable to make a late-game comeback.

The Riders return to action on Friday, January 19, taking on the Newcastle Eagles on the road.

The game will decide the team’s seeding in Group B, and whether they will advance to the Trophy semi-finals at Utilita Arena Birmingham.

Riders sign Duke Shelton!

Leicester Riders are thrilled to welcome the arrival of Duke Shelton to their 2023/24 roster. 

The American big brings a wealth of experience to Leicester, having played eight seasons of professional basketball across Europe. 

Shelton played two seasons for the Newcastle Eagles in the British Basketball League. The 6’10” forward averaged a double-double in ten games for the Eagles in the 2021/22 season, logging 14.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. 

The 28-year-old’s European experience has seen him compete in Israel, Finland and Slovakia, and now he brings his talents to the East Midlands. 

Shelton’s eligibility means he does not require a certificate of sponsorship since he already possesses a right to work in the UK. 

“It feels good to sign with the team,” commented Shelton. 

“It’s a blessing really to be a part of such an established club. I’m excited and anxious all in one to get started! I know it’s the right decision, and I couldn’t be happier about it.”

“We’re excited to have Duke sign with the team,” added Head Coach Rob Paternostro. 

“We were looking for more depth up front and someone that plays energy, quickness and athleticism. He brings all of those things.  

“We were already familiar with him following his time in Newcastle, and we think his skill set can be a good addition to our roster.”


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Trophy Preview: Riders vs Giants

The group stages of the 2024 British Basketball League Trophy continue Wednesday night as the Riders welcome the Manchester Giants to the Morningside Arena.

Rob Paternostro’s squad split their two games in the competition so far, dominating the Bristol Flyers before a difficult trip to London a couple of days later resulted in a loss.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders vs Manchester Giants

Morningside Arena, Leicester

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Get tickets here!

A Packed Schedule

The start of the new year continues in frenetic fashion for the Riders as the Giants’ visit marks a third game in six days.

Leicester’s bid for the League Trophy started perfectly on January 5 with a confident 95-74 win over the Flyers, Teddy Allen the ‘X Factor’ once again with a cool 30-point, seven rebound and seven assist showing.

Second-unit superstar Samuel Idowu also caught the eye, combining 15 points with 14 boards to post his first double-double for the Riders.

48 hours later, the squad found themselves facing a deep London Lions team in the Copper Box. The Riders fought hard, outplaying the home team in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t match London’s strength in the paint and roster depth which propelled them to an 89-74 win.

Despite the loss, Idowu continued his excellent start to 2024, bagging a second double-double in as many games. A certain quote about London buses comes to mind.

One major positive for the Riders is that they have maintained a positive points difference, which could prove crucial in a tough Group B, sending just the top two teams into the semi-finals.

Only the Lions remain undefeated, so victory over the Giants will put the Riders in great position to take the all-important second spot and put pressure on Friday’s clash between the Flyers and the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles.

Expect the Riders to fire on all offensive cylinders this Wednesday as they face a Manchester squad with the leakiest defence in the League championship. Newcastle’s Jordan Johnson posted 30 points in their round one win over the Giants, so home supporters should be treated to another special night from ‘Player of the Month’ Allen, Kimbal Mackenzie and Idowu.

It wouldn’t be a surprise for Paternostro to challenge his team to a triple-digit offensive output against Manchester.

Wins are vital, but points differential could decide who advances to the semis.

Out for Revenge

Trophy games often carry an extra bite to them, but Wednesday’s visit of the Giants may bring even more spice as they try to avenge a first-round loss to the Riders in last year’s competition.

2023’s knockout format saw the Giants hosting Leicester in the first weekend of action, falling to a dominant Marc Loving display in an entertaining 114-107 game where both teams ended with a 30-point scorer.

Former Rider Loving dropped a 32/13 double-double and Tajh Green – who now suits up for the Eagles – posted an incredible 38 points and 14 rebounds, mainly fed by flashy point guard Rahmon Fletcher, who dished 14 assists on the night.

The road team clinched the win through efficiency from beyond the arc which outstretched the Giants’ defence and forced them to try and keep pace on just 28% three-point shooting.

Now, Fletcher has retired, and Green is shooting hoops in Newcastle, but the same defensive struggles remain.

The Giants do possess solid offensive weapons – Jamell Anderson, Nik Lewis and Evan Walshe – but if the Riders limit them to less than 80 points as they did on December 23, Manchester supporters may need to wait a little longer for revenge.

Key Matchup

The 86-73 championship victory the Riders took away from Manchester towards the end of 2023 was largely due to accuracy from beyond the three-point line.

The big men cancelled each other out and may do again, so the key battle could come between sharpshooters Teddy Allen and Nick Lewis.

6’3” British-Canadian guard Lewis is a confidence shooter that maintains hot streaks longer than most in the League. 

His usually high three-ball numbers are down this season – standing at just over 23% from deep – but if he drops a couple of treys in a row, he can take over a 10-minute quarter.

Lewis has made some huge contributions for the Giants this season, hitting the 20-point mark on five occasions including a red-hot 33 points against the championship-leading Lions.

Put simply: the Riders cannot afford to let Lewis get his eye in.

A player who knows all about heat checks is the Riders’ mid-season star, Teddy ‘Buckets’ Allen.

Allen, who deservedly clinched December’s ‘Player of the Month’ after starting his Riders career off in style, brings sureness in spades.

A scorer more than a shooter, the former Winnipeg Bear has looked impossible to guard during his small sample of games, averaging over 26 points per game including totals of 30 and 21 in the Trophy.

The 6’6” combo-guard has also been deadly accurate from downtown, splashing threes at a 55% clip in the championship, his only blemish a 3-11 effort against London.

Allen versus Lewis is a tussle between two players that thrive on confidence. Whoever can maintain that for most of the 40 minutes will be key to victory.

Report: Riders lose in London

The Leicester Riders 89-74 lost on the road to the London Lions, falling to 1-1 in the British Basketball League Trophy Group B. 

Teddy Allen, recently named British Basketball League Player of the Month for December, led the game with 21 points. Sam Idowu backed up Allen with 13 points and 10 rebounds, logging his second straight double-double off the bench.

The game got away from them in the third quarter, as Leicester went scoreless through five minutes. London stretched the lead to 20, and despite a positive Riders fourth quarter, saw the game out from there. 

Leicester struggled to connect from three all afternoon, finishing the game 8-29 from range. 

London’s Matthew Morgan led the hosts with 15 points, and their big man Donte Grantham put on a good showing with 14 points in 19 minutes. The Lions dominated in close, going 30-51 from inside the arc. 

The Riders hung with the Lions through the opening stages, despite struggling for offence. Allen got to the line twice to lead the team through five minutes with 4 points, but the Lions led 10-7. 

Miryne Thomas picked up two quick fouls, allowing Blake Bowman to impress off the bench. 

He scored on back-to-back possessions, draining a contested turnaround from the post before taking Josh Sharma off the dribble and laying in a bucket, then dishing an assist to Sam Idowu next time up the court. 

The Riders trailed 25-19 after a quarter, but that quickly became 31-19 a minute into the second. They started 1-9 from three, and the Lions started the second quarter on a 6-0 run by getting to the bucket on three straight trips. 

Jaren Holmes connected from deep for the Riders’ first points of the quarter, cutting the deficit to nine. 

This took the lid off the basket, and Leicester were able to stem the tide. Allen found his shooting form after an 0-5 start from the field, and put 8 points together quickly to make the score 39-34. He had 15 with 4:18 remaining in the half. 

The Lions rebuilt their lead to double digits come halftime, as GB guard Luke Nelson put the ball in the basket to generate some offence for the hosts. The score was 50-40 by the buzzer to end the second. 

London scored 11 quick points to start the second half to extend their lead. Grantham drained three straight triples, two more than the team scored in the first half, making it 61-40. 

The Riders went scoreless until 4:04 left in the third. Thomas put it through, but the Riders were down 21. It was 70-49 going into the fourth, after Leicester lost the period 20-9. 

Leicester’s efforts to chip into the deficit saw them contest in a hard-fought final quarter. Kimbal Mackenzie got on the board to score five straight points and cut the game to 15 with 5:58 left. 

The Riders kept chipping away, and Allen attacked the hoop and made it 76-62.  But after making it a 14-point deficit, the Lions held the Riders from there and saw the game out led by Grantham’s shot-making. 

The Riders return to action on Wednesday, taking on the Manchester Giants at home, tipping off at 7:45 pm. 

Get tickets here!

Teddy Allen named British Basketball League Player of the Month for December

Riders guard Teddy Allen has been named Molten British Basketball League Player of the Month for December! 

Allen, a new arrival who made his League debut on December 15, has exploded onto the British basketball scene in his four games so far in Riders red, averaging a League-leading 23.8 points and 5.5 rebounds. 

His 32 point debut against Caledonia Gladiators was the highest-scoring debut in the British Basketball League since 2016. 

Teddy “Buckets” followed up the 30-piece with 22 points against the Manchester Giants, 17 against the Bristol Flyers and 25 to close out 2023 against the Sheffield Sharks. 

This summer’s CEBL MVP has lived up to his stellar reputation in the early stages of his Riders tenure and looks to lead the team to a successful British Basketball League Trophy campaign in January. 

“It’s an honour to win this award,” commented Allen.  “It feels great to bring positive attention to the team.

“Thank you to my teammates and coaches for putting me in a position to succeed, and thank you to everybody who voted for me!

“Now it’s time to continue to work hard and try and bring the Trophy home.”

Want to see Allen in Trophy action?

Get tickets to our final January home game against Manchester Giants on Wednesday, January 10!

Report: Riders beat Flyers to start Trophy campaign

Leicester Riders began their British Basketball League Trophy campaign with a bang, beating the Bristol Flyers 95-74. 

Teddy Allen dropped his second 30-point performance as a Rider, putting up 30 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists to earn Player of the Game honours. 

He was backed by Sam Idowu off the bench, whose impact inside prevented second-chance points for the Flyers, and prevented star big man Brad Greene from dominating the matchup as he did two weeks prior. 

Greene was held to 7 points, and the Flyers to 9 offensive rebounds, below their season average of 13.4, which leads the British Basketball League. 

The Riders’ offence was clicking throughout, shooting 50% from the field, and found success at the rim to shoot 64% from the field. Idowu and Allen combined for 14-19 from within the arc. 

Miryne Thomas’ 7 points to start the game led the Riders to an early lead. He hit the team’s first three of the game before getting to work down low for his next two buckets, making it 11-9 to the hosts. 

Following the first commercial timeout, the Riders blew the game open. A barrage of Riders offence, which included a four-point play from Allen who drained a three through contact, saw them grow the lead to double digits after a quarter. 

The Riders made it 20 quickly in the second quarter. Veteran guard Conner Washington pulled up from deep three-point range to get the period underway before Allen dropped Rowell Graham-Bell with a crossover and hit a triple. 

Allen, catching fire and running in transition, then connected with Thomas, who threw down a lob pass emphatically for the play of the game. Leicester won the second 30-17, and led 57-32 at the half, led by Allen’s 15 and Thomas’ 11 points. 

Idowu made his impact felt off the bench. Getting to the rim with ease, he went 6-7 from the field in the first half, logging 13 points and six rebounds. 

Towards the end of the third, Bristol clawed back into contention with hot three-point shooting. They cut it to 18 after Kedrian Johnson and Trejon Jacob hit on back-to-back possessions, but Kimbal Mackenzie drove to the hoop for an and-one to stem the tide. 

The captain drained a three next time down with 1:30 to go to make it 73-49. Jacob ended the third with a slam in transition, the Riders up 21 with a quarter to play. 

Washington got the final quarter going, hitting a turnaround catch-and-shoot three with a hand in his face. 

The Flyers continued to battle, chipping into the lead once again in the fourth. Forced a Riders timeout, the score 81-64 with 7:06 left. 

The Riders fell back on their defence, holding Bristol to four points in as many minutes to keep them at arm’s length. Allen and Jaren Holmes combined for five quick points with three minutes left to put the game beyond doubt, with Leicester up 22. 

The Riders return to action on Sunday, facing the London Lions on the road, before returning home to play the Manchester Giants on Wednesday, tipping off at 7:45 pm.

Get tickets here!

Championship Preview: Riders vs Flyers

The Riders’ penultimate game of 2023 sees them host the 10-11 Bristol Flyers, the first contest of a three-game stretch in the Morningside Arena.

Thursday night’s tilt gives Rob Paternostro’s squad the chance of a three-game winning streak, and victory could see the Riders leapfrog their visitors in the British Basketball League championship.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders vs Bristol Flyers

Morningside Arena, Leicester

Thursday, December 28, 7:45pm

Get tickets here!

A Strong End to the Year

After a tricky start to December – three tough losses to the top two teams in the league – the Riders have picked up their play, downing the Caledonia Gladiators 96-90 before a double-digit win in Manchester.

The introduction of Teddy Allen has energised the entire roster, and performances on both ends of the court have risen as a result.

Leicester’s offence remains one of the most potent in Britain, highlighted by a field goal efficiency of 46.9% and 38.2% accuracy from beyond the arc.

Since Allen’s debut, the Riders have married their efficiency with production from three-point range, outshooting both the Gladiators and the Giants from deep.

The American has taken the plaudits – averaging 26.5 points per game – but the play of Kimbal Mackenzie was also key to the Riders’ improved fortunes.

Leicester’s captain steered his team to victory in both games by taking responsibility in clutch moments, knowing when to drive to the basket for a quick two or stopping and popping in all areas of the court.

The point guard’s leadership has been evident in the last few weeks, and it will be needed again on Thursday night in a tough game with the Flyers.

A Tough Flyers Stretch

Bristol’s 76-66 loss in Sheffield on December 22 was the Flyers’ seventh in their last ten games, dropping them down the British Basketball League standings with a below .500 record.

Andreas Kapoulas’ team struggled for consistent offence against the stingy Sharks, being held to just 11 points in the first and third quarters.

The Flyers – as has been the case for much of the season – dominated the offensive glass, snagging 15 offensive rebounds, but a 32% field goal percentage hampered them.

Field goal percentage is something Thursday’s visitors have wrestled with throughout the season, currently sitting near the bottom of the league on 41.5%.

The majority of the Flyers’ ten wins have come from out-hustling their opponents on the boards. Skilled big man Brad Greene and lengthy forward Raphell Thomas-Edwards are two players home fans need to look out for, the hardworking duo combining for an average of 17 rebounds per game.

Their physical play in the frontcourt gives dangermen like Trejon Jacob extra chances to hit buckets.

The quick wing player dropped 23 points on the Sharks, carrying his team’s offence by combining athletic inside moves with touch from three-point range.

The Flyers may not have the most feared offence in the league, but letting a player like Jacob get hot could be a losing strategy for the Riders.

Key Players

Jacob may have taken charge against the Sharks in round 15, but the juiciest matchup on Thursday night may come between big men, Brad Greene and Samuel Idowu.

Greene, who joined the Flyers from Austrian outfit OCS Capital Bulls this season, is a hulking 6’11” centre who possesses moves in the post that bely his size.

The Californian is averaging a near double-double, sinking 12.5 points per game and pulling down 9.6 rebounds per game, illustrating his dominance in the paint.

Greene’s finest outing came a couple of weeks ago against the in-form Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles as he put up a 27 and 14 double-double to lead the Flyers to a dominant victory.

Facing the former Irvine Anteater from the bench will be the rangy Idowu.

Idowu is an experienced front-court baller who has grown into the season, providing a defensive wall in the paint and an ability to score in the post, off the dribble or from deep range.

The fourth-year veteran gives up some size to Greene but makes up for it with tenacity, shown in a ten-rebound performance against the Giants, and a season-best 18-point showing against Cheshire in November.

Greene and Idowu may not share the court at the opening tip-off, but Riders’ fans can expect a titanic battle when they do.

3 takeaways from win against Giants

The Riders battled out a road win against the Manchester Giants in last night’s British Basketball League Championship action. 

Here’s what we can take from the win…

Defence Wins Championships

A hallmark of Rob Paternostro’s sides is suffocating and stifling defence, and that was on full display last night. 

The Riders entered the game with the second-highest points allowed per game in the British Basketball League (89) but went on the road and held their opponents to under 80 points for just the third time this season. 

Their intense ball pressure forced 22 turnovers out of the Giants, allowing them to show their speed in the full court and get buckets on the break. 

Manchester were held to 42% from the field and 22% from three against the Riders’ defence.

“Defence was the name of the game, and we are really happy with what we held them to,” said Paternostro postgame.

“We really ground them out, and we thought it was important to stop them running the fastbreak. They’re a team that likes to run, and we got bodies back and defended.”

Captain Kimbal finds form

Kimbal Mackenzie has made an impact on the scoring column on back-to-back performances, finding scoring form as we approach the midpoint of the season. 

The GB international scored 16 points on 5-9 shooting, going 2-3 from deep and pulling down 4 rebounds. 

This came off the back of a 19-point outing against the Gladiators last time out, making it two straight games where he has ranked second in the team in points behind the red-hot Teddy Allen.

“I’m just being aggressive and being myself,” said Mackenzie when asked about his recent scoring form.

“When I’m looking to score everything else opens up, and my teammates trust me to make plays.”

Winning on the road

Having lost the last seven games on the road, the Riders were in need of an away win to build momentum going into the new year. 

They did so in confident fashion, leading for the entirety of the second half in a game that was in little doubt in the fourth quarter against a team that had won their last three at home.

“It wasn’t the prettiest of games, but to come on the road and beat Manchester who have been playing really well at home was a good win,” added Mackenzie.

“We were pretty gritty. Our effort and attention to detail was good tonight, and we hung in there and did what we had to do.”

The Riders now return home to the Morningside Arena Leicester for back-to-back games, looking to bring their record to above .500 to start 2024. 

“We needed a road win,” said Paternostro. “We’ve been in a lot of close games where we haven’t got the job done, so that was really important.

“Now we’re looking forward to getting back to the Morningside. We want that place rocking on the 28th!”

The Riders face the Bristol Flyers next on December 28. Get your tickets here!

“Once game day rolled around, it was just hoop”- Teddy Allen on his first week with the Riders

Speaking on the Drew and Jay Podcast following his 32 point debut, Teddy Allen reflected on his first week in Leicester. 

The Riders made waves around the British Basketball League with the signing of the highly touted CEBL MVP.

With that came external attention and the expectation of a big performance. Allen delivered in the face of pressure. 

“Pressure is a privilege,” Allen told the Drew and Jay Podcast. “I expect that of myself every night, and I put pressure on myself to play to that standard. 

“I always want to live up to my reputation, so I come into every game with a chip on my shoulder.”

Just Hooping

While the American guard is comfortable with expectations, his coach tempered them ahead of his debut. Allowing Allen to provide what he could on the court built him the platform to succeed under the bright lights.

“Coach Rob took the pressure off of me and told me to go out there and give the team what I can give. 

“That alleviated the pressure for me and allowed me to take a deep breath. Once game day rolled around, it was just hoop.”

His coach and teammates put him in a position to succeed, and he rewarded them with one of the all-time British Basketball League performances. 

“I knew the team was unselfish and was going to look for me, so I knew there would be opportunities. 

“Mo [Walker] was telling me not to be passive and just to be me. That opened me up, and when it came down to the clutch, the plays were there to be made.”

Getting ready for the Trophy

It was Allen’s first competitive outing since August, but he still hit the ground running without being in optimal condition. 

Joining a team midseason is difficult, and Allen looked ahead at the task of getting in 100% game shape. 

“It isn’t easy coming in late to a pro team, but the best way of getting in game shape is by playing. I have spent the 30 minutes after every practice running to get back in shape, so I’m going to try and rev it up over these next few weeks.

“By the time the Trophy comes around, I hope to be on top form.”


Want to see Allen in action?

Get tickets to our next home game against Bristol Flyers!

Five things we learned from win against Gladiators

Friday’s 96-90 win against the Caledonia Gladiators gave the Riders lots to build on going into the rest of the season.

Here is what we can take from the win…

Buckets has arrived

The debut that has everyone talking! Teddy Allen’s 32 point outing, the highest-scoring British Basketball League debut since 2016, meant the Phoenix-born guard lived up to the hype in his first appearance in Riders red. 

Allen was pivotal in the clutch, hitting a three to put the Riders up five before dishing to Jaren Holmes for a dagger triple next time up the floor. He reached his points tally with the game-sealing free throws to conclude a historic outing. 

He made his mark on every facet of the game with his scoring, playmaking, rebounding and defence. His message after the game to further excite the Riders faithful: “there’s definitely more to come!”

Allen provides an explosive scoring threat on any given game, just three games before the start of the all-new Trophy. 

A Threat from Three 

Aside from his scoring ability, which was on full display throughout his debut, the gravitational pull of Allen, who attracted a wall of defenders whenever he touched the ball, meant for open shots for his teammates. 

The new man’s playmaking saw the ball find the open man, and the Riders knocked down 50% of their attempts from deep on the night.

Kimbal Mackenzie, in particular, benefitted from the good looks, going 3-4 from three on the evening. 

Leicester have been a threat from three all season, ranking third in deep shooting percentage at 38.2%. The improved spacing will allow their sharpshooters the chance to punish defenders for leaving them open on the arc. 

Decisive Defence late

After giving up 51 in the first half, the Riders stepped up the defence late for a comeback win. 

The message from Head Coach Rob Paternostro at the break was clear: “we’re going to have to play defence at some point.” The Riders responded to his message after falling into a 13-point hole in the third. 

The team held the Gladiators to under 20 points in the fourth quarter, which they won 27-17 to secure the win. 

Sam Idowu was a key factor defensively late, his efforts in the post preventing Clifton Moore Jr from putting in a bucket in the clutch, and Jaren Holmes’ 2 blocks from the perimeter earned the Riders emphatic stops. 

Paternostro will look to put together 40 minutes of defence to that level next time out against the Giants. 

Idowu’s impact 

Idowu logged a season-high 28 minutes in the game, and his impact was felt all game long. 

The big man led the game in +/- with 11, demonstrating the positive influence of his efforts down low.  

He ran the pick and roll effectively throughout, battled hard on defence and was effective on the glass, putting back Allen’s miss late to give the Riders a late lead for his second offensive board of the night. 

All of Idowu’s buckets came in the paint, as he went 7-12 from the field on his way to 14 points – his second-highest tally of the year. 

His consistent performances all season have made Idowu a reliable source of points and rebounding and was vital to Friday’s win. 

Taking advantage of turnovers 

While the teams were tied in total turnovers, each giving the ball away 14 times, the Riders made their opponents pay for their mistakes. 

They scored 20 points off turnovers compared to Caledonia’s 13, a key factor in a game decided by six points. 

They proved a threat on the fastbreak throughout, with Miryne Thomas and Holmes’ speed in transition making for easy buckets at the rim and electric high-flying plays. 

Should the Riders’ defence continue its form from late in Friday’s affair, expect more opportunities in transition for Paternostro’s side. 


Want to see the Riders in action?

Get tickets to our next home game against Bristol Flyers on December 28!

Riders react to win against the Gladiators

The Riders won a hard-fought battle against the Caledonia Gladiators 96-90 last night, moving their record to 8-10 in the British Basketball League Championship.

Here’s how the Riders reacted to the victory…

Teddy Allen- “There’s definitely more to come.”

Teddy Allen exploded onto the British basketball scene with the highest-scoring debut in the League since 2016.

He scored 32 points, including a clutch three late to put the Riders up five with a minute left. 

“I’m happy to get the win with my new team,” said Allen post-game. “My teammates were looking for me, telling me to look for the basket and that helped me to succeed. I’m grateful for them.”

It was Allen’s first competitive action since August, but you’d have been forgiven for not noticing. He hit the ground running with a 14-point second quarter, coming off the bench and making an immediate impact. 

Any concerns of rust were washed away quickly for Riders fans. 

“I had to keep my mind and my body right through the last few months, and for that I thank God, but there’s definitely more to come from me. 

“My legs felt better than I thought they would. I’m a hooper, so it feels good to be playing in front of people again.”

Rob Paternostro- “We were deserved winners”

It had been a difficult run of games for the Riders going into last night’s fixture. Having played the League’s top two teams in their last three games (the table-topping Lions’ twice), they were in need of a win to get back on track. 

Emerging victors of a nail-biter was important for this group. 

“That was fun!” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro after the win. “Playing a tight ball game in the fourth quarter and coming up with the big plays was fun to watch. The crowd was into it, and we were deserved winners tonight.”

The Riders gave up 51 to the Gladiators in the first half, and found themselves down 13 in the third quarter. But they flipped a switch on offence and came back for the win.

“We went into halftime knowing we were going to have to play some defence at some point. We did pick it up in the third quarter, and that turned the game around. 

“We then did a great job in making plays late, and we had Teddy Buckets on our team today! He put on a show today.”

As he did everybody else in the building, Allen impressed his head coach with his ability to immediately find form in Riders red. 

“One thing I know, having been around the game this long, is that there are certain guys that when the lights turn on, they’re ready to go. 

“When he took the floor in warm-ups, he said he was feeling good. He was special. He did a great job in finding other guys too, and the rest of the guys dug in on the defensive end.”

Allen was supported by his captain, Kimbal Mackenzie, who scored 11 in the first quarter and 19 in the game, and big man Sam Idowu who made his presence felt in the paint all evening. 

Paternostro sang the praises of his duo:

“I really thought Sam played well today. He played with lots of energy on both ends of the floor, and his competitiveness was a big factor tonight. 

“Kimbal was solid too. He came out tonight with 19 after a few quiet games recently, and that was great to see.

“I feel really good about these guys. They work hard and they work together, and Teddy provided something extra for us tonight to get us the win.”

Sam Idowu- “We fought through adversity.”

Idowu put up 14 points and six rebounds, going 7-12 from the field in a  solid showing. He battled all night on the glass and on the defensive end in the post. 

“It was a lot of hard work. My body’s sore!” said Idowu. “I’m proud of the team, we fought together and came through a lot of adversity and played hard from wire to wire.”

The New York-born big man came up with a huge stop in the clutch again Clifton Moore Jr to give the Riders a chance to seal the game late.  He reflected on his individual performance: 

“I think I played way better than I have been playing! I was just trying to find a rhythm. I had a good week of practice, so I’ve been trying to follow that up with some good games. I’m keeping my energy up, keeping in shape and staying healthy. That’s my biggest priority right now.”

With a road trip to Manchester coming on the 23rd, Iwodu spoke on how the team can build on the performance. 

“Today was a big win. We had a tough schedule and taken a couple of tough losses, but it showed our resilience here in how determined we were to turn it around.

“It’s good for us to show we can come from behind to win. We can go into future games knowing we can stay confident when we’re down, so I’m glad we were able to pull through.”


Want to see the Riders in action?

Get tickets to our next home game against Bristol Flyers on December 28!

From West End to Covent Garden: A Night of Opera for the Leicester Riders Foundation

Morningside Arena Leicester is excited to host “West End to Covent Garden”, an Opera evening hosted by Octave Opera Group on Febuary 14, 2024. 

Octave, founded by Jill Worth, will perform music to raise money for the Leicester Riders Foundation’s incredible work throughout the Leicestershire community. The Leicestershire-based opera group consists of only local signers, and performs for charitable causes around the county. 

Jill is the wife of Bill Worth, a founding member of the Loughborough All-Stars in 1967, which would later become the Leicester Riders. 

Octave will host an evening of live opera entertainment, as they take you on a musical journey featuring iconic songs from Les Miserable, Phantom of the Opera and many more classics! 

Enjoy a 2-course sit-down meal and a cash bar throughout the evening. We will also be hosting a charity auction, featuring numerous items of sporting memorabilia, events and experiences.

Jill Worth commented: “It feels absolutely brilliant to give something back to the Riders, who I have had a lifelong connection with through my husband, Bill. It should be an amazing night. 

“We have something for everybody on the night, so please come down to the Arena and support the fantastic work of the Leicester Riders Foundation.” 

Tables of 8 and 10 are available at £40 + VAT per head, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy the night with friends, family, or colleagues. 

You can associate your company brand with this charitable event, as we offer sponsorship opportunities for £100 + VAT per advert.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this incredible evening. For reservations click here.

For sponsorship inquiries, contact [email protected].

Join us for a night of live opera in the heart of Leicester. You can make a meaningful impact on the Leicester Riders Foundation’s charity initiatives.

Riders Trophy fixture vs Flyers rearranged

Our British Basketball League Trophy fixture against the Bristol Flyers has been rearranged.

The game, previously expected to be played on January 6 at 7 pm, will now take place on January 5 at 7 pm.

Tickets purchased for the original fixture will still be valid for the rearranged date.

For those who have purchased tickets and can no longer make the game, please get in touch with [email protected] to exchange them for a new fixture.

Want to see us tip off our British Basketball League Trophy campaign against the Flyers?

Get tickets here!

Teddy Allen: Record Breaker

Leicester Riders’ new man, Teddy Allen, joins the team after a history-making season in the CEBL. 

Here, we reflect on how Allen made waves in Canadian hoops…

Getting Buckets 

Teddy “Buckets” put on a never-seen-before scoring clinic this summer. Over the season, Allen failed to score over 20 on just three occasions, putting up 40 points twice and 30 points five times in 20 games played. 

His 27.6 points average was the second most in CEBL history, as the three-point marksman drained a league-high 72 triples on 36.5% shooting from behind the arc. 

His 40 and 30-point explosions broke regular and post-season records, hitting highs never seen before. 

Single-game scoring record

Allen broke the CEBL single-game scoring record in only his third appearance as a Sea Bear. 

He caught fire for 42 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists against his former team, the Scarborough Shooting Stars, going 14-20 from the field and 11-13 from the foul line. 

Winnipeg needed every one of his points as they edged past the Shooting Stars 98-93. Allen led them down the stretch, sealing the victory with a runner in transition with 19 seconds remaining. 

It was the second game of a back-to-back for Allen, who put the team on his back for 40 minutes to stuff the stat sheet. 

Early in the season, Allen planted his flag as the best player in the league with his record-breaking performance. 

Single-game playoff scoring record

Allen made his name as a post-season performer later that season, breaking the CEBL single-game playoff scoring record with 35 points against the Edmonton Stingers.

It was another double-double for Allen who grabbed 10 rebounds in the game, as the Sea Bears fell just short 87-81 in the opening round of the Playoffs. 

Allen made big shots down the stretch to keep Winnipeg in the game. His craftiness driving inside and finding space around the rim had no response from his opponents on the night. 

The game ended his season in the CEBL, in which his performances earned him the MVP award. 

Most Valuable Player

With his league-leading, history-making performances all season long, Allen was named the first CEBL Most Valuable Player in Winnipeg Sea Bears history. 

Leading the team to the playoffs, Allen put up 27.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He ranked top 10 in the CEBL in points (27.6), total assists (77), rebounds (8.0), and steals (1.7), and he led the league in three-pointers made (72). 

Nine of the Sea Bears’ 12 wins were within single digits, and three came down to the final possession, as Winnipeg needed every point from the record-breaking Allen to guide them to the postseason. 

In his second CEBL campaign, Allen established himself as the league’s elite scorer. 

Don’t miss the debut

You can see Teddy make his Riders debut!

Get tickets to our game against Caledonia Gladiators as Allen makes his first appearance in Riders’ red!

Report: Riders fall to Lions

Leicester Riders fell 100-62 on the road to the London Lions, making their record 7-10 in the British Basketball League Championship standings. 

A 33-17 third quarter in London’s favour sealed the game, in which the Riders trailed from midway through the opening quarter. 

Miryne Thomas led the Riders with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Leicester shot 33% from the field and went 4-23 from three in a tough offensive showing. 

For the Lions, Irish forward Conor Morgan once again showed his deep shooting threat against Leicester. He went 5-7 from deep on his way to 21 points to lead the game. 

Following a 6-0 Lions start, Kimbal Mackenzie got the Riders on the board with an and-one pull-up from the elbow. 

Leicester matched their opponent’s scoring early, taking a 10-9 lead following TJ Lall’s fadeaway, but couldn’t stop the Lions’ drive to the baskets. London’s first four makes came from attacking the hoop. 

Conor Morgan, whose three-point shooting proved the difference between the teams last time out, hit two straight from distance to build a London lead. It was 28-17 to the hosts after one, and Morgan led the game with eight points. 

The Riders’ defence stepped up in the second quarter. They held the Lions to six points in five minutes to match their opponents once again. 

Thomas led a low-scoring second period for the Riders, putting up 9 points and 4 rebounds by the half. The Cleveland-born forward’s highlight of the game saw him pin Matthew Morgan’s layup attempt to the backboard after scoring four straight points.

Mackenzie’s midrange ability kept Leicester in the game, as the Canadian/British guard drained another deep two with 2:06 left in the second. The Riders entered the locker rooms down 44-32, but remained within striking distance despite shooting 2-12 from three. 

Thomas got the second half underway with a breakaway slam to bring the deficit to 10. The Lions hit back through Conor Morgan, who scored 11 quick points to make the Lions’ lead 21. 

London put the game beyond reach with their three-point shooting in the third. Tarik Phillip’s corner triple with 4:26 left made it 68-42. 

Samuel Idowu and Conner Washington put points on the board for Leicester, Idowu throwing down a putback slam as the Riders’ highlight of the period, but they couldn’t chip into the deficit and ended the third with the score 77-49. 

The fourth was a formality, as London saw it home. Mo Walker went to work for six points inside, but London continued to drop in threes to stretch their lead to 38.

The Riders are back in action on Friday, taking on the Caledonia Gladiators at home.

Get your tickets here

Report: Riders win a battle in Essex

The Riders improved to 5-1 after defeating the Essex Rebels 79-70 in a hard-fought road encounter. 

Rayven Peeples dominated late, scoring seven in the final quarter on her way to 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Taylor O’Brien led the Riders with 19 points and 5 rebounds, after being named Women’s British Basketball League Player of the Month earlier in the day. 

Leicester were forced to fight for the win, never leading by double digits in the game. They found form late on to seal it after leading all through the second half.

Star guard Kat Tudor led the game with 23 points and 9 rebounds, catching fire from deep to shoot 5-9. The Rebels hit big shots to keep within striking distance, but couldn’t overcome Rayven’s power in the paint. 

On the road against an in-form Rebels outfit, the Riders exchanged buckets with Essex early. Scottish forward Claire Paxton scored five quick points for the Rebels, matched by GB international Sam Ashby for the visitors through the opening five minutes. 

For her seventh points, Ashby’s quick cut to the basket was found by Taylor O’Brien’s handoff for the highlight of the first quarter. Leicester found success by attacking the hoop off the ball throughout. 

After seven first-quarter lead changes, the Riders led 21-19 following Dayzsha Rogan’s blown breakaway layup to end it. 

Missed open threes were the story of the second for the Riders. The team got good looks from deep but only connected on one of their six open attempts as the Rebels remained in the game. 

O’Brien took the reigns as the clock ticked down to the half. She scored seven in the quarter to bring her game tally to a team-high 12. 

With little between the sides, Shahid Abboud caught fire for five quick points to give the Riders their biggest lead of the game at 42-35. She knocked down a three, then drove into the teeth of the Rebels’ defence and sank a floater in the lane. 

Essex hit back to close the half at the hands of their leading scorer on the season Kat Tudor, before Paxton hit two free throws to make it 42-39 in Leicester’s favour going into the locker rooms. 

Rayven Peeples took over the scoring load to behind the second half, as the Riders played from in front. She scored six straight points in three minutes, concluded by a tough finish through contact. 

With the three ball still not dropping, the Riders found ways to consistently get to the bucket and keep the scoreboard ticking over. But once again, the Rebels found form late in the quarter to bring it back to a possession with four straight points. 

Peepes continued to impress in the fourth, driving to her right and finishing through a foul for an and-one play. O’Brien followed up her teammate with a three to extend the Riders’ lead to six. 

Peeples extended the lead to nine with five minutes remaining in the game with eight of the Riders’ first 10 points in the final quarter of action. The American rookie put Leicester in good stead to see the game out. 

Tudor found a response for the Rebels with their first triple of the fourth, and her game-high 23rd points of the afternoon. 

But the Riders had enough to get over the line, as Peeples continued to battle down low with no answer defensively from Essex. 

Mckenzie Johnston’s layup inside was the dagger, sealing Leicester their fifth win of the season. 

The Riders can now enjoy a winter break, returning to action on Febuary 10th to take on the Cardiff Met Archers at home.

Get tickets here!

Championship Preview: Riders at Lions

Sunday afternoon sees the Riders continue their tough run of fixtures as they travel to London to face the Lions in Round 13 of the British Basketball League Championship.

The trip to the Copper Box arena is only nine days removed from a 89-79 victory for the Lions over Rob Paternostro’s squad.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders @ London Lions

Copper Box Arena, London

Sunday, December 10, 4:30pm

Watch live!

A Four Quarter Game

The Riders came agonisingly close to claiming a statement win in Cheshire last Sunday after three-quarters of excellent basketball.

The away side, playing the second of a two-game doubleheader, went into the final ten minutes boasting a 13-point lead, but a cold fourth quarter on offence gave the hometown Phoenix the opportunity to stage a comeback for the win.

Fatigue will certainly have been a large factor in the Riders’ late-game troubles, but with a full week of rest behind them, Paternostro will be expecting a 40-minute performance from his squad.

The squad saw an exciting new addition in the week, as reigning CEBL MVP Teddy Allen joined the Riders’ ranks. He will bolster the Riders backcourt with his elite scoring ability which saw him break several CEBL single-game scoring records in the summer.

READ MORE: Riders sign CEBL Most Valuable Player Teddy Allen.

But as Riders’ fans have experienced first-hand, the Lions have unmatched squad depth, demonstrated by the seven players who have put up double-digit games against Leicester in just two meetings.

The production of the second unit will be crucial. Riders’ bench only dropped 16 points on the Phoenix last weekend – a rarity this season – so that number must improve if they are to have a chance at besting the league leaders.

Playmaking two-guard Sesan Russell and strong big man Samuel Idowu will be the players to watch, as they must step up against a London squad playing it’s fourth game in a week.

The Lions could well use the squad’s full depth, giving fringe members more playing time than usual. The Riders’ must take advantage.

Defeats at Home

The British Basketball League Championship leaders go into the weekend having won just two of their last eight games across all competitions.

Victory at the Morningside Arena and a home win in Europe are the only triumphs for a Lions squad that has struggled during the second half of November.

With the expected fixture congestion that comes with European competition, London’s squad has been stretched, culminating in two home losses on the bounce in the League.

However, the ballers of the capital still sit comfortably clear at the top of the standings with a 15-3 record and have had the better of the Riders in their two clashes so far.

Key to the Lions’ success against Leicester is the double-digit scoring from across the roster. If one star has a bad game, another has stepped up to take his place.

In the tilt on December 1, experienced point guard Jordan Taylor failed to get on the scoring sheet, going 0-4 from the field and league top scorer Matt Morgan was held to just five points – his lowest total of the season.

The scoring was taken up by forwards Sam Dekker, Conor Morgan and Dante Grantham, all of whom scored in double-digits, with Morgan netting 19.

The Lions have also dropped 83 points from the bench on the Riders so far this season.

If the road team can stifle that production, they could replicate the feats of both Newcastle and Caledonia with a win in the Copper Box.

Key Players

The contest to watch on Sunday afternoon is one between permitter men with swathes of experience: Jordan Taylor and Kimbal Mackenzie.

34-year-old Taylor has seen it all outside of the NBA. The veteran has competed in Italy, Israel, Turkey, France and (more recently) Japan.

While he hasn’t posted knockout scoring numbers this season – about six points per game – Taylor is a quintessential floor general.

He is the perfect player to have orchestrating the offence and attempting to dish the ball to the right shooter.

The former Wisconsin Badger has performed well against the Riders, laying on 13 assists so far in two games.

Attempting to throw Taylor off rhythm will be Riders’ captain Mackenzie.

Leicester’s talisman has, once again, been a standout player in Paternostro’s squad this season.

Coming off the bench for the first quarter of the season before stepping up to a starting role, the Canadian has been a storm of energy and effort anytime he takes to the court.

Mackenzie can do it all. Drive to the rim, stop on a dime and fire up a pop shot, lay on a nasty pass to an open teammate. 

He has the full package, shown with his 12.6 points per game total as well as an assist number that sits at 4.1.

Both players are vitally important to their team’s chances. Whoever has the better performance on the night could decide the fate of this game.


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Leicester Riders sign 2023 CEBL Most Valuable Player Teddy Allen

Leicester Riders are delighted to announce the signing of 2023 CEBL Most Valuable Player Teddy Allen for the remainder of the 2023/24 season. 

The 6’6” guard from Phoenix, Arizona, broke multiple CEBL scoring records for the Winnipeg Sea Bears this summer, earning him the MVP award and the nickname “Teddy Buckets”. 

He dropped 42 points against the Scarborough Shooting Stars to match the CEBL single-game scoring record, before going off for 35 points to break the league’s playoff scoring record in the same season. 

Allen ranked top ten in the CEBL in points (27.6), total assists (77), rebounds (8.0) and steals (1.7), and led the league in three-pointers made (72). 

The 25-year-old became the first Sea Bear to win MVP in the franchise’s history. 

Allen spent his final college season at New Mexico State University, where he led the Aggies to a first-round NCAA Tournament upset of the fifth-seeded UConn Huskies with a game-high 37 points. 

He led the Western Athletic Conference in scoring, averaging 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals as a senior.

Leicester Riders Head Coach Rob Paternostro commented: “We’re excited to have Teddy on the team. I watched a lot of him in the CEBL this summer, and he was a standout player. He can score in a lot of different ways, and he’s a good size for someone who can handle the ball, so that makes him a difficult player to guard.

“We knew it was important to get a player or two in, but we wanted to make sure it was the right player for a team, which takes time. It’s exciting to get a player of this calibre, and the ability he’s shown will make him a great addition to the group. To add a player with that ability gives us optimism going forward.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to Mike Taylor, who is a long-time friend of mine in the profession and a well-respected head coach for Winnipeg. I trust his opinion, and he had great things to say about Teddy. We both believe this will be a great spot for him.”

Allen commented: “I’m incredibly happy to be a Leicester Rider. This is a great franchise with a long history of winning, and I hope to contribute to the club’s historic success. 

“I spoke to Coach Taylor before I signed, and he had nothing but respect for Coach Rob and the organisation. I can’t wait to meet the team and the fans in Leicester, and get to work!”

Leicester Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston added: “We’re thrilled to welcome a player of Teddy’s calibre to the Riders. He established himself as one of the CEBL’s elite players, so we’re excited to see the impact he’ll have on the team. 

“We were incredibly impressed by what we saw from him in the summer, and we are looking forward to him bringing his immense talent to Leicester. We can’t wait to see him suited up in Riders red!”

Get tickets to Allen’s home debut against the Caledonia Gladiators!

Preview: Riders at Rebels

Leicester Riders look to bounce back after their first defeat of the season, as they head to the South East to face the Essex Rebels. 

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders @ Essex Rebels

Essex Sports Arena

Saturday, December 9, 4pm

Falling in the capital 

The Riders fell for the first time in the 2023/24 Women’s British Basketball League season, taking a 77-61 defeat to the back-to-back quadruple-winning London Lions. 

The Riders played the Lions the toughest of all of their opponents early in the season in a spirited performance, but London’s firepower proved too much for Leicester from the offset. 

Rayven Peeples put in an impressive performance in the capital for the Riders, leading the game with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Peeples grabbed seven boards on the offensive glass to buy the Riders second chances throughout. 

She ranks third in the League in rebounds per game, putting herself among Britain’s best on the boards. 

It’s been a successful start to the season for the Riders through five games, as they’ve put themselves in the mix at the top of the table with a 4-1 record. Led by Peeples, they rank top of the offensive rebounding and blocks per game charts, their force in the interior leading to four straight wins to start the season. 

They’ll want to get straight back to winning ways against Essex to maintain the momentum built from the opening tip-off. 

Rebels looking competitive

 10-12 record left the Rebels sixth in the standings last season, facing the Riders in the first round of the playoffs. They fell in a close one, the Riders edging the tie 83-80 in an overtime thriller, with Essex coming close to an upset win. 

They’ve seen a plethora of players join the team in the offseason, most notably American guard Kat Tudor who leads the Rebels’ scoring on the season with 20.3 points per game. 

The roster changes have led them to a .500 start to the season, sitting with a 2-2 record through four games. Their losses this season have come at the hands of the undefeated London Lions and Caledonia Gladiators in a tough schedule to strat the season. 

Last time out, they played the Gladiators tough in a 69-61 road defeat. It was a five-point game with under a minute remaining, with the hosts finding enough late to get over the line, but the Rebels showed they can compete with the elite teams in the league on any given night. 

They’ll need the same level of play in this one to avoid falling below .500. 

Key matchup 

A battle between Americans in the backcourt awaits in this one, as two of the top four scorers in the Women’s British Basketball League go face to face in Essex.

For Essex, Kat Tudor has hit the ground running to lead the Rebels early in the season. The California native signed from  Australian NBL1 West side Mandura Magic, where she averaged 15.6 points per game last season, ranking second on her team. 

Tudor’s four-year college career at Oregon State University saw her put up 8.6 points and 3.0 rebounds, shooting at over 40% from three. She finished third in program history in career 3-pointers and fourth in career 3-point percentage. 

The 25-year-old’s elite three-point shooting has carried over to the South East. Tudor his hitting her triples at a 45.9% rate, the best of anyone who has taken over 20. 

Faced with the task of slowing her down is Taylor O’Brien, who has had a similarly impressive start to her first season in British Basketball. 

She leads the Riders with 19.6 points per game, putting up 20 points on three occasions through five games. 

O’Brien signed 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.

She’ll look to counteract Tudor’s shooting with her speed and athleticism in this battle in the backcourt. 

3 keys for Leicester Riders at London Lions

The Riders take on the London Lions for the third time this season on Sunday, after falling to the league leaders twice at home earlier in the year.

Leicester have been in both games late, but haven’t found enough to get over the line. They now head to the capital, looking to take a game back. Here are three areas of emphasis ahead of the clash…

Stopping the three

The only side that has been able to match London’s elite deep shooting early in the season is the Riders, with both sides locked at the top of the shooting charts with a three-point percentage of 38.8%. 

The Riders have gunned from deep against London, shooing 40% over the two games and 44% in their most recent matchup, but on the other end have failed to slow down their opponents on the perimeter. 

It was Irish stretch forward Conor Morgan who heated up last time out, making four threes and scoring 17 points in a decisive first half of action. Morgan hit five attempts in the first game, totalling 36 points across the two games between the sides. 

Not only will the Riders have to maintain their hot hand in the capital, but their defence on the outside will prove a pivotal element of this clash. 

Bench contributions

Playing against a deep Lions squad, who have had seven different players put up double-digit games in the two meetings so far, the Riders will need contributions from all the way down the roster. 

It was 11-year Riders veteran Conner Washington and newly signed Sesan Russell who put the scoring load on their shoulders last weekend, Washington earning Wok 68 Player of the Game honours with 15 points after shooting 5-8 from beyond the arc.

Kimbal Mackenzie led the second unit in the first matchup with 17, as the Riders remained late in the game on both occasions thanks to their ability to field high-level scoring throughout.

The Riders will look for contributions from every player who takes the court to match London on the road.

Play clean basketball

Over the previous two fixtures, foul trouble has prevented the Riders from throwing their full force at the Lions. 

In the most recent game especially, the Lions commenced their game-deciding second-quarter outburst with star guard Jaren Holmes on the bench. He picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and another in the second which saw him sidelined for much of the first half. 

Holmes played foul-free basketball in the second half and made an immediate impact on the game, but the damage was already done, and Leicester were never able to recover fully.

Miryne Thomas also played with fouls in mind late on, finishing up with four.

In order to have success at the Copper Box, the Riders will have to play foul-free defence and keep their stars on the hardwood. 


Want to see the Riders in action?

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Leicester Riders Foundation brings Highscross Hoops to Leicester’s Highcross Shopping Centre

The Leicester Riders Foundation and Leicester Riders are excited to announce that on Saturday, 16th December, we will be hosting a Leicester Riders takeover in Highcross Shopping Centre.

Highcross Hoops will be located in a prime location on the lower mall of Highcross Shopping Centre near Luke 1977 and Damaged Society, and will include a court for activations with our Leicester Riders Foundation team, a merchandise area and visits from our professional players throughout the day.

The event is the perfect chance for us to interact with the local community and provides us with the opportunity to promote the wide range of community sessions that we offer across the county. 

Jo Tallack, General Manager of Highcross Shopping Centre said: “We’re excited to welcome The Leicester Riders to Highcross this festive season. It’s a great opportunity to be able to support the Foundation at our busiest time of year, while also bringing our visitors a unique experience to take part in.

“Whether you’re visiting the centre to do your Christmas shopping or stopping by for a festive sweet treat, Highcross Hoops is sure to bring a smile to your face.”

The Foundation’s county-wide sessions include our New Years Community Camp at the Morningside Arena, to which we are offering places through the Leicester City Council HAF programme, which provides children in Leicester who receive benefits-related free school meals with free activities and a healthy meal during the Christmas break.

There will also be exclusive Leicester Riders merchandise offers ahead of Christmas and purchase tickets for Riders fixtures at the Morningside Arena over the festive period.

Laura Shephard, General Manager of the Leicester Riders Foundation, added: “We are thrilled to have the chance to display the incredible efforts of the Foundation at Highcross. This is an invaluable opportunity to show Leicester the work that we do in our local area through our community sessions.

“During the height of Leicester’s Christmas shopping season, we’ll bring exclusive Leicester Riders merchandise and tickets to the heart of Leicester, which will make for excellent gifts during the festive period. We are also excited to be able to provide the chance for Riders fans to meet their favorite players!

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to Highcross for providing us this priceless platform to highlight the Foundation’s initiatives across the county. We can’t wait to see you there!”

If you are in Leicester on Saturday, 16th December, make sure you come down and get involved in Highcross Hoops with the Leicester Riders and Leicester Riders Foundation!

Captain’s Log: Kimbal Mackenzie on the season so far

Leicester Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie shares his thoughts on the team’s British Basketball League season so far…

As always, thank you all for your support this season.

I can’t express enough how important it has been to have you in our corner. You have been right behind us when we needed you most, and it’s been amazing to see the entire club come together the way it has. 

As you all know, there’s been some big changes to the roster.  We all understand that there’s a lot that goes into these decisions, and it’s the organisation’s job to do what’s right for the team. Our job is to trust the people making the decisions and show up and perform on the court with the team. 

It’s a difficult part of professional basketball, but I hope the guys can learn and grow from the experience and keep moving in the right direction. They’re good people, and I wish them all the best in their careers.

And on the other side of that, we have a fresh face in the building! It’s been great to have Sesan here. He has an infectious love for the game and loves to compete. You can tell he’s disappointed when practice ends because he just loves to play. 

On the court, he’s curious about the game and how we want to play. To lead NCAA Division II in assists is an incredible feat, so we know we have another ball handler out there. He knows how to play the game the right way and play both sides of the ball.

There’s a different energy about us now. Everyone is on the same page, and we’re all locked into getting better every day and winning as many games as possible. It’s been a good couple of weeks of practice, and we all know that this is a long season with a lot of games to play.

Our defence has been improving, and we’re buying in on that end of the floor. It is a challenge at times to do that- it’s hard work to commit to defence- but we’re seeing the guys apply themselves to that side of the ball. 

Connor and Mo have been especially important in building the mentality of this group. They’re the pinnacle of professionalism, and I can say that having played with them for three years now.  

Our current group of guys come into the practice with a good focus, and that’s all you can ask for. They show up and are professionals whether they’re playing well or not. This group has shown up and put their best foot forward.

It’s exciting to see guys getting more opportunities. Victor, for example, has been getting more minutes, and it’s a great chance for some guys to step into a bigger role. I’ve been in that position in my career where the team needs you to step into a bigger role, and as a pro, you have to stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.

Now, the aim is to keep improving every day. We’ve shown all year we can put points on the board and that we have plenty of talent. For us, it’s about tightening things up so that when these games get close and physical, we can fall back on our habits and win plenty of games. 

We’re ready for the challenge, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings. 

Your captain,

Kimbal Mackenzie 

Report: Riders fall on the road to the Phoenix

The Riders fell 87-83 on the road to the Cheshire Phoenix to drop their record to 7-9. 

They looked in control of the tie going into the fourth, but the Phoenix won the final period 25-8 as the Riders took their second straight loss. 

Leicester’s TJ Lall led the game with 24 points, going 5-7 from deep and cooking in the third quarter to build a lead. But the Riders’ offence stalled in the final quarter, while Cheshire took 16 foul shots to get points on the board. 

Laquincy Rideau led the Phoenix with 22, as four of their starters put up double-digit points. Rideau accompanied his scoring with 10 rebounds and eight assists in a near-triple double performance.

After a 6-0 Phoenix start, the Riders relied on their captain Kimbal Mackenzie to steady the ship and get the team’s first six points on the board.

The Riders found joy at the basket to generate their offence as they edged a narrow lead. They had seven scorers in the first quarter, which was concluded by Lall who made it 26-19 with a reverse at the rim. 

The hosts came back into it in the second, draining their shots from distance at the hot hands of American guard Maceo Jack. The sides engaged in a back and forth, trading buckets up to the half. Sam Idowu hustled hard to bring his quarter tally to six points and a monster block on Rideau. 

There was nothing in it going into the locker rooms, the Riders edging a 45-44 lead at the half led by nine from Mackenzie. 

Lall took over to start the second half, scoring 10 points in five minutes including three triples. Miryne Thomas followed up his teammates from range to extend the visitor’s lead to eight. 

Lall made it a double digit advantage with two minutes left in the quarter with another three point bomb, brining his tally on the game to 22. Holding a 13 point lead, the Riders were in control with one to play. 

The Phoenix started the final quarter 8-2 to get themselves back into the tie. Jaren Holmes stepped up to stem the tide for Leicester, driving into the lane to string a floater, but Cheshire brought it to a three point game with four straight trips to the free throw line. 

They tied it up on the following possession with a three from EJ Stephens, and took the lead with an and-one play scored by Aaryn Rai. They went on to extend their lead, Ethan Chargois laying it in from close to make it 85-79 with 1:42 to play.

Mackenzie drained a long two to keep the Riders in with a chance of the win, but a 50/50 out of bounds call went Cheshire’s way with eight seconds left to seal the win for the hosts. 

The Riders are back in action next Sunday, taking on the London Lions in the capital.


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Championship Preview: Riders at Lions

The Women’s British Basketball League will lose one of its three undefeated records this weekend as the 4-0 Leicester Riders head to the capital to take on the 3-0 London Lions. 

Fixture information 

Leicester Riders at London Lions 

Copper Box Arena, London 

Sunday, December 2, 6 PM

Off the back of a battle

The Riders remain undefeated and top of the Women’s British Basketball League Championship table, but it took overtime for them to keep the loss column vacant against the Nottingham Wildcats. 

The Riders fell down early and struggled to get into a rhythm throughout but came back from down double digits to take control of the game late. The hosts looked like they’d done enough to win it in regulation and would have if not for a three from Mari Stewart, which tied it up. 

GB international Sam Ashby stepped up in overtime with two clutch threes, taking the win and improving the team to 4-0. 

The Riders have hung their hat on their offensive firepower thus far this season, scoring 94.3 points per game- the second most in the League. 

Taylor O’Brien leads the team’s scoring with 21.3 points per game, ranking third among all players in the League. The American guard put up 22 points against Nottingham, her second straight 20+ point performance. 

They’ll need every ounce of that offence in this one to overcome the Lions. 

The team to beat

Last season’s quadruple winners have picked up where they left off last season after they won the Women’s British Basketball League Championship with a dominant 21-1 record. 

They’re 3-0 to start the season, winning by an average of 42 points- blowing away anyone in their path. They’re the only side with a higher-scoring offence than the Riders, scoring 103.7 points per game and shooting a red-hot 52% from the field and 44.3% from three.

The Riders met the Lions in all three domestic finals last year, the Lions coming away victors on each of the occasions. The Riders came closest in the Trophy final, bringing it to a five point game midway through the fourth, but fell 11 points short by the final buzzer. 

Karlie Samuelson leads the team on the season with 22.5 points per outing. The former WNBA player, with experience playing for the LA Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm and Dallas Wings, has two Spanish National League Championships to her name, and is showcasing her elite quality on British soil. 

The Riders will have their work cut out defensively to slow down Samuelson and the Lions. 

Key matchup 

In the absence of Mckenzie Johnston through injury, British guard Jessica Eadsforth-Yates stepped up into the starting five to run the point against the Nottingham Wildcats. 

She pulled the strings effectively, logging 13 points, six assists and six rebounds in the overtime win. The performance marked three straight games where Eadsforth-Yates amassed double-digit points, making an effective contribution to the high-firing Riders offence. 

Eadsforth-Yates arrived at the Riders at the age of 16 for Charnwood college and suited up for the Loughborough Riders a year later in the WNBL D1. Following two seasons in the NCAA DII with Davis & Elkins, she returned to her home country to sign with the Newcastle Eagles as a rookie then the Riders a year later. 

She’ll go face-to-face with fellow Brit Shanice Beckford-Norton, who is putting up 11 points per game on the season so far in her fourth season in London. 

Beckford-Norton is a GB international who most recently represented her country alongside Sam Ashby in the Eurobasket qualifiers. She spent her college career at the prestigious LSU in the NCAA D1, before playing her rookie season in Germany for Heidelberg. 

In 2020, the Londoner returned home by signing with the Lions – averaging just over 14 points in her first WBBL season. 

Eadsforth-Yates is faced with the stern task of matching up with Beckford-Norton in the place of Johnston in a face-off that will go a long way in determining the outcome of the tie. 


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5 takeaways from our win against the Giants

The Riders got back to winning ways in their latest outing in the British Basketball League, besting the Manchester Giants 94-79.

Here’s what we can take away from the result…

The importance of hitting the ground running 

The Riders have found themselves battling back from early deficits throughout this season, but with three new players brought into the starting lineup, they hit the ground running in this one. 

Miryne Thomas burst out of the gate with eight points, two rebounds, and two steals, setting the tone and leading the team to a 29-11 opening quarter. 

Leicester built a platform to see the game out from, and never allowed the Giants to come within single digits the rest of the way. 

“We’ve been starting slow and playing from behind early, and we couldn’t have that tonight,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro after the game. 

“We knew they were coming into this one having played the night before, and we stuck it to them early and saw the game out really well.”

Getting ahead at the jump injected life into the Riders faithful, building an incredible atmosphere in the arena and giving energy into the team throughout. The early form was pivotal to the victory, and the team will be hoping for more quick momentum this weekend. 

Experience steadies the ship

Following the departure of three players in the previous weeks, it fell on the Riders’ veterans to take up bigger roles in this one. They stepped up in a big way, with three long-term Riders bagging double-digit points. 

Kimbal Mackenzie made his return to the starting lineup, after leading the bench unit for much of the season so far. He didn’t miss a beat, tallying 16 points and six assists, and finishing the game with a +/- of 14. 

Mo Walker, in his second straight start, saw the team over the line with his impact in the fourth quarter. The Giants brought the game back to 11 going into the final period, so making the next run was pivotal for either team’s success. 

The Riders dumped the ball down low to the big man, and he responded with six quick points to put the game to bed. 

The final piece of the puzzle was 11-year Rider Conner Washington, who put up a season-high of 14 off the bench. Washington was gunning from deep, hitting four of his seven three-point attempts and hitting timely shots throughout the game. 

The calm heads of players who have seen it all in Riders red played an important role in getting back to winning ways. 

Strength in numbers

In addition to Walker, Washington and Mackenzie, the Riders had three further double-digit scorers in a team effort up and down the roster. 

Thomas led the game with 17 points in only 19 minutes, but it was TJ Lall who earned player of the game honours with 16 points and eight rebounds in his return to the starting five. 

Lall combined with Washington to make waves in the second quarter, going for six points and three rebounds to close the half and keep the Riders in control. His impact on both ends through his 33 minutes of play, through his scoring, rebounding and defence, saw him put together a well-rounded performance in the win. 

Making it count at the line 

The Riders showed poise and composure at the foul stripe in the game, not letting a single freebie go to waste. They made all 14 of their attempts, with six different Riders making journeys to the line and making all of their shots. 

Leicester ranks among the League’s best in free throw percentage, knocking them down at  77% rate, the second-best in the British Basketball League. 

Their killer efficiency from the line was an important part of seeing the game out, preventing any life from being breathed into a Giants side that fought wire to wire. 

Battling in back-to-backs 

The Giants played the Riders off the back of a gruelling battle with the Plymouth City Patriots, where they took home a 91-90 win. 

They made the trip to Leicester the next day, and perhaps lacked the legs underneath them to keep up with the Riders’ energy early. 

It has been a theme of this British Basketball League season, with teams having to dig deep through a densely packed schedule. 

The Riders face a similar task this weekend, taking on the Cheshire Phoenix on the road two days after a clash against the London Lions, with Cheshire enjoying a week’s rest in the build-up to the game. 

They’ll have to find ways of overcoming this task when they hit the road next weekend.


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Report: Riders record big win against Giants

The Riders got back to winning ways in the British Basketball League Championship, beating the Manchester Giants 94-79. 

A 29-11 first quarter set the tone, in a game which Leicester never trailed. The hosts fended off the Giants’ runs throughout the game to remain in control wire to wire. 

Points contributions came from all over the roster, the Riders getting six double-digit scorers in the box score. Miryne Thomas led the way with 17 points and missed just one shot along the way. 

TJ Lall and Kimbal Mackenzie backed him up with 16 each, the latter tallying his points in 23 minutes. 

The Giants, on the second day of a back-to-back which has proved difficult for all in the League this season, struggled with the congested schedule in this one. Nick Lewis led the game with 22 points, but couldn’t overcome the Riders’ infectious energy throughout. 

Three straight triples settled the Riders into the game, as they bolted out to a seven-point lead. The hosts suffocated the Giants with relentless energy on both ends, holding them to a 4-12 start and bagging a quick 18 points through five minutes of action. 

Thomas led the energetic explosion with eight points, two rebounds and two steals. He proved the catalyst for the early run. The Riders led 29-11 after one, starting 5-10 from three. 

Washington started the second with the same deep shooting form, nailing a three in his first contribution to the game. He and TJ Lall took charge of the game in the quarter as the Riders maintained their lead. 

The Giants matched the Riders in the second but were unable to make significant inroads. Canadian guard Nick Lewis led the game with 12 points at the half, draining a buzzer-beating three from halfcourt, making it 52-36. 

Manchester threatened to commence a run coming out of the half, getting the first two buckets to make it a 12 point affair. Lall and Thomas hit back with a pair of threes to stifle any comeback and settle into the second half. 

Manchester found form late in the quarter, going on a 7-0 run concluded by Evan Walshe’s three to make it a closer contest with one to play. The difference was 11 points going into the fourth. 

Kimbal Mackenzie got the fourth underway with a pair of threes to snatch back momentum in the tie. Jaren Holmes and Mo Walker contributed to a 13-4 start to the final period, which was capped off by a deep three from Washington. 

The Riders saw the game out comfortably from there, capped off by Washington taking charge on Lewis for his fifth and final foul. 

The Riders are back in action on December 1, taking on London Lions at home.

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Leicester Riders Black Friday deals

It’s Black Friday, and the club have some incredible deals on offer for all of our fans!

Find out more below…

Secret boxes

Our secret boxes, available for £30, £50 and £100, are your chance to get a mystery selection of Riders gear.

Stock up on all your Riders merchandise, including Riders sliders, scarfs, replica kits and much more!

Get yours here!

Two for one tickets

Buy a ticket to our game against the London Lions on December 1 or the Caledonia Gladiators on December 16, and get a free ticket to our Trophy clash against Manchester Giants on January 10!

This offer expires on November 26.

Get your tickets here!

Rob Paternostro speaks on Riders’ departures

Following the departure of three Riders plays as part of a Riders roster restructure, Head Coach Rob Paternostro spoke to BBC Radio Leicester to explain the organisation’s decision-making process.

“We had to try and find a way to be pulling in the same direction,” said Paternostro.

“We want a group that is committed to winning together. It was an organisational decision to turn a page and head in a different direction.

“This was something that we have spoken about for a number of weeks. In my 16 seasons at the club, we’ve always had a team that is committed to winning and playing the right way. When we don’t see that, we want to correct that as quickly as possible. 

“The players had been here since August, and we did everything we could to create the best environment possible for those guys. We have a track record of players around the world that will tell you this is a great place to play basketball.

“There’s a lot of factors that go into that, and we want to continue to ensure we have a great basketball club on and off the court. But sometimes you have to make tough decisions, and those decisions weren’t made hastily. 

“We were having discussions for a while, and each one of the players knew that. There are certain criteria we have to play for the Riders, and that isn’t just about winning. I love to win, but there’s more to it than that. We want to play the right way, and we want our whole team to pull in the same direction.”

Looking ahead

“We’re excited about this group going forward, and they are a group that’s come together through this. We have a team that’s excited to play, and we have had great practices this week. These guys were the reason we were in these games. They’re model professionals, and they’re ready to go.

“We know we’re down bodies, but we’re excited about going out and fighting in front of our fans. These are the times that their support is really needed. I love our fans, and we expect great support on Saturday night. This is a group of guys that really deserve that.”

The Riders are back in action tomorrow, taking on the Manchester Giants at home.

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Championship preview: Riders vs Giants

Saturday’s British Basketball League Championship game is an important one for the Riders as they look to get back to winning ways and a .500 record.

The Morningside arena will play host to the 3-10 Manchester Giants, who are also searching for form after losing four of their last five games.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders vs Manchester Giants

Morningside Arena, Leicester

Saturday, November 25, 8:00pm

Get tickets here!

Riders look to bounce back

The weekend’s clash with the Giants will be a good test of how coach Rob Paternostro’s talented squad face adversity after falling to three close defeats in the past couple of weeks. 

In the first championship fixture between the two clubs, the Riders came away from Manchester with a 94-80 loss.

It was the second game of an attritional back-to-back weekend for Leicester, who had downed the Surrey Scorchers the previous night.

This time, the roles are reversed as Manchester will arrive in the East Midlands following a Friday night game against the Plymouth City Patriots.

Expect Paternostro to employ a fast-paced game, wearing down the visitors and reaping rewards in the second half.

Riders’ captain Kimbal Mackenzie will be crucial to this strategy, his speed of foot and thought is a large part of an offence that is putting up over 90 points a night. 

Another player who could have a sizeable impact is second-unit big man Samuel Idowu.

Aside from his brick wall defence, the 6’8” power forward is a great floor stretcher and often finds space beyond the arc for a three-pointer.

Idowu is no slouch from long range, hitting on over 35% of his three-point attempts.

The veteran may prove to be a nightmare for a tiring Giants defence that should be slowed in the fourth quarter.

Scoring Depth Needed for Giants

Coach Brian Semonian’s Giants squad have faced a tough start to the season and sit ninth in the British Basketball League Championship standings with six points.

Playoff quarter finalists last year, Manchester have seen a significant drop in offensive production in 2023, falling from over 89 points per game to just over 80. 

Star forward Jamell Anderson – who dropped 19 on the Riders in October – and ‘shoot first’ guard Nick Lewis are balling, but points from the rest of the roster have been scarce.

The Giants are seventh in points per game and eighth in true shooting percentage.

Saturday’s visitors struggle to fashion offence from sources other than Anderson and Lewis, so shutting that dynamic duo down will be a top priority.

The Riders may also expect to break three figures on offense, exploiting Manchester’s league-worst defence that is giving up 92 points per contest.

These factors, coupled with the fact of a back-to-back weekend of fixtures, means it could be a difficult night for the Giants.

Key Players

A current Rider takes on a former Rider in what is possibly the juiciest matchup of British Basketball League Championship round 11.

High-flying power forward Miryne Thomas will put his skills to the test against the reliable William Lee.

Lee, playing a second season in Manchester, has only suited up for three games this season, but showed his value with a 19-point performance in a recent win over the Bristol Flyers.

The 6’9” forward has had trouble with injuries during his spell with the Giants, but has been impressive when on the court, winning Molten Player of the Month honours twice last season.

The veteran was kept quiet in a round 10 loss to the London Lions, but Riders’ supporters will be aware of his dangerous combination of solid defence and efficient scoring. 

The athletic Thomas has had an excellent start to his career as a Rider.

A team standout this season, #3 has posted three double-doubles including a 21 and 11 showing against the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks last week.

The Cleveland native spends most of his time in the paint, using his shiftiness to find space inside before slamming home a powerful dunk.

Thomas is knocking down over 66% of his close-range shots, but supplements that with solid accuracy from the top of the arc, draining 44% of his three-pointers from that area.

A plethora of talent will take to the floor this weekend and the Riders’ faithful should see a thoroughly entertaining game.

If round 11 follows the trends of the season, expect the home offence to catch fire.

Championship Preview: Riders vs Wildcats

Leicester Riders return home to take on the Nottingham Wildcats in their fourth game of the Women’s British Basketball League season. 

They have the chance to improve to 4-0 to start the season in the first season under new Head Coach Ben Stanley. 

Fixture information 

Leicester Riders vs Nottingham Wildcats 

Morningside Arena, Leicester

Saturday, November 25, 4:30 PM

Get tickets here!

Tickets for the following Riders men’s game against Manchester Giants are also valid for the women’s game, so come down and get behind the team! 

Three on the bounce

The first three games of the season were in little doubt late on for the Riders, who have won by a margin of 32 per game. Their latest opponent was the Cardiff Met Archers, who the Riders faced on the road in South Wales. 

Leicester came away with a dominant 110-64 win against the Archers in a game that was in little doubt throughout. Their leading scorer on the season Taylor O’Brien led the way once again with a 26 point outing. 

“I owe it all to my teammates,” said O’Brien after the win. “They’ve been able to get me easy, open shots. The way we move and pass the ball makes it easy for everybody on this team to be successful.”

That was evident against the Archers, as the Riders had six players contribute double-digit points to the explosive offensive performance. Now, they look ahead to the Wildcats, hoping to continue in their rich vein of form. 

 “We’ve got to do it again. We have to come out with energy, be strong and together, and if we do that we’ll be ok.”

Coach’s thoughts 

Head Coach Ben Stanley has enjoyed an undefeated start to his tenure at the reins of the Leicester Riders. 

With three wins under the team’s belt, Stanley looks to build in the team’s performances for the rest of the season. 

“On the defensive end of the floor it was our best performance of the season,” said Stanley. “It’s been a really weird season for trying to find a rhythm with the late start and international break, so it was a great performance from the ladies.

“We’ve got a great group of young ladies, and it’s been a pleasure to coach them. We’re still building, and trying to become more consistent in the performances we’re putting out there. Consistency and discipline are the two biggest words for us at the moment.”

Wildcats looking for first win

After a 3-19 season last year left them second bottom of the Championship standings last season, this year has started much like the last for the Wildcats. 

They are 0-4 through their opening games, shooting a League-low 21.2% from three and 40.7% from the field which results in only 68.8 points per game. 

Last time out, it was the Durham Palatinates who took an 85-72 victory against the Wildcats in Nottingham. They hung in the game deep in the fourth quarter, keeping it to within single digits with four and a half minutes remaining, but the Palatinates had enough to stretch their lead late and come away with the win. 

They’re led on the season by Mari Stewart, who went off for 24 points and eight rebounds against Durham to bring her season average to 17.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per outing. 

The second-year Wildcat is their best source of offensive production early in the year, and Nottingham will lean on her to find a way past the in-form Riders. 

Key matchup 

Backing up her teammate in the clash against Durham was American Jessica Wayne, who put up 21 points and 11 rebounds on 53% shooting in the clash. 

Wayne signed with the Wildcats from Durham this offseason, having spent her first two professional seasons with the Palatinates. In 35.2 minutes per game, she put up 14.2 points and 7.9 rebounds, making her name as one of the League’s forces around the paint from the guard spot. 

The 25-year-old is a two-way threat and established as an elite perimeter defender. Last season, she earned a spot on the WBBL All-Defensive team, ranking third in the League in steals per game with 3.1.

Matching up on the other end is captain Mckenzie Johnston, who has hit the ground running in her second season in Riders red. 

The Montana native is scoring 14.7 per game, and earned a spot on the Women’s British Basketball League Team of the Week in week two after she put up 19 points and nine rebounds against Oaklands Wolves. 

In a game where a hot start was important in setting the tone against the Cardiff Met Archers last time out, she was directly involved in the team’s first 15 which saw them burst out to a big lead.

Johnston has taken a step up from an impressive first season with the Riders, where her 8.3 points, 6.3 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game helped the team to three domestic finals. 

The captain will have a vital responsibility on both ends in this one, and will look to prove the difference in her matchup with Wayne.   

Report: Riders beat Archers

The Riders improved to 3-0 to start the season, beating Cardiff Met Archers 110-64 on the road. 

It was a dominant performance throughout, as Leicester took a big lead early and never looked back. Taylor O’Brien’s explosive second half brought her scoring tally to 2 points and rebounds, leading the game. 

For the Archers, a second-quarter run marked their most competitive phase of the game, but they were ultimately outgunned by the Riders. They had four double-digit scorers in the game, led by , but shot just 32% from the field and 28% from three. 

The Riders, led by captain McKenzie Johnston’s 10 points in six minutes to start the game, stamped their authority on the tie from the jump. They started the game 7-12 to build a double-digit lead through their successes driving inside, going perfect from the hoop through the first. 

Cardiff found offensive form in the second, matching their first-quarter tally after five minutes. Laura Shanahan led the charge with 11 points to bring the hosts back into contention. 

Jessica Eadsforth-Yates hit back to snatch momentum with seven quick points. Her four-point play at the top of the arc was followed up by a corner three to rebuild the Riders’ lead in an instant. 

Leicester flexed their strength in depth with five players contributing seven points to the game by halftime, led by Johnston’s 12. Rayven Peeples made the most of her size advantage down low to close the second quarter with six points, the Riders leading 51-33 going into the locker rooms. 

Peeples finsihed with 19 points, shooting a dominant 9-11 from the field. 

The third, which has been the Riders’ quarter through the first two games of the season, saw the Riders extend their advantage. They continued their relentless attack at the rim, scoring 11 points from inside or the free-throw line with half a quarter gone. 

They entered the fourth up 31, led by O’Brien and Peeples with 15 each. 

O’Brien took the team to the finish line with 11 in the first four minutes of the final quarter to the game beyond doubt. The Riders played hard to the final buzzer, seeing it out professionally. 

The Riders return to action next Saturday, hosting Nottingham Wildcats on November 25. 

Get your tickets here!

Preview: Riders at Archers

Leicester plays their third game of the season and their second straight on the road, as they head to South Wales to take on the Cardiff Met Archers. 

Fixture information

Leicester Riders at Cardiff Met Archers

Archers Arena, Cyncoed Campus

Saturday, November 18, 3:15 pm

Riders rolling to start the year

The Riders resume their season after a two-week international break, following a perfect start to their Women’s British Basketball League season. 

They’re 2-0 through their opening games after wins against the Manchester Giants on opening night and an away victory against the Oaklands Wolves. 

Both wins came in a similar fashion, with Head Coach Ben Stanley’s halftime adjustments leading to third-quarter explosions, seeing Leicester blow out their first two opponents by over 20 points.  

Led by Rayven Peeples’ 6.5 offensive rebounds per game, the Riders’ presence on the glass opens up multiple second opportunities for the team, who are knocking down shots at a 45.5% rate.

Taylor O’Brien tops the scoring charts through two games with 18.5 a game, good for top five in the League. Should the Riders continue their scoring form following the break, they’ll be in good stead to improve to 3-0. 

Cardiff searching for opening win

Cardiff endured an up-and-down season last year, finishing with a 9-13 record to end the season seventh in the standings. 

The team’s leading scorer, Shannon Hatch, departed in the summer, opening the door for a new face to lead the club forward. 

Early on, it’s been American rookie Haylee Saurette leading the way with 15.5 points per game. 

In 2022-23, Saurette led Point Loma in scoring and rebounding, marking the third-straight season she averaged double-digit scoring and over seven rebounds per game during her collegiate career. 

Despite her efforts, the Archers started out 0-2 after facing the same two opponents as the Riders to begin the season. Managing only 55.5, they’ll have to find ways of upping their production to keep up with Leicester’s high-powered offence in this one. 

Key matchup

Off the back of her first international appearances for Great Britain, Sam Ashby returns to the squad in good form. 

Ashby impressed on her first outing and was entrusted with 20 minutes against Estonia on the road in the second of the two games. She went perfect from the field, hitting a three and making all four of her free throw attempts to put up eight points, eight rebounds and a steal on the game. 

For the Riders, she’s putting up 14 points from 21 minutes per outing, shooting 52.4% from the field and 42.9% from three. Last time out against the Wolves, the Australian-born guard went off for 18 points and six rebounds, making an impact on the glass. 

Facing up against Ashby in the backcourt will be Former Hawai‘i Hilo star guard Mandi Kawaha. Kawaha became the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo all-time leading scorer and assists leader, and also holds the single-game scoring record with 36 points. 

Last time out against the Manchester Giants, she scored 17 points to lead her team in her second outing for the club. She shot 40% from three in her final college season, so Ashby and the rest of the team will need to pay close attention to the Hawaiian native in this one. 


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Championship Preview: Riders at Sharks

The Riders will take the short journey up the M1 this Friday as they visit the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks for the first time since defeating them in the first round of playoffs last season.

Victory in this Round 10 matchup will see Rob Paternostro’s squad return to a record above .500 and leapfrog their opponents in the British Basketball League championship standings.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders @ B. Braun Sheffield Sharks

Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield

Friday, November 17, 7:30pm

Returning to Winning Ways

The Riders will be hoping to get back in the winner’s column this Friday after a tough Round Nine of championship action brought with it two narrow defeats.

Losses to the London Lions and Cheshire Phoenix by near-identical margins (102-95 and 102-96) dropped Leicester to 6-6 and sixth spot in the table, but winning back-to-back games against two of the best offenses in the UK was always going to be a tall order.

The Riders played some of their best basketball this season in defeat, especially when in possession of the ball, so many positives can be taken from them.

Determined shooting guard Caleb Asberry shone in both games, dialling up 16 points and nine boards versus the Lions before hitting five shots from deep in a 23-point performance in Cheshire. 

The former Oklahoma State Cowboy also showed quick hands on defence, snatching five steals across the weekend and constantly affecting the play of the opponents’ big men.

Sheffield will present a different challenge for the Riders this week.

The Sharks are averaging 13 PPG less than Paternostro’s squad so far this season and, despite holding a better record than the Riders, have only scored more than 90 points on two occasions.

Leicester currently averages 91.5 PPG and appears to have the advantage when scoring the basketball.

However, the Sharks also play some of the best defensive basketball in the BBL, conceding the lowest number of points per game in the league at 74.4.

Look for Sheffield to try and frustrate the Riders through on-ball tenacity and the forcing of tough shots.

The Riders will need to call on all their offensive weapons to crack open Sheffield’s defence. Expect big games from starters Miryne Thomas, Jaren Holmes and Xavier Pinson.

Defence is the Key

Atiba Lyons’ Sheffield squad have started the season strongly, earning fifth place in the championship standings with a 7-6 record.

On the back of a stingy defence, the Sharks have claimed impressive wins over the Cheshire Phoenix, Caledonia Gladiators and Surrey Scorchers and have only lost once at home – to the league-leading London Lions.

Sheffield combines their excellent perimeter defence with good ball retention and efficient scoring from three-point range.

The Sharks take less deep shots than many teams in the British Basketball League, but hit at a 38.3% clip, third best in the league.

Contributing heavily to the high percentage shooting is wing player Jordan Ratinho and second-unit guard, RJ Eytle-Rock.

The sharpshooters may not be Sheffield’s most prolific scorers but look for them to capitalise on any space the Riders leave at the perimeter.

The Sharks’ most athletic weapon is undoubtedly high-flying guard, Jalon Pipkins.

The third-year professional has speed in the lane, hops near the rim and an ability to perform the spectacular. #5 has upped his offensive output this season, so expect plenty of highlight-reel plays on Friday night.

Key Matchup

Round 10’s key matchup will see youthful exuberance against solid experience as Xavier Pinson faces up to the test of Devearl Ramsey.

Ramsey, a 6’0” guard who spent a season playing NBA G-League ball with the Stockton Kings, is the floor general for the Sharks and their premier playmaker.

Dishing five assists per game, the 26-year-old is adept at finding the right shooter while also avoiding risk of turnovers.

Reliable, mistake-free basketball is Ramsey’s game, and with a points per game average of 11.5, he also contributes to the scoreboard. 

Aiming to best Ramsey will be Riders’ young point guard Pinson.

All season, fans have witnessed Pinson showcase his ball-handling skills and penchant for the flashy play.

A former University of Missouri and LSU player, Pinson has excellent basketball pedigree and his numbers back up his attacking flair. 

11.5 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game and a three-point percentage of 45% display Pinson’s versatile game – all while sharing minutes with Riders’ captain, Kimbal Mackenzie.

The Chicagoan plays a riskier brand of basketball than his seasoned opponent, but the result is a stronger offensive profile.

This game is a tale of the unstoppable force versus the immovable object.

The battle between Pinson and Ramsey could well play out in the same way.


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International Watch: Sam Ashby impresses in first international outings

Sam Ashby was on international duty this week, suiting up for Great Britain for their EuroBasket qualification campaign. 

Ashby made her international debut against Sweden, logging eight minutes of action and making an immediate impact on the game with an and-one play through traffic.

GB fell in agonising fashion against Sweden, losing 64-62 after the game came down to the wire. 

Ashby impressed on her first outing and was entrusted with 20 minutes against Estonia on the road. She went perfect from the field, hitting a three and making all four of her free throw attempts to put up eight points, eight rebounds and a steal on the game. 

She now returns home, ready to suit up in Riders red as Leicester take on Cardiff Met Archers on the road on Saturday. 


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Report: Riders fall to Phoenix

The Riders fell on the road 102-96 against the Cheshire Phoenix. 

It was a tie game entering the final quarter, little separating the sides throughout the contest. Cheshire went up 11 with 2:30 to go, but the Riders found a spirited comeback to cut it to a possession with 30 seconds on the clock. 

They went on an 8-0 run led by Samuel Idowu’s three and putback slam to give themselves a chance, and Cheshire’s Laquincy Rideau missed both at the line with the difference only three points. 

But the officials pointed Cheshire’s way on a 50/50 out of bounds call, allowing the hosts to see it out. 

Caleb Asberry continued his hot form after his 16 point performance against the London Lions on Friday night, leading the Riders with a season-high 23 points going 8-12 from the field. 

Iwodu also impressed off the bench throughout with 18 points and seven rebounds, finishing the game with a +/- of 15. 

For Cheshire, American forward Ethan Chargois led the game with 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists. They took a late advantage with hot shooting to start the fourth, benefitting from a week’s extra rest late. 

Asberry picked up where he left off after his Player of the Game performance against London, scoring the Riders first eight points. But the Phoenix exploded to a hot start, gunning from behind the arc to make their first five three point attempts, going up 10 early. 

The Riders’ second unit checked into the game midway through the first to breath some life into the Riders’ offence. Mo Walker immediately got to work with two quick baskets, before Sam Idowu drove to the rim for an and-one play- Leicester’s frontcourt doing the business inside. 

The bench got the Riders back into the game despite a red hot Chesire offensive start led by 10 points from American forward Ethan Chargois. Walker came up with a block on Rideau with seconds left in the period, setting up an Asberry buzzer beating layup to cut the deficit to four.

Leicester took the game by the reins in the second, starting with two triples from TJ Lall and Kimbal Mackenzie which took their first lead of the game. It was the Riders’ turn to punish their opponents from deep, making four in five minutes. 

The Phoenix hung around in the game, the Riders keeping ahead in the ball game by finding success attacking inside. Mackenzie’s drive to the hoop concluded the half’s action with Leicester leading 55-49. 

Cheshire started the second half the nighter of the sides, running in transition to generate their offesnce in the open floor and snatch back the lead. The Riders fired back in response to reclaim their advantage at the hands of Lall, who scored four quick points inside. 

Lall kickstarted a 7-0 Riders run to give the Riders a five point lead, but a stong end to the quarter from Cheshire’s Aaryn Rai tied it up at 72 with one to play. 

The Phoenix started the fourth hot, attacking the rim to start the quarter 9-1. The Riders battled back, finding their way to the free throw line by driving to the hole to keep it to a six point defecit as the clock ticked down to five remaining in the game. 

But Cheshire closed out strong, hitting big shots down the stretch led by Chargois’ seven point final quarter to secure a win. Asberry and Idowu came up with late threes to bring it back to six, before Idowu threw down a huge putback jam to give Leicester a late chance. 

Mackenzie followed up a missed free throw with a bucket to cut it to a possession, and Rideau missed both after the subsequent foul, but the referee’s gave the out of bounds call Cheshire’s way, allowing them to seal it at the line. 

The loss sent the Riders home empty handed in a closely fought game for the second time in the weekend. They return to action next week on the road against the Sheffield Sharks. 

Championship Preview: Riders at Phoenix

Sunday evening sees the Riders travelling northwest to take on the 7-4 Cheshire Phoenix in the British Basketball League Championship.

It will be the second game of the weekend for Rob Paternostro’s squad after they fell 102-95 to the league-leading London Lions in an epic clash on Friday night.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders @ Cheshire Phoenix

Ellesmere Port Sports Village, Cheshire Oaks

Sunday, November 12, 6:00pm

Close to Victory

The Riders may have been defeated by the Lions on Friday night, but there was plenty of evidence that this squad can beat anyone on their day.

The home side bettered their opponents in several categories, including three-point percentage, points in the paint and rebounds. Victory looked possible, especially during a sustained period in the third quarter which saw the Riders holding onto a narrow lead.

However, what makes the Lions special is the ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over. They very rarely waste a possession, and even as the Riders’ defence forced several missed shots, London’s knack of getting to the foul line told in the final score.

The visitors – who claimed their thirteenth win in fourteen British Basketball League Championship games on Friday – hit 26 points from the free throw line at a clip of 86%, nine more than the Riders who knocked down 16 at an uncharacteristically low 72%.

A major positive for the Riders was the play of shooting guard Caleb Asberry.

The 6’3” Texan balled out on both ends of the court, tormenting the opposition big men with fast hands-on defence, knocking down 16 points on offence and leading the Riders with nine rebounds for good measure.

As Friday’s game went on, the energy of the Morningside Arena grew, and Asberry’s tenacity grew with it.

The in-form Jaren Holmes also had a nice showing, flashing his skills as a playmaker to dish eight assists to go with 18 points for a near double-double.

Leicester scored 95 points on a defence that gives up only 79.5 points per game, but it wasn’t quite enough.

Cheshire is another team that can score the ball, averaging an impressive 88.5 points per game, so the Riders may find themselves needing another total within touching distance of three figures to take victory on the road.

The Surprise Package of the Season

Judging on whispers throughout the pre-season, few around the BBL were predicting the Phoenix to have a hot 7-4 start.

Ben Thomas’ team sit third in the standings on 14 points, playing consistent basketball predicated on a solid defence and dominance on the boards.

The Phoenix are currently pulling down 40.9 rebounds per game and sit second in total rebounds percentage with 54.3% – just behind the 8-4 Bristol Flyers.

That hustle to get to missed shots allows Cheshire to be the most prolific team in the league when on the fast break, hitting 17.9 fast break points each night. The Riders have been susceptible to giving up fast break points this season, so this is sure to be an area of focus for Coach Paternostro.

Top scorer for the Phoenix is guard Maceo Jack, the second-year American having an excellent sophomore season, dropping 18.7 points per night to become one of the most prolific scorers in the league.

Jack is ably supported by big men Aaryn Rai and Skylar White who put up double-digits in points on most outings.

Rai, who has only played in six of the Nix’s 11 games this season, is a 6’6” forward with an eye for a pass. Should he play on Sunday, expect him to be a large part of Cheshire’s offense. 

Key Matchup

Sunday’s key matchup is between two players who bring high-quality minutes from the bench – Cam Christon and Riders’ captain, Kimbal Mackenzie.

Christon, a rookie who joined the BBL this season from the Grambling State Tigers, stands at 6’6” and uses his combination of speed and length to slice inside and finish effectively in the paint.

The Texan has scored close to 20 points on several occasions this season despite second-unit minutes, even dropping 21 points in 23 minutes on the Patriots in an October win.

Riders’ fans may be somewhat familiar with Christon’s ability to score in bunches as he knocked down 16 in just ten minutes on opening day.

A player Riders’ supporters will certainly be familiar with is energetic point guard, Mackenzie. The Leicester veteran is often brought off the bench to galvanise the team when the opposition is on a run or to hit clutch shots in the waning moments of a game.

#1’s presence was felt yet again on Friday night, as he bolted around the court and involved himself in everything positive the Riders produced.

Mackenzie finished the night with 17 points, five assists and managed to draw four trips to the charity stripe.

It is going to be interesting to see when and how both coaches decide to use their second-unit weapons. The player who brings the best from the bench could prove to be the one that wins this game for their team.


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Five things we learned from facing the Lions

Last night, the Riders went toe to toe with the table-topping London Lions, falling just short in a 102-94 loss.

Here’s what we can learn from the fixture.

Hanging with the best

From wire to wire, this Riders roster showed it could compete with the best the British Basketball League has to offer. It was a one-score game at the end of the second and third quarters before the Lions found late form in the fourth. 

It was just a four-point game late after Miryne Thomas’ layup in close, the Riders hanging around until the final buzzer. 

After their blowout of the Eagles last time out, and pushing London all the way, Leicester are growing into the season and establishing themselves as a contender for the top end of the table game by game. 

Caleb’s tenacity 

Last night’s Wok 68 Player of the Game was Caleb Asberry, who covered every inch of the floor in an energetic display. 

Asbery’s infectious energy spread through the entire Arena, snatching the ball of the Lions three times, including a timely steal on Donte Grantham to end the half, which led to two important points. 

He finished with a stat line of 16 points, 9 rebounds, three steals and three blocks, all worth an index rating of 30. He made his mark all over the stat sheet and kept the Riders in the tie through heart and hustle. 

Offence clicked into gear

The Riders’ offence has been a strength all season, but in this one it showed it can contest with the League’s most productive and high-firing unit. 

Four of the Riders starters scored in double-digit points, Xavier Pinson missing out by only one, and Kimbal Mackenzie made an incredible impact off the bench with 17. 

Competing with a Lions side that had three 20-point scorers on the game, the Riders have consistently found multiple plates who can put the ball in the basket up and down the roster. 

Led by Jaren Holmes’ 18 points, topping the Riders’ scoring charts once again, the Riders shot 47% from the field and 35% from three, their killer efficiency allowing them to go blow for blow with the Lions.

After their 111-point scoring night against the Eagles, the Riders have proven their ability to blow anybody out of the water on any given night. 

Recipe for rebounding  

After having difficulty on the defensive glass throughout the season, the Riders had no such issues last night. 

They kept the Lions off the offensive boards completely for three and a half quarters to secure every defensive possession and won the offensive rebounding battle 9-5 by the finish. 

It was a group rebounding effort, with five Riders finishing the game with four or more, and all but one player contributing to the rebounding tally. 

It’s a momentous step in the right direction should the Riders find the same success against the Cheshire Phoenix. 

The sixth man

The Riders fed off the Morningside crowd all evening long, allowing them to battle back from deficits and keep it a game throughout. 

Your energy spurred the team on and came agonisingly close to getting us over the line for a hard-fought win. 

Thank you for your incredible support, and we need you back behind the team on November 25 as we take on the Manchester Giants!

Get your tickets here!

Report: Riders fall just short to Lions

Friday night saw the Riders fall 102-94 to the league-leading London Lions after a captivating game in the British Basketball League Championship.

Coach Rob Paternostro’s squad fought to the last buzzer and led mid-way through the second half, but clinical offense from Petar Božić’s side gave them their 13th win in 14 games.

The best player on the court for the Riders was tenacious shooting guard Caleb Asberry, who dropped 15 points, pulled down nine rebounds and snagged three steals in a complete display.

BBL ‘Team of the Week’ member Jaren Holmes top scored for the home side, dropping 18 points, including three of four from deep range. The wing forward also showed his ability to hit the open man, dishing eight assists on the night.

London’s roster quality showed in a big way, three players scoring over 20 points, Dante Grantham the pick of the bunch with a 22-point/11-rebound double-double.

The game started at a frenetic pace as both teams looked to use speed and ball movement to create easy buckets.

After a breathless first three minutes, the score sat at 12-9 in favour of London – the Lions looking in fine form but being matched by the Riders.

Miryne Thomas once again opened the Riders’ account, hitting two shots from the free throw line, followed by an emphatic two-handed dunk by Braelen Bridges who found space with a nice perimeter move.

A beautiful cut to the basket from Holmes was rewarded with a layup and Xavier Pinson brought the home faithful to its feet by hitting a nasty crossover on the experienced Jordan Taylor, before draining a three.

It didn’t take long before the Lions – who became the first British outfit to defeat Spanish opposition on Wednesday – showed their quality, Matt Morgan leading all scorers with 10 first quarter points.

Leicester’s depth was also showing its value, led by a fired-up captain in Kimbal Mackenzie, who hit a pair of ‘and one’ plays to peg the visitors back from an eight-point lead.

A corner three from veteran Connor Washington brought the Riders within three, and a premium quality quarter ended with the Lions holding a 29-26 lead.

If the first ten minutes started with a bang, the second quarter was the opposite.

Both teams found hitting buckets tough, and the vaunted Lions’ offense was struggling to get through the Riders’ ‘three-two’ zone defence.

Mackenzie continued to bring energy from the bench, feeding Bridges on consecutive plays for two quick buckets, and after a deep three from Holmes, Riders were within reach of a first lead of the game.

Once more, London showed their class and built another useful gap after a pair of threes from Connor Morgan, but like a marching band, the Riders kept moving forwards and bringing the noise.

The loudest moment of the night came with the first half buzzer ready to sound, as Asberry pilfered the ball and slammed it home to record his tenth point and bring the Riders within three.

An entertaining first 20 concluded with London leading 51-48 and all to play for.

The second half commenced with the home crowd in full voice, and the back-and-forth basketball didn’t disappoint.

London were showing a metronomic ability to get to the foul line and hit at a clip of over 90%, but the intensity from the Riders was rattling the league leaders.

Bridges was showing his skills inside, hitting on a couple of smooth post moves, but the defence of Asberry was ‘stealing’ the show.

The Texan was all over the court, picking pockets, smashing home dunks and showing hustle on the offensive glass – his excellent play helping the Riders to a narrow third quarter lead.

Not to be outdone, the Riders’ bench also flashed, Samuel Idowu demonstrating soft hands to feed a cutting Thomas, and when Mackenzie dropped yet another ‘and one’ coupled with a deep three, the Morningside was rocking.

As good as the Riders were playing, the Lions matched them, ending the quarter with an easy layup from a missed free throw to lead 74-72.

The final ten minutes brought with it a tense atmosphere, but consecutive shots from downtown by Holmes and Mackenzie saw the home fans on their feet once more.

The Lions’ offense would not be denied however, as they hit three shots in a row to take a five-point lead. 

Gabe Olaseni and Grantham were providing most of the visitors’ threat, showing strength and accuracy inside to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Coach Paternostro’s young squad showed commendable endeavour and fight during the final five minutes, but big plays from Holmes and Thomas weren’t enough to reel last season’s champions in.

The final buzzer sounded, and the Lions returned to the capital after possibly the toughest game of their campaign so far.

Championship Preview: Riders vs Lions

This Friday is an important one for the Riders as round nine of the British Basketball League Championship brings the visit of the table-topping London Lions to the Morningside Arena.

It will be the first time Rob Paternostro’s team will face the reigning champions this season, having narrowly lost to them in the Playoff Final last May.

Both squads will also need to manage their minutes wisely, with the Riders due to play Cheshire on November 12 and the Lions competing in midweek EuroCup games.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders vs London Lions

Morningside Arena, Leicester

Friday, November 10, 7:45pm

Get tickets here!

Maintaining Form in the Morningside

Since the opening-day loss to the Cheshire Phoenix, the Riders have turned the Morningside Arena into a fortress, winning four consecutive home games by a margin of 14.8 points.

Victories against Plymouth, Newcastle and a double over Surrey have proved vital in keeping the Riders above .500, but their fiercest test of the young season is likely to come this Friday.

One thing the Riders need to maintain is a prolific offence at home.

Leicester are hitting an average of 94 points in front of their home supporters and last Saturday’s 111-point demolition of the Eagles shows a continuous upward trend in scoring production.

Jaren Holmes, Miryne Thomas and Xavier Pinson regularly drop double-digits in the scoring column, ably supported by captain Kimbal Mackenzie and cultured big man Samuel Idowu off the bench.

They must be at the top of their game against the Lions, who are giving up just 79.2 points per game on the road so far and are one of the best defensive teams in the league.

Depth scoring, which proved so successful against the Eagles, could once again be the key to success for the Riders.

Leicester’s bench dropped an immense 51 points on Newcastle, and players like Mackenzie and high-flying wing Blake Bowman finished with a plus/minus of 17, illustrating the positivity a strong second unit can bring.

The Lions also have a squad that runs deep with quality, so expect this contest to be a battle of attrition – especially with both teams looking to important games in the next few days.

A ‘Near Perfect’ Start

In the first 13 games of their title defence, the Lions have looked nothing short of dominant.

Remaining unbeaten until a loss in Plymouth on November 5, where six Lions first team players were inactive, Petar Božić’s team have sat first in the British Basketball League Championship table since round one.

Sunday’s 94-70 defeat to the Patriots came after the Lions heavily rotated the squad as they attempt to manage the rigours of competing in two competitions simultaneously.

Top contributors Tariq Phillip, Luke Nelson and Conor Morgan were rested, and League leading scorer Matt Morgan was limited to just 16 minutes on court.

However, the blowout proves that if teams force tough perimeter shots – London shot just 19% from three-point range – and work hard on the offensive glass for second chance points, the Lions can be outmatched.

Friday’s trip to Leicester bisects two road games in Europe (last night against Joventut Badalona and next week at Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul) so the Lions’ strength in depth will be tested to its limits.

The Riders will still need to front up on the defensive side of the ball though, as their opponents bring an offense that leads the League in every major shooting category.

A 99.9 PPG average, a field goal percentage of over 50 and a 39.1% three-point clip demonstrate the potency of the Londoners’ attack.

The visitors can score from anywhere, matching the Riders at just over 38 points in the paint per game and sitting atop the league in buckets from beyond the arc with 144.

In what is sure to delight both sets of supporters, this contest could turn into a shootout.

Key Matchup

Friday’s key matchup is between two American guards who can do it all: Jaren Holmes and Matt Morgan.

A free-scoring point guard who is proving deadly from beyond the arc this season, Morgan is crucial to the Lions’ success.

In his first British Basketball League season since joining from Le Mans (French Betclic Elite league), the North Carolina native leads the league in scoring and three-point percentage, hitting 20.3 PPG and 47% of his deep shots.

The 26-year-old comes with high-level pedigree, having spent two seasons in the NBA G-League for the Toronto Raptors before moving to Europe where he shone during spells in Turkey and France.

Morgan is a matchup nightmare for opposing defences. If there is one player on the Lions that can never be left open, it’s #33.

Riders’ ‘Team of the Week’ member Holmes may lack the experience of his opponent, he makes up for it with sheer intensity and will to score.

Standing at 6’4” and powerfully built, Holmes is formidable when he finds a lane, and his ability to fight through contact to finish inside is largely why he sits atop the Riders’ scoring charts with 14.4 PPG.

Evidence from last Saturday’s 28-point performance against the Eagles shows that #13 can also score with finesse as he dropped three-pointers and delicate floaters inside with barely a miss.

The former Iowa State athlete is getting better every time he enters the court, and despite not directly facing Morgan on Friday, the points battle between the two could prove crucial.

Played for both- Josh Ward Hibbert 

Josh Ward-Hibbert, playing in his eighth British Basketball League season, has played seven of those years with the Riders and Lions. 

He first joined Leicester in 2016, kicking off his Riders career with back-to-back trebles in 2017 and 2018. He collected seven pieces of silverware during his four seasons in the East Midlands, improving season on season. 

His final year saw Ward-Hibbert average 11.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, shooting 51.6% from the field and 41.2 % from three. The season, cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proved to be his final in Riders red. 

He moved to the Lions the following season, remaining in the capital for three years. Last year he helped London to a treble of their own, contributing 4.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. 

This season, Ward-Hibbert took his talents to the North East to suit up with the Newcastle Eagles. Early in the year, he’s scoring 4.6 points per game, shooting 35.1% from the field.

Leicester Riders and Audacious Church Collaborate to Bring Basketball to Cyabatanzi, Rwanda

Leicester Riders are proud to have contributed to the creation of a basketball club in Cyabatanzi, Rwanda. 

This initiative was made possible through the club’s collaboration with Audacious Church in Manchester, as part of the church’s broader mission to provide healthcare, education and other amenities to the village, which is situated approximately 100 kilometers to the east of Rwanda’s capital, Kibaji.

The church raised funds and actively participated in the construction of a basketball court within the local school in Cyabatanzi.

In conjunction with these efforts, the Riders provided essential basketball equipment, including t-shirts, jerseys, kit bags and basketballs, to facilitate the youth’s involvement in the sport.

This was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Leicester Riders Foundation, who generously donated the equipment.

The Riders’ affiliation with the church traces back to former Rider Patrick Whelan’s mother, Catherine. Along with 16 volunteers, Catherine visited Cyabatanzi to kick-start the project, which began in May 2022. 

The culmination of their efforts materialised in September, marked by the completion of the basketball court and the establishment of a basketball club for the village’s youth.

Catherine Whelan expressed her excitement about collaborating with the club, saying, “We were very excited to work with the Riders. With them, we can help to change the lives of the children in Cyabatanzi. 

“They were over the moon. As soon as the court went up, they were so excited to be wearing real basketball gear. They were so grateful to have a focus. 

“Who knows what can happen with those kids now? It can change their lives. It goes beyond explanation what having a court can do for them.”

Leicester Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston added: “We’re delighted to be able to contribute towards this terrific project and support the progression of basketball in Rwanda. 

“The support that Audacious Church continues to provide Cyabatanzi is impactful to so many, and we were honoured to assist in the mission.

“Thank you to Catherine for helping to make this happen, and for all the work she and the rest of the team put into making this incredible project happen.”

Catherine, who was recognised as one of Africa’s Top 10 basketball players over the last half-century by FIBA, emphasised the immeasurable value of providing access to sports in the lives of young people. 

She shared her own experience, saying, “I began playing basketball only because I had a court across from my house. That’s all I did before and after school. I feel incredibly strongly that something is going to come from that place. We’ve invested in the court, so now they can grow up with the sport like I did.”

Audacious Church’s involvement in Cyabatanzi extends into the future, as they plan to support Rwanda’s English in Action Programme during the upcoming summer. This program focuses on enhancing the quality of English teaching in the formal education system through a variety of strategic interventions.

For those interested in contributing to the church’s mission in Cyabatanzi, you can donate below.


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EverythingBranded to “Takeover” London Lions fixture

EverythingBranded are hosting a takeover of the Morningside Arena on 10th November for the Riders fixture against the London Lions.

EverythingBranded will be hosting the fan zone in Mattioli Courts with activities, freebies and games running for two hours before the game.

Leicester Riders’ thriving relationship with merchandise partner EverythingBranded dates back to the beginning of the 2022/23 season.

The partnership has brought the Leicester Riders John Lewis pop-up store in the Highcross shopping centre, the reinvention of Riders’ between-quarter entertainment “chuck-a-duck”, and exclusive Leicester Riders merchandise. 

EverythingBranded’s takeover at Leicester Riders represents a new pinnacle for this partnership.

Lauren Lawless, Marketing Manager at EverythingBranded, commented:

“We are thrilled to be a sponsor of Leicester Riders for the second season. We are excited to be working with the team at the arena to launch our first proper takeover on 10th November. 

“As ever, the fans are our priority for this event, with freebies, giveaways, lots of fun interactive elements and, of course, basketball! It is bound to be a brilliant evening for the whole family as the Riders take on the Lions and a great way to celebrate our partnership with the team.”

Russell Levenston, Managing Director of Leicester Riders, added: 

“EverythingBranded is a great partner of the Riders, and we’ve enjoyed working with them over the past season. We’re working really closely with them to provide even better merchandise offers for our fans, and we are all incredibly excited about the takeover game against the London Lions. We appreciate their continued support of the club!”

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Jaren Holmes named to Team of the Week

Jaren Holmes has been named to the British Basketball Team of the week.

This comes following the Michigan guard’s 28 points, five rebounds and four assists in the Riders’ 111-88 win against the Newcastle Eagles on Saturday.

Holmes’ has hit the ground running in his first professional season, leading the team with 14.4 points per game. His 28 points against the Eagles marks his highest tally of the season, after putting up 18 points on two occasions earlier in the season.

“I’m very thankful to be a Rider, and it was a great team victory,” said Holmes after Saturday’s win. “I couldn’t have scored that many points without the team. We were moving the ball really well.

“Everything we work on in practice is coming on the court. The guards did a great job of driving and kicking, and I was ready to knock down the shots. I’m thankful my teammates trust me to make shots. I put myself in a position to make plays, and I was able to make them today.”

Head Coach Rob Paternostro spoke highly about his rookie guard: “He’s a big-time player. He’s the first in every day and the last one out. He’s a great competitor, and he had some great looks from all over today.

“What I liked is the variation in his play. It was the three-ball and the floaters in close that saw him get points on the board. It was a really versatile game from him today.”


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Riders react to win against the Eagles

The Riders improved to 6-4 after a 111-88 win against the Newcastle Eagles. Here’s how the Riders reacted to the blowout win…

Jaren Holmes

Rookie guard Jaren Holmes led the game with his best performance of the season, putting up 28 points, five rebounds and four assists. 

He explained his feelings after the game. 

“It feels amazing. I’m very thankful to be a Rider, and it was a great team victory. I couldn’t have scored that many points without the team. We were moving the ball really well tonight.

“Everything we work on in practice is coming on the court. The guards did a great job of driving and kicking, and I was ready to knock down the shots. I’m thankful my teammates trust me to make shots. I put myself in a position to make plays, and I was able to make them today.”

The game was in the balance at the half, before a monster third quarter saw the Riders blow the game wide open. The message at halftime was to trust in the team’s ability.

“We were told to stay the course and trust our brand of basketball. We didn’t get into all the extra stuff and just played basketball. I know a lot has been made of our rivalry with Newcastle, but that’s not how we try and play basketball, and I’m thankful we showed that.

“Coach Rob put us in a position to be successful today, and we followed the gameplan to a tee.”

Rob Paternostro 

Following the Riders’ impressive victory, Head Coach Rob Paternostro was proud of the way the team responded from falling down double digits in the opening quarter. 

“After the first quarter, we played a solid game. The points off of turnovers were the problem early, so once we got control of that and we were able to get our defence set up, we improved as the game went on.”

The Riders’ bench outscored the Eagles 51-15, their depth proving the difference in the tie. 

“Our depth was important again today. We’re playing 10 players throughout the game, which allows our defensive pressure to pick up as the game goes on. Tonight, we wore them down by the end, and that’s one of our biggest strengths.”

Reacting to Holmes’ career night, Paternostro praised the work ethic of the Iowa State graduate. 

“He’s a big-time player. He’s the first in every day and the last one out. He’s a great competitor, and he had some great looks from all over today.

“What I liked is the variation in his play. It was the three-ball and the floaters in close that saw him get points on the board. It was a really versatile game from him today.”

Next up for the Riders is the undefeated London Lions. Paternotro stated the importance of preparation going into that game for the Leicester roster brimming with potential. 

“We’re going to have a good week of practice and try and figure them out. No one has yet! They’re a great team that I’ve enjoyed watching this year, so we have a lot of work to do.

“One of the messages this week when we were watching film, was that there’s a long way up for this team. I feel good about that, and it’s exciting for the staff for the rest of the season.”

Blake Bowman

After putting up eight points and four rebounds in 17 minutes of action, athletic wing Blake Bowman reacted to the win. 

“It feels great. We had a lot of energy from the crowd, and I’m super happy with the win.”

“It came from everyone today. To get 111 points, you need contributions from everywhere. Jaren played really well: 28 points is a great performance from him.”

Bowman led the team with 15 points in the Riders’ previous game, the Derby native finding form early in the season. He credits his play to the extended minutes he is beginning to find in the rotation. 

“It’s great getting more opportunities. Getting more touches has made me feel more comfortable, and I’m trying to contribute the best I can.”

Like his coach, Bowman realises the importance of the upcoming week ahead of facing the Lions. 

“It’s super important. They’re the team to beat right now, and we’re going to be locked in. We’ve got to come ready, and I’m sure we’ll do exactly that.”


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Championship Preview: Riders vs Eagles

The Riders will begin November’s slate of games this Saturday, welcoming the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles to the Morningside Arena for the first time this season.

Despite the young season, the two squads have already built a competitive rivalry, taking one game apiece in October after 80 minutes of back-and-forth play.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders vs Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles

Morningside Arena, Leicester

Saturday, November 4, 7:30pm

Get tickets here!

Happy to be Home

The Riders will be glad to play in front of the home supporters this weekend after coming agonisingly close to claiming a great victory in Scotland.

Rob Paternostro’s young team have showed they can win on the road – beating this weekend’s opponents and dominating the 7-3 Bristol Flyers – but Clifton Moore Jr’s bucket with two seconds left gave the victory to the Caledonia Gladiators last Sunday.

Leicester fell to an 84-83 defeat, but their 5-4 record doesn’t do justice to how good this team is and how far they can go.

The Riders have one of the deepest squads in the British Basketball League which is reflected in the quality of offense they produce.

Leicester sit second in the league at 88.4 points per game, but no Riders feature among the Top 10 points scorers.

Superb sharing of the ball and a punchy bench means that Riders’ top scorer – Jaren Holmes at 12.9 PPG – is joined by three teammates scoring over 11.3 PPG. Four players averaging over 11.3 PPG is the most of any team in the BBL.

Leicester’s October 6 victory over Newcastle in the Vertu Motors Arena saw them nearly double their opponents’ bench points total.

For the Riders to take a 2-1 series lead over the Eagles, second unit standouts like veterans Kimbal Mackenzie and Connor Washington must keep up their current sparkling form.

Victory in Europe

Much like the 92-85 loss on October 6, the Eagles will face the Riders after a midweek contest against tough European competition.

Wednesday night saw Marc Steutel’s team hit the pine against multiple Czech champions, Basket Brno, beating them 87-81 after an impressive opening quarter.

The consistent danger that is Jordan Johnson finished as the game’s MVP, hitting 25 points and dishing eight assists in a typically action-packed display.

The Eagles built a lead through fast break points and tenacity on the offensive glass, something the Riders will need to stand up to this weekend.

Newcastle excel at offensive rebounding, leading to an offense that thrives off extra possessions, giving scorers like Johnson and the mercurial Rickey McGill scope to get hot.

Led by Johnson, they also shoot well from the free throw line, hitting 76% of their foul shots which is second in the BBL.

So far this season, the Riders have done a great job of matching the Eagles in these areas – they will need more of the same come Saturday, in what is sure to be an exciting spectacle.

Key Matchup

Following the events of the highly charged contest between these two a couple weeks back, it’s hard to look past the battle of power forwards, Miryne Thomas and Tajh Green.

Two big men with scoring ability and a competitive edge, the clash between Thomas and Green is sure to get the Riders’ faithful nudging towards the edge of their seats.

The Eagles’ 6’8” forward has been a star of the British Basketball League since he entered the league with the Manchester Giants last season.

While his minutes and scoring numbers are slightly down on last season, the South Carolina native still poses a significant threat, notably dropping 23 points on the undefeated London Lions, including three deep balls. 

Green has always been aggressive in the paint, but his range and accuracy has improved in Newcastle. The physical forward is hitting at a higher percentage from deep this season, so the Riders’ defence must take notice when Green is circling beyond the arc.

Rookie forward Thomas can also string it from downtown, but it’s the speed and agility he shows underneath the basket that truly gets pulses racing.

Standing at 6’8”, the Cleveland-born baller utilises his length and movement skills to manipulate defences into giving him space, often finishing off a leading pass with a spectacular dunk.

Many of his 12.2 PPG come after a show of elite athleticism – a sight Riders fans are getting used to seeing each week.

The past two weeks have seen the youngster solidify his play with excellent rebounding, pushing him into the BBL Top 10 and earning him a spot on the league’s Team-of-the-Week twice.

The Riders won’t meet the Eagles again until 2024. Paternostro’s men will want a victory to savour over the winter period. That competitive fight won’t present itself in any players more than it will in the frontcourt between Thomas and Green.

Sam Ashby receives first Great Britain Call-Up

Riders guard Sam Ashby has been named to Great Britain’s training camp roster ahead of next week’s EuroBasket Qualifiers. 

It’s a first international call-up for Ashby, the Riders’ summer signing who has averaged 14 points and three rebounds on 52.4% shooting through her first two games of the Women’s British Basketball League season. 

Great Britain will face Sweden at home on Thursday, November 9, and Estonia away on Sunday, November 12.

“It’s a privilege to have this opportunity to train with some of the best players in the country,” said Ashby.

“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started!”

Riders review: October summary

October was a busy month of Riders basketball, featuring six games and four road trips.

Here, we take a look back at the month of action.

October games

The Riders went 3-3 across the month of October, facing two doubleheader weekends and four games on the road. They began with a bang, winning 92-85 in a wire-to-wire game on the road against the Eagles, led by Miryne Thomas’ 17 points. 

They followed this up at home a week later, beating the Surrey Scorchers comfortably 91-74. October featured two home games against Surrey. In the second, the Riders pulled off the biggest recorded comeback in British Basketball League history to take the win. 

The Riders fell to the Manchester Giants in the second of back-to-back games, lost another wire-to-wire battle against the Eagles and fell short in the final seconds against the Celadonia Gladiators, as Clifton Moore Jr.’s hookshot sent Leicester back to the East Midlands empty handed. 

Going .500 in October means the Riders sit fifth in the standing with a 5-4 record, two wins behind second. 

Magic Miryne

Leading the team over the month was Miryne Thomas, who averaged 13.5 points and 7.7 rebounds over the six games. His performances earned him a place on the British Basketball Team of the Week twice, leading the Riders scoring in each of their wins. 

His best performance of October was the second of back-to-back 20 point double-doubles as he led the comeback against Surrey. Thomas put up 20 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in his stat sheet-stuffing effort. 

Thomas’ rebounding efforts have seen him rise the League charts, now ranking seventh in total rebounds among British Basketball League players. 

Jaren Holmes remains the Riders’ leading scorer on the season, after putting up 12.3 points per game over the month. 

Building off the bench

The Riders’ strength in depth continued throughout October, outscoring their opponent’s bench by an average of 8.2 points per game. 

The team had a double-digit scorer off the bench in five of their six October games, Kimbal Mackenzie leading the second unit with 12 points per game. He led the team’s scoring with 22 points in the Riders’ first game against Surrey. 

Leicester’s captain came up huge in the clutch against the Gladiators, making what appeared to be the game-winning basket with seven seconds left. Mackenzie leading the second wave of attack for the Riders is pivotal to their success.  


Want to see the Riders in action?

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McKenzie Johnston named to Team of the Week

Riders captain Mckenzie Johnston was named to the Women’s British Basketball League Team of the Week for her performance against Oaklands Wolves this weekend.

Johnston put up 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists in the Riders’ 92-78 win, grabbing four boards on the offensive end.

The Montana-born guard went 6-11 from the field, making both of her three-point attempts and going perfect on her five foul shots.

She made headlines with her one-in-a-million full-court heave, finding nothing but string from her own foul line to close the opening half.

Johnston is averaging 15.5 and seven rebounds through the first two games of the season, hitting the ground running in her second year in Riders red.


Want to see Johnston in action?

Get tickets to our next home game against Nottingham Wildcats!

Miryne Thomas named to British Basketball League Team of the Week

Leicester Riders forward Miryne Thomas was named to the British Basketball Team of the Week for his performances against Surrey Scorchers and Caledonia Gladiators.

Thomas dominated the Thursday night matchup against Surrey, putting up 20 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals in the Riders’ win.

He continued his dominance of the glass next time out against Caledonia, grabbing eight, including two on the offensive end.

This is Thomas’ second Team of the Week selection after his  17 points and seven rebounds saw the Riders beat the Newcastle Eagles to start October.

This is Thomas’ second Team of the Week selection after his  17 points and seven rebounds saw the Riders beat the Newcastle Eagles to start October.


Want to see Miryne in action?

Get tickets to the Riders’ next home game against Newcastle Eagles!

3 things we learned from the doubleheader

The Riders come off the back of a doubleheader week, which they split 1-1 against the Surrey Scorchers and the Caledonia Gladiators.

Here’s what we learned from the matchups…

Bowman steps up

The Riders pushed the Gladiators all the way on Sunday night, and they can credit a large part of that to Blake Bowman. The young star led Leicester’s charge back into the game in the third quarter, putting up a career-high 15 points. 

Bowman scored eight points in the final two minutes of the third and the start of the fourth, throwing down an electric breakaway jam to get the final period underway. 

The Derby native missed only one of his seven shots in the game, earning our Player of the Game with a stat line of 15 points, three rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes of action. 

Washington heating up

Riders veteran Conner Washington is building form as the season progresses. He built on his third-quarter performance, which sparked the Riders’ historic comeback against the Surrey Scorchers with two season highs in the same weekend.

Washington scored eight in as many minutes against the Scorchers, not missing a shot and draining two crucial threes as the Riders began their comeback. He followed this up with 10 points in 13 minutes against Caledonia, pulling the strings to dish six assists. 

Head Coach Rob Paternostro said that Washington’s effect on the team transcends his scoring ability:

“He gets up to the ball with incredible energy to play denying defence, and he’s part of a second unit that’s having a real impact on games. That’s the great thing about having veterans like him on the bench.

“They can see when the starting unit doesn’t have it, and they’re always ready to go. I think Conner turned the game around in a lot of ways against Surrey.”

Offensive consistency is key

The Riders have possessed the second-best offence in the League for much of the season, and this weekend was no different on that end of the ball. They averaged 88.5 points over the two games, making their season average 88.4. 

It comes from all over the court, with seven different players scoring in double-digits across the fixtures, and every Rider contributing to the points tally against the Caledonia Gladiators. 

They get it done efficiently, scoring at a 47.8% clip on the season and 47.4% over the doubleheader. The offensive consistency Leicester has shown in the opening stages of the season puts them in good stead going into any game. 


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Report: Riders fall in dying seconds against Gladiators

The Riders fell in a heartbreaker to the Caledonia Gladiators, losing 84-83 on the road.

Clifton Moore Jr. won it with two seconds remaining for the hosts, after Kimbal Mackenzie put the Riders up one just five seconds prior. Mackenzie had a chance to win it on the buzzer but missed his effort as Leicester fell just short. 

Blake Bowman’s career night led the Riders, the athletic forward driving his team’s charge back into the game after falling down double digits in the third. He finished with 15 points, and was backed by Xavier Pinson’s 14 points following his 10 point fourth quarter. 

It was former Rider Patrick Whelan who led the game with 24. He hit two huge threes in the clutch which kept his team alive. 

The sides wasted no time exchanging blows from the tip-off, in a closely fought game throughout. All five Gladiators got on the board within five minutes, but the Riders found offensive responses to remain within a possession early. 

The hosts found separation in the first, led by Whelan who topped the game’s scoring with seven to build a lead as big as eight points. But a 10-0 run, highlighted by Conner Washington’s four-point play from the corner, meant the Riders led after one. 

Sam Idowu, building off his four-point first quarter, lifted the Riders’ bench to their feet to start the second with a monster two-handed slam off the dribble. Washington continued to roll back the clock, hitting two threes in five minutes as the Riders edged ahead. 

The teams fought tooth and nail until the half, the Riders never trailing throughout the second period. Caledonia’s Moore Jr. ended it with a jumper at the buzzer, tying it up at 44. 

The Gladiators came out of the half with the hot hands, starting 14-6 to put the Riders down eight once again. They extended their lead throughout the third: Lukas Palyza fifth three from five attempts made it a double-digit advantage with 3:16 left. 

Once again, the Riders battled back, cutting it to four after a Bowman breakaway layup. After a Gladiators response, Bowman then found the ball in his hands at the buzzer, fading away for two to make it 63-67 with one to play. 

The young Brit continued to make his mark in the fourth, throwing down an electrifying fast break jam to get the final period underway. After a cagey few minutes with both sides struggling to find the basket, Caleb Asberry putback Jaren Holmes’ miss to tie it up.

Pinson followed up his teammate with a tough fadeaway look from the corner, making it 72-69 to the Riders with five remaining. In a back-and-forth finale, the Chicago-born guard came up big, getting to the free throw line on back-to-back possessions to keep the Riders ahead. 

With two and a half minutes remaining, Pinson dropped off a pocked pass to big man Mo Walker, who finished inside for two to make it a three point Leicester lead. He continued his dominance a minute later, weaving to the rim and finishing a lefty layup over the defence.

Whelan hit back, nailing back-to-back threes to give the Gladiators a one point edge with 30 seconds on the clock. 

His former teammate Mackenzie came up huge in the clutch. He came up with an offensive board from a Pinson miss, dribbling out the shot clock before pulling up and draining a midrange jumper with seven seconds left. 

Moore Jr had a response, rising with a jump hook which found the bottom of the net, putting the hosts up one with two seconds remaining. Mackenzie had a shot to win it, but it fell short and Caledonia took the win. 


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Report: Riders beat Wolves

Leicester Riders beat the Oaklands Wolves 92-78 on the road to improve to 2-0 on the season. 

The Riders had three players score over 18 points, showcasing their strength across the roster. Taylor O’Brien led the game with 21, backed by McKenzie Johnston’s 19 and Sam Ashby’s 18 in a bombardment from the backcourt. 

A 30-18 third quarter proved the difference in the tie after a tightly contested first half. The Riders saw themselves up narrowly as the quarter came to a close, before Johnston’s full-court heave to beat the buzzer snatched momentum for the visitors. 

The Riders dominated the glass throughout, winning the rebounding battle 50-35 led by Rayven Peeple’s 12 for her second-straight double-double. 

Oaklands led at the half and put on a good showing throughout, forcing Leicester to compete for 40 minutes to get the win over the line. Shaquera Wade’s 14 points, five rebounds and three assists led the team, but it wasn’t enough as the Wolves fell to 1-1. 

Sam Ashby’s dominance began from the jump. In the first quarter she stuffed the stat sheet, putting up eight points and four rebounds in just six minutes. Her efforts were matched by Oakland’s Wade, who also put eight on the board in a back-and-forth backcourt battle. 

The Riders trailed through seven minutes before Peeples cleaned up Ashby’s missed layup with three minutes left in the quarter. That gave Leicester their first lead of the game, which they carried into the end of the first. 

The Wolves exploded to start the second quarter with a 10-0 run, draining two threes out the gate and forcing a Riders timeout. It was Ashby again who stemmed the tide, making a layup inside as Leicester kept in the tie.

The Wolves held them at arm’s length for much of the second. Their lead remained around two scores, finding the basket consistently despite Peeple’s seven points in the quarter.

Momentum swung the Riders’ way with two minutes remaining. They finished the half 5-2, cutting it to one possession by the break. 

Where the Riders found form in the third quarter in their season opener, they did the same in this one. Marissa Hamilton provided a threat from behind the arc, hitting two to put Leicester up four. 

It was the visitor’s turn to hold their opponents at arm’s length going into the fourth. Oaklands hung around for most of the quarter, but Johnston sent the Riders’ bench into raptures by making a heave from her own three-point line to beat the buzzer, making it 71-62 with one to play. 

Jessica Eadsforth-Yates had the hot hand to start the fourth, draining two threes to make it a 14-point game in the Riders’ favour. They saw the game out from there, with American guard Taylor O’Brien’s triple setting the stage for a comfortable finale.

After a two-week break, the Riders will remain on the road for their next tie, heading across the western border to take on Cardiff Met Archers on November 18th. 

Championship Preview: Riders at Gladiators

Sunday evening will see the Riders complete their second game of British Basketball League Championship Round 7 as they head north to face the 4-2 Caledonia Gladiators.

This will be the first time Rob Paternostro’s team head to Scotland this season, facing a Gladiators squad that boast a three-game winning streak, including a close victory over European competition.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders at Caledonia Gladiators

Playsport, East Kilbride, Glasgow

Sunday, October 29, 6:00pm

Overcoming Adversity

The Riders currently sit fourth in the championship table, holding a 5-3 record following Thursday night’s comeback victory over the visiting Surrey Scorchers.

Leicester’s young squad took the game 94-86, fighting back from an early 23-point deficit to take the win and continue a winning streak over the Scorchers that stretches back 12 years.

‘Mr. Reliable’ Miryne Thomas once again put in a game-winning performance for the Riders, shooting 20 points and pulling in 11 rebounds for his second double-double in as many games.

The enigmatic Caleb Asberry put in an impressive shift, dropping 17 points on 60% shooting, including three deep balls and experienced guard Connor Washington used his minutes off the bench to great effect, draining two crucial threes that sparked the Riders’ offence into life.

Thursday’s comeback proved that Paternostro’s squad can remain calm under pressure and respond positively when the situation calls for it. 

Beating Surrey might seem par for the course, given the head-to-head record, but the Riders showed grit and a will to win, traits that will serve them well in Sunday’s tilt against the in-form Gladiators.

A Solid Start for Caledonia

Gareth Murray’s squad have started the season in promising form, backing up their winning record in the BBL by going undefeated in Europe.

Victories over Romanian outfit BC CSU Sibia and Anwil Wloclawek from Poland has seen the Gladiators make a flying start to their FIBA Europe Cup campaign.

Caledonia’s two losses came on the road and the Riders will be hard-pressed to win in an arena that is becoming somewhat of a fortress.

The Gladiators are known for their proficiency in reaching missed shots, snagging an average of 38 rebounds per game which is good for second in the league.

This dominance on the boards is largely attributed to the play of the frontcourt duo, Trent Buttrick and club captain Fahro Alihodzic.

Both the American and British/Bosnian are averaging seven rebounds per game and sit inside the Top 10 rebounders in the BBL.

Former Rider Patrick Whelan has also been a positive influence from the wing, knocking down threes at a typically high rate, hitting on over 46% of his shots from beyond the arc.

The trend for Leicester this season shows that when they reach parity on the glass and from three-point range, they win.

Sunday may well continue that trend.

Key Matchup

The battle of the big men under the rim will be crucial in deciding the winner of this fixture, however for Sunday’s key matchup, we’ll be focusing on a pair of playmaking guards.

Riders’ flashy passer Xavier Pinson will have to be on top form if he is to get the better of Caledonia’s wily veteran, Ian DuBose.

Standing at 6’4”, DuBose is a physically gifted guard that backs up his size and strength with efficient shooting and an eye for a pass.

 The American, who has plied his trade in Germany and Denmark, is averaging a solid 15.5 points per game and 4.3 dishes per game, good for a Top 10 place in both categories.

Pinson, who is as automatic from deep range as any player in the BBL, has also demonstrated a nose for the rim and the ability to find an eye-catching pass.

The rookie point guard had another strong game on Thursday, using deft touches in the paint to score 13 points while laying on six assists in a team-centric display.

It will be exciting to see what wins between youth and experience come Sunday night.


Want to see the Riders in action?

Get tickets to our next home game against Newcastle Eagles!

Championship Preview: Riders at Wolves

Round two of the Women’s British Basketball League sees the Riders take on Oaklands Wolves on the road.

Fixture information

Leicester Riders at Oaklands Wolves

Oaklands College
Hatfield Road
St Albans
Al4 0JA

Saturday, October 28, 5:45 PM

Back with a bang 

The Riders, returning with a revamped roster of fresh and familiar faces, hit the ground running to start their 2023/24 campaign. They beat the Manchester Giants 92-65, led by American forward Rayven Peeples who put up 18 points and 10 rebounds. 

Peeples exploded for 10 points in the third, which saw the Riders expand their lead to 16 after going into halftimes tied at 40. 

Leicester shot 52% from the field and a red-hot 47% from three to record a blowout in their season opener. 

They now turn their attention to Oaklands, as they face their first competitive action on the road this season. 

Winning Wolves on opening night 

After a difficult season last year, going 5-17 in the Championship and missing out on a playoff place, the Wolves started this season 1-0. 

They took on the Cardiff Met Archers on the road, taking a 79-55 win back home to get their season underway in style. 

It was a defensive display by the Wolves, who held Cardiff to just 28.4% shooting from the field in the game. On the other end, Oaklands’ three-point shooting got points on the board, as the visitors made 10 of their 26 attempts. 

Caterrion Thompson led them in the game, the 5’9” guard playing big with 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Another performance like that will be sure to test the Riders around the rim. 

Key matchup  

Thompson’s hot start to the season should come as no surprise for those who have followed her career. She arrives in Oaklands having led the scoring for Finnish side Forssain, averaging 18.1 points per game. 

The Ohio-born guard started out her college career at Bowling Green, where she remained until her Junior year. As a Redshirt Junior, Thompson ranked second on her team in scoring with 13.7 points per game and averaged 5.3 rebounds. 

In her final college season with Mississippi State, Thompson averaged 8.1 points and 3.1 rebounds, leading the team in 3-point shooting percentage with 41%. 

Tasked with the role of slowing her down is Riders guard Taylor O’Brien, who had a dominant display of her own against Manchester. O‘Brien bossed the opening half of play, getting to the hoop with ease to put up a game-high 12 rebounds and 16 points. 

The rookie signed to the Riders from Flordia State, averaging 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.

Expect a battle in the backcourt in this one. 

British Basketball League Secures U.S. Media Rights Partnership with NBC Sports Regional Networks

The British Basketball League has announced a ground-breaking media rights agreement for coverage of the League’s 2023/24 season with NBC Sports Regional Networks (RSN), marking a significant milestone in the League’s expansion strategy. 

Through the partnership, basketball fans in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, and Philadelphia regions will now have the opportunity to enjoy top-tier British basketball action on NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Chicago and NBC Sports Philadelphia, respectively. 

The regional sports networks will showcase two weekly games, taking place every Thursday and Friday, along with must-see Men’s and Women’s tentpole events, including the 2024 British Basketball League Trophy Finals (Jan 27-28), the 2024 British Basketball League All-Star Game (Mar 17), and the 2024 British Basketball League Playoff Finals (May 19).

Leicester Riders’ home fixture against the Surrey Scorchers on Thursday, 26th October, will be the first British Basketball League game shown on the networks.

The full list of Riders fixtures to be televised on the Networks are as follows:

DateOpponentH/ATip-off time
26/10/23Surrey ScorchersH19:45
10/11/23London LionsH19:45
1/12/23London LionsH19:45
15/12/23Caledonia GladiatorsH19:45
28/12/23Bristol FlyersH19:45

Please note that games selected for NBC coverage will be unavailable to watch on YouTube for American viewers.

Sports fans will also be treated to additional programming, including the brand-new UNBEATBALE magazine show. 

This collaboration with NBC Sports Regional Networks opens new horizons for British basketball, bringing the excitement of the League to new fans in the United States.

The partnership underscores the League’s commitment to reaching a broader audience and solidifying its position as a globally competitive sports entertainment product. 

Highlighting this broadcast milestone, the League’s Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Radin, said: “This deal between NBC Sports Regional Networks and the British Basketball League signifies a major step forward for our League. Bringing the excitement of British basketball to fans across these regions gives us an opportunity to welcome new fans into our League and showcase our world-class talent – a number of whom hail from American colleges – to new audiences. 

“As the CEO of the League and a former NBC Universal employee, I am incredibly proud of this partnership because I know the opportunities this gives our organisation, and British basketball, to reach new fans.

Report: Riders beat Giants to open season

The Riders recorded a dominant win in their season opener, beating the Manchester Giants at home. 

American rookie Rayven Peeples led the game with 18 points, leading a third-quarter charge where the Riders built their lead. She was backed by Taylor O’Brien and Katie Januszewska who scored 16 each. 

 
 
 
 
 
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The score was tied at the half, but the Riders’ offence clicked into gear to score 31 in the third quarter, taking a 20-point advantage going into the fourth. 

For Manchester, the newly re-franchised outfit struggled to generate offence against stifling Riders defence in the second half. Myah Pace led their efforts with 13, but her team managed only 25 points after halftime. 

Throughout a high-scoring first half, nothing separated either side. Young Brit Januszewska impressed in the opening stages, leading the game with eight points upon her Riders return. 

The Charnwood Academy graduate was hot from three early, making two of her first three attempts. 

The Riders went into the half shooting 50% from the field, but 6-13 shooting from the free throw line left the door open for the Giants who were able to remain in the game with their three-point shooting. 

Manchester went 7-14 from deep, and the game was tied at 40 after 20 minutes. 

 
 
 
 
 
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American guard Taylor O’Brien made her mark early on her Riders debut, putting up 13 points and eight rebounds following the first two quarters. She then added to her tally to get the third underway, draining a three to give the Riders the lead. 

Spurred on by the triple, Leicester stretched their lead in the quarter and held the Giants and arm’s length. Six points in two minutes from forward Peeples saw them establish authority at the rim, and a pull-up jumper from returning Rider McKenzie Johnston gave them an eight-point advantage. 

Peeples had 12 points and three offensive rebounds in a monster third-quarter performance, which the Riders won 31-15 to blow the game open. 

Following the offensive explosion in the third, it was a case of seeing it out professionally in the fourth. The Riders stretched their advantage to 30, securing the win in their opening game. 

The Riders return to action on Saturday, where they take on Oaklands Wolves on the road. 

Championship Preview: Riders at Eagles

Round six of the British Basketball League Championship sees the Riders travel north to Newcastle for the second time this season.

After splitting last weekend’s back-to-back games – the latter of which a loss to the Manchester Giants – Rob Paternostro’s squad will want to get back to winning ways and improve on their 4-2 record.

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders @ Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles

Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle

Friday, October 20, 7:30pm

Watch Live!

A Weekend of Attrition

The Riders currently sit second in the BBL Championship table with eight points after splitting a weekend double-header.

Coach Paternostro did a good job of managing his players’ workload in Friday’s 91-74 win over the Surrey Scorchers, but an excellent second half by the Giants saw them best the Riders with a score of 94-80.

Fatigue may well have been a factor down the stretch in Manchester, as Leicester scored a season-low 80 points, but strong outings from Xavier Pinson, Caleb Asberry and TJ Lall were further proof that this young squad is continuing to get better.

Lall, who is proving to be a key member of the Riders’ second unit, came of the bench to drop 11 points, snag nine rebounds and draw five fouls.

The 6’7” guard’s versatility has been on full display early as he averages 8.3 points per game, 38.5% from deep range and leads the team in rebounds per game with 5.3.

The Eagles are proficient on the offensive glass, so Lall’s hustle to grab missed shots will be crucial.

As well as matching Newcastle on the boards, the Riders will need to return to their usual high standard of free throw shooting.

The Riders and the Eagles are the two best teams in the BBL at getting to the foul line, averaging 40.9 and 42.8 free throws per game respectively.

The team that can convert those chances at the foul line most efficiently could end up taking home the victory.

Getting Back to Winning Ways

Since an 81-74 victory in Bristol on September 22, the Eagles haven’t won a game, falling into a run of four straight losses.

One of those defeats came at the hands of the Riders, who bested the hometown team 92-85 in a pulsating game.

Monday’s 109-104 overtime loss to the unbeaten London Lions spells a change, though, so the Riders should expect a similarly competitive contest.

Former Giants forward Tajh Green flashed the most against the Lions, hitting all of his three shots from downtown on his way to an impactful 23-point haul.

The 6’8” big man, who has averaged a near double-double over his BBL tenure, is the Eagles’ front-court focal point with the strength to bang inside and the speed to run the floor on fast breaks.

Green, who dropped 17 points last time the two teams met, will need to repeat those numbers for an Eagles team that has struggled on offense, averaging just under 80 PPG.

That, added to a 40.7 FG%, means that Newcastle need to focus heavily on scoring efficiency if they are to best a Riders team that excels in this area.

A final wrinkle to this contest comes as the Eagles’ staff will have to manage their players’ minutes.

Newcastle travel to Bristol to face a 4-3 Flyers team on Saturday night. Back-to-back games could see star players like Jordan Johnson taking to the floor less often than usual.

Key Matchup

Both the Riders and the Eagles get to the foul line better than any other team in the BBL. However, both squads are also very good at foul-free basketball.

The key matchup for this game could be between two guards who are aggressive when hitting the lane and often force defenders into personal fouls: Larry Austin Jr. and Jaren Holmes.

Illinois native Austin Jr is a wily veteran guard, currently in his third season in the BBL, the first two spent with the Cheshire Phoenix.

Standing at 6’2”. Austin Jr. is quick and strong, known for his perimeter defence and eye for a rebound. 

He is also excellent at finding his way to the foul line. The former Central Michigan player is currently taking 5.2 free throws per game, just behind Johnson who is at 7.3, second in the British Basketball League.

Austin Jr is a good ‘alternative threat’ in the Eagles’ backcourt, a role being played perfectly by the Riders’ Jaren Holmes.

Holmes, who is averaging 13.5 points, is slightly taller than his opposite number at 6’4” and can use his size to also compete with forwards on the wing.

The Iowa State star uses his speed and will to get to the rim to great effect, and this ‘attack first’ mentality sees him shooting 4.5 free throws.

Holmes gets to the line less frequently than Austin Jr, but his 85% conversion rate, compared to his opponent’s 65%, could give the Riders’ guard the edge.

Played for both- Corey Johnson

Former Riders sharpshooter Corey Johnson once donned Eagles colours, after playing an integral part in a Riders championship win.

The Canadian wing spent two seasons in the East Midlands, putting up 10.9 points per game on 38% three-point shooting in the 2020/21 season. 

Johnson helped the Riders to the League title with a 24-6 record, playing in all 30 games that season. 

Johnson signed with Newcastle the next season, adding 14 points per game to the reigning Playoff champions. 

Johnson now suits up for the Derby Trailblazers in the NBL Division One, having played for the Manchester Giants last season. 


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Riders fall to Giants

Saturday night saw the Riders fall to a 94-80 defeat in Manchester against the Giants in the British Basketball League Championship.

Rob Paternostro’s young squad now sit at 4-2 after battling through an attritional two games in two days.

Talented guards Xavier Pinson and Caleb Asberry top-scored for the Riders with 15 points each, and TJ Lall was close to a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.

The Giants relied on a big second half from former Riders forward Jamell Anderson, who dropped 19 points, as well as speedy guard Jalen Harris’ 20 points on 57% shooting.

The first half began in smooth fashion, Pinson slicing through the Giants’ D to net the opening points of the game.

Manchester soon established themselves in the game though, and with Jalen Harris’ effective scoring countering Pinson’s influential start, they went bucket for bucket with the Riders.

Big man Legend Robertin was absent for the home team, so Mo Walker was introduced early to take advantage of the Giants’ lack of size inside.

The 6’10” Canadian helped himself to four points in four minutes, only missing on one of his shots.

A confident Caleb Asberry also contributed with a pair of threes, but the Riders entered the second quarter 28-27 down.

The second ten didn’t offer much chance, both teams going back and forth in an even contest.

The Giants were dominant on the offensive glass, pulling down 11 OR’s, but the tenacious Riders’ defence held Manchester to just six second-chance points.

Lall provided 17 high-quality minutes off the bench, dropping eight points as well as leading the Riders’ rebounding effort with six.

Leicester uncharacteristically struggled from the free throw line, only hitting at a 53% clip, but a spectacular dunk from Pinson and solid defence kept the score level at 46 going into the half-time break.

The second half started with an early blitz from the Giants. Former Rider Evan Walshe led the way with his signature coast-to-coast scoring.

The Riders, combating fatigue after two games in two days, looked to the bench to keep within striking distance, but things weren’t quite clicking on the offensive side of the court.

A cultured Lall three from the corner just before the fourth quarter buzzer gave the Riders hope, but they had a mountain to overcome down by double-digits.

The Riders hit the pine hard at the start of the fourth, responding to Coach Paternostro’s words perfectly, an Asberry deep ball bringing them within seven points.

Once Pinson put a nasty cross on the Giants’ defence and finished in close, the comeback was on.

A dismissive block from Asberry rocked the Giants with five minutes remaining, but the ball wouldn’t roll the Riders’ way.

Despite a long three-pointer from Pinson and a beautiful ‘and one’ play off an inbound from Asberry, the Giants were able to hold on, securing their second victory of the season.


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Report: Riders beat Scorchers

The Riders added another win to a four-game streak tonight after a 91-74 victory over the winless Surrey Scorchers. 

In a game that saw the Riders limit their opponents to just 32% from the floor, solid defence and hustle on the boards built the foundations for victory. 

Rob Paternostro’s team also kept up their efficient play, hitting at a 44% clip, including 38% from three-point range. 

Riders’ captain Kimbal Mackenzie was the catalyst for success, scoring 22 points from the bench whilst also collecting six rebounds and dishing six assists. 

Physical guard Jaren Holmes also lit up the scoreboard, dropping 18 points on the night, including a deadeye four of five from downtown. 

Andrew Lawrence top-scored for the Scorchers with 12 points, and key-man Saiquan Jamison put up 11 points and nine rebounds, but they never recovered from a low-scoring third quarter. 

Immediately after the first tip, the game became a clash of contrasting styles, with the Riders cutting through lanes and attacking the basket and the Scorchers preferring to pull back and hit the three ball. 

As he has done consistently this season, Miryne Thomas opened the Riders’ account with a simple layup after getting free inside. 

Seconds later, Braelen Bridges slammed down a dunk following a clean pick n’ roll with Xavier Pinson and, with Holmes knocking down seven early points, Leicester’s offense looked good. 

The Scorchers didn’t let the home side escape though, keeping parity on the scoreboard through effective rebounding and accuracy from deep. As predicted, Jamison was proving to be a handful on the boards. 

The first quarter buzzer sounded with the score at 24-21 Riders, Holmes knocking down a big three to break the tie. 

The second stanza was all about Mackenzie. 

The Riders’ captain brought an immediate impact from the bench, pulling up and popping off a long two, before willing the Riders to crash the glass harder and create open looks from deep. 

Samuel Idowu was also providing quality off the bench, battling Jamison for every rebound and contributing with seven points. 

Leicester’s second unit quickly built an eight-point lead, but Surrey’s 6’8″ centre was a consistent problem inside, leading the visitors at the half with 11 points and four boards. 

A cold snap for both teams towards the end of the half was broken by Thomas with a neat move in the paint, before Mackenzie and Holmes drove the Riders to a useful nine-point lead at the half. 

The second half began in low-scoring fashion with both teams struggling to find a bucket.  

The visitors hit on a couple of free throws, but it wasn’t until Holmes drained a corner three – three minutes into the half – that there was a score from the field. 

Strong hustle on defence – led by Caleb Asberry – limited the Scorchers to contested shots, and once the Riders’ shooters warmed up, the lead grew. 

Once Holmes hit his fourth deep ball, the scoreline sat at 61-47, Riders ahead. 

A couple of quickfire Scorchers buckets on the fast break teased a fightback, but a pair of successful trips to the line by Mackenzie maintained the lead. 

The final quarter saw Paternostro’s squad aiming to put the game beyond doubt helped by the experienced Conner Washington hitting a pinpoint three.  

It soon became ‘heat check’ time for the Riders, entertaining the home crowd with back-to-back threes from Thomas and Lall. 

The contest wound down towards the final buzzer in competitive fashion, but Leicester’s defence never let the Scorchers get close enough to cause concern. 


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Preview: Riders vs Scorchers

Friday night sees the Riders host the Surrey Scorchers in the British Basketball League Championship – the first of back-to-back games this weekend.

Rob Paternostro’s team will be in a buoyant mood after a huge 92-85 win on the road against the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles, part of a three-game winning streak for the Riders.

Leicester Riders vs Surrey Scorchers

Morningside Arena, Leicester

Friday, October 13, 7:30 pm

Get tickets here! 

Victory on the Road

Last week’s defeat of the Eagles completed an excellent road trip for the Riders, who also took an impressive 92-74 win in Bristol.

‘BBL Team of the Week’ member Miryne Thomas played a crucial role in both games, averaging 17.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on the trip.

Thomas’ quickness and eye for space inside is proving to be a real handful for opposing defences and has resulted in several highlight-reel plays.

The backcourt trio of captain Kimbal Mackenzie, Xavier Pinson and Jaren Holmes is also running hot – the all-action three added 40.5 points per game across the two victories whilst also dishing nearly 70% of the Riders’ assists.

The Riders are currently second in the league in FG% at 50%, fourth in efficiency from deep at 37% and third in FT%, hitting on 75% of their trips to the line.

Maintaining this level of shooting will be crucial against a Surrey team that are aggressive on offense and sit second in shots taken per game.

Leicester’s rebounding has also improved in recent games, largely thanks to the introduction of Caleb Asberry into the lineup (he bagged nine against the Flyers).

With the Scorchers firing off 70-plus shots per game, denying second-chance points through solid defensive rebounding will be key to keeping the opposition score in check.

Scorchers Close to First Win

The Scorchers travel to the Morningside Arena winless with a 0-4 record but have come close to victory on a couple of occasions this season.

Their closest finish came against the Cheshire Phoenix in a thriller, 101-103. Following a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, the Scorchers had a couple of chances to push the game to overtime but couldn’t quite drop the clutch bucket.

The returning duo of Padiet Wang and Josh Steel led the way, dropping 14 and 20 points respectively, with Steel knocking down an impressive four of six from deep.

Surrey hit on 46% of their shots against the Phoenix, an improvement in an area of the game they have struggled with.

The Scorchers sit bottom of the BBL in FG%, and despite having guard Andrew Lawrence providing some of the best service in the league, are scoring on just 37.1% of their attempts.

The Southerners are one of the better squads in the league on the offensive glass – averaging 10.8 per game – but unless their efficiency improves, they will find it tough to match an accurate Riders team through four quarters.

Key Matchup

The Scorchers’ solid rebounding can largely be attributed to one man – Saiquan Jamison.

Standing at 6’8”, the power forward isn’t the tallest big man in the league, but he certainly knows how to use his size to crash the glass.

Jamison, returning for a second stint in Surrey after a move to Europe, is dominating the BBL with 12.8 rebounds per game, including 4.5 on the offensive boards. 

Jamison is a second-chance getter for the Scorchers. Tasked with limiting his effectiveness will be Riders’ young centre, Braelen Bridges.

The 6’10” Bridges, who can play anywhere in the front court, is more of a scoring big man than a pure rebounder but may have to adapt his game slightly to win the battle inside.

The former Georgia Bulldog is averaging more points per game than Jamison despite less minutes, and if he can combine those solid offensive skills with sturdiness under the rim, the Scorchers should see their scoring chances suffer.

The free-running guards may make the flashier plays on Friday, but the most important contest may be the one inside the paint.

Played for both- Evan Walshe

Evan Walshe, a Rider last season, suited up for Surrey during the 2020/21 season, scoring 7.9 points on 49% shooting from the field. Walshe helped the Scorchers to a 10-18 record, before departing to Spain. 

Walshe returned to British Basketball in 2021, signing with the Riders and winning the treble that season. He remained the following year, leading the team to victory with 15 points against the Caledonia Gladiators with 15 points and three rebounds. 

Walshe signed with the Manchester Giants this season, starting the year with 10.5 points per game. He hit the ground running with a 17-point game, and will look to make a further impression on the league this season. 

Riders react to win in Newcastle

The Riders improved to 3-1, following a 92-85 win on the road against the Newcastle Eagles. Here’s what the Riders had to say after the hard-fought victory…

Miryne Thomas

For the second straight game, Miryne Thomas led the scoring load with 17 points, accompanied with six rebounds and a block in an energetic performance in the paint. 

Thomas explained that his hunger and desire stems from his gratefulness for the opportunity professional basketball brings him.

“I’m living my dream. I’ve been working to get here for over 10 years, and now I’m soaking it in. 

“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.”

On the opposing side of the court, the Eagles’ Jordan put on a show. The former Glasgow Rock scored a game-high 22 points, injecting momentum into his team as they attempted a comeback from ten points down. 

“Johnson is a tenacious player. Kudos to him and the Eagles for the battle they gave us.

“During our timeouts, we knew we were fine. We knew who he is and what he’s capable of, but we know who we are and what we’re capable of on defence, and we were able to see out the win.”

Rob Paternostro

Following the game, Head Coach Rob Paternostro was pleased with how the team battled in the clutch, fending off the Eagles, who got back into it late. 

I thought we were solid tonight,” said Paternostro. “I was a little disappointed at halftime. I thought we could have been up a little more, but I knew we’d have to hang on in the second half, and we did a really good job in the last five minutes to get the job done.”

Coach was happy with the buy-in on the defensive end. The Riders showed physicality and energy throughout, causing Newcastle difficulties in running their offence.  

“Defensively, we were really good in the halfcourt tonight. In transition, we could have done a better job, and we put them on the foul line a few too many times, but I liked how we played defence. The guys were committed to it, and these players are learning and improving every week.”

The new-look Riders showed maturity for a young roster comprised of six rookies. They fought hard wire to wire and executed in a composed manner late. 

“At times, we have five rookies out there, and games like this will be great for them. We’ve had really good weeks of practice, and what’s showing up on the practice floor is starting to show up in the games.

“Our depth is huge. Tonight, we played 11 guys because we had to make sure we were fresh. We’re still trying to figure out rotations, and we’re learning a lot about our team, but this was a big step for us.

“For us, it’s about getting better each week. This league is tough, so we’ve got to keep improving.”

Jaren Holmes

Coming off a 15 point game, including six points in the final six minutes, Jaren Holmes echoed his coach’s sentiment: “We want to pride ourselves on being one of the best-conditioned teams in the League, and with our depth, we’re able to play hard late.”

Holmes’ clutch play separated the sides late, hitting a three with a defender in his grill and completed an and-one play in transition. He credited his work on the practice floor for his ability when the pressure is high. 

“I trust my work. I make those shots every day in practice, from the layups to the threes, so I know I can be myself.”

‘Hopefully, this win can put us in good stead for the rest of the season. We’re trying to build momentum and keep our energy and spirits high. We’re becoming a more cohesive group. Every day we learn more about each other, and each other’s games.”

Holmes put the win down to a collective effort, with contributions from every Rider. 

“Braelen had a monster game in the post, which opened everything up for us. Miryne, Kimbal, and Xavier all had incredible games, which goes for everyone up and down the roster. It was a true group effort.” 


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Preview: Riders at Eagles

Round four of the British Basketball League Championship sees the Riders heading north for the first time this season to face long-standing rivals the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles.

Following last week’s comprehensive win against the Flyers in Bristol, the Riders hope to go two-for-two on the road and keep pace with the first-place London Lions.

READ MORE: Riders vs Eagles: The history

Fixture Information

Leicester Riders @ Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles

Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle

Friday, October 6, 7:45 pm

Watch live!

Off to a Flyer

Coach Rob Paternostro will want his Riders squad to emulate the hot start they got against Bristol, which resulted in an unassailable 27-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

Led by versatile forward Miryne Thomas, Leicester blitzed the Flyers with powerful play in the paint and supreme accuracy from beyond the arc.

The Riders dropped 46% from deep, which proved to be the difference between the teams.

Energetic point guard Xavier Pinson had his best game so far as a Rider, with a stat line of 17 points, seven rebounds and nine assists for a near triple-double.

Pinson’s comfort running the offence appears to be growing with game time, which has helped the Riders’ offensive output increase each week.

“We got better in practice this week,” said Pinson post-game. “Everything we did translated over to the game.

“I was hurt when I first arrived, but now I’m healthy I’m getting more comfortable and assured in what I’m doing.”

Leicester’s ability to score freely will be of paramount importance against the Eagles, who used the off-season to acquire some dangerous pieces of their own.

Eagles Looking to Soar

After a disappointing 2022/23 season, the Eagles played aggressively in the free agent market, securing the services of BBL stars Larry Austin Jr and Tajh Green.

Early signs suggest that the off-season deals are paying dividends – Newcastle sit level on points with the Riders after a 2-1 start.

But they enter this game off the back of a short turnaround. The Eagles fought wire to wire in the ENBL on Wednesday evening, playing BC Šiauliai in Lithuania.

They fell 94-92 to a buzzer-beating game-winner, and take on the Riders two days later.

A large part of the Eagles’ game centres around physicality near the rim, whether that be in scoring or snagging rebounds.

Newcastle tops the league in made free throws per game with 24.7 and boards per game with 39.

It is imperative that the Riders box out prolific rebounders, Austin Jr and Green, to prevent the upgraded Eagles’ backcourt from having extra chances at buckets.

Last week’s loss to the Cheshire Phoenix proved that if teams match the Eagles on the glass, they are beatable – especially if the Riders keep stroking it from deep.

Key Matchup

The on-court battle to watch this Friday may be between the two starting point guards – Newcastle’s Jordan Johnson and the aforementioned Xavier Pinson.

28-year-old Johnson has started the season in excellent form, dropping 19.3 points per game, including 23 total trips to the free throw line.

A seasoned professional who has previously competed in the British Basketball League for the Caledonia Gladiators, Johnson brings speed and precision to the Eagles’ backcourt and an understanding of when to drive to the hole or dish a pass to an open teammate.

Disrupting Johnson with active on-ball defence will be crucial, so look for Pinson to be keen to add to his 1.7 steals per game.

Leicester’s 6’3” point guard should match up to his more experienced opponent well, using his agility and ball skills to great effect.

Pinson has also been deadly from downtown, currently leading the league with a three-point percentage of 54.5.

Expect the battle for points to wage most vehemently in the backcourt.

Both players could wind up as the game winner in this contest.

Played for Both

Both the Riders and the Eagles have the honour of calling two-time League MVP, Andrew ‘Drew’ Sullivan, one of their own.

Sullivan earned a plethora of accolades, both nationally and domestically, over the course of his career, including a bronze medal in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and becoming the first player to make 100 appearances for Great Britain.

The 6’8” power forward first suited up on British shores for the Eagles, helping them to a dominant 2006 season, including a 71-51 BBL Trophy victory over the Riders.

After a few seasons testing himself against European competition, Sullivan signed for the Riders and helped them complete a treble-winning season in 2013.

Over five seasons with the Riders, Sullivan averaged 12.5 points per game and seven rebounds per game.

The Londoner last played for the Riders in 2017, where he retired at the age of 36 as a legend of British Basketball.


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Blake Bowman: “I want to be a part of something great”

Last summer, highly touted young British star Blake Bowman put pen to paper to join the Leicester Riders. 

Now a second-year Rider, Bowman’s performances early in the year have caught the attention of coaches, players and fans alike. 

 
 
 
 
 
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He was instrumental in the Riders’ season opener in getting the team back into the tie, hitting two big three-point shots which saw the team cut it to one possession. 

His improved shooting from distance is the result of hours on the practice court.

“I was working with the coaching staff on the basics,” said Bowman. “There wasn’t too much to change from my form, but we worked on hand position and rhythm. 

“I worked on it each day before and after practice and carried on during the summer. Being able to focus on it more during the summer was really helpful. There was no practice, so I could really put in the hours. 

“It’s a result of a lot of hard work for a long time, and I feel like I have a better feeling for finding the hoop.”

Bowman is feeling the benefits of the step up into professional basketball. Surrounded by professional coaches and elite players has allowed him to expand his knowledge of the game. 

“It made me realise how much there is to know about basketball. Learning from Coach Rob and the veterans we had made me understand the game at a deeper level.

“It’s not every day you meet people with such a great understanding of the game, so I see it as my responsibility to pick their brain.”

Bowman’s play has earned him a larger role and more opportunities. And a change from the backcourt to the frontcourt has helped him feel more comfortable in his role.  

“I’m shooting the shots I’m supposed to be taking, and I feel more involved in the offence. Playing from the two to the four is very similar in our system. Going to the four has given me more responsibility in the offence and allowed me to focus on the areas of the game I do best.”

But, of course, that takes nothing away from what the Derby Trailblazers did for Bowman before his arrival in Leicester. He played through their youth system since their Under-10s, growing up with the team and winning silverware in his final season in the L Lynch Trophy. 

“It was a family. I grew up with the team, went to college with them and won a trophy with them in my final year. We’d all been together for so long, so to win something together was amazing. Not many people can say they’ve won a trophy with their best friends.

“Head Coach Matt Shaw did a lot for me in giving me the opportunity to play and make mistakes. He’s a great guy that I can talk to about anything.”

His affiliations with Derby made his relationship with the Riders programme a competitive one growing up. 

Despite his family ties with the club, his father Barry Bowman and Uncle Marc Hawley both suiting up for the Riders in the past, he saw them as a rival after his battles with Charnwood College. 

“Being from Derby and growing up playing for them, I had a rivalry with Charnwood my whole life! My teammates were happy for me, but they definitely pulled my leg about moving here. But it was definitely a great decision!”

In year two, and with a brand new group surrounding Bowman, the goal remains the same: contribute to winning basketball in any way he can. 

“I don’t have personal goals when it comes to numbers. The work I put in will show, and I want to contribute to winning. I want to be a part of something great.”


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3 things we learned from Riders vs Patriots

Leicester Riders secured their first victory of the season on Friday, beating the Plymouth City Patriots 88-81. 

Here’s what we can take from the fixture.

Riders have heart 

The Riders had to dig deep in the game, coming back from a double-digit deficit to get one in the win column. 

The score was 61-51 in the visitor’s favour with five minutes remaining in the third, before Miryne Thomas’ three kick-started a run that would see Leicester take their first lead since the opening quarter two minutes into the fourth. 

It was a closely fought encounter down the stretch, as the Riders demonstrated their composure in the clutch to see the game out. 

After having difficulty putting the ball in the hoop through the first three quarters, Leicester captain Kimbal Mackenzie found form when it mattered, leaning on his experience to see out the win from the free-throw line. 

Head Coach Rob Paternostro’s side demonstrated their ability not only to fight back into a game but to see it out in the clutch. 

Success attacking the basket

During the comeback, the Riders found success in close, driving and attacking the hoop to get points on the board. In the fourth quarter, 18 of their 29 points came at the rim, and eight at the free throw line. 

High-flying Blake Bowman set the tone, using his speed and athleticism to find a way to the teeth of Plymouth’s defence and finish strong. The Riders have players up and down the roster who can find holes in defences, opening them up with dribble penetration. 

Combined with the post-play of Samuel Idowu, Bralen Bridges and TJ Lall, who allowed Leicester to dump the ball down low and let them go to work, the Riders found consistent methods of keeping the scoreboard ticking over. 

Asberry’s impact

Making his professional debut, Caleb Asberry returned to the gameday squad after missing the season opener through injury. 

Asberry made his presence known, playing a pivotal role in the lineup that got the Riders back into the game.

Subbing in with 3:52 left in the third, the Riders went 26-15 until Asberry’s exit from the tie with 3:12 left in the game. His layup early in the fourth cut it to one, and his ability to hunt down loose balls and secure rebounds was on full display. 

The 6’3” guard grabbed four rebounds in 13 minutes of action, injecting the energy and effort the Riders needed to come back and win the tie. 

“I thought Asberry gave us some really good minutes. He hasn’t played in a while, and defensively he was really solid,” said Paternostro after the game. 

“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.”


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Last season’s matchups: Plymouth City Patriots

The Riders face off against the Plymouth City Patriots on Friday for their second game of the season, looking to even up their record at 1-1. 

Here, we look back at last season’s series between the two sides. 

Season sweep

The Riders took the season sweep against the Patriots last year, winning all four of their games against the South Westerners. 

Kimbal Mackenzie in particular had success in the matchup, putting up two 20-point scoring nights, including a 23-point and seven-assist performance in late March. 

Leicester averaged over 100 points against the Patriots last season, Rob Paternostro’s side finding the holes in Plymouth’s defence consistently. 

They concluded the season against Plymouth with a 111-68 win, with Mackenzie putting up 20 points in the game. 

Nailbiting finish

The Riders needed every point of Mackenzie’s 23-point outing in March, as the Riders and Patriots played out a game wire-to-wire. 

It was a 92-89 Leicester win at the Morningside Arena come the final buzzer, with the game was in the balance throughout. 

Mackenzie finished the fixture with a pair of free throws to put the Riders up three, before Elivis Dusha’s three-point attempt was blocked by Marc Loving to conclude the action. 

But Plymouth’s Rashad Hassan who put a late scare into his former team with a minute left, making a layup to cut it to one and coming up with a block on the next possession to give the Patriots a chance to take a late lead. 

The Riders saw the game out through a clutch steal from Jubril Adekoya and Mackenzie’s free throws, and went on to secure second place in the league table. 

Battle of the backcourt

This season featured revamped rosters on both sides, making Friday’s action a different task for the Riders than they faced last season. 

The matchup in the backcourt remains the same, however, as Mackenzie faces up against Plymouth captain Elvisi Dusha. 

Dusha had a pair of team-leading performances last season, putting up 24 points in the first matchup between the sides and 19 points later in the year.

Both games were in Plymouth, so Dusha will look to see his performances translate to the Morningside Arena floor to challenge Mackenzie in this one. 


Get tickets to the Riders’ Friday night fixture against Plymouth City Patriots!

AU Coaching Opportunities

Loughborough Basketball is offering coaching opportunities to established and aspiring basketball coaches.

Coaching development programme

Loughborough University is excited to offer its Coach Development Programme for aspiring basketball coaches.

The programme provides mentoring, qualifications and coaching experience in a first-class sporting facility.

Apply here!

BUCS Coaching Opportunities

We have coaching roles open for our BUCS programme! We are recruiting five volunteer head coach positions across our Men’s and Women’s programmes.

We’re looking for Head Coaches with previous coaching experience, or a high basketball IQ and strong leadership skills, to run 1-2 sessions per week during term time and approximately 10 games across the season.

Coaches will be integrated into a system where they will receive mentorship from senior staff, and receive the opportunity to mentor novice coaches over the course of the season.

The full job specification is below.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Involvement in running a 2-week pre-season for returning BUCS players
  • Shared responsibility in the selection of players during the trials process
  • Planning and running of two one and a half hour on-court sessions per week during term time
  • Coaching 10 BUCS games over the course of the season, in addition to a cup run of 1-5 games
  • Oppurtunity to attain Level 2 coaching qualifications
  • Long-term potention to attain Level 3 coaching qualification
  • Mentorship from professional coaching staff
  • Development and progression opportunities in the Loughborough performance programme and Leicester Riders programme
  • Coaching attire and coaching supplies
  • Priority assignment of paid officiating opportunities at BUCS and NBL games

The following roles are available:

Men’sWomen’s
BUCS 3sBUCS 3s
BUCS 4s BUCS 4s
BUCS 5s

Apply here!

Officiating, coaching and events courses

For anyone interested in upskilling and gaining qualifications, Loughborough University are offering courses for officiating, coaching and event management in basketball.

Express your interest here!

AU Basketball Trial Dates

From October 1, Loughborough University is hosting BUCS trials for both University and College students.

The trials will take place at the Holywell Fitness Centre. For more information, click the application links below.

Application links

Women’s Loughborough College Students

Women’s Loughborough University Students

Men’s Loughborough College Students

Men’s Loughborough University Students

Only college students eligible to play for Loughborough University in the British Universities and Colleges Sports League can apply.

Application closes on September 30 at 9 pm. Late applications will not be accepted due to the short turnaround between the Sports Bizarre and Open Trials.

For more information, please get in touch with the relevant email below.

Men’s: [email protected]

Women’s: [email protected]

Coach development programme

Loughborough University is offering our Coach Development Programme for aspiring basketball coaches.

The programme provides mentoring, qualifications and coaching experience in a first-class sporting facility.

Apply here!

BUCS Coaching Opportunities

We have coaching roles open for our BUCS programme! We are recruiting five volunteer head coach positions across our Men’s and Women’s programmes.

We’re looking for Head Coaches with previous coaching experience, or a high basketball IQ and strong leadership skills, to run 1-2 sessions per week during term time and approximately 10 games across the season.

Coaches will be integrated into a system where they will receive mentorship from senior staff, and receive the opportunity to mentor novice coaches over the course of the season.

The following roles are available:

Men’sWomen’s
BUCS 3rdsBUCS 3rds
BUCS 4thsBUCS 4ths
BUCS 5ths

Apply here!

Officiating, coaching and events courses

For anyone interested in upskilling and gaining qualifications, Loughborough University are offering courses for officiating, coaching and event management in basketball.

Express your interest here!

Edward Hands and Lewis Solicitors continue sponsorship of Riders

Leicester Riders are delighted to continue their relationship with Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors. 

 Edward Hands and Lewis are dedicated to providing top-quality legal services to clients in the East Midlands.

Their team of experienced solicitors is here to assist you with a wide range of legal matters, from conveyancing and wills to personal injury and family law.

Paul Stubbs, director of Edwards Hands and Lewis, commented: “Edward Hands and Lewis Solicitors has been a proud sponsor of the Leicester Riders for many years, and we are to support them again this season.  

“Our staff and our clients continue to enjoy their on-court successes and the development of the Morningside Arena and fan experience.”

For more information on partnering with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!

Sean Kilmartin on the success of USA Select

USA Select are in the midst of a gruelling European Tour. Over 22 days, they will play 19 games of basketball, 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.

“People sometimes turned their noses up at British Basketball, but it’s a great league, with great athletes and a great fanbase, and people are beginning to recognise that. The league has been better than people have given it credit for a decade. I’ve been saying that publicly for a long time.” 

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. 

“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. 

Two head coaches in the British Basketball League have come through the ranks of the programme: Sheffield’s Atiba Lyons and Machester’s Brian Semonian. They represent 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.


Want to see USA Select in action?

Get tickets to our preseason home opener against USA Select here!

Campbell commits to Howard College

Former Loughborough and Charnwood Rider Lane Campbell has committed to Howard College. 

The 6’0” guard joins the Hawks after being part of the Riders programme since 2019. He spent four seasons with Charnwood College, averaging 17.6 points in the EABL last season. 

Campbell also put up 7.6 points per game in the NBL D1 last season for Loughborough.

This summer, he represented Great Britain Under 20s in the FIBA European Youth Championships, becoming the fourth GB player to record at least 10 assists in a single game in the Championships. 

Campbell follows in the footsteps of Charnwood alumni Blaize Sanga, who previously committed to Howard.

Loughborough Basketball Head Coach Will Maynard commented: “It was awesome to see Lane’s development over the three years he was at the Charnwood programme.

“I had the pleasure of coaching him at all different levels during his time here. I’m really excited to see his progress over in the States. We will all be rooting for him!”

Riders sign Peeples

Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of Rayven Peeples from St John’s University. 

The 6’3” forward started all 32 games for the Red Storm, and ranked sixth in the conference with 8.7 rebounds per game. She put up 6.7 points and 1.2 points in her final season in the Big East conference. 

In 2021/22, Peeples averaged 8.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, once again leading the team on the boards.

Prior to St Johns, Peeples played for North Carolina A&T as a freshman, then Northwest Florida State College. She led the Northwest Florida Raiders in scoring with 14.0 points per game, and ranked fourth in the country in field goal percentage, shooting 64.2%. 

Peeples commented: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play for this organisation. Everyone has been very welcoming since the day I decided to sign. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the team, and I’m really excited to be a part of a winning programme”

Head Coach Ben Stanley added: “We’re really looking forward to having Rayven here. She’s an elite defender and rebounder, and her physicality in the paint will be a great asset for us. 

“Her intangibles are going to be just as important to us as her physical abilities and skill set. Rayven has a high IQ on both ends, and I think she’ll see a lot of growth as the season progresses.”


Image credit: St John’s Red Storm

Preview: Riders at Loughborough

The Riders get their pre-season underway in our annual “Red vs Purple” game against Loughborough University. 

Here, we take a look at everything you need to know about the fixture…

Fixture information

Leicester Riders at Loughborough Basketball

Sir David Wallace Sports Hall, Loughborough University 

Friday, August 25, 7 pm

Tickets available here

New Riders era

A breathless offseason has seen a plethora of fresh faces coming through the doors of the Morningside Arena. 

Seven new Riders were added to the roster, as the club enters a new era seeking to add to its rich history. 

READ MORE: Riders 2023/24 roster

This offseason, therefore, is a key chemistry-building period for a new collection of players ahead of an intense British Basketball League schedule. 

Among the returners is Kimbal Mackenzie, off the back of a successful summer in the CEBL for the Niagara Rivers Lions, where he made the championship weekend alongside new teammate TJ Lall. 

He will play a key role in gelling the team with their Riders’ experience from previous seasons.  

 “While the results don’t matter in the long run, ultimately, you want a team that is going to play hard and try and win every possession,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro, when asked about what he looks to get out of this year’s preseason fixtures.

“These games were important for getting a feel for the rotation and understanding how to play different lineups. The more preseason games, the better in that sense.

“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.”

Loughborough- continuity is key

It’s been a busy week of announcements for the Riders’ opponents, as they announced their roster for the 2023/24 season. 

Among their returners are American guard Elijah Bailey, Welsh international Ben Woog and German-born Justin Hedley. 

READ MORE: Loughborough confirms retained core ahead of 2023/24 season.  

As confirmed by Head Coach Will Maynard, the majority of these returners enter their final year, and they look to give last season’s BUCS champions a fitting send-off.  

“We have four or five guys in their final year, and they’re determined to go out and have a great season,” said Maynard.

“Seeing them flourish and seeing what life after Loughborough holds for them will be super rewarding.” 

Accompanying the returns are new additions such as 6’4” guard Pannos Karras, who joins from Notre Dame College, and Torran Phillip out of Central Wyoming College. 

They will be met immediately with the stern test of two preseason fixtures against British Basketball League opponents, also taking on the Cheshire Phoenix on September 2. 

“It will give us some confidence going into the season, no matter the score,” explained Maynard.

“We know we can’t match their talent, but having the opportunity to go up against professionals before our regular season will tell us where we’re at and what we need to work on.” 

Loughborough looks to build on its BUCS glory from last season, and continue to challenge in NBL D1, where they finished with a 15-11 record last season. 

Played for both- Conner Washington

Loughborough basketball holds especially fond memories for Riders’ legend Conner Washington, who started his Riders journey at the University.

Alongside Head Coach Will Maynard, he helped Loughborough to their first BUCS title in 22 years, earning Final MVP in the process.

Washington is a shining example of the thriving partnership between the Riders and the University, who have since become a powerhouse in BUCS basketball, winning five of the last six Men’s titles.

In summary…

Following the offseason, preseason games are vital for both sides to get game time in their legs, and chemistry on the court.

Meanwhile for the fans, “Red vs Purple” is a celebration of the thriving partnership between the Leicester Riders and Loughborough University, and always provides great entertainment. 

Leicester Riders Mezzanine Hospitality

Leicester Riders offers action-packed entertainment in an electric atmosphere in the very heart of the city.

Our excellent gameday package includes the use of one of our mezzanines overlooking the playing court and provides a unique gameday hospitality
experience.

This new hospitality experience provides a panoramic view of the game, catering, and private bar facilities as well as opportunities to meet the Riders team.

The Mezzanine Hospitality includes:

  • Private use of one of our two mezzanine areas for up to 80 guests
  • Pre-game hot buffet dishes include; curry lasagne; chilli con carne; all served on the mezzanine
  • Tickets to watch the game from the mezzanine or in seats
  • Private cash bar and toilet facilities
  • Complimentary season guide and game day team sheet

Discounted Mezzanine Hospitality is also available at £25 for our preseason fixture against USA Select.


Read about all of our hospitality offers in our corporate brochure.

Interested in a game sponsorship, or want more information? Please contact [email protected].

Loughborough confirm the return of Onyia and Curran

Loughborough Basketball are thrilled to confirm the return of Edward Onyia and Oscar Curran for the 2023/24 season. 

17-year-old Onyia, who was new to the Charnwood Riders Academy programme last season, will balance his playing commitments within the academy EABL league and the NBL while studying at Charnwood College. 

Curran who is in his third and final year with the Charnwood Riders Academy programme, will also be balancing his time competing in the EABL and NBL this season.

The 6’2” guard will continue to build on the exposure he had within the NBL last season while he studies Mathematics, Physics and Physical Education at A-Level. 

Both Onyia and Curran will suit up for Charnwood’s EABL and Loughborough’s NBL D1 sides with coaches looking for both players to bring their NBL playing experience and leadership to academy games. 

Onyia commented: “I am grateful and excited to be able to play and develop within a bigger role on this team for the upcoming season and use all the things I learned last year and during the summer to help the team win.”

Curran commented: “I am really excited to play for the team this year, and I hope to learn a lot throughout the season.”

Head Coach Will Maynard commented: “We love having Academy players involved with the programme, and we are excited about what Oscar and Edward can bring to the group. 

“Both of these guys had previous experiences within the group last year, but I am hoping for them to have bigger impacts this year. They both bring some younger energy to the group and when this is controlled in the right way, it can have huge benefits to the team.”

Phillip joins Loughborough Basketball

Loughborough Basketball is delighted to welcome 6’4” wing Torron Phillip ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The 20-year-old joins from Central Wyoming College, where he competed in the NJCAA Division One. Prior to this, he played a season at Panther Hoops Prep and two years at Haringly Hawks, where he won the 2020 National Cup Championship and EYBL Central Division Championship. 

Phillip will combine playing with his studies at Loughborough University, working towards his BSc in Applied Sport Science with Management. 

The 6’4 shooting guard will suit up for Loughborough’s NBL D1 and BUCS teams. 

Phillip commented: “I’m looking forward to playing at Loughborough and competing at such a high level. I hope to add more success to the great history of Loughborough University.”

“I’m looking forward to working with Torron. I think he can be an exciting addition to the group who will definitely bring a lot of energy to the team,” added Head Coach Will Maynard

“He has been in the States over the past couple of years, so it’s exciting to see what he can bring to the table. Before the States, Torron was part of Haringey Hawks, so I know he will come to the programme with a great attitude both on and off the court.”

Karras joins Loughborough Basketball

Loughborough Basketball are thrilled to welcome Panos Karras ahead of the 2022/23 season. 

The 21-year-old signs with Loughborough from Notre Dame College in the NCAA Division Two. Prior to Notre Dame, Karras played for Cardiff Met Archers II in the NBL Divison Three. Karras was named an EABL Hoopsfix All-Star in 2021.

Karras will combine playing with studying for a BSc in Accounting and Finance at Loughborough University. 

The 6’4 guard will suit up for Loughborough’s NBL D1 and BUCS teams. 

Karras commented: “I’m thrilled to be stepping on the courts and in the classrooms at Loughborough University. It’s the perfect opportunity to combine my love for basketball with a top education.”

Head Coach Will Maynard commented: “Panos is a great pick-up for us. He is joining us with some really good experiences, including playing for the national team and spending two years in the States at an NCAA D2 programme.

“He is a high-character person and player and looking forward to what he will bring both on and off the court.”  

Coach Will Maynard on BUCS glory

Will Maynard played on the Loughborough BUCS team which won its first championship in 22 years. Last year, he accomplished the same feat as head coach, leading the University to its fifth title in the last six seasons. 

“Coaching is way more stressful than playing,” said Maynard, comparing the two accomplishments.

“Winning as a player was special because we hadn’t won in so long. There was no pressure going up against a great Newcastle team. That was a huge difference from when I came in as a coach. We were expected to win.

“We had such a stacked team, and losing the year before in the semi-final, we felt pressure to get back on top. We had Kimbal Mackenzie, Conner Washington, Jubril Adekoya, Patrick Whelan, Blake Bowman and Evan Walshe from the pro team. We couldn’t afford to lose that game.”

They were crowned the Men’s basketball champions with a 86-75 win over the University of West England Bristol. Mackenzie was named MVP after scoring 27 points on 10-of-12 shooting. 

“Credit to UWE. They made it hard for us! We were down double digits early, and Kimbal dug us out of the hole. They had a few professionals as well and made it a good game.

“To win it for the Division One guys who hadn’t won anything up to that point was really special. I’m super proud of all of them: they put in so much work over the season.”

Having risen through the ranks of the Loughborough pathway, it was an especially proud moment for Maynard to come back and win as a coach.  

Maynard came up through the Charnwood programme, going on to play for Loughborough’s Division Three team above his age, then attending American college for a season. He returned to a Loughborough team attempting to establish themselves on the UK scene. 

“I came back from the States after one year, and I joined as Russell Levenston (Leicester Riders managing director) was trying to make Loughborough into a well-renowned university programme, which there weren’t many of at the time. The year I came back, they recruited well and got a lot of guys in.

“My first year was with Drew Sullivan, which was an amazing experience. I learnt so much from him. I was lucky enough to practice with the Riders’ first team, which helped me develop as a player.”

Sullivan, two-time BBL MVP, helped establish Loughborough as a top-tier programme and aided Mayard’s understanding of the game immensely. 

“Being around a professional team and seeing how they worked was massive for me to understand the game at a different level,” Maynard reflected.

“I was never the quickest or most athletic, so I really benefited from learning from Coach Rob, Drew and so many others. Learning the game from them allowed me to take the next steps in my career.”

The Riders’ association with Loughborough University is of great benefit to any player, from those looking to further their development, set themselves up for life after basketball, or anything in-between. 

“I loved getting the experience of the university lifestyle and playing loads of basketball. I played BUCS, D1 and practised with the professional team. We had so much going on, and I loved everything about it.

“The Riders association with Loughborough attracts all types of players. Tyler Bernardini and Darien Nelson-Henry are guys that spring to mind who earned a really good degree alongside playing. It sets you up brilliantly for life after basketball, which is something that really sells. 

“The players have first-class facilities available to them. Having access to the physios, equipment, and courts is great for the players. The Riders’ partnership with a world-recognised university is really attractive for players looking to further their career.”

This current cohort of Loughborough University talent faces a tough test this preseason, facing off against British Basketball League opponents in Leicester Riders and Cheshire Phoenix. 

Maynard believes this will set them up for a successful season, and an important season for this group of players. 

“It will give us some confidence going into the season, no matter the score. We know we can’t match their talent, but having the opportunity to go up against professionals before our regular season will tell us where we’re at and what we need to work on. 

“It also gives our guys a chance to show British Basketball League coaches what they can do, as they look to further their careers. That’s the biggest reason we wanted to do it.

“I can’t wait to give all our guys in their final year a great send-off. We have four or five guys in their final year, and they’re determined to go out and have a great year. Seeing them flourish in their last year and seeing what life after Loughborough holds for them will be super rewarding. 

“The continuity we have in our group excites me, so playing the same guys as last year with a couple of new faces is great. The aim is another BUCS championship. 

“I’m so thankful to be involved with the Riders as a young coach.”

With Maynard at the helm, who has already brought so much success to Loughborough since his arrival over a decade ago, the programme is in safe hands.  


Want to see us in action?

Get tickets to our preseason fixture against Leicester Riders here!

Get tickets to our preseason picture against Cheshire Phoenix here!

Get tickets to our preseason picture against USA Select here!

Conner Washington: Riders Legend

Conner Washington has returned for his 11th year in Riders Red! The club legend and fan favourite has helped pack the Morningside Arena trophy cabinet during his time in the East Midlands.

We take a look back through his storied career!

Loughborough University: Where history began

Washington started life in the Riders programme in 2012, finding success with Loughborough University in the BUCS Championship. 

He helped win Loughborough’s first BUCS title in 22 years, alongside now Assistant Coach Will Maynard and former Rider Anthony Rowe. 

He was named MVP of the BUCS final, leading the University to a historic win.

BBL Breakout year

After lifting the first of his 14 pieces of BBL silverware in 2014, Washington went off for a breakout year in the 2014/15 season. 

He was named to the BBL British Team of the Year, averaging 7.3 points per game on the season and shooting a red-hot 40% from three. The Bedford native put up double-digits on eight occasions and scored a season-high of 23 points. 

Washington made a name as an integral part of the Riders’ roster going forward. 

Double award winner

The following season, Washington’s performances on the season saw him named on both the BBL British Team of the Year and the BBL Defence Team of the Year. 

He helped the Riders to the Championship and Trophy titles, the fifth and sixth pieces of silverware for the Riders under Head Coach Rob Paternostro. 

Washington scored 13 points in the Trophy Final, putting up four rebounds and four assists and going 4-8 from the field, making his presence known on the big stage. 

Winning his first treble

In the 2016/17 season, Washington won the first of his two trebles in his Riders career. The team lifted the BBL Trophy, Championship and Playoff titles, with Washington contributing another 40% three-point shooting season to the team. 

His three-point shooting was on full display at the back end of the season, draining five threes on his way to 18 points against the Plymouth Raiders. 

Washington was once again named to the BBL British Team of the Year and the Defensive Team of the Year for his performances on the season, now established as one of the League’s best homegrown talents. 

2021 league title

On his way to the 2021 BBL Championship title, Washington enjoyed his finest statistical season for the Riders. 

He put up 10.4 points per game on 47.4% shooting from the field and 38.4% shooting from three, earning him a spot on the BBL British Team of the Year for the fourth time. 

The Riders needed every point from Washington that season, winning the title by two points with a record of 24-6. It was the start of back-to-back seasons with one of the most successful Riders squads in the club’s history. 

2022 treble

The following year, Washington won his second treble with the Riders. They took home the BBL Cup, Championship and Playoffs, losing only two games on their way to the trio of silverware. 

It was a dominant season, where Washington made an electric impact off the bench behind back-to-back MVP Geno Crandall. He put up 20 points in the second leg of the playoff semi-final, sending the Riders to the O2 Arena. 

In the playoff final, Washington drained four threes on his way to 12 points, winning his 14th piece of silverware in his ninth season with the Leicester Riders. 


Want to see Conner in action?

Get tickets to our season opener against the Cheshire Phoenix!

Get tickets to our preseason opener against Loughborough University here!

Get tickets to our preseason home opener against USA Select here!

B&E Boys to sponsor the Riders for 2023/24 season

The Leicester Riders are delighted to continue their long-running relationship with B&E Boys. 

B&E Boys and the club have partnered for successful projects in the past, most notably the construction of our home, the Morningside Arena Leicester, in 2016. 

This season, Leicester Riders are happy to welcome B&E Boys as sponsors for 2023/24.

John Boys, director of B&E Boys, stated: “We built a strong working relationship with Leicester Riders since we started the building project at the Morningside Arena back in Spring 2015.

“We are extremely pleased to continue that relationship and have proudly become a team sponsor. B&E Boys wish the Leicester Riders every success this season.” 

For more information on partnering with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!

Riders sign Holmes

Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of Jaren Holmes to their 2023/24 roster. 

The 6’4” guard comes to Leicester as a rookie, having spent his final season of college eligibility at Iowa State. He led the Cyclones in scoring with 13.3 points per game and was one of two players to start all 33 games.

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. 

Three years at St. Bonaventure University proceeded Holmes’ year at Iowa State. 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 spent his first college season at Ranger Junior College, the same as Riders guard Caleb Asberry.

He helped the Rangers to a berth in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I championship game, starting all 33 games as a freshman, averaging 12.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals as the Rangers went 31-4. 

Holmes commented: “It is truly an honour to have the opportunity to play for this historic organisation! 

“This opportunity comes once in a lifetime. I am really looking forward to the chance to embrace the culture of Leicester and add to their winning culture.” 

Head Coach Rob Paternostro added: “We are all looking forward to working with Jaren. He is a versatile guard who can play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. 

“We really love the energy he brings to the floor. That type of play can really lift teammates and fans alike. 

“After a very good career at St Bonaventure, it was impressive how well he played in his one season in the BIG 12 and was able to show his skills at the highest level of college hoops.”


Want to see Jaren in action?

Get tickets to our preseason opener against Loughborough University here!

Get tickets to our preseason home opener against USA Select here!


Photo credit: Iowa State Cyclones

Riders revisited: Tony Windless on his Leicester Riders career

“I really enjoyed being here. We have some of the best fans in the league!”

Riders legend Tony Windless reflected on his time with the Leicester Riders, and how the club has grown since his arrival in 2008. 

Windless was there for the start of the Riders’ revolution. The 6’5” guard signed to now legendary Head Coach Rob Paternostro’s first Riders roster, having spent time in France and the BBL for the London Lions. 

He hit the ground running, putting up 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds in the 2008/09 season. The Riders went 21-12, good for third in the BBL Championship standings and improved from a 10-23 record the season before. 

Windless would remain on the Riders roster until 2011 when he announced his retirement from professional basketball. 

He is remembered as a key fixture in the team that kick-started the Riders winning culture under Rob Paternostro. 

He sat down with us to talk about his Riders career, and the growth of the club.


Want to see the Riders in action?

Get tickets to our preseason opener against Loughborough University here!

Get tickets to our preseason home opener against USA Select here!

Riders sign Ashby

Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of Sam Ashby on a two-year deal. 

The 5’9” Australian joins the club following her college career at the University of the Pacific. She scored 10.9 per game in her senior year with the Tigers, earning an All-West Coast Conference Honourable Mention selection. 

Ashby finished led the team in minutes played, free throw percentage and steals, and finished second in rebounding.

Prior to Pacific, the Perth native played for three years at her hometown Newman College, where she helped her team to three Associated and Catholic Colleges titles. 

She was named MVP in 2017 and earned Most Outstanding Female Basketballer honours in 2016 and 2017.  In 2018, she led Newman to the Marist Grand Final in Sydney.

While at Newman, Ashby set the program record for career free throws made and is second all-time in scoring.

Ashby will also compete for Loughborough University while she completes her master’s. The club would like to extend their thanks to the University for their support. 

Ashby commented: “Signing with Leicester brings me so much excitement. I couldn’t be more grateful to have the opportunity to play professionally in another country as well as meet some amazing new people!”

Head Coach Ben Stanley added: “We’re extremely happy to have Sam sign at Riders and Loughborough. She’ll bring grittiness to the team from her experience from Australia, but she is also a real offensive threat with her shooting and ability to get downhill.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing her in Riders red!”

Riders sign Thomas

Leicester Riders are delighted to announce the signing of Myryne Thomas for the 2023/24 season. 

The 6’8” forward is set to play in his rookie year after averaging 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds for Kent State in the NCAA Division One last season.

Thomas, a Cleveland native, averaged double-digit points in his final two college seasons, transferring from Ball State to Kent State for his final year of eligibility. 

He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds over his five-year college career. 

“I’m really happy to be part of the Riders,” said Thomas.

“I spoke to Coach Rob, and it sounded like the team was building something really special! I’ll be bringing lots of friends and family to the arena, and I hope to light it up with some dunks and threes!”

“I can’t wait to see you all!”

“We are excited to work with Miryne next season,” commented Head Coach Rob Paternostro. 

“He is a very talented all-around player who combined athleticism with skill and plays with great confidence and energy on the floor.

“He has great length and is a versatile defender who can defend in the paint or on the perimeter and play in multiple positions on the floor.

“We really enjoyed watching him play. He is a competitor who plays hard and has played in big games for a very good team last season.”


Want to see Miryne in action?

Click here for tickets to our home preseason opener against USA Select!


Image credit: Kent State Golden Flashes

Shahd Abboud: Breaking down barriers

Shahd Abboud faced a challenging road to professional basketball. Since her rise to the top division of Israeli basketball, she became the first Arab-Israeli to play in the women’s Premier League and the first Arab-Israeli captain in both the men’s and women’s leagues.

Culturally, financially and logistically, Abboud navigated obstacles from the jump to pursue her dream.

“I grew up as a minority. Being an Arab in Israel is challenging in a lot of ways. I’ve always felt like I had to do more to get a fair opportunity.

“I grew up in Nazareth, and when I was in seventh grade, I was recruited by a team in a different city. It was a difficult decision because I was going to be the only Arab girl on the team. I’d be away from my parents and didn’t speak Hebrew very fluently.”

Abboud comes from a basketball family. Her parents coached and played while raising a young child, meaning she grew up on the court. Since birth, she has lived and breathed hoops. 

“When I was born, I used to be at practice all the time. I was in the gym at a young age. Seeing my parents in that environment made me want to be there. Them having basketball as their career also helped them to be able to support me and my dreams.

“I’m lucky to be surrounded by amazing people in my career who gave me a platform to succeed. My parents drove an hour and a half to my games growing up to come to watch me!”

Due to a lack of funding in many Arab communities in Israel, sporting opportunities were limited for Abboud. 

She has used her platform to amend this, setting up basketball camps with her father in underfunded areas to allow a pathway for more children to devote their careers to basketball. 

“Due to the gap in funding, Arab teams don’t have anywhere to play in the summer. My dad and I wanted to provide the kids with an opportunity to play. 

“We’re now thinking of how best to integrate the Arab and Jewish communities in our camp. It’s really important for them to get to know each other at an early age, so they can begin to relate and understand each other.

“That’s the best thing about sports. There’s no colour, religion or race. You’re all teammates with the same goal. I was always around incredible people, I never felt different or unwelcome. Sport can be used for a lot of good.”

Abboud finds herself in a unique position, and one she is grateful for. She can represent the Arab community on the international stage, competing for the Israel national team from an early age.

Young children can now look to her, as Abboud looked to her parents as sporting role models. 

“I’ve always been the only Arab girl on the team, but that’s really important so I can show young girls that it’s possible. We always feel like we need to be better to get a fair chance, and a lot of people focus on school.

“I showed them a different way: that you can follow your dreams and still get a degree. I got my master’s while at the top level of basketball. 

“Representation is really important. For kids to see someone who is like them, grew up like them and shares similar views and values. To see her accomplish things makes it easier for them to dream. I’m blessed and honoured to be in a position to set an example.

“I get a lot of kids that want to talk to me and a lot that come to my games. Arab cities now have buses to our games. After the game, I see these kids, and just to see how excited they are and how much they can aspire and dream about getting to the top feels great.”

The Nazareth native’s journey to the top level took her to the other side of the world. It was always her dream to play in the NCAA, which was almost unprecedented for girls growing up in Israel. 

But an unlikely stranger helped to make her childhood dream a reality.  

“I was playing at Israel under-20s, and a stranger approached me and asked if I was interested in playing in America. I said yes, gave him my highlights tape, and he said he’d contact some colleges.

“I thought he was joking! I was just a kid, and I didn’t know him. To this day, I don’t know who he was! But I started getting emails from different schools asking me to come and play! Thank you to that man, wherever you are!”

She earned a spot at Jacksonville Junior College. But as a young girl on the other side of the world, the experience was daunting. 

“It was completely different to what I was expecting. I came expecting a huge school, but of course, it was a junior college, so much smaller. My mum came with me to see it, and even asked if I wanted to go home!

“But I didn’t, and it turned out to be the best experience ever. In JUCO, you have to keep working hard to prove yourself and get to the next level, so I got my work ethic and understanding of what it takes to get better from Jacksonville. I met amazing people who are friends for life.”

And get to the next level she did. Abboud was a NJCAA Academic All-American named to the NJCAA Region 14 All-Academic Team. This caught the eye of Northwestern State, where she spent her final two college seasons. 

Reflecting on her early college experience, Abboud draws parallels to her move to Leicester. 

“It feels the same now! I feel the same excitement and nerves, and I’m 28! I have the same feelings: I’m giddy and excited. It’s a great feeling that reminds me of when I first went to the States.

“I’m at a point in my career where I’m ready to expand my horizons. I think Leicester and Loughborough University will be great places to try something new, see a new country and still play basketball.”

Years removed from college, now a seasoned professional, Abboud is ready to bring veteran leadership to the Riders. 

“Throughout the years, I’ve really developed my leadership. At the start of my career, I would turn up, do my job, and that would be it. My coaches always wanted more. 

“They always told me: ‘The way you hold yourself accountable is how you have to hold your teammates accountable’. I’ve learned how to set an example and help everyone else improve.

“I look to bring my basketball IQ to the team, and being able to play the game the right way, or Coach Ben’s way! Also, being one of the oldest on the team, I hope to be a figure for the younger players to come and speak to. 

“I love making new relationships and getting to know people. I think it’s the best way to be, to bring the best out of others.”

Previewing the upcoming season, Abboud has a message for the Riders faithful:

“Come watch us! I’ve heard a lot of great things about the fans, so I’m really excited to meet you all. I’ve been getting a lot of love since I signed, and we’re building a team that will be fun to watch. It’s going to be a great season, and I can’t wait to start!”

Riders retain Johnston

Leicester Riders can announce the retention of American guard McKenzie Johnston to their 2023/24 roster. 

Helping the Riders to all three domestic finals last season, she averaged 8.3 points, 6.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game in the WBBL Championship. 

Johnston signed a two-year deal last summer to play in the WBBL alongside studying for her master’s at Loughborough University.

The club would like to thank the University for their support. 

“I enjoyed my last season with the Riders, so I’m looking forward to getting back and building on what we built last with a new group,” said Johnston. 

“The team will be different, but Coach Ben is doing a great job of getting the right group of people together to be successful.” 

“We’re very excited to have McKenzie back with us,” said Head Coach Ben Stanley. 

“She’s a proven factor, and there are very few players that are as creative and selfless as her in this league. Her impact as a leader is also unquantifiable for us, and I’m really looking forward to working with her.” 

“Hard work beats talent”- Caleb Asberry on his journey to the pros

In 2018, Caleb Asberry came fresh out of Pflugerville High School to play junior college hoops. Through grit, hard work and elite play five years later, he was starting in the BIG 12 for Oklahoma State. 

“Hard work beats talent,” Asberry told us. “I had to play super hard to get on the court in college. I have to work hard to prove to people that I belong.”

After a season at Ranger College, putting up 10.5 points per game on efficient 48-43-89 splits, the Texan earned a spot at Texas State in the NCAA Division One. 

There, he fought his way into the starting lineup. He started five games as a sophomore, the final 19 as a junior, then became the only Bobcat to start all 29 games in his senior year. 

Asberry was named to the NABC All-District 23 Second Team and All-Sun Belt First Team, winning the conference twice. It was then time to take his talents to Oklahoma State. 

But once again he had to earn his spot. His early play in the BIG 12 saw him achieve a starting role. 

“My proudest basketball moment so far was making my first Oklahoma State start. It was a huge progression from starting in JuCo to starting in the BIG 12. It was a massive deal for me.

“All I could think when I got the call was: ‘don’t mess it up!’”

As he had throughout his college career, Asberry made the most of his opportunity. He scored 9.7 points per game in his final year of eligibility, more than holding his own in the BIG 12 conference and impressing Riders’ Head Coach Rob Paternostro.

“He had a decorated career at Texas State,” said Paternostro. “It was enjoyable to watch him play, and it was impressive how in his final season he went to a new team in the BIG 12 and made a significant impact.”

Having signed for the Riders, he is set to make his first venture into Europe. 

“I’ve only been outside America once, so I’m so excited to get over there. I feel so lucky to be able to go over there and play basketball for a living. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and expanding my horizons.”

The 6’3” guard is set to bring his skillset to the BBL.

“I’m going to add energy. I’m a loud person, and I’m going to bring the noise! I can also shoot the ball pretty well. 

“But above everything, I’m about defence, defence, defence. That’s something that’s ingrained in me from my coaches in college.

“The pros are a whole new ball game. The speed of the game and the physicality are something that is going to be ramped up, but I’m ready for that.”

As the seventh man named to Paternostro’s 2023/24 roster, Asberry is ready to give everything in Riders red. 

“I want to thank the Riders for the opportunity and for taking a chance on me.

“At Texas State, we won conference twice, and we were the first team to miss the tournament as a senior. It has fueled my desire to win even more.

“The Riders are a hugely successful club, and I really want to add to that. To start my career off with some silverware would be incredible.

“Im ready to give everything, and I’m ready to win. I’m excited to meet you all, and I can’t wait for the whole experience. Thank you all for bringing me in, and I’m ready to bring you all in too!”


Want to see Caleb in action?

Get tickets to our home preseason opener against USA Select!

TJ Lall to compete for $1 million in ESPN’s “The Basketball Tournament”

Riders’ recent signing TJ Lall is set to suit up to compete for $1 million in The Basketball Tournament (TBT)!

TBT is a 64-team, single-elimination open tournament where the winning team takes home a prize of $1 million.

Teams will play through six rounds of knockout basketball until an eventual winner is crowned.

TJ will compete for India Rising, his first game tipping off on the 26th of July. All the games are available to watch on the ESPN player.

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to play for India Rising in TBT,” said Lall.

“I’m looking forward to the experience. Thank you to Gautam and the Brown Ballers for making this happen!”


Want to watch TJ live in action?

Get tickets to the Riders’ preseason home opener against USA Select!

Ben Stanley takes the reins!

Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the appointment of Ben Stanley as head coach.

Stanley was named NBL women’s Coach of the Year last season after a league-winning campaign with Team Solent Kestrels. 

Prior to Solent, Stanley had a near decade-long association with Nottingham Hoods, as a player from 2013 and as head coach until 2022. 

Along with coaching the WBBL Riders, Stanley will coach the Loughborough University team in BUCS competition.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining Riders,” commented Stanley. 

“The programme has such a history, and to be a part of that is a real privilege. I can’t wait to get started with the Ladies and see what we can build both this season and into the future.”

Managing director Russell Levenston commented: “Ben is an experienced coach that everyone at the club is excited to work with as we continue the growth of our women’s programme.

“We have a lot of work to do and I’m really looking forward to him starting. Ben really bought into the long-term aims and objectives of the club as we continue to improve every day.

“We would like to thank our partners at Loughborough University for their ongoing support. Ben will prove a fantastic coach across both WBBL and Loughborough programmes.”

Ian Knott, Head of Sports Development at Loughborough Sport added: “We are thrilled to welcome Ben into the Loughborough Sport family. 

“We are very proud of the achievements of the basketball programme and its longstanding partnership with Leicester Riders.  We are very excited for the season ahead with much to do.”

Stanley has been signed to a three-year deal, committing to the team for multiple seasons. 


Photo credit: Kai Johnson

Samuel Idowu: Top Performances

Riders’ new man Samuel Idowu is a three-year professional, with experience playing in the NCAA D1 and across Europe.

The 6’8″ big man brings size and physicality on both ends to the Riders’ frontcourt, capable of going off for big games on any given night.

We take a look at some of the biggest performances in his college and professional career.

December 12, 2020 vs Svenborg Rabbits: Dominating the paint for the win

In a midseason game against Svendborg, Danish outfit FOG Naestved needed every point of Idowu’s monster performance in the paint to see out a hard-fought victory. 

In only 25 minutes he put up 24 points and 13 rebounds, shooting a dominant 72% from the field. Naestved entered the game big underdogs, but Iwodu led the team to an upset 86-83 road win. 

The big man put in a two-way scoring effort, adding two steals and a block to the box score. 

It was one of nine games Iwodu led his side in scoring on the year and his second-biggest scoring tally of the season. 

February 19, 2021 vs Randers Cimbria: Idowu catches fire from deep

His highest-scoring performance in his season with Naestved came just a few months later. Idowu went off for 25 points and nine rebounds in 27 minutes, beating Cimbria 83-78. 

In yet another efficient showing, Iwodu shot 76.9% from the field, showing his range to go 4-5 from three. His performance led Naestved to a statement win against the eventual league winners. 

On defence, the New York native recorded yet another block and a steal, making his presence known on both ends. 

During the season, Idowu led the team to a 16-4 record, just a win behind the top spot in the regular season standings. Performances like this went a long way to establishing themselves as a contender.

November 2, 2019 vs Den Helder Suns: Career-high scoring night

Just months into his post-college career, Idowu announced himself on the professional stage with a career-high 30-point performance against Den Helder. He went off for 30 points and 11 rebounds for Dutch side Aris Leeuwarden in just his eighth game as a pro. 

The game resulted in a 74-63 loss, but Idowu’s game-leading effort showed his ability to put the scoring load on his back and dominate. He hit the ground running with Leeuwarden, leading the team’s scoring in seven of their first eight games. 

Idowu got his points in only 33 minutes, shooting 12-20 from the field. He would go on to be his team’s second-leading scorer in his rookie year, averaging 16.1 points and 7.5 rebounds. 

January 31 2019 vs Rider University: Idowu writes his name in college history

Idowu was a defensive force in college, and the record books show as much. He became just the fourth player in St Peter’s history to surpass 100 career blocks. And he did it in style.

Playing against the Rider Broncs, Idowu swatted a monster six shots to get over the century mark. The game remains his career high in blocks for the rim-protecting savant, establishing himself as a top defensive prospect.

Idowu averaged 1.8 blocks per game as a senior with the Peacocks, leading the team with 59 on the season.

December 4, 2019 vs Leiden: Career high on the glass 

Idowu grabbed his career-high in rebounds as a rookie for Leeuwarden. He went off for 18 points and 14 rebounds, outmuscling Leiden for a huge 10 offensive boards. 

The second-possesions Idowu earned his side kept them in the game, but they ultimately fell 73-62. 

Idowu averaged a block per game that season, by far the most on the Leeuwarden roster. His shot-blocking has become a staple of his game. The towering forward has averaged at least a block a game for the last six seasons. 

The former GB u20 will look to bring his interior defence to the Riders roster this season. 

Riders fall in Playoff Final

The Riders fell 57-41 to the London Lions in the WBBL Playoff final. 

They remained in touching distance until the fourth quarter, keeping the Lions off the scoresheet effectively. A second-half surge from the league winners saw them complete the clean sweep of silverware this season. 

Fiona O’Dwyer led Leicester’s offensive efforts with 10 points, hitting key shots throughout to keep her team in contention. It was a one-point game midway through the period, but London found their offensive rhythm late on. 

London’s Ty Battle was named Final MVP, putting up eight points and a dominant 15 rebounds.

The Riders made it a defensive game early, keeping London’s offensive sets in the halfcourt and keeping them to one possession by crashing the glass. They built a lead with their physical play, O’Dwyer’s three making it 8-4 after four minutes. 

After missing a lot of their early looks from range, the Lions attacked the paint to bounce back. Ty Battle’s back-to-back buckets kickstarted a 13-0 London run midway through the first.  

Battle’s free throws ended the quarter with London up 19-10. 

The Riders fought back to start the second. Hannah Robb put on the moves in the post, breaking Holly Winterburn’s ankles to cap off a 10-2 run. The run cut the game to one: the Riders back in the tie. 

The Lions regained control of the tie, ending the half 10-3, but the Riders were within touching distance going into the locker rooms led by seven from O’Dwyer. 

In a low-scoring third, London edged ahead. It was a 6-2 period in London’s favour after seven minutes, and the game went without a score for five of those. O’Dwyer hit a three near the end of the third to give the Riders an outside chance at the comeback.

But London came storming out the gates in the final quarter, starting  5-0 to jump out to a 19-point lead. They saw the game out professionally from there, taking their lead to the final buzzer to win the Playoff title. 

The game concludes the Riders 2022-23 season. Thank you for your incredible support all year. 

WBBL Playoff Final Preview

The Riders are set to face off against the London Lions in a final for the third time this season. Making three finals in a season is a franchise record for the club, but they hope the third time is the charm in this one to take some silverware back to Leicester. 

Road to the final 

After finishing third in the league standings with a 17-5 record, the Riders were faced with two opponents standing between them and the O2 Arena. 

The first was the Essex Rebels, who played the Riders to an overtime classic. They entered the fourth down 10, but back-to-back threes from Fiona O’Dwyer kicked off an inspired comeback. 

Ashley Arlen and Oliana Squires won it at the free-throw line at the end of overtime, progressing them to the semi-finals against the second-placed Caledonia Gladiators. 

This one was more straightforward, as the Riders dominated a 19-point road win against their Scottish contemporaries. 

Squires led the game with 25, but it was their defence which won them the day. Leicester held the Gladiators to 30% shooting from the floor, and outrebounded them 39 to 30 in the win. 

Familiar foes

These teams are well-versed in competing at the top level of domestic basketball. They have faced twice this season in finals, the Lions coming out victors on both occasions. 

The first was a tough outing for the Riders. The Lions dominated the WBBL Cup final, winning 95-42 led by Final MVP Holly Winterburn’s 16 points and nine rebounds. 

Squires’ attempt to inject rhythm into the Riders’ offence resulted in a game-high 23 points, but the game was never in doubt. 

The WBBL Betty Codona Trophy final was a different matter. The Riders had the game within five points midway through the fourth quarter thanks to a finish at the rim by Hannah Robb. 

Lions’ American forward Ty Battle responded with six straight to see the game out, but the Riders will take confidence from being in the game late, minutes away from winning the Trophy. 

It took a monumental 33 points from Lions’ GB star Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan to win it. The Riders were led by 22 points and 14 rebounds from star forward Arlen.

Key matchup 

Arlen enters this game on a high, having been named to the WBBL Team of the Year earlier in the week. 

The American forward averaged 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds this season, shooting 42% from the field, and has continued to demonstrate her elite abilities in the postseason. 

Arlen put up 18 points and 14 rebounds in the Riders’ overtime victory over the Essex Rebels in the quarter-final and 12 in the semi-final against the Caledonia Gladiators. The Riders’ will need a performance like the Trophy final from their frontcourt. 

Facing up against Arlen and vying for her second final MVP of the season is Herbert-Harrington. “Kiki” started her post-college career in the WNBA, where she was drafted sixth overall in the 2020 draft by the Minnesota Lynx.

She finished her rookie season playing in 21 games averaging 3.8 ppg and shooting 42.2% from 3. The next season, Herbert-Harrigan signed for Turkish basketball Team Kayseri Basketbol before singing in London this year. 

Herbert-Harrington led the Lions this season with 18.7 points and 5.2 rebounds a game, her points tally ranking second in the WBBL. The Riders will have their work cut out to slow her offence down. 

Where to watch

The game is live on Sky Sports and on their youtube channel, starting at 1:15 pm. It will take place before the BBL Playoff final, also between the Lions and Riders. 

Arlen named to Team of the Year!

Ashley Arlen has been named to the Molten WBBL Team of the Year!

The American forward averaged 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds this season, shooting 42% from the field. She led the team to third place in the WBBL Championship standings with a 17-5 record.

Her season high was 25 points and 11 rebounds came on the season opener, and was one of seven double-doubles the Iowa native put up this season.

Arlen has continued to demonstrate her elite abilities in the postseason. She had 18 points and 14 rebounds in the Riders’ overtime victory over the Essex Rebels in the quarter-final and 12 in the semi-final against the Caledonia Gladiators, which saw them advance to the final in the O2 Arena.

Congratulations Ashley!

Riders duo named to British Team of the Year

Star Riders pairing of Kimbal Mackenzie and Patrick Whelan have been named to the Molten BBL British Team of the Year!

Mackenzie has enjoyed a breakout year, putting up 12.6 points and 3.8 assists, shooting 49.1% from the field. The fans recently voted him as the player of the season.

His play earned him a GB call-up for the first time, establishing himself as one of the country’s elite guards.

Meanwhile, his backcourt teammate Whelan is the BBL’s most efficient three-point sharpshooter at 45.1%. He is named to the British Team of the Year for the second year running, having averaged 13.5 points per game.

The news comes a week before the Riders compete in the BBL Playoff Final at the O2 Arena.

Riders take a lead back to Leicester

The Riders beat the Bristol Flyers 84-77 in the first leg of the BBL Playoffs semi-final. 

They led by as many as 26 in the game, but the Flyers showed heart to get back into the fixture going back to Leicester.

Led by Zach Jackson’s 14 points and eight rebounds, the Riders had six scorers in double digits in a complete team display. They shot well from three, going 38%, and went 20-26 from the free-throw line in an efficient showing. 

VJ King exploded for 26 points off the bench for the hosts. He made big shots throughout to snatch back momentum for Bristol, his scoring runs keeping the Flyers in it. 

The Riders leapt out to an early advantage, taking control of the game from the first quarter. Making his return from injury after being sidelined since mid-April, Aaron Menzies made his presence known on the inside.

His interior defence was pivotal in holding the Flyers to 11 first-quarter points, and he put up seven on the other end, including a monster jam. 

The Riders went on an 11-0 run to end the period, putting them up 15 after a Menzies finish inside. 

Leicester’s early dominance continued into the second. They started it 8-0, making it 19 points unanswered to go up 26. The Riders’ defence held Bristol scoreless for nearly seven minutes of play, suffocating the hosts.  

The Flyers found form towards the end of the half. They exploded for a 12-0 run, led by five from King, to cut it to 13 by halftime. 

The sides traded three-point bombs to start the third. Bristol hit four, Leicester hit three, and the Riders’ lead was cut to 10 five minutes in. 

Evan Walshe found the bucket to score five straight for Leicester, stemming the tide. The Riders held an 11-point advantage with one to play. 

A 7-3 Riders run to start the fourth rebuilt the lead. Menzies battled inside four two quick buckets as the visitors found momentum. 

But again, Bristol battled back. They found a way to cut the game back to eight through nine straight points from King. 

The sides exchanged big buckets down the stretch, but the Riders maintained their lead. A layup from Thomas Bell ended it, Leicester taking a seven-point lead back to the Morningside Arena.

The home leg takes place on Sunday, tipping off at 5:30 pm in front of the Sky Sports cameras. 

Get your tickets here to see your Riders battle to book their place in the O2 Arena.

BBL Playoff Semi-final Preview: Riders vs Flyers

It is time for the BBL championship playoff semi-finals, and this weekend has the #2 Riders tipping off against the #3 Bristol Flyers.

Both teams will head into this matchup brimming with confidence after dominant performances in last week’s quarter-finals.

Leicester and Bristol last met in the playoffs in 2021, with the Riders dominating both games. Expect this season’s contest to be a much tighter affair.

Riders’ Road to the Semis

Last week’s playoff quarter-finals saw the Riders put on a defensive clinic as they bested the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 153-140.

Significant leads built in the first half of both games proved to be the winning formula for Leicester, who knew that their chances would skyrocket if they could make Sheffield chase the game.

The Riders’ knew that they would have one foot in the next round if they could restrict the Sharks to 75 points or less, and that’s exactly what they did.

The first leg, taking place in Ponds Forge, saw forward Marc Loving show his class as he dropped an 18-11 double-double – his fourth against the Sharks this season.

Kimbal Mackenzie once again provided a bright spark off the bench, hitting 19 points of his own at a perfect 100% clip and helping the Riders to a 79-70 first leg lead.

The second chapter was all about captain Darien Nelson-Henry and forward Zach Jackson.

Nelson-Henry and Jackson lit up the scoreboard with 18 and 25 points respectively, the former claiming a hard-earned double-double with 11 boards.

Jackson also managed to snag nine rebounds from his wing position and, at certain points of the game, looked unstoppable.

With Loving and Mackenzie both having a difficult night shooting the ball, the performances from the two showed that any player on the Riders roster can take over a game.

For their outstanding contributions, Nelson-Henry and Jackson made it onto the BBL ‘All-Star 5’ – for #21 it was a superb seventh appearance.

Flyers’ Road to the Semis

Heading into the playoff quarter-finals as the third seed with an identical 25-11 record to the Riders, the Bristol Flyers matched up against a high-scoring Manchester Giants squad.

One of the keys to the round would be whether Bristol could keep Manchester’s Dirk Williams and Tajh Green quiet.

The offensive ‘giants’ were held to an average of 11.5 PPG between them, and both were kept in single digits for one of the legs.

The Flyers did an excellent job of neutralising Manchester’s main threat and the tie was heavily in favour of the #3 seeds after a 97-71 first leg.

The only further requirement was for the Flyers not to capitulate in the SGS College Arena and they would go through to the semis.

A solid 82-81 home victory in the second leg proved that the Bristol squad could hold their nerve, and they were able to celebrate progression.

Guard Tevin Olison was the player of the round, shooting his way onto the ‘All-Star 5’ with a game-changing 29 points in Manchester.

Bench point totals of 31 and 27 also showed how well-rounded the Flyers’ squad is – a large part of the reason why they are ranked at #3.

Season Matchup

As expected, the Riders and Flyers have tied the season series, winning two games apiece.

Even more predictably, both teams have triumphed on home court, although the Riders’ average winning margin is 17.5 points compared to Bristol’s 6.5.

One major component that has determined victory in all this season’s contests has been the play of the bench. Both starting line-ups appear evenly matched, so it is no surprise that in all four games, the winning team has benefited from significantly more bench points.

The first two battles came way back in October, with Bristol taking an initial 91-85 victory on the back of a 17-point performance by Thomas Bell III.

Bell didn’t dress for the second game on October 28, and despite VJ King’s 24 points, the Flyers missed the American’s scoring and fell 91-73.

Weekly matchup nightmare, Marc Loving, went off in that game, draining six threes on his way to a tasty 34 points.

The following two games were much more spread, with Bristol hosting the Riders on January 6 and then visiting the Morningside Arena on the final day of March.

Once again, King showed off his offensive repertoire, hitting 12 FGs and 30 points to help the Flyers win, 91-85. He was assisted by savvy guard, Mike Miller, who chipped in with 10 dishes.

March 31 brought with it another blowout in Leicester; the trio of Jackson, Loving and Patrick Whelan all producing memorable games.

The Riders dominated and claimed a 106-89 victory.

The pattern shows that both teams carry a slight advantage on their home court. Margin of victory could become a huge factor when determining who makes it through to the big dance.

Key Players

When teams have so many great players in their squad, it becomes very difficult to pick a matchup that stands out among the rest.

One area that is worth zeroing in on however, is the tussle between the on-court generals – Riders’ Carrington Love and Flyers’ Mike Miller.

Both starting point guards are often the premier ball-handlers on their teams and regularly dictate the pace of play.

Second-year Flyer, Miller, has been ever-present this season, playing in 37 games across all competitions.

The American is averaging 9.51 PPG and 6.94 assists per 40 minutes, good for eighth in the BBL.

Whilst not a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, Miller does posses scoring ability and uses his 6’3” frame to overpower his opposition guard.

It will be imperative that Love stays strong when sticking to his man and does a good job of getting in the way of passing lanes.

The Riders’ point guard himself has shown flair when scoring the basket and intelligence when dealing the killer pass.

Since joining Leicester mid-way through the season, Love is averaging 7.89 PPG and a delicious 10.63 assists per 40, putting him top of the league in that category.

The 6’1” American had also shown quick hands in defence, currently pilfering 2.44 steals per 40.

Neither Miller nor Love are the biggest bodies on the court. That doesn’t mean that they won’t carry the biggest impact when all is said and done this Sunday evening.

Where to watch

The first leg will be shown live on the British Basketball League’s official youtube channel, starting at 7:30 pm.

Final Word

This weekend, fans will be treated to a contest worthy of a BBL semi-final. Expect it to be tight. Expect it to be high in quality.

Both teams have played a season deserving of a place in the BBL Finals.

The Riders hope they will be the team that claims the honour.

Riders through to the semis!

The Riders saw themselves comfortably through to the BBL Playoff semi-finals with a 153-140 aggregate win against the Sheffield Sharks.

They entered the game needing to hold onto their nine-point advantage from the first leg, and won the second leg 74-70 to advance through the first round. 

Zach Jackson took over the tie to stretch the Riders’ lead at the midway point. He finished with 25 points and nine rebounds in a dominant showing. 

The Riders attacked the rim relentlessly in the game, which got them to the free-throw line 19 times. They outrebounded the Sharks 32-25, winning the interior battle. 

Riders’ captain Darien Nelson-Henry was a huge part of that, putting up an 18-point double-double with 11 rebounds. His second-chance points, from four offensive boards, were key to Leicester’s early success in the game, allowing them to build from the inside. 

He led the game out the gate, scoring the team’s first six points, bagging eight in the first period as Leicester built a lead. 

It was a dominant start, with the hosts holding an 18 aggregate. They started 8-12 from the field, with both Nelson-Henry and Jackson starting 3-3.

The Sharks fought back through Devearl Ramsey, who put six on the board, but the first ended 22-17 to Leicester. 

The second went back and forth but resulted in the Riders maintaining their lead. Nelson-Henry extended his tally to 14 by halftime. Meanwhile, eight points in the second for Jackson made it 14 for him as well. 

The Sharks tied it up midway through the second, but a run to end the quarter saw the Riders enter the locker rooms up 42-34 in the game and 122-105 on aggregate. 

Jackson quickly got to 20 points in the third quarter, taking over proceedings out of halftime. He scored the Riders’ first seven points of the half as the Riders continued to extend their lead. 

The Sharks hung around in a low-scoring third quarter, however, and a Ramsey and-one to end the period made it a 13-point game going into the fourth. 

Nelson-Henry refound his scoring form in the final period, scoring back-to-back baskets. But the Sharks made it a one-point game on the night, forcing the Riders to see it out in the clutch. 

Leicester snatched momentum through Kimbal Mackenzie, who attacked the hoop on two straight plays for four points. He then set up Patrick Whelan for an open three, as the Riders took firm control of the tie with a 7-0 run. 

From there, they saw the game out to progress to the next round. They will face either the Bristol Flyers or Newcastle Eagles, depending on the result of the Eagles’ fixture against the London Lions tomorrow evening.

Five Takeaways from the Quarter-Final First Leg

The Riders will take a hard-earned nine-point advantage into the second leg of their BBL playoff quarter-final following a 79-70 win over the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks.

Here are five things to take away from a tense first leg.

Building an early lead proved crucial

After trailing by five very early in the contest, the Riders took control of the game and built a lead to defend.

Leicester ended the first quarter 28-17 to the good and only allowed Sheffield to get within one basket on a couple of occasions.

Playoff ball requires a hard push for a double-digit lead early so it can be defended rather than chased.

The Riders understood this and used a three-point range finder from Marc Loving to dominate the final five minutes of the quarter.

Two more deep balls by Loving and Patrick Whelan backed up by an unstoppable Kimbal Mackenzie did the damage and the rest of the game was about keeping the Sharks at bay.

Leicester won the battle of the boards

If there was one area where the Riders dominated the Sharks on Friday night, it was rebounding.

The road team outrebounded their opponents 46-30, allowing for plenty of second chances to score the ball.

Leicester ended the game with nearly three times as many second-chance points as Sheffield and the nine-point difference shows it.

Loving, who has been a matchup nightmare for Sheffield all season, snagged 11 boards on his way to yet another double-double, and wing forward Zach Jackson pulled down the same amount, recording a double-double of his own.

When asked whether the impressive rebounding numbers was centred around a specific gameplan, coach Rob Paternostro said: “Not really. Those guys saw the opportunities and they took them really well.”

Loving and Jackson are proof that big-time players rise in big-time moments.

Riders Must Shoot the Ball Better

If Coach Rob was happy with the rebounding, the same can’t be said for the shooting performance, especially from deep.

“I liked the way we played but we didn’t shoot the ball well,” said Coach when quizzed about his initial thoughts on the game. He added: “(We) didn’t exactly shoot the three well.”

The numbers tell the story as the Riders shot just 40% from the field and 24% from downtown.

Yes, the excellent rebounding limited the damage, but efficiency certainly must improve if the Riders are to see a winning end to the season.

One place the team were deadly accurate from was the free throw line, where they posted 91% on 21 attempts.

Mackenzie, once again a spark off the bench, hit every one of his 11 free throws, continuing a reputation as one of the best in the league from the line.

Limiting Turnovers is Key

Looking ahead to Sunday’s second leg, Coach Rob noted that, “taking care of the basketball is very important”, something the Riders excelled at during the first quarter.

The dominant run that saw Leicester build an 11-point lead only contained a single turnover.

Sheffield were forced to hit contested shots against a defence that was often set and rarely on the back foot after a steal.

The tight ball control seeped away as the game wore on, but the damage done in the first gave the Riders an all-important buffer.

Every team in the BBL can cause problems on the fast break, and with Sheffield openly wanting a faster offence than earlier in the season, ball retention is more important than ever.

Good Defence Wins Games

Sunday’s deciding leg in the Morningside Arena will be predicated on defence.

Keeping the Sharks below their offence season average of 74.78 PPG vastly improves the Riders’ chances of advancing, especially with the nine-point hurdle they face.

Leicester have one of the most dynamic offences in the league with players who get clean looks and show great on-court instincts – but as Coach Rob stated after Friday’s win: “Defence is the name of the game.”

The Riders kept Sheffield’s high-flyers, Jalon Pipkins and Saeed Nelson, relatively quiet in the first 40 minutes.

They need more of the same in the second.

Continuing to suppress Sheffield’s premier scorers’ ability to get into a rhythm will be at the top of the objective board.

Where to watch

The second leg is at the Morningside Arena Leicester, tipping off at 5:15 pm. Get your tickets here!

It will also be shown live on Sky Sports, and their youtube channel, starting at 5 pm.

BBL Playoff Quarter-Final Preview: Riders vs Sharks

The quarter-final round of the BBL Championship Playoffs pits the #2 Riders against the #7 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks.

The two teams last met in the playoffs back in 2018, with Leicester coming out on top.

Despite finishing the season under .500, the Sharks may prove to be a tricky opponent for the Riders, who have been bested by their rivals on two occasions this year.

Riders’ Path to the Playoffs

One word can sum up the Riders’ 2022/23 season: consistency.

Last season’s treble-winners began the season in fine fettle, going 8-4 in their first 12 games and continued in that vein until the final tip-off last Sunday.

The Riders’ ability to keep the win column ticking over resulted in a 25-11 record and 50 points, good for second place in the championship standings.

Leicester have matched up well with nearly every team in the BBL this season, recording a clean sweep over the likes of Manchester, Plymouth and Surrey.

Tougher tests have come against fellow playoff squads like Caledonia and Bristol, but the Riders still posted a .500 record in those series’.

The largest obstacle in the Riders’ way this season has been a 32-4 London Lions squad, who are yet to be bested by Rob Paternostro’s men.

The Riders will not face the Lions unless they make it to the playoff final, and there is plenty of basketball to be played between now and then.

Featured on BBL social media this week, Coach Rob described his players as “mentally locked in” and “full of playoff experience”.

They will need to draw on that knowledge of knockout ball if they are to push through to the next round.

Sharks’ Path to the Playoffs

Unlike the Riders, the Sharks have been anything but consistent this season.

Following a decent 6-6 start in the opening 12, Sheffield toiled through a 2-10 winter period that saw them fighting for the final playoff place.

Then came the turnaround.

A 92-74 demolition of the Surrey Scorchers saw the Sharks romp to a 9-3 record down the final stretch, pushing them into the conversation for a top four seeding.

Two late-season losses to Bristol and the Riders kept them as the #7 seed, but in current form, they could be as dangerous as any matchup in the BBL.

Perhaps the most surprising – yet impressive – feature of Sheffield’s season are the two victories over the Lions.

The Sharks triumphed over London 87-81 and 82-80 and – along with Bristol – are the only side to have registered a win against the league’s #1 seed.

Sheffield have based their season around a stifling defence that often restricts the opposition to less than 80 points.

Expect that intense D to ramp up to another level come the QF tip-off.

Season Matchup

Watching the Riders and Sharks this season has been like watching two world-class prize fighters going blow-for-blow in the boxing ring.

Leicester’s versatile offense and the Sharks’ impenetrable defence has been evident in nearly every contest – especially during spring once Sheffield’s form had improved.

The first couple of games early in the season both told similar stories.

Riders’ dominance from three-point range and ability to get to the free-throw line could not be matched by their opponents, and the games ended with comfortable victories for Leicester.

A mid-season BBL Trophy game between the two told a different story though.

Leicester uncharacteristically struggled from downtown, allowing Sheffield to hit the offensive glass hard and put back some second-chance points.

The tight contest ended 79-78 to the Sharks.

At the beginning of the final stretch of games, the teams met again. Once again, Sheffield got the better of things, scoring an eight-point victory: 72-64. Guard, Saeed Nelson put in an all-action display, leading his team with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 dishes and 3 steals.

Finally, last Friday, the teams tipped off for the final time in the regular season. A close game full of spectacular dunks and tough defence finished 84-76 to the Riders after they pulled away in the fourth.

Key Players

If there is one player the Sharks should fear most, it is combo forward, Marc Loving.

Listed at 6’9” and incredibly long, Loving is a matchup nightmare for any team – against Sheffield he is destructive.

The Ohio native is averaging 17.2 PPG and 8.2 RPG in his five outings against the Sharks this season, three of which have been double-doubles.

Perhaps Loving’s most spectacular performance came in the final meeting last week, where he dropped a cool 25 points and regularly ghosted into the paint to grab 10 rebounds.

Loving always plays with a calm head and regularly finds space on the court that others do not.

The Sharks will need to try something new if they are to slow down #4.

A player that the Riders need to keep tabs on is Sheffield fan-favourite, Kipper Nichols.

Described by Coach Atiba Lyons as being able to “score at will”, Nichols is averaging 14 PPG against Leicester this season, including a 20-point effort in October and a 19-point game in February.

The Riders have done a decent job of keeping the third-year 6’6” forward under control, but he has still managed to put up double-digit performances in four of the five games.

Nichols may not be the obvious danger man this weekend, but so often it’s the unseen man that defences need to be wariest of.

Where to watch

The first leg will be streamed live on the British Basketball youtube channel, starting at 7:15 pm.

Final Word

The season series between these two squads has shown the BBL community how entertaining a clash of styles can be.

Fate, it seems, had a part to play in matching them up in the playoffs.

It is going to be epic.

Riders fall in Cheshire

The Riders fell to the Cheshire Phoenix in the final game of the BBL regular season. 

With the Riders’ playoff seeding secured prior to the game, coach Rob Paternostro took the game as an opportunity to give minutes down the bench. 

They played the Phoenix close throughout, led by Kimbal Mackenzie’s 17 off the bench. He was backed by 15 points from Evan Walshe and 13 from Blake Bowman in a game that came down to the final possession. 

The Riders had the chance to win or tie with seconds left, but the ball was stolen by Larry Austin Jr, who hit two free throws to win it. 

The Phoenix overcame a short six-man rotation with big numbers from their starters. Each of the starting five scored double digits, led by Amorie Archibald’s 26 and Austin Jr’s 22. 

Austin Jr scored six to start the game, putting the Riders in a 13-2 start three minutes in. 

They stormed back into the game in a high-scoring quarter, which finished 28-27 to the Phoenix. Leicester had seven scorers in the first, giving key minutes all the way down the bench. 

It was the Riders’ young star, Bowman, who led the charge. He gave the Riders their first lead with his 11th points, lighting up the game. He went 3-4 from three to start the game, cooking from deep. 

The second went back and forth, and it was a two-point game in the host’s favour entering the locker rooms. Cheshire’s Archibald scored seven in the quarter, leading the game with 16 points by halftime. 

Loving took the reigns to start the second half. He scored nine straight points out of the locker rooms, but neither side built a significant lead. 

Mackenzie hit a layup at the buzzer to tie it at 75 going into the fourth. 

It was a one-possession game deep into the final quarter, with neither side able to pull away late in the game. 

The Phoenix found late form, and back-to-back threes from Maceo Jack built them a seven-point lead. Walshe hit back with a three of his own, keeping the Riders in contention as the clock ticked down. 

The Riders had a chance to win or tie with 14 seconds left, but Austin Jr came up with a steal, leaving the Rides just short of a win following his free throws. 

The Riders tip off their postseason campaign against the Sheffield Sharks in the quarter-final. 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders at Phoenix

Two days on from securing the second place seeding in the BBL Championship Playoffs, the Riders travel west to Cheshire to take on the Phoenix.

The tip-off at 5:30 pm will be the last of the 2022/23 regular season. Both teams go into the game with their playoff spot secure and will have an eye on the quarterfinals next week.

Riders’ Season So Far

After grinding out a win at home to the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks on Friday, the Riders sit on 50 points with a 25-10 record. Should they claim victory on Sunday, Leicester will finish the regular season with their highest number of wins since 2017, albeit as part of a 36-game season.

The 85-76 win over the Sharks was a much tighter affair than the nine-point margin suggests – the Riders pulled away in the final minute thanks to reliable free throw shooting in the clutch.

After a low-scoring first half, which ended 32-29 to the home team, the second stanza became a back-and-forth tussle with both teams holding a lead on multiple occasions.

Both the Riders and Sharks were playing ferociously on defence. Even talented scorers like Patrick Whelan and Zach Jackson were struggling to get buckets at the clip they are used to.

Smooth operator, Marc Loving, was the Rider who really stepped up to the challenge of Sheffield’s lockdown defence.

The silky forward took the game by the scruff of the neck, finishing the night with 25 points, 10 rebounds and a plus/minus of +11.

Loving’s performance illustrated perfectly how much of a mismatch he can be at his best, something Coach Rob will want to exploit during the post-season.

Phoenix’s Season So Far

The 18-17 Cheshire Phoenix have enjoyed a fairly light end-of-season schedule, having not played since an 85-68 victory in Plymouth on April 16.

Coach Ben Thomas’ squad have cemented fifth place in the playoff seedings and will play the Caledonia Gladiators in next week’s QF’s, the team they lost to in the BBL Trophy final back in March.

As their record suggests, the Phoenix have had a mixed bag of a season, often trading wins and losses on a one-to-one basis.

Their Achilles heel has been the top three teams in the BBL, with Cheshire failing to record a single win against the best teams in the league.

However, against the rest of the BBL they have gone 18-5, proving their worth as the #5 seed.

The Phoenix are a squad that plays on-ball defence tenaciously. Expect the Riders to prioritise ball security against a Cheshire team that makes 9.45 steals per game.

One may be lulled into thinking that the intensity will drop on Sunday, but the chance to snag a first victory over a top-three team should be more than enough motivation for the home side.

Key Players

The cornerstone of Cheshire’s aggressive defence is two-guard, Larry Austin Jr.

The 6’2” American is an energetic scorer on offense and a Pitbull on defence, leading the BBL with 2.59 SPG.

Austin brings a wealth of experience to the court, having played professionally in Turkey and Portugal after a successful collegiate career with Xavier, Vanderbilt and Central Michigan.

As well as his sticky defence, Austin leads the Phoenix in scoring and rebounding, averaging 15.19 PPG and 6.14 RPG.

The Springfield native is a true star of the BBL.

Facing up to the task of quelling Austin’s effectiveness will be Riders’ own emerging star, Carrington Love.

The American has had a hand in everything good the Riders have done in recent weeks and is finding his feet in the BBL, following his mid-season move from Germany.

Now in a starting role at point guard, Love has been serving up more dishes than a restaurant, dropping 11.42 assists per 40 minutes.

He is the only player in the BBL to average over 10 in that category.

The Green Bay graduate also has an eye for the steal, bagging 2.97 per game during his senior year and setting a programme record in the process.

The victor in the battle between Austin and Love could well decide the fate of their respective teams.

Key matchup

The game will be streamed live on the British Basketball League channel, starting at 5:15 pm.

Riders see out gritty win

The Riders battled for an 85-76 win against a stubborn Sheffield Sharks team, in a tightly contested game wire-to-wire.

Marc Loving led the game with 25 points and 10 rebounds, his double-double coming from 53% shooting from the field. He scored eight in the final quarter to see the game out. 

The Riders shot 47% from the field in an efficient shooting effort. The game was in the balance entering the fourth, but Leicester won the final period 28-21 to secure the win.

Four Sharks scored 12 points, led by Jalon Pipkins, who grabbed seven rebounds in the process. Pipkins electrified the game with his explosiveness at the rim, but his high-flying plays did not prove the difference for the Sharks. 

The win improves the Riders’ record to 25-10 with one game remaining in the BBL Championship season, securing the second-seed for the postseason. 

It was a gritty affair from the tip, with the sides managing 30 points between them through the opening quarter. The Riders led 16-14 through one after Loving’s corner three concluded the period.

Loving then got the second underway with another three, as the Riders stretched their lead to nine a minute in. His explosive jam midway through the period capped off an 11-2 start to the quarter.

The Riders’ offence stalled going into the locker rooms, producing two points in three minutes near the end of the half. This allowed Sheffield back into the game, cutting the Riders’ lead to three, but the hosts still had the lead by halftime, led by 12 points from Loving. 

The sides jockeyed for the lead throughout the third, with neither able to build a significant advantage. Kimbal Mackenzie scored seven points in under a minute to build Leicester’s momentum, and the score at the end of the third was 57-55 in their favour. 

The Riders played aggressively to start the final period, putting the Sharks in the bonus just three minutes in. They took advantage of this, finding their offensive form to jump out to a nine-point lead. 

They kept the Sharks at arm’s length throughout the rest of the quarter, as Loving’s eight points in the period led them to the win. Jalon Pipkins cut it to four for the visitors with a minute remaining, but Loving’s free throws put the seal on a hard-fought win. 

The Riders are back in action on Sunday, playing their final game before the postseason on the road against the Cheshire Phoenix. 

Class of 2023, Lamarana Diallo commits to Ellsworth Panthers and Ellsworth CC for the 2023/24 season.

Lamarana Diallo, 6’5 forward has committed to Iowa based Ellsworth Community College for the 2023/24 academic year. Diallo will continue his basketball journey within the Ellsworth Panthers Men’s Basketball programme in JUCO Division 2. 

Diallo, originally from Luton, joined the Charnwood Riders Academy in 2020 and was part of the EABL Championship side in 2022. During his time within the academy, Diallo has balanced his EABL and NBL Division 2 commitments alongside his academic studies at Charnwood College. 

Lamarana Diallo on his time within the Charnwood Riders Academy:

“Firstly, I want to thank God. Without God I wouldn’t be here today. I also want to thank my family and friends that been rocking with me from the start and who have helped me to achieve this amazing goal. I’m well aware that this opportunity doesn’t happen for everyone so I’m very grateful. I appreciate all my teammates for challenging me and making me better every day, I want to thank all the coaches that have helped me become the player/man that I am today. I’m thankful for the Charnwood Organisation for bringing me in and supporting my goals and aspirations. Now onto new and bigger things in the states. I’m grateful for this opportunity; I plan to make the most of it and give 100%.”

Charnwood Riders Academy Head Coach, Louis Chamberlain:

“Coaching Lamarana this year has been awesome! He’s brought a competitive spirit to the group every time he has stepped on to the floor. I can’t wait to see how he’s going to continue to develop in his next chapter.”

The club would like to wish Lamarana all the best for his move to the US and we look forward to seeing him progress his basketball career over the coming years.

Riders secure clutch win

The Riders saw out a clutch 83-82 win in Manchester. 

The game came down to the final seconds after Kimbal Mackenzie put Leicester up one with a minute left. Manchester’s Rahmon Fletcher missed a tightly contested layup at the buzzer, as the Riders saw out a hard-fought win. 

Carrington Love led the team with 17 points, six assists and six rebounds, keeping the team in contention with key buckets in the fourth. 

The battle on the boards went a long way to deciding the game, as the Riders outrebounded the Giants 47-41, despite the absence of their GB big man Aaron Menzies.

For the Giants, Green led the game with 21 points, hitting big shots throughout in a back-and-forth battle. All of Manchester’s starters scored double-digit points, but could not get over the edge late. 

Leicester’s captain led the Riders out the blocks, as Darien Nelson-Henry scored six points inside three minutes. Former Rider William Lee countered with seven points of his own to keep Manchester in it, and nothing separated the sides through the early stages. 

It was 17-17 by the end of one, Lee’s seven leading the game. 

The Giants jumped out to a lead in the second period. The BBL’s third-leading scorer Dirk Williams caught fire to score 11, including three threes, to make it 32-20 four minutes into the quarter. 

Mackenzie responded for the Riders with back-to-back threes from the corner. He followed up his buckets with a midrange, his eight quick points snatching back momentum. 

The Riders remained within touching distance by the half. Mackenzie and Nelson-Henry had eight each going into the locker rooms, with the score 43-31 to Manchester. 

Leicester came out into the second half gunning. They scored 11 straight to cut it to one possession, capped off by Jackson’s two-handed slam on the fastbreak. 

Jackson took the lead for the Riders four minutes into the third, battling inside for two. With the Riders back in it, the score remained close going into the final period. The Giants found form to close, entering the fourth up 65-58. 

The Riders, once again, found a response. Whelan’s three cut it to one midway through the fourth, setting up a tense finale. 

Patrick Whelan, attacking the hoop for two, took the lead for the Riders with three minutes remaining. Following up his teammate, Mackenzie followed up the Giants’ response with a midrange pull-up, putting Leicester ahead with just 60 seconds remaining. 

It came down to Rahmon Fletcher in the final seconds, who drove to the hoop as the clock ticked down. Love contested at the rim along with Jubril Adekoya and Jackson, forcing the miss as the buzzer sounded. 

Riders record dominant win

The Riders won 111-68 in a dominant win against the Plymouth City Patriots.

Patrick Whelan hit five threes to lead the team with 22 points. He hit two triples early, getting the GB sharpshooter in a rhythm to lead the team to a blowout. 

The Riders bolted out to a lead in the second, winning the period 33-18. That proved the difference in the game, as they did not look back the rest of the way, building their advantage until the finish. 

They shot 50% from three and 56% from the field in a hot offensive performance. Defensively, the Riders suffocated their opponents into 22 turnovers in a complete effort on both ends. 

For the Patriots, former Riders Hassan led the game with 25, getting it done inside to go 12-19 from two. The Patriots had two 20-point scorers between Hassan and Jules Dang Akodo, but managed just 48 points in three quarters as they fell in a hole. 

The win improves the Riders’ record to 23-10 as they look to hold on to second in the BBL Championship.  

Plymouth hit their first three deep shots to take an early lead. Ralph Bissainthe’s two early buckets secured their narrow advantage in a back-and-forth start. 

The Riders went on a 13-4 run to end the first to take the lead into the quarter’s end. Patrick Whelan’s eight points led the game, his two threes getting the game off to a hot start. 

Aaron Menzies battled down low for eight points to get the Riders going in the second quarter. The GB big man dominated his matchup against Rashad Hassan, which saw the Riders stretch their lead to double digits. 

Menzies’ play inside opened up the perimeter for Leicester shooters, allowing them to go 6-13 from three in the first half. Three of these came from Whelan, who had 14 points going into the locker rooms. 

The Riders won the second period 33-18, taking a 23-point lead into the half. 

Buckets were traded to start the third, the Riders maintaining their dominant lead. All the Patriots’ field goals in the period came in the paint as they looked to build from the inside. 

The Riders began to grow their lead once again to close the third. Kimbal Mackenzie’s midrange jump shot capped off a 10-2 run, which made the lead 28. 

They saw it out professionally in the final period, which they won 30-20. Blake Bowman took the roof off with a monster alley-oop finish, sending the Riders fans home happy. 

The Riders are back in action on Sunday, taking on the Manchester Giants on the road. 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders vs Patriots

The Riders will play their penultimate home game of the season this Friday as they welcome the Plymouth City Patriots to Morningside Arena for the second time in a couple of weeks.

Both teams have plenty to play for as the visiting Patriots want to cement a playoff place, and Coach Rob’s squad will want to make second place their own.

Riders’ Season So Far

Following last weekend’s 87-78 victory against the always competitive Newcastle Eagles, Leicester sit in second place in the BBL championship, level on 44 points with the Bristol Flyers.

The Riders have slowly been reeling in their western rivals during March and April and keeping the loss column at 10 will be of high priority in the remaining couple of weeks.

As will the desire for a winning mentality heading into the post-season, something the team drew on to see off adversity in the Eagles game.

Newcastle dominated the first quarter, deservedly heading into the second boasting a 23-11 lead. The Riders were able to staunch the bleeding in the second, without doing much to address the double-digit deficit.

Then, the second half happened.

Led by an inspirational 35 minutes from Zach Jackson, Leicester rode the wave of excitement sent by the home crowd and surpassed their rivals.

Jackson, who seems to be peaking at exactly the right time, dropped 29 points on an eye-watering 76% FG percentage. Helped by Carrington Love (13 assists) who was throwing more dishes than a circus performer, the guard/forward put the Riders on his back.

Both Jackson and the rest of the Riders’ squad will know that a repeat of those numbers may be needed in the playoffs.

Patriots’ Season So Far

After winning against the Surrey Scorchers and surrendering a first half lead to Caledonia, the Patriots fell to a frustrating 85-80 loss at the hands of the Gladiators.

Despite getting double-digit scoring from four of their key players, Plymouth sit in the final playoff place with an 11-21 record after the loss.

The Patriots hold a six-point cushion over the Eagles, but with Newcastle’s form improving towards the end of the season, it is still all to play for.

Rather poetically, the Patriots face the Eagles in the final game of the season, which could be a winner-take-all classic.

The latest loss against the Glaswegians came despite a brilliant 18-point, 11-rebound effort by experienced center, Rashad Hassan.

Hassan’s 15.3 pts and 6.7 REBs season averages more than prove him to still be one of the best big men in the BBL, and Plymouth’s lynchpin.

Key Players

The names of Zach Jackson and Rashad Hassan have rightfully already been discussed in this preview, but beyond their talents, the role players will be tussling for supremacy.

Coming off the bench, both Riders’ Jubril Adekoya and Patriots’ Otas Iyekekpolor bring an extra dimension to the court.

The powerful Adekoya is a big who can do everything well. Whether it be scoring down low – the forward is hitting 57.1% of his attempts from that area – boxing out fellow ‘bigs’, or dishing a couple of flashy assists, Adekoya causes problems for the opposition.

He has even found some range this season, knocking down over 50% of his three-pointers when he takes them from a central position.

The rangy Iyekekpolor is a player from a different mould to Adekoya but equally as effective.

More at home hitting mid-rangers and from three than twisting and turning down low, the 6’8 Canadian is hitting 60% from the centre three area.

He is also active on the glass, pulling down 4.25 rebounds per game, including an impressive 12 in his BBL debut back on March 12.

Neither of these players are headliners, but when they inevitably share the court on Friday night, the clash of styles will be a joy to watch.

The winner of that battle could turn the momentum of a game in their team’s favour.

The Riders know well the power of momentum after last week’s comeback win over the Eagles.

Where to watch

The game tips off at the Morningside Arena, Leicester at 7:45 pm.

Get your tickets here!

It will also be streamed live on the British Basketball League youtube channel, starting at 7:30 pm.

Riders fall just short on the road

The Riders lost a close one at the Copperbox, falling 83-81 to the London Lions.

A 20-point comeback in the second quarter saw the Riders surge back into the game, but they couldn’t get over the hump to end it. 

Carrington Love had a chance to tie it on the buzzer but didn’t find the basket through contact. 

Love led the team with 17 points and six assists in the game, finding success driving to hoop to go 5-7 from two. He was backed by Evan Walshe off the bench who scored 14, leading the comeback with 13 in the first half. 

Defence set the tone in the opening stages, as the teams combined for six points in the opening three minutes. In this stretch, the Riders held London to two points before they went on a run to build a lead. 

The Lions’ threes started to fall as they went up 16-9. Josh Ward-Hibbert’s shot capped off the run, their fourth triple of the game. 

The Riders got to the free throw line effectively to remain in the game. They went 9-11 from the foul stripe in the opening quarter, led by Walshe’s 6-7. 

However, all but one Lion found their way onto the scoresheet, the hosts ending the first period up 14 led by Luke Nelson’s nine. 

Walshe and Jackson connected for threes early in the second to find the Riders’ offensive rhythm. Walshe led the game with 13 half way through the quarter as Leicester chipped into the lead. 

Jackson cut the defecit to nine with free throws with two minutes remaining in the half. The Riders held the Lions to two points in five minutes to charge back into the game, going on a 24-3 run to end the half. 

Leicester won the second period 32-17 to make it a game. The run, capped off by Jubril Adekoya’s three which saw the Riders take the lead into halftime. 

Neither side broke out to a lead to start the second, as the score remained within a possession through the first four minutes. The Lions edged out to a four point advantage through a 6-0 run midway through the third, but their momentum was stopped through a Kimbal Mackenzie three. 

London finsihed the third strongest, stretching their lead to six, but Mackenzie and Blake Bowman concluded the quarter with free throws to make it 68-65.

The sides, once again, traded buckets in the fourth, neither able to break away. The Lions built a seven point lead five minutes in, but the Riders hit big shots to keep in it. 

Midway through the period, Olumiye Oni fouled out after finding continual success finding the basket in the fourth. The Riders capatilised, as Jackson cut it back to three on the fastbreak. 

Jackson then fouled out also, forcing the Riders to see the game out without their star forward. 

And they almost did, the game coming down to the final shot. Love drove inside but couldn’t hit his layup which would have sent it to overtime. 

The Riders are back in action on Sunday, hosting the Newcastle Eagles. 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders at Lions

The Riders will play the second game of their southern road trip on Friday as they tip off against the championship-leading London Lions.

Leicester hopes to continue a late-season winning streak with victory over the Lions, who recently lost to a Bristol squad that the Riders beat handily last week.

Riders’ Season So Far

After a three-game week in which the Riders scored victories over Bristol and Plymouth (twice), they have had the luxury of a full week of practice to get ready for London.

Last week’s results should ensure confidence and morale is high throughout the squad, and the 99-85 triumph over the Patriots on Sunday afternoon demonstrates that.

Now sitting at 21-9, the Riders knew that defeating Plymouth would keep them in the driving seat for second place with the Flyers.

Zach Jackson led the scoring for the second time in as many games, dropping 24 points in a smooth display where he shot 100% from the free throw line.

The Patriots are one of the more foul-heavy teams in the championship and Jackson took advantage, hitting all eight of his FT attempts.

Patrick Whelan supplemented Jackson’s scoring efforts with a hard-earned 15, and Jubril Adekoya had a nice night of his own.

Standing out every time his trainers touched the pine, the strong forward flashed his way to seven points, five rebounds and two assists.

Lions’ Season So Far

The London Lions’ season has undoubtedly been a success.

With last week’s win against Surrey, the Lions clinched the league title, currently holding a 10-point lead after amassing an impressive record of 27-4.

Despite the deserved accomplishment, London come into their game vs Leicester off the back of a loss – an 87-82 defeat at the hands of the Bristol Flyers.

In an exciting game that needed overtime to decide a winner, London went back and forth with the hometown Flyers before fading in the last minutes of OT.

American guard Jordan Taylor was the pick of the London players, knocking down six shots on his way to 19 points.

Taylor was a bright spark in an uncharacteristically disjointed display by the Lions, who were dominated on the glass, allowing the Flyers to snag 54 rebounds.

London are the best rebounding team in the BBL, so expect that issue to be fixed when they meet the Riders this Friday.

Much like their hustle to get to a missed shot, the Lions put everything into forcing the opposition to work hard on the offensive side of the ball.

London are the best in the BBL at getting a hand in the eye-line of scorers, currently boasting the lowest FG% against them for both 2-point and 3-point shooting.

The Riders know that clever off-the-ball movement and crisp passing will be crucial if they want to unlock London’s defence.

Key Players

If Leicester want to stop London, they need to limit the effectiveness of their ball distributors.

The previously mentioned Jordan Taylor and his British fellow guard, Luke Nelson, are two of the most prolific in the BBL when finding the killer pass.

The two backcourt generals are respectively dishing out 8.64 and 8.17 assists per 40 minutes which is good for second and third in the championship.

This combination of vision, passing ability and the movement of the shooters means that lockdown on-ball defence is crucial.

If the Riders can direct Taylor and Nelson into trouble, they have a chance of stopping the pass before it has left a hand.

One player the Riders can lean on when they need a key defensive stop is 6’1” guard, Carrington Love.

The American is currently pilfering 1.46 steals per game and is one of the best at picking his opponent’s pocket in the league.

Love has been a hugely influential presence for the Riders over the past couple of weeks, churning out energetic performances full to the brim with flashy assists and tenacious defence.

He and the rest of the Riders will have to be at their defensive best if they want to slow the Lions’ ball movement and force low-percentage shots.

The prospect of second place in the championship will be more than enough motivation to hit that goal.

Where to watch

The game will be streamed live on the BBL official youtube channel, starting at 7:15 pm.

BBL Championship Preview: Riders at Patriots

The Riders begin the final month of the regular season with a long trip south-west to play the Plymouth City Patriots.

Confidence should be high throughout the squad that they can conquer the quick turnaround between games and build off a superb performance against Bristol as well as Tuesday’s win over the Patriots.

Riders’ Season So Far

Following last night’s statement win over the Bristol Flyers, Leicester have closed the gap on second place, sitting just two points behind Friday’s opponents with a 20-9 record.

The 106-89 scoreline does nothing to flatter the Riders’ players, who played with a focus and desire that saw them put on arguably their best game of the season.

Most of the pre-game talk concerned the battle on the boards, with Bristol coming into the game as the best offensive rebounding team in the BBL.

The Riders met the challenge head on, outrebounding the visitors 35-34, allowing maximum opportunity for the shooters to do what they do best.

And they did.

Four Riders dropped 16 points or more with most of the offensive firepower coming at the hand of wing, Zach Jackson.

The third-year Rider scored a season-high 28 points in a powerful display in which he hit 75% of his field goals. Something about the Flyers must light a fire inside Jackson, who tallied the same number of points in a season’s best performance against Bristol last season.

Kimbal Mackenzie, Marc Loving and Patrick Whelan also had their eye in, but accurate shooters are nothing if the ball doesn’t find them.

Enter Carrington Love, who racked up 10 assists and was only one point short of a double-double.

Love’s court awareness and ability to find the right pass may be crucial tomorrow afternoon in a game that will surely be a test of the Riders’ ability to think clearly when stamina is low.

Patriots’ Season So Far

Plymouth are too having to navigate a three-game week, losing to the Manchester Giants 109-69 on Friday after Tuesday’s narrow defeat by the Riders.

The Patriots’ poor run of form has continued since their recent visit to Leicester, but confidence should be buoyed by the chance to play at home where they recorded their last win on February 19.

The 40-point defeat to Manchester was a game that escaped Plymouth’s clutches after the first quarter, so revisiting their narrow 92-89 loss to the Riders is a better game to judge the test that they will present Leicester tomorrow.

With better accuracy from the free throw line, it was a game that the Patriots could have won after attacking Leicester on the inside.

Plymouth took nearly double the number of 2-point shots as the Riders, hitting 47.14% of them which resulted in 48 points in the paint.

The front court duo of Rashad Hassan and Otas Iyekekpolor had good success, knocking down 35 points between them.

This strategy to utilise the big men inside the paint nearly worked for Plymouth last time.

Leicester need to be ready for more of the same.

Key Players

When previewing Tuesday’s game vs Plymouth, the focus was on the well-documented talents of center, Rashad Hassan.

The former Rider lived up to his reputation, dropping 21 points in a dominant display on the inside.

Today, a man still getting used to the BBL is under the microscope: Otas Iyekekpolor.

The 6’8” Canadian has only played five games in the UK’s premier basketball competition but has already shown flashes as an effective rebounder and deadly three-point shooter.

Plymouth typically like to hit shots in the paint, but Iyekekpolor helps them spread the floor as an outside threat, currently hitting 55.56% of his shots from beyond the arc.

He isn’t the primary scoring outlet yet, but don’t be surprised to see him pull up from deep at least four or five times.

Rather than fighting fire with fire against the Patriots’ big men, the Riders could well want to use their guards.

A player like Patrick Whelan could easily have a big game against a Plymouth squad that gives up the most three-pointers of any team in the championship.

Whelan, who is currently in the BBL’s top five for three-point shooting percentage with 44.37%, should relish the opportunity to launch from deep as he may be given more space than usual.

The Patriots are also giving opposing teams a lot of chances at the free throw line, so expect Whelan and the all-action Kimbal Mackenzie to drive to the basket when given half a lane.

Both players are swishing over 85% of their free throws.

A higher FT% proved crucial the last time these teams met. It could be a deciding factor yet again.

Where to watch

The game will be streamed live on the BBL Official youtube, starting at 2:45 pm.

Riders record dominant win

The Riders pulled off a dominant 106-89 win against the Bristol Flyers, in a key fixture in the fight for second place. 

Led by a monster 28 performance from Zach Jackson, who went 9-12 from the field and 9-9 from the free throw line, the Riders jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. They shot 45% from three and dished 27 assists in a complete team performance. 

Four Riders scored over 16 points, and Carrington Love put up nine points and 10 assists, as players contributed up and down the roster. The win sealed the season series between the sides, putting Leicester in the driving seat in their pursuit of the second seed. 

VJ King scored 25 for the visitors, but the problems lay on the other end of the floor for Bristol. The Riders shot 60% on their defence, as they gave up their second-highest points tally of the season. 

The Riders charged out the gate to a 19-5 lead. Their offence began at an electric pace as they ran in transition for buckets at the rim. On the other end, Carrington Love set the tone with lockdown perimeter defence, then hit his first three of the night to the team’s 19th points. 

The Flyers’ offence found its rhythm midway through the quarter to stem the Riders’ run, led by Thomas Bell’s seven points. Jackson’s seven led the Riders through the opening period, which they won 29-17. 

An 11-8 start to the second rebuilt the lead to 15, capped off by Patrick Whelan’s fastbreak bucket. Whelan scored five quick points to bring his game tally to 11. 

Leicester’s first half was an offensive clinic, as they went into the locker rooms with three starters already hitting double-digit points. The team put up 56 in the first half, leading by 17. Jackson’s six-point quarter brought him to 14 by the half. 

Back-to-back trips to the free throw line made the Riders lead 20 as they got the second half underway. Jackson continued his hot first half form, following up the foul shots with a corner three for his 20th points. 

Marc Loving too over proceedings midway through the third with back to back threes. His aerial bombardment marked an 18-8 start to the quarter. 

An 8-0 run from the visitors pegged the Riders’ lead back to 18, before Jackson’s two finished off the period. The Riders held a commanding lead entering the fourth. 

And the hosts continued to charge in the final quarter. They scored five quick points as Jackson drove coast-to-coast, getting a bucket and a foul. 

Mackenzie got hot, scoring eight points in six minutes, including a midrange jumper to score the Riders’ 100th points of the evening. He scored 12 in the quarter to see it home in style. 

The Riders have a quick turnaround for their next game, heading to the South West on Sunday to take on the Plymouth City Patriots. 

The game tips off at 3 pm, streamed live on the BBL Official youtube channel. 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders vs Patriots

The Morningside Arena will be buzzing with activity on Tuesday night as the Leicester Riders host the Plymouth City Patriots for the first time this season.

The Riders will want to get back to winning ways in the BBL after Friday’s game at the home of the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks did not fall in their favour.

Riders’ Season So Far

Leicester’s record now stands at 18-9 following the 71-62 loss to the Sharks.

They sit comfortably third in the BBL standings, six points behind the Bristol Flyers and four points ahead of a Manchester Giants team that are finishing the season strong.

If the Riders are to claim victory over the Patriots and close the gap on the Flyers, they must shoot better than last Friday.

Leicester hit 36% of their shots against the Sharks as well as 61% from the free throw line – numbers that have been a rarity for the Riders this season.

Controlling ball possession will also be a key factor against Plymouth after the Riders gave up 27 points from 23 turnovers last time out. Premier ball handlers like Kimbal Mackenzie and Carrington Love should lead the way, both finishing Friday night without coughing up a single ball to the opposition.

The top of the stat sheet against Sheffield belonged to versatile forward, Marc Loving. Loving finished the game with a double-double, dropping 18 points and snagging 11 rebounds in a defiant display.

His late three-pointer brought the Riders level in the fourth quarter, but accurate shooting from the Sharks saw them pull away in the final four minutes of the game.

Patriots’ Season So Far

The Patriots sit in eighth place in the BBL standings with a 10-17 record.

They are currently working through a rough patch in their season, last winning a game on February 19 at home to the Newcastle Eagles.

Plymouth’s latest matchup came when they welcomed the Cheshire Phoenix to Plymouth Pavilions, the home side falling 67-90 to their neighbours.

Solid free throw shooting and good production off the bench was not enough to secure a win for coach Paul James’s men, who (like the Riders) shot under 40% from the field.

The best performance came from Plymouth’s newest signing, Otas Iyekekpolor, a 6’8” forward who has played in leagues across Europe.

The Canadian dropped just six points but his 10 rebounds were the most of any player on the court.

His ability on the boards will be crucial if Plymouth hope to halt their current skid and overturn the 101-79 scoreline that occurred when they last met the Riders.

Key Matchup

Not known for their three-point shooting, the Patriots may pose a more telling threat inside the paint. Aggressive around the rim, Plymouth are one of the best teams in the BBL at infiltrating the interior and drawing fouls.

The key man in the middle for Plymouth is former Leicester Riders center and BBL veteran, Rashad Hassan.

The 6’8” American can take over a game with his close-range skills and has dropped over 20 points on seven occasions this season, including 32 on the Bristol Flyers.

Hassan is averaging 14.73 PPG over a 30-game span, bucketing close to 70% of his shots when around the basket.

He has also been useful on the boards, pulling down 6.67 RPG, most of any Patriot who has played more than 10 games.

Tasked with fronting up against Hassan will be a combination of Riders’ captain – Darien Nelson-Henry – and the 7’3” GB international, Aaron Menzies.

The experience and endeavour Nelson-Henry brings to the front court and Menzies’s pure shot-blocking ability should be key to limiting the effectiveness of the Patriots’ center.

Menzies is averaging 0.68 BPG, good for second on the Riders, and will need all of that 7’3” frame to affect Hassan’s looks in the post.

The former Dresden Titan has never shied away from using his length on the defensive end of the court, setting a Seattle University record for blocks with 79 in his junior season.

Stout defence inside and a more efficient shooting display from the Riders than displayed in the last couple of games should see them in the best position for victory.

Where to watch

The game tips off at 7:45 pm at the Morningside Arena. Get your tickets here!

If you can’t make the game, it will be streamed live on the BBL Official youtube channel, starting at 7:30 pm.

Betty Codona WBBL Trophy Final Preview: Riders vs Lions

The Riders take on the London Lions in their second WBBL final of the season, battling for the Betty Codona Trophy. 

It would be the fourth time the Riders have lifted the Trophy, most recently in 2020. 

Season so far: Riders

The game is a first vs second clash, as the Riders currently sit a place from the top spot in the WBBL Championship. They possess a 12-2 record and are level on points with their final opponents. 

They’re an efficient outfit, ranking top four in field goal, free throw and three-point percentage, and dominate the defensive boards, ranking second in the league. 

Ashley Arlen leads the scoring for the team this season, putting up 16.1 points per game. The veteran forward’s eight rebounds a game leads the team also, as she leads the front line for Leicester. 

The Riders will look for a big game from Arlen in this one! 

Season so far: Lions 

The league-leading Lions hold a 12-1 record this season and enter this one on a three-game winning streak.

They’re the league’s top scorers, putting up 95.6 points per game, 12 points more than the second-highest scorers. But last month, the Caledonia Gladiators came up with a winning formula against the Lions with a 68-67 road win. 

It was the first domestic defeat for London in two seasons after the Riders beat them in April 2021. 

The Lions won the previous meeting between the sides in the WBBL Cup final, taking home the first piece of WBBL silverware of the season. 

Since then, London have seen a change of personnel in the head coaching role, with Greek international Stella Kaltsidou taking the helm. It remains a tough test for the Riders as they go for the trophy. 

Road to the final: Riders

The Riders fought through three games to reach the final, winning them by an average of 30 points.

They started their campaign against the Oakland Wolves, winning in a dominant 104-55 fashion. Oliana Squires led the game with 24 points in a game the Riders held the lead since early in the first quarter. 

The quarter-finals was a hard-fought 54-44 win against the Caledonia Gladiators. The Riders held a one-possession lead going into the final quarter, but a 7-0 run to start the fourth allowed them to jump out to a double-digit lead, which they held until the buzzer. 

They took a trip to the North East for the semi-final, as they booked a place in the final with a 91-63 win against the Newcastle Eagles. Kirsty Brown’s 18 topped the team’s scoring tallies, as Leicester went 15-16 from the free-throw line to dominate the Eagles. 

Road to the final: Lions

The Lions progressed through the Trophy’s three rounds thus far confidently, dismissing the Brent Bulls, the Cardiff Met Archers and the Sheffield Hatters

.Paulina Hersler’s 25 points led a first-round win against the Bulls, as the Lions took a 98-42 win. They forced 33 turnovers from their opponents with suffocating defence. 

The Lions then beat the Archers 104-55, led again by Hersler who scored 20. Hersler went 9-17 from the field, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots, dominating inside. 

Lions’ duo Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and Holly Winterburn took over the semi-final with 26 points each, blowing out the Hatters 112-77. London went just 3-14 from three and still dominated the game, making 45 field goals. 

Where to watch

The game will be shown live on Sky Sports, and the Sky Sports Youtube channel. 

Tip-off is at 1 pm, with coverage starting at 12:30 pm. 

Riders fall on the road

The Riders fell 71-62 on the road to the Sheffield Sharks. 

They came back to tie the game late, after trailing by 10 going into the fourth. But the Sharks took the late momentum to win the game. 

Marc Loving led the team with 18 points, including five in the fourth to get the Riders back in it. The Riders bounced back from a low-scoring third quarter, but could not make their deep shots in the tie, shooting 26%. 

Rodney Glasgow Jr. led the Sharks with 15 points off the bench. His late three all but won the game, as he went 3-6 from behind the arc in the game. 

The Sharks jumped out to an early lead after explosive plays at the rim. A Kipper Nichols layup triggered a Rob Paternostro time-out, as the Riders found themselves down 16-8 with seven minutes played. 

Carrington Love checked into the game to generate scoring from the backcourt, scoring five quick points late in the first. Despite their point guard’s play, the Riders were down seven at the buzzer. 

The Riders made in-roads as the clock ticked down in the half. Patrick Whelan and Marc  Loving connected with a minute to go, making it a one-possession game. The Riders came up with a stop on the next possession, and the deficit was three going into the locker rooms. 

The Sharks regained control in the third with an 8-3 run, in a low-scoring start to the second half. They once again went up double digits, led by big man Marcus Delpeche, and took a 10-point lead into the fourth. 

The Riders fought back immediately in the final period, cutting it to five following a three from Whelan and a tough finish from Jubril Adekoya. 

Loving’s three then tied the game up with four minutes remaining. Back in the game, the Riders made it a tense affair late. 

But the Sharks got over the line, making tough shots down the stretch. Rodney Glasgow Jr’s three with 35 seconds left sealed it for the hosts. 

The Riders return to action on Tuesday, hosting the Plymouth City Patriots. Get your tickets here to see the Riders attempt to improve to 19-9. 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders at Sharks

The Riders will take a short trip north this Friday to face the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks.

Victory for Leicester would give them three wins in a row following positive results against Newcastle and Caledonia, the latter falling to the Riders 84-81 in a tightly contested game.

Riders’ Season So Far

After the aforementioned result at home to the Gladiators, Leicester’s record stands at 18-8.

The Riders sit third in the BBL Championship, six points behind the Bristol Flyers. Friday’s game is one of four that Leicester have in hand over Bristol, giving them the chance to close the gap.

The Riders hope victory over the Sharks will be a little more comfortable than it was against Caledonia. The Gladiators kept the home team honest throughout the game, which turned into a cat-and-mouse affair.

It needed a fourth-quarter takeover by Kimbal Mackenzie to drive the Riders to success, the energetic guard scoring 25 points including a perfect 12 from the line.

Mackenzie is one of the BBL’s most reliable free throw shooters, hitting close to 88% of his attempts.

If the fourth quarter belonged to #1, the second was all about Evan Walshe. The former Surrey Scorcher brought speed and power off the bench and helped the Riders build an early double-digit lead.

The wing ended with 15 crucial points, rewarded for his hard work, especially on the fast break.

Something the Riders will want to clean up on Friday is their shooting percentage after hitting just 35% of their shots against the Gladiators.

Sharks’ Season So Far

The hometown Sheffield Sharks are currently riding high after an exhilarating 82-80 comeback win over the championship-leading London Lions.

Sheffield have beaten the Lions twice this season and their latest triumph continues a winning run that stretches back to March 5. Their current vein of good form has pushed the Sharks into a playoff place with a 13-16 record.

An efficient shooting night of 49.18% and tenacity on the defensive side of the ball contributed to the win, as well as a final quarter that saw Sheffield outscore their opponents 23-12.

The standout performer was Devearl Ramsey, who dropped 22 points in a high-percentage outing. The American guard finished the game with four buckets from three-point range, the most of any player on the court.

Ramsey is currently putting up 11.79 PPG and is one of four players on the Sheffield roster that average double-digits in points.

That group includes 6’6” forward, Kipper Nichols who finished with 15 points and six rebounds versus the Lions.

A solid scoring night from both Ramsey and Nichols will be important if Sheffield hope to topple a Riders team that averages 14 points per game more than them.

Key Matchup

In a game where crisp passing and limiting turnovers is going to be essential, all eyes will be on the tussle between Kimbal Mackenzie and Sheffield’s top scorer, Sa’eed Nelson.

Nelson, who is currently on a three-game run averaging less than 10 PPG, will have something to prove matching up against one of the BBL’s in-form guards.

The 6’2” scorer has been prolific around the rim since his college days playing for the American Eagles basketball team. He holds the school’s all-time scoring record with 2,116 points and has carried that scoring touch with him to the BBL.

Nelson leads the Sharks knocking down 13.33 PPG, supplementing this with over five assists per game. His aggressive drives to the basket create floor space for the Sharks’ long-range shooters, so keeping Nelson out of the paint is essential.

Potentially going bucket-for-bucket with Nelson will be Leicester’s Canadian-born #1, Mackenzie.

The Ontario native has been in sensational form during the back stretch of the season, scoring more than 12 points in all-but-one game since December 23. This lucrative run includes a 31-point night in Chester and the 25-point performance last Friday.

Much like his cross-court rival, Mackenzie is devastating when given a lane, so look for the Sharks to close in on him on every possession.

The enigmatic combo guard possesses another string to his bow: an accurate three-point shot.

Mackenzie is currently draining 36.11% of his shots from deep and will be looking to improve that percentage further following an uncharacteristic 1-7 performance against Caledonia.

The last time the teams met. Mackenzie shot for 15 points and dished six assists in a single-point loss. He may need to surpass those numbers if the Riders are to halt Sheffield’s winning run.

Where to watch

The game will be streamed live on the British Basketball game, starting at 7:15 pm ready for a 7:30 pm tip-off.

Class of 2023, Alex Shaw commits to Hillsborough Hawks and HCC for the 2023/24 season.

Alex Shaw, 6’1 forward has committed to Florida based Hillsborough Community College for the 2023/24 academic year. Shaw will continue her basketball journey within the HCC Hawks Women’s basketball programme in the NJCAA, on a full ride scholarship. 

Shaw joined the Charnwood Riders Academy in 2020 and has played within the Loughborough Riders WNBL Division One and the WBBL Leicester Riders programme alongside her Academy commitments.

Alex shaw on her commitment to HCC:

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I am thankful for the people who have helped get me there, and can’t wait for what’s next and what experiences it brings”

Charnwood Riders Academy Head Coach, Nick Moodey:

“Alex is a great individual both on and off court. Her development over the three years of being within the Riders Programme is a clear indicator that she is dedicated to the sport and is always wanting to improve herself.”

“I’m excited to see Alex’s continued development whilst part of the Hillsborough programme and also for her to show what she can bring to any team” 

The club would like to wish Alex all the best for her move to the US and we look forward to seeing her progress with her basketball career over the coming years.

Riders fall to Eagles

The Riders fell to the Newcastle Eagles on the road 92-85 in the first of a weekend doubleheader against the North Easterners. 

They held a 20-point lead in the first, but the Eagles caught hot form in the second half to come back and win it. 

Zach Jackson led the Riders with 18 points and scored four quick points in the fourth to cut the game to one in an attempt at a comeback. However, the Eagles found enough for a late run to grow their lead. 

Jackson and Patrick Whelan hit threes in the final minute to give themselves a chance at the death, and the Riders forced an eight-second violation for a chance to cut it to one. But the Eagles got over the line in the dying seconds after free throws from Kyle Johnson. 

For Newcastle, Johnson led the game with 21 points and seven rebounds, spearheading the charge in the third quarter. The win is vital for them as they fight for the final playoff spot in the BBL Championship. 

The Eagles’ Hassan French made the early headlines, scoring 10 of his team’s first 13 points to keep the scores even. The Riders’ edged the lead, however, led by GB center Aaron Menzies.

Menzies scored seven in seven minutes, causing a delay after almost bringing the rim down on a ferocious slam. 

Following the stoppage, the Riders broke out to a nine-point lead with a 7-0 run. Justin Gordon responded with a pair of free throws for Newcastle, which concluded the quarter with the score 23-16. 

The Riders rode their momentum into the second period, starting with a 12-1 run led by three threes from young star Blake Bowman. Bowman went off for his career-high scoring tally with 12 in the second quarter, as the Riders blew the game wide open. 

A no-look bounce pass from Kimbal Mackenzie to Darien Nelson-Henry concluded the Riders’ explosive offensive effort for the first half, as they entered the locker rooms up 52-35. 

The Eagles started the more positive of the sides in the second half, bringing the score back to 13 after five minutes. They continued their run, and Jermel Kennedy hit back-to-back threes to make it a six-point game with two minutes remaining in the third. 

Javion Hamlet concluded the quarter with a layup inside, making it 72-69 in the Riders’ favour going into the fourth. 

Newcastle took their first lead of the game since the first quarter to start the fourth, as David Cohn went coast to coast to lay in a two. They stretched it to six points following a Kennedy three shortly after.

The Riders attempted a comeback through the hands of Jackson, but late Riders turnovers saw the Eagles’ lead grow.

Jackson and Whelan scored two quick threes to get back into contention in the final minute. But the Eagles saw out the win in the closing seconds after Johnson’s free throws. 

The Riders return to action on Sunday for the home leg of their weekend doubleheader, once again facing the Eagles.

The game’s tip-off is at 4pm and marks the beginning of a four-game home stretch. Get your tickets here.

BBL Championship Preview: Riders at Eagles

The Riders are back on the road on Friday, heading to the North East to take on the Newcastle Eagles.  

A win would improve the Riders to 17-7 on the season, bringing them four points off second place.

Riders’ season so far

The Riders enter this one in need of a bounce-back game after a difficult result against the London Lions in their previous fixture. It ended up 102-77 to the Lions, whose perimeter defence held the Riders to shooting 4-27 from three. 

This snapped a four-game league winning streak for the Riders as they build form on the back end of the season. Positive results in this weekend’s doubleheader will go a long way to continuing the Riders’ string of good results.

Kimbal Mackenzie’s form has contributed greatly to the run. The point guard’s play earned him Molten BBL Player of the Month for Febuary.

He led the team with 18 points against the Lions, and dished seven assists as he ran the offence. This came off the back of a 31-point effort in a win against the Cheshire Phoenix. 

Despite the Lions’ result, the Riders remain the BBL’s most efficient team, leading the league in field goal, three-point and free-throw percentage this season. They rank second in points per game, relying on their offensive firepower to win games. 

Eagles’ season so far

Newcastle enters this one off the back of a heartbreaker, after they fell late to the Bristol Flyers. Newcastle was up 15 midway through the third quarter, but a late Flyers surge saw them take the lead with 30 seconds remaining, winning 68-66. 

This left the Eagles with a 6-17 record, six points off the playoff places. The loss makes it four defeats on the bounce, as they hope to turn their form around to make a late playoff push. 

Javion Hamlet is leading the charge for Newcastle, ranking second in the league’s scoring charts, putting up 20.5 per game. He led the game with 24 points against Bristol and has failed to score double-digit points just once this year. 

The team have struggled to turn Hamlet’s scoring into consistent offence, however, putting up 79.9 points per game. They’ve shot the ball well from the free-throw line, ranking second in the BBL with 77.8%, so keeping Newcastle off the charity stripe should be a priority for Leicester. 

Key matchup

Entering the game as one of the BBL’s most explosive scorers, Javion Hamlet is a danger man the Riders need to focus on in this one.

The second-year pro played in the NBA G-League for the Texas Legends last season, after shocking the basketball world in his final year of college. He led North Texas to a March Madness upset, putting up 24 points, 12 rebounds and five assists to send fourth-seeded Purdue home. 

His play has translated seamlessly to the BBL, scoring 20.5 points per game on 47.9% shooting this season. He scored a season-high 34 points against the Caledonia Gladiators earlier in the year, and followed up his effort with 33 against the Manchester Giants in his next game. 

Facing up against the 6’4” guard is Riders’ GB two-guard, Patrick Whelan. Whelan returned to action against the Lions after missing two games with a foot injury and enters this game scoring 14.8 points per game. 

Whelan’s play was recognised last season with a place on the BBL Team of the Year, after leading the team in scoring with 15.3 points per game. His treble-winning efforts also earned a spot on the GB roster for Eurobasket 2022. 

He’s one of the BBL’s hottest three-point shooters, hitting his deep shots at a 45.2% rate. He’s a lockdown defender on the other end, making him one of the league’s top two-way talents. 

The battle between Hamlet and Whelan will go a long way to deciding the outcome of this one. 

Where to watch

The game tips off at 7:30 pm and will be streamed live on the British Basketball Youtube channel, starting at 7:15 pm. 

Arlen wins Player of the Month

Ashley Arlen has been named the WBBL Molten Player of the Month for Febuary!

The Iowa-born forward has averaged 21 points per game in a 3-0 month for the Riders, including a 24-point game against the Cardiff Met Archers.

Arlen leads the table-topping Riders with 16.3 points per game on their way to an 11-1 record.

“Winning player of the month is always a great recognition, mainly for the club and the team,” said Arlen.

“I’ve always said there’s no such thing as an individual award in basketball, so all credit goes to the team and coaches for putting me in a position to succeed and be at my best.

“Febuary was a great month for the team, and we hope to keep building on it for the rest of the season!”

The news comes after head coach Krumesh Patel was named the Molten WBBL Coach of the Month, making it a Riders double!

Congratulations Ashley!

BBL Championship Preview: Riders vs Lions

The Riders take on the London Lions in the BBL Championship following a two-week break from action. 

This is the first time the Riders face the Lions since the BBL Cup final, where the Lions emerged 79-71 victors. The Riders brought the score back to four in the final quarter, but could not get over the hump after a late surge from Final MVP Sam Dekker. 

In their previous game, the Riders secured a dominant 105-91 win on the road against the Cheshire Phoenix. Kimbal Mackenzie went off for a Riders’ high 31 points in the victory, which is Leicester’s fourth on the bounce in the league. 

Marc Loving has led the scoring effort through the season, however, scoring 16.7 points per game in all competitions. He has averaged 22.7 points in his last three league games, establishing himself as one of the BBL’s elite scorers. 

Leicester has the second-highest-scoring team in the league, scoring 88.7 points per game on highly efficient numbers. The Riders top the field goal, three-point and free-throw percentage charts, scoring at the highest rate in the BBL. 

A win against London would be their first against the Lions on the season and would see them move six points behind the table-toppers. 

League-leading Lions

Sitting at the top of the BBL Championship table with a 20-2 record, and already having a piece of silverware in the cabinet this season, the London Lions have established themselves as the team to beat midway through the season. 

They have led through their defence, holding their opponents to under 70 points per game, and enter this one having won their last 13 league games. 

The Riders have run them the closest of any team in recent months, keeping the game to within four points in the final period in their last two meetings. However, the Lions have emerged victors on both occasions, led by one of the leading MVP candidates in Sam Dekker. 

The former NBA forward has put up 18.1 points per game this season, dominating in close to shoot 79% from around the hoop. He scored 22 points in the BBL Cup final, coming up big in the high-pressure moments. 

To get over the edge in this one, the Riders must keep Dekker from the hoop late on. 

Key matchup 

Lions’ British guard Luke Nelson has been on a tear in recent games for London, scoring 18.6 points per game. The 6’3” point guard showed off his scoring and playmaking skills, dishing nine assists in back-to-back games also. 

Nelson arrived in the capital this season with an established European pedigree, having played in the Spanish, German and French first divisions. He scored 8.3 points a game for Le Portel in France last season before signing his first BBL contract. 

Nelson has averaged 10.7 points a game for London this season, going on a recent hot streak. He’s red hot from three, shooting 38.5%, and has picked teams apart all season with his basketball IQ and passing ability. 

Facing him in the backcourt is Kimbal Mackenzie, in the form of his Riders career. He enters this one off the back of a 31 point game vs Cheshire, thriving in his starting role this year.

Mackenzie’s play this season earned him a spot on the GB roster, alongside fellow Riders Patrick Whelan and Aaron Menzies. He’s putting up 11 points per game, and plays a pivotal role in running the Riders’ offence. 

The 6’1” guard is a Bucknall graduate who averaged 17 points per game as a senior. He’s scored in the double digits on 16 occasions this season, stepping up as a consistent starter.

The battle in the backcourt between these two intelligent guards will be a key factor in this clash. 

Where to watch

Tickets are selling quickly for this home fixture, so get them here to be in the arena!

If you cannot get tickets for this matchup, the game will be shown live on Sky Sports, and streamed live on the Sky Sports Youtube channel starting at 7:30 pm. 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders vs Giants

The Riders are set to host the Manchester Giants in BBL Championship action. A win would see them improve to 15-6, as they look to take advantage of three games in hand on the second-placed Bristol Flyers. 

The two teams have treated the BBL to classic matchups this season, as their previous two fixtures were fought wire-to-wire. 

The Riders emerged victors on both occasions, most recently a 114-107 overtime win to see them advance to the BBL Trophy quarter-final. 

Leicester fell out of the competition in their previous game vs the Sheffield Sharks, losing 79-78. They had a chance to win on the buzzer, but could not find the hoop with the final shot of the game

READ MORE: Riders lose to Sharks in Trophy quarter-final

Marc Loving leads the team in scoring this season, putting up 16.2 points per game on 50.2% shooting from the field. His efficient shooting is shared throughout the team, as they lead the league in field goal, free-throw and three-point percentage. 

A win against the Giants would make it a three-game winning streak in the league as the Riders look to close out the season on a hot stretch.

High-powered Giants

The Giants have lit up the BBL on the offensive end, leading the league in scoring with 90.4 points per game. They have two of the top six scorers in the BBL, Dirk Williams and Tajh Green, as they look to their star power to blow teams away. 

Green leads the way with 19.8 a game and 8.8 rebounds, the rookie exploding for big numbers is his first pro season. The high-flying forward has got fans on their feet with explosive plays on both ends. 

Despite Green’s play, teams have matched the Giants’ scoring so far this year, leaving them with an 11-10 league record. Their opponents score 91.5 points per game against Manchester, a BBL high. 

The Giants enter this game well-rested, last playing on Febuary 4. It was an 86-85 road win against the Surrey Scorchers to get them over .500, led by 29 points from Green. 

They will hope to climb the standings going into the postseason, as they sit just one win away from a home playoff game. A win in this game would go a long way to injecting momentum into Manchester’s season. 

Key matchup

Two-time MVP Rahmon Fletcher comes to Leicester, in different colours to what Riders fans have been accustomed to over the previous decade.

The Newcastle Eagles legend moved to the Giants over the offseason, following seven seasons in the Northeast. In that time, Fletcher earned four First-team All-BBL selections, three BBL Cup Final MVPs and a BBL Playoffs Final MVP, along with his two league MVPs. 

This season, Fletcher is putting up 14.7 points and 8.57 assists, his assist tally leading the BBL. He is an invaluable playmaker to the Giants, running the league’s highest-scoring offence. 

Lining up against him will be points guard Kimbal Makenzie, who received his first GB call-up earlier in the week. Mackenzie has stepped into a starting role this season and has prospered running the Riders’ offence. 

READ MORE: Kimbal, Patrick & Aaron in GB 24

Mackenzie is putting up 9.9 points for the Riders this season and has come up huge in the biggest spots. He scored five points in overtime last time out against the Giants, including a late free-throw to seal the win. 

The winner of this duel in the backcourt will go a long way to deciding this exciting matchup. 

Where to watch

The game, tipping off at 7:45, will be hosted at the Morningside Arena Leicetser on Friday Febuary 17. 

Get your tickets here! 

If you can’t get to the game, it will be streamed live on the British Basketball League Youtube channel, starting at 7:30 pm. 

BBL Championship preview: Riders vs Scorchers

The Riders return to league action, hosting the Surrey Scorchers in the BBL Championship. The game tips off at 7:45 pm, on Friday 3rd Febuary.

Get your tickets here!

Leicester enter this one off the back of the BBL Cup final, where they fell just short against the London Lions. It was a four-point game late in the fourth quarter, but the Riders could not get over the hump against a talented Lions team, losing 79-71. 

Zach Jackson led the team with 16 points and four rebounds, going 2-4 from deep.

Read our full report here.

The Riders have three scorers putting up 15 points per game this season, Jackson, Patrick Whelan and Loving. They are led by Loving, who puts up 16.1 points per game in all competitions.

Loving’s play has helped Leicester to third in the standings, with four games in hand on second-placed Bristol. They possess a 13-6 record after beating the Cheshire Phoenix 100-82 to start a three-game league home stretch. 

The Riders are the most efficient team in the BBL, shooting the best field goal and three-point percentage in the league, leading to the second most points. They’ll look to continue shooting the lights out to bounce back in this one. 

Scorchers heating up?

Despite their 2-17 record leaving them bottom of the BBL Championship table, the Scorchers have played teams close throughout the season, unable to convert performances to wins.

11 of their losses have been within 10 points, most recently a 97-92 loss to the Manchester Giants. Josh Steel’s three with 24 seconds remaining cut it to a one-possession affair late, but the Giants’ made their free throws to secure the win.

Ryan Martin led Surrey with 22 points and six rebounds. The GB big is the Scorchers’ fourth-leading scorer with 11.8 points per game this season and has added physicality and size to a guard-heavy roster. 

But it’s one of their guards, Padiet Wang, who has led their scoring this season with 12.2 an outing. Wang was lights out in the previous meeting between these sides, scoring 18 in the first half. 

He will hope for another offensive explosion to help his team past the Riders. 

Key matchup 

GB guard Andrew Lawrence has continued to impress for Surrey this season, during his second year in the BBL. The 6’1” two-guard is scoring 10.9 points per game, shooting a red-hot 38.5% from three. 

Lawrence is an eight-year pro, having played at the top level of European basketball, in Spain and France’s top division. He put up six points per game in Spain for Acunsa Gipuzkoa, playing 23 games. 

Lawrence is having joy attacking the hoop this season, shooting 70% from in close. He comes off the back of a 16-point showing against the BBL’s best defence, the London Lions, and now faces another GB talent in Patrick Whelan. 

Whelan, like Lawrence, is playing in his second straight season for his team. He led the Riders in scoring last year and has continued his hot form into 2023. He’s scoring 15.3 points per game, and is one of the BBL’s top three-point shooters, making 45.5% of his shots from behind the arc. 

Whelan received his first GB call-up last March, and earned a spot on the Eurobasket 2022 roster, after being named to the BBL Team of the Year last season. He’s one of the BBL’s top talents on both ends and will prove a challenge to Lawrence’s offensive skillset. 

Where to watch

The game will be streamed live on the British Basketball League Youtube channel, starting at 7:30 pm. 

Riders fall short of Cup Final comeback

The Riders fell short in the BBL Cup final, losing 71-79 to the London Lions. They pulled a 14-point deficit back to four in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t get over the edge to retain their Cup title. 

Captain Darien Nelson-Henry led the charge back into the game with six straight points, leading by example. Patrick Whelan led the team with 15 points in the game, as the Riders finished with four double-digit scorers. 

Sam Dekker was named Molten Final MVP with a 22-point performance. He scored eight in the final period to slow the Riders’ momentum, falling back on his seven years of NBA experience. 

Led by six points from Kimbal Mackenzie, who sent Luke Nelson to the floor with his silky handles five minutes in, the Riders kept it close through the opening stages. 

With 7’3” Aaron Menzies inserted into the starting lineup for the first time as a Rider, they played solid interior defence to keep the score low. But the Lions closed the first period strong, as Nelson hit a three with a minute left in the midst of a 6-2 London run. 

The Lions started the second quarter with five straight points to make it a double-digit Riders deficit. But the Riders’ response was immediate, as Patrick Whelan’s layup cut the game back to six after the Leicester defence came up with consecutive stops. 

Throughout the period, the Riders found a way to get the ball in the hoop against the BBL’s best defence, keeping the scoreline manageable going into the half. 

Mackenzie made back-to-back baskets, scoring five points in the second quarter to lead the game’s scoring by halftime with 11.  

Jordan Taylor beat the buzzer for London to make it a 41-32 Lions lead going into the locker rooms. 

The Lions found whistles through the early stages of the third period, stretching their lead to 12 after free throws from Nelson. Marc Loving led the Riders’ attempts at a comeback with two quick buckets, but by the end of the third, the Lions held a 14-point lead lead

The Riders came storming back into the tie to start the final quarter, going 8-0 to cut it to six. Darien Nelson-Henry capped off the run with a putback play to make it a game. 

Dekker responded, making back-to-back baskets to rebuild the Lions’ lead. But Nelson-Henry hit back, finishing off a lob pass thrown up by Mackenzie. 

But the Riders could not get over the edge, and the Lions closed the game out professionally with tough defence, preventing the comeback. 

Riders fall in Cup Final

The Riders fell a game short of a second BBL Cup title, losing to the London Lions 95-42 in the final. 

Oliana Squires led a valiant Riders’ effort against an established European outfit, but could not prevent the Lions from lifting the trophy for the second straight year. She led the game with 23 points, giving everything on the court. 

Young GB star Holly Winterburn was awarded Molten Final MVP, putting up 16 points and eight assists. Every Lions player got in the scoring column in a complete team performance, led by 19 from Mikiah Herbert Harrigan. 

Squires got the Riders on the board to start the game, knocking down three free throws after being fouled from behind the arc. 

Squires scored eight points in the first five minutes, getting off to a hot start. However, two early threes from the Lions’ Katsiaryna Snytsina helped London to an early 16-10 lead. 

Squires continued her first quarter clinic, getting Holy Winterburn off her feet with lightning-quick handles before laying in a tough finish. She scored 10 of the Riders’ 15 first-quarter points, keeping them in the tie. 

Beth Sarson got the Riders on the board in the second period, cutting the Lions’ lead to seven. But London responded with seven straight to extend their advantage. 

The Riders chipped into their deficit midway through the second, as Ashley Arlen put up four straight to make it a 13-point game. London then hit back-to-back threes courtesy of Winterburn and Mikiah Herbert Harrigan to reclaim the points. 

The Lions rode their momentum to close the half, going on an 8-0 run to go up 20. They went into the locker rooms with the score 48-26 in their favour. 

Squires continued her scoring form in the second half, driving to the hoop to draw a foul a minute in. But the Lions won the first five minutes of the third quarter 12-4, getting to the free-throw line effectively. 

The Lions rode their momentum to close the half, going on an 8-0 run to go up 20. They went into the locker rooms with the score 48-26 in their favour. 

Squires led the Riders in the quarter with five points, hitting a three with a minute left, but they held a 38-point deficit with a period remaining. 

Arlen got the fourth underway with a finish inside, as the Riders showed heart to start the final quarter 5-0, following a three from Squires. 

The Lions saw the game out comfortably, becoming the first team in WBBL history to win multiple BBL Cups. 

BBL Cup Final preview: Riders vs Lions

The Riders are a game away from retaining their BBL Cup title as they take on the London Lions in a highly anticipated clash! 

Rivals meet again

“It’s definitely a rivalry game,” said Riders’ veteran point guard Conner Washington, previewing this fixture. The two sides were last season’s premier outfits in the BBL, and this year seems no different. 

They met in last year’s BBL Playoff final, in a game where the Riders sealed the treble on the game’s final possession. But the Lions have won both meetings between the sides this season, including Leicester’s only home loss. 

“We haven’t beaten them yet this season, but we’re going to be aggressive and come out swinging punches,” said Washington.

Head coach Rob Paternostro seconded this notion: “The two times we’ve played them, they’ve really jumped on us early. We have to find a way to avoid a huge deficit early. They’re as good as it gets in this league, so we’ve got to figure out a way to slow them down.”

The Lions have earned their reputation as the top dogs this season. They sit top of the BBL Championship table with a 16-2 record and became the first British team to record five Euro Cup wins, recently beating Italian side Trento. 

But the Riders, led by star trio of Marc Loving, Zach Jackson and Patrick Whelan, led by 16.6 points per game from Loving, will back themselves to go blow for blow with London.

Since their last outing, the Riders have added talented point guard Carrington Love to their roster. Love will make his Riders debut in the Cup final, as the 29-year-old looks to get the Riders over the edge in this one.

Previous meeting

This fixture was previewed in late December, and the Lions took home an 81-75 win from Leicester. The game was closely contested late, but London had enough to hang onto their lead until the buzzer. 

After falling down 19 by halftime, the Riders rallied back into the game in the second half. Kimbal Mackenzie led a fourth-quarter charge, scoring nine points to cut the deficit to four. But Sam Dekker’s free throws with 20 seconds remaining sealed the win for the visitors. 

The Riders will take encouragement from their second-half efforts, where they scored 47 points against the BBL’s best defence. Should the Riders start off better in this one, they will have every chance of lifting the Cup. 

Read our full report here! 

The numbers

This game is a clash between the BBL’s top two offences. Per 100 possesions, the Riders have outscored the Lions 112.9 to 111.8 this season, and both rank in the top two in effective field goal percentage, the Riders leading the league shooting 56%.

On the other end, the Lions boast the BBL’s best offence, holding teams to just 93.5 points per 100 possessions. They hold their opponents to the worst field goal percentage, 39%, while the Riders rank second in this category, holding their opponents to 43.3%.

Read the full stats breakdown here!

Key matchup

The Riders will highlight former NBA forward Sam Dekker as the main danger man. He led the Lions in the previous meeting between these teams with 21 points, and will look for a similar effort in this one. 

Dekker is dominating the paint this season, shooting a league-best 80% from in close. He spent last season in Turkey’s top division with Bahcesehir, following six years in the NBA. 

The Wisconsin native was drafted in 2015 by the Houston Rockets, putting up 6.5 points per game in his second pro season. Seven years on, Dekker is in his physical prime and is proving a force in the paint.

Dekker ranks second in the BBL in usage rate, so is, therefore, vital to the Lions’ success. Charged with the task of slowing him down is Riders’ star wing, Zach Jackson. 

The Omaha graduate averaged 10 points per game last season, shooting 49% from the field while playing elite defence on the other end. 

Throughout his second Riders’ season, Jackson showcased his ability to take over games, scoring 10 straight points in the playoff quarter-final to see the Riders progress to the semis.

Expect a battle throughput between two of the best wings the BBL has to offer.

Where to watch

The game, taking place at Utilita Arena Birmingham, tips off at 3:30 pm on Sunday, January 29. It will be televised live on Sky Sports and streamed live on the Sky Sports Youtube channel

Before the game, the WBBL Cup Final takes place between the Riders and Lions, tipping off at 12 pm.

Read our preview here!

Riders win big against Phoenix

The Riders improved to 13-6 in the BBL Championship with a 100-82 home win against the Cheshire Phoenix. 

Patrick Whelan led the game with 20 points, going 3-4 from three and 5-6 from the field. The Riders’ bench came up big in the game, with Conner Washington, Aaron Menzies and Jubril Adekoya all scoring in double digits.

 A strong end to the third put the Riders in firm control of the game, which they led since midway through the first quarter. The Riders scored 100 points against the third-ranked defence in the league, shooting a red-hot 62% from the field.

For Cheshire, Larry Austin Jr. continued his hot form, scoring 19 points on 61% shooting. But the Phoneix defence could not slow down a potent Riders offence, which had seven double-digit scorers. 

Former Rider Jamell Anderson maintained his hot hand to start the game, following his season-high 30 points in his previous outing. He drained his first two shots for five quick points, giving his team the early lead. 

The Phoenix hit four threes in as many minutes, helping them to an early eight-point advantage. But the Riders found their feet defensively, stringing together consecutive stops before Zach Jackson tied the game up at 15. 

To close the quarter, the Riders caught fire to burst out to a lead. They went on an 11-4 run in four minutes, led by threes from Whelan and Adekoya, to finish the first up 28-21. 

Menzies started the second period with a bang, pulling down an offensive board and slamming it down, plus the foul. The 7’3” big man finished the first with a +/- of 10, demonstrating his impact on the game. 

Leicester went on an 8-0 run, kickstarted by Menzies and finished off by an Adekoya three, as the Riders went up 15. The Phoenix responded with threes from Tahjai Teague and Marcus Evans to cut it to single digits, setting up a back-and-forth end to the half. 

The Riders had the better of it, rebuilding their lead to 13 points by halftime, led by 10 points from Jackson. They held the Phoenix to two points in the final two and a half minutes and scored 29 points in the quarter for a 57-point half. 

The teams traded blows to start the second half, scoring 10 each through the first four minutes. The Phoenix then found some form to cut into their deficit, as Larry Austin Jr. ran the fastbreak for four points to make it a seven-point game. 

But Leicester finished the quarter strong, as Washington hit back threes to retake momentum. Menzies concluded the third at the free throw line, making it 77-65 going into the final period of play. 

Marc Loving and Menzies took over the action to start the fourth, scoring eight between them to make it a 17-point lead. The Riders saw out the win professionally from there, led by five points from Jackson. 

The Riders are set for a huge occasion in their next fixture, heading to the Utilita Arena Birmingham for the BBL Cup Final. There, they take on the London Lions, hoping to retain their Cup title from last season. 

Loughborough Basketball Triple Header!

Loughborough Basketball is hosting the prestigious BIG MATCH! 3 of our top teams will play at the Sir David Wallace building at Loughborough University in front of a bumper crowd! We’ll have DJs, give-aways and much more!

Wednesday 25th January
Doors: 15:30

  • Adult Tickets: £8
  • Concession Tickets (applies to: Students, Loughborough Staff, U18, Over 65, Blue Light and NHS.): £4

Tip-off: 16:00 M2 v Birmingham City M1
Tip-off: 18:00 W1 v Northumbria W1
Tip-off: 20:00 M1 v Northumbria M1

Help us break the WBBL attendance record!

Riders host Sevenoaks Suns on Saturday 4th March at the Morningside Arena, and we’re calling on the support of the Riders nation to help break the WBBL attendance record!

This International Women’s Day game is expected to sell out quickly! Students can secure a ticket for just £5!

You can secure your tickets below:

The Riders win overtime thriller!

The Riders advance to the second round of the BBL Trophy, winning an overtime thriller against the Manchester Giants. They emerged 114-107 victors, led by a monster 32 points and 13 rebounds from Marc Loving. 

Loving was supported by 25 points from Zach Jackson and 20 points from Patrick Whelan, the star trio going off to secure a hard-fought victory. Kimbal Mackenzie came up with his season high of 18 points in the game, scoring five in overtime to steer the team home. 

For Manchester, their star forward Tajh Green exploded for 38 points and 14 rebounds in his team’s defeat. The first-year pro’s best professional game was not enough to see the Giants to the next round of the Trophy, as the Riders captured late momentum in overtime. 

Leicester shot a red-hot 50% from three in the game, led by seven from Loving. But their free throw shooting saw them edge the tie, going 9/10 from the line in overtime. 

The Riders got going with three threes from their leading scorers, Jackson, Loving and Whelan. They jumped out to an early lead, holding the BBL’s highest-scoring offence to six points through the first five minutes to go up seven points. 

Leicester hit five threes in the first quarter, helping them to 28 points. One came from new man Devonte Bandoo, who hit his first shot from the corner to introduce himself to the Riders’ faithful. 

Manchester caught a hot streak to start the second, capped off by a deep Dirk Williams three to cut the Riders’ lead to four. Leicester responded after a Rob Paternostro timeout with back-to-back threes from Loving, which kickstarted an 11-2 Riders run. 

Loving led the game with an emphatic 25-point first half, torching the Giants through 20 minutes. The Ohio-born forward went 6-7 from three, dominating the game from deep. 

The Giants hung in the game, keeping their deficit to four by the break. Anthony Roberson concluded the second-quarter action for Manchester with a finish inside. 

The sides traded bombs to start the second half, as 13 points in two minutes between the sides did nothing to change the four-point difference in the score. 

Jackson led the Riders through the first five minutes of the third with nine points, taking over the visitors’ scoring load to maintain their narrow advantage. 

Manchester went on an 8-0 run near the end of the period to take their first lead of the game, capped off by a fastbreak slam by Tajh Green. 

But Jackson responded with five points to end the quarter, edging the Riders back ahead going into the final period. 

The Giants started the fourth the better of the sides, but a four-point play from Jackson re-tied the game, setting up a tense finish. 

Much of the fourth quarter was fought at the free-throw line, with 23 foul shots being taken in the quarter. Roberson got to the line for Manchester to make a free-throw, making it a one-point Riders lead with 2:29 remaining. 

The teams traded free throws down the stretch, as Jackson knocked down two shots with a minute remaining to give the Riders a late advantage. 

10 seconds later, Whelan drove the fastbreak following a William Lee miss, attacking the hoop to put Leicester up four. But Dirk Williams responded, finding a whistle on a three-point attempt to cut it back to two before a whistle on the resulting rebound gave the Giants’ one more. 

Fletcher attacked the rim with seconds remaining, tying the game with 2.9 on the clock with a left-handed layup, and Mackenzie’s attempted game-winner was blocked to send it to overtime. 

The sides went back and forth to start the extra period, resulting in a two-point Riders lead with 1:44 on the clock. Conner Washington then drove hard against Lee, getting to the line to make it a two-score affair. 

Loving followed up his teammate to make two foul shots of his own, putting Leicester up six with 44 seconds remaining. Mackenzie then sealed the game with a tough fadeaway, sending the Riders through to the second round. 

The Riders return home for their next fixture, taking on the Cheshire Phoenix in the BBL Championship. A win would improve them to 14-6, as Leicester looks to chase down the top spot of the league table.

Get your tickets here to support your Leicester Riders!

BBL Trophy Preview: Riders at Giants

The Riders are set to compete in the first round of the BBL Trophy, taking on the Manchester Giants on the road. It’s win or go home for the Riders in this knockout competition, which they last won in 2018. 

Tip-off is at 5 pm at the National Basketball Performance Centre. It will be available to stream free on the BBL official Youtube channel, with coverage starting 15 minutes before tip-off. 

Riders season so far 

The Riders enter this game off the back of their sixth loss of the season, making their league record 12-6. It was a 91-84 road loss to the Bristol Flyers, which was closely contested until late.

Leicester had a chance to tie with seconds remaining, but could not find the net. Marc Loving and Zach Jackson combined for 55 points, Loving leading the way with 25. 

Read our report here. 

The Riders can bounce back with a third win against the Giants this season. They last played them on December 23, resulting in an 89-82 overtime win. Jackson led the team with 21 points, going 7-14 from the field. 

Jackson leads Leicester on the season, averaging 15.6 points. The Riders have three scorers putting up 15 points per game this season, as Loving and Patrick Whelan closely follow Jackson, scoring 15.2 and 15, respectively. 

Since the previous game, the Riders made an exciting addition to their roster: 6’3″ sharpshooting point guard Devonte Bandoo!

He is set to make his debut in Manchester, as he sets foot in European basketball for the first time.

In addition, Victor Ndoukou returns to Riders red in this game, having signed his first professional contract earlier in the week.

A win in Manchester would be a perfect response to the Riders’ recent loss, as they look to challenge for the fourth BBL Trophy in their history. 

Close battles in Manchester 

The Manchester Giants’ last six fixtures have finished within single digits, and two of the last three games have been decided by a single score. They are 3-3 over this period but fell 103-95 to the Bristol Flyers in their previous fixture. 

Dirk Williams’ free throws made it a six-point Giants’ deficit with just over a minute remaining, but Manchester was unable to complete a comeback late. 

Williams put up a monster 36 point performance in the game, making four threes on his way to his season-high points tally. 

The Giants’ are 8-8 in the league this season, putting them fifth in the table. 6’8” American Tajh Green leads the team with 19.6 points per game in his first professional season, making him the BBL’s third-ranked scorer. 

Green’s play has helped the Giants to become the best offence in the BBL, putting up 91.2 points per game. 

Should they go on to win the competition, it would be Manchester’s first BBL Trophy since 1999. 

Key matchup 

Former Rider William Lee will suit up in Manchester green in this one, following his signing to the Giants in the offseason.

Lee played Leicester basketball during the 2020/21 season, helping bring the BBL Championship title to the Morningside Arena. 

The “Alabama slammer” is a high-flying phenom, rising high above the rim for explosive plays to take the roof off arenas.

On the defensive end, he is the University of Alabama’s all-time leader in blocked shots and has proved a force at the rim this season, averaging two blocks per game. 

Lee is averaging a near double-double this season, putting up 16.6 points and 9.1 rebounds.

He’s getting it done from all over the court, shooting 48.3% from the field and 38.5% from three, putting up a season-high of 23 points on two occasions earlier in the year. 

Charged with the tough task of guarding Lee will be Ohio forward Loving, who like Lee, is playing to an elite standard on both ends this season.

He complimented his 25 points in his last game with a block and a steal, knocking down four of his six three-point attempts also. 

Former G-Leager Loving is a second-year Rider, where he signed after a successful college career at Ohio State. 

He averaged 13 points and five rebounds per game across his junior and senior years, and 12 points for the Riders last season to make his name in Leicester.

Loving has the physical and technical ability to trouble Lee. He’s shooting 35% from deep this season, which can force Lee to guard him on the perimeter, and he has the size and length to contest him in close. 

Get set for an intense battle between the two power forwards!

Riders sign Devonte Bandoo!

Leicester Riders are excited to announce the signing of Canadian point guard Devonte Bandoo.

The former Baylor Bear competed in his home country last summer, averaging 16.1 points for the Saskatchewan Rattlers. 

He spent his final two college seasons at Baylor University, after leading Hutchinson Community College to a national championship as a freshman.

The Ontario native was named the Big 12 Conference Sixth Man of the Year as a senior, helping the Bears to a school-record 23-game winning streak which saw them top the NCAA rankings for five straight weeks.

The 6’3″ sharpshooter was Baylor’s leading three-point shooter as a junior, going 39% from behind the arc. Bandoo shot 66% from deep in his first NCAA tournament appearance, a win over the prestigious Syracuse University. 

“I’m excited to join the Riders organisation, and to be able to play with new teammates and coaches,” said Bandoo.

“We are looking forward to working with Devonte. He is an exciting, explosive player who can make plays in many different ways,” commented head coach Rob Paternostro.

“Devonte’s ability to shoot the ball off the catch or off the dribble from distance is really impressive and should be a welcome addition to our club.

“He had a very good summer in Canadian CEBL, where he was able to showcase both his playmaking and scoring against high-level talent”

Bandoo will look to suit up for the Riders for their upcoming BBL Trophy clash against the Manchester Giants.

Buy your tickets here to see Bandoo in action!

Riders fall to Flyers on the road

The Riders fell short in a clutch battle, losing to the Bristol Flyers 91-84. They had a chance to tie it with 30 seconds on the clock, but could not find the net to send it to overtime.

The loss means the Riders fall to 12-6 in the standings.

Their wing tandem of Marc Loving and Zach Jackson combined for 55 points in an effort to get the Riders over the hump. Loving led the team with 25 points and seven rebounds, going 10-15 from the field on a hot shooting night. 

The Flyers got to the free-throw line to shoot 30 shots to the Riders’ 11, but converted 53% of them to keep Leicester in the game. VJ King led the game with a monster 30-point performance, the former G-Leaguer going 60% from the field. 

The Flyers’ elite defence stalled the Riders’ offence in the early stages, as they jumped out to a 12-6 lead after five minutes. Loving took the lid off the basket with a corner three in response to the hosts’ hot start, cutting into the narrow deficit.

Conner Washington checked into the game after missing a large part of December due to injury and made an immediate impact with a long two. The Riders tied the game at 17 with 30 seconds left in the first period. 

The second quarter was closely fought. Washington’s three gave the Riders their first lead of the game three minutes in, but the Flyers fought back with seven points from King, who helped put his side up 37-30 five minutes into the period. 

Back-to-back Riders threes from Jackson and Loving kept the scoreline manageable for the Riders in the first half. Loving scored 15 first-half points, cooking from range to make three shots from behind the arc. 

Four straight missed free throws from the Flyers also aided the Riders late in the half. The score was 43-41 by the buzzer, as Jackson concluded the Riders’ second-quarter action with a layup in close. 

Bristol once again seized the advantage to start the second half, King making it an eight-point game with a three from the top of the key. But Leicester fired back, as Patrick Whelan’s three cut the game back to a possession. 

Aaron Menzies’ defence on Malcolm Delpeche proved pivotal in the quarter, the 7’3” center making his presence known in the paint against the BBL’s top offensive rebounder. Menzies had a +/- of eight by the end of the third period, the best of any player on the court. 

Kimbal Mackenzie drove to the rim to end the third, making it 67-64 to Bristol entering the final quarter. 

Jackson took over to start the fourth, making three straight baskets and tying the game. The score was locked within one score through the first five minutes of the fourth. 

Big shot-making kept the Riders in the tie, as Loving and Washington hit huge threes throughout the fourth quarter.

But the Flyers got to the free-throw line often to edge ahead. 

With two minutes remaining, Jackson exploded for the play of the game. He ran the fastbreak and threw down a monster jam over King, who sent him to the line for one more. 

On the other end, Delpeche made a layup in close to put the Flyers up three with 30 seconds on the clock. The Riders could not find a response, and the hosts took the win. 

The Riders take a break from league action in their next fixture, which is a BBL Trophy tie against the Manchester Giants. It’s a win-or-go-home scenario on the road as the Riders look to progress out of the first round of the competition. 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders at Flyers

The Riders head to Bristol for the second time this season, where they will take on the Flyers at the SGS Arena. 

The game tips off at 7:30 pm and will be streamed live on the BBL Official Youtube channel, starting at 7:15 pm. 

Riders thrive through Christmas schedule 

The Riders faced a brutal schedule through the Christmas period, playing three games in seven days. They emerged 2-1 through the fixtures, beating the Surrey Scorchers in the last of them. 

It was a 77-72 victory, which was fought all the way through to the final stages. Marc Loving led the team with 22 points, scoring nine in the fourth quarter. 

Read our report here! 

The win improved the Riders’ record to 12-5 in the BBL Championship, good for second place in the standings. They’ve won five of the last six games in the league, launching them up the table. 

They’re led by Patrick Whelan, the GB international who is scoring 15.4 points per game while shooting 45.7% from three. The Riders have five players averaging double-digit points this season, so they are able to hurt teams in any number of ways. 

Leicester ranks third in the BBL in points per game, and lead the league in field goal and three-point percentage. They’ll need to remain their efficient selves in this game, against tough opposition in a hostile building. 

Bristol flying high 

The Flyers rank among the BBL’s elite this season, possessing an 11-6 record. They beat the Riders earlier in the season and held the league’s top spot early in December. 

Back-to-back defeats against the London Lions, in the league and then the cup, saw momentum in their season take a hit. However, they bounced back with two straight wins.

Bristol does enter this fixture in need of another bounceback, having fallen to the Surrey Scorchers 78-73 in Surrey. Their away form strongly contrasts their home form, as they possess a 3-4 record on the road. 

But the Flyers are back in Bristol for this one, in an arena which has proved an imposing setting for visiting teams. Their physicality has been key to their success, as they lead the BBL in offensive rebounding with 12.4 per game. 

Malcolm Delpeche sets the tone in this department, topping the BBL’s offensive-rebounding standings with 3.1 per game. The 6’8” big man achieved the same feat last season and continues to be a force of nature in the paint. 

The Flyers will look to feed off his physicality in front of their home fans, to get another home win against the reigning champions. 

Key matchup

The man leading the scoring for the Bristol Flyers this season is former NBA G-Leaguer and first-year Flyer VJ King. The graduate of the esteemed University of Louisville played for the Westchester Knicks in his first two pro seasons, before taking his talents to the BBL. 

King is scoring 17.8 points per game so far this year, ranking seventh in the league. He’s putting up 6.6 rebounds per game, matching his team’s physicality on the glass.  

He scored 8.8 points per game in his second NBA G-League season, along with five rebounds per game. He’s a physical two-guard who attacks the rim with force and finishes inside with an instinctual feel for finding the net. 

Taking him on is Riders’ leading scorer and GB international, Patrick Whelan. The Warrington-born sharpshooter is a two-way threat in the shooting guard position and is one of the BBL’s hottest talents. 

Whelan’s play was recognised last season with a place on the BBL Team of the Year, after leading the team in scoring with 15.3 points per game. His treble-winning efforts also earned a spot on the GB roster for Eurobasket 2022.

Whelan enters the game off the back of facing up against another athletic slasher, Padiet Wang, from the Surrey Scorchers. He can use his experience from facing Wang in an attempt to slow down the dangerous King. 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders vs Scorchers

The Riders welcome the Surrey Scorchers to the Morningside Arena for the first time this season. 

Bounce back game for Leicester 

The Riders enter this one off the back of their first home loss in 25 games. They fell just short of a spirited comeback against the London Lions after falling down 19 by halftime. 

However, they couldn’t snatch the win despite cutting the deficit to six midway through the fourth. 

Zach Jackson led the way with 14 points, closely followed by the Premier Logistics player of the game, Kimbal Mackenzie, who bagged 12.

Read our full report here.

The loss leaves Leicester second in the league standings with an 11-5 record. Their strength lies from deep, as they lead the BBL in three-point percentage, and have the two best high-volume three-shooters in the league in Patrick Whelan and Jackson.

The pair are the Riders’ two highest scorers this year. Whelan leads the team with 15.7 points per game, shooting 46.7% from three. 

His best game of the season, a 25-point double-double, came in early December, and he will hope for another performance like that to see the Riders past Surrey. 

Surrey try to turn performances into results

The Surrey Scorchers have struggled to convert performances into wins so far this season. Seven of their 13 losses so far have been within 10 points, but they sit out of playoff contention midway through the year with a 1-13 record. 

Their record has not reflected their performances so far, as the talented team has yet to find form late in games to get over the hump. 

They are led by new man Ryan Martin, the GB big man putting up big scoring performances since his arrival in Surrey. He’s scoring 13 points per game, and put up 20 points in his debut against the Newcastle Eagles, getting it done down low.

Their previous fixture was a closely fought battle against the Bristol Flyers. They were up four with five minutes remaining, but could not stop a late Flyers surge, losing 93-85 by the buzzer. 

Andrew Lawrence and Padiet Wang led the scoring for Surrey with 17 each. Wang is having a solid second pro season, putting up 12.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. 

With experienced BBL head coach Llyod Gardner at the helm, who led the Manchester Giants to the BBL Cup final last season, the Riders will have to be at their best to take on Surrey.

Key matchup  

24-year-old two-guard Padiet Wang has exploded into BBL life in his second professional season. His 12.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game are vital contributions to the Scorchers, grabbing the second most rebounds on the team at just 6’4”. 

Wang played the back end of last season for Cobra Sports Club in the Basketball African League. He scored 15.4 points per game on 43.5% shooting, before taking his talents to Surrey. 

Wang is a relentless slasher, attacking the rim from the backcourt before rising for monster jams. He uses his athleticism on both ends, rising high to deny shots at the rim. 

Taking him on is Riders’ leading scorer and GB international, Patrick Whelan. The Warrington-born sharpshooter is a two-way threat in the shooting guard position and is one of the BBL’s hottest talents. 

Whelan’s play was recognised last season with a place on the BBL Team of the Year, after leading the team in scoring with 15.3 points per game. His treble-winning efforts also earned a spot on the GB roster for Eurobasket 2022. 

The battle in the backcourt between Whelan and Wang will be a decisive one, with the winner earning a significant edge for their side in the fixture. 

Where to watch

The game tips off at 7:45 pm at the Morningside Arena Leicester. Get your tickets here! 

It will be streamed live on the British Basketball League Youtube channel, starting at 7:30 pm.  

Riders fall short of a comeback against Lions

The Riders fell to the London Lions 81-75, bringing their record to 11-5. Leicester was down 19 at the half before commencing an immense comeback, but fell just short of the win late. 

Zach Jackson led the Riders with 14 points, scoring nine points in the third quarter to launch the comeback. He was backed up by 13 points from Kimbal Mackenzie off the bench, who put up double-digit points for his second straight game. 

Leicester’s defence played to an elite level in the second half, holding London to 34 points. However, the Riders, who entered the game as the best three-point shooting team in the league, found their deep shots just off the mark. 

Sam Dekker led the Lions, their top scorer adding another 21 points to his season tally. The former NBA forward went 7-16 from the field, and pulled down seven rebounds.

The Lions had the best of the early stages, hitting four of their first five threes to jump out to a 19-10 lead. Luke Nelson hit two of the deep shots to get the visitors underway. 

Jackson made the Riders’ first highlight of the evening, throwing down a two-handed slam on the fastbreak to cut into the deficit, sparking some momentum for the hosts. Patrick Whelan followed up with a pull-up three to make it a six-point game. 

But the Lions made a run to the end the period, which finished up 31-19 after a Dekker buzzer-beating fadeaway. 

The Riders stalled the Lions’ progress in the second period, led by elite defence from Jubril Adekoya. The Valparaiso University graduate’s hustle and energy made an immediate impact. He took a charge, snatched a steal and made a flashy assist diving out of bounds in just a few minutes. 

At the back end of the quarter, London found some offensive form to stretch their lead. Kosta Koufos and Dekker combined for eight points in two minutes to make it an 18-point game. 

Josh Ward-Hibbert concluded the half with a corner three, making it 47-28 at the half. 

Jackson got to work to start the second half, bagging seven quick points to get the Riders rolling. Leicester made it a 12-point game four minutes into the third after Patrick Whelan ran the floor for two points. 

Jackson’s nine points in the quarter brought the Riders back into contention. Young Riders star Blake Bowman concluded the third with a tough layup inside, making the score 65-52 with one to play. 

The Riders cut it to single digits early in the fourth, as Whelan ran the floor for an and-one to make it 68-60. Mackenzie, following a deep pull-up three two minutes earlier, made back-to-back plays to win the ball back, giving Leicester a shot at the comeback. 

Mackenzie then pulled up from midrange to cut the deficit to six, sending the crowd into a frenzy. 

London responded with two quick buckets, rebuilding their lead to double digits after a Vojtech Hruban layup. The Lions saw the game out from there, leaving the Riders just short of the comeback win. 

Leicester fought until the buzzer, as Mackenzie’s free-throws cut it to four with 20 seconds remaining, but the clock proved their ultimate opponent. 

The Riders are back in action on Friday, taking on the Surrey Scorchers on December 30. Tip-off is at 7:45 pm, and tickets are available here

BBL Championship Preview: Riders vs Lions

The 11-4 Riders take on the 10-2  London Lions in a highly touted top-of-the-table clash. The winner will seize the top spot of the BBL Championship table, as Leicester look to even the season series to 1-1. 

Table-topping Riders

After emerging 89-82 victors of an overtime thriller against the Manchester Giants, the Riders were top of the league at Christmas. They have won 12 of the last 13 games in all competitions, including a BBL Cup semi-final against the Caledonia Gladiators. 

They will face the Lions in the final, the second meeting in a final between the teams in the last two seasons. The Riders won the last one, a BBL Playoff final at the O2 arena, to win Leicester their third trophy of the treble. 

They rank among the league’s best in all scoring categories this year. Patrick Whelan leads the Riders, scoring 15.9 points per game, and his teammate on the wing, Zach Jackson, is close on his heels with 15 a game. 

Jackson led them against the Giants with 21 points, dominating at the rim. He finished with a +/- of 21, demonstrating his immense impact on winning. 

The Riders will need every ounce of production of their star men in this crucial clash. Should the Riders win, they will have just one less loss than the Lions going into the rest of the season.

Lions show their claws

The star-studded Lions, with a roster consisting of GB internationals and former NBA and European stars, are currently in pole position to take a franchise-first BBL Championship, with three games in hand on the reigning champion Riders. 

They’re led by Sam Dekker, a six-year NBA forward who ranks second in the BBL scoring charts putting up 20.2 points per game. The 28-year-old small forward has put up big numbers in both the BBL and EuroCup, where the Lions currently possess a 4-5 record. 

Their previous two fixtures came against the Bristol Flyers, the other BBL side contesting the top spot of the league table. They won a league and a Cup fixture emphatically, Dekker leading them through the fixtures averaging 22 points. 

The Cup win saw them through to the final, where they will face the Riders in Birmingham.  This game will preview the faceoff while remaining vitally important for the fight for the league title. 

The Lions will look to step inside the arc, as they enter the game shooting the best two-point percentage in the league, so the Riders’ interior defence will need to be on top form to slow down London’s stars. 

Key matchup 

The Lions’ leading scorer, Sam Dekker, will be one to watch in this pivotal clash. Dekker spent last season in Turkey’s top division with Bahcesehir, following six years in the NBA. 

Dekker was drafted in 2015 by the Houston Rockets, putting up 6.5 points per game in his second pro season. Seven years on, Dekker is in his physical prime and is proving a force in the paint. 

He is scoring on 73% of his two-point looks, attacking the rim with force. He runs the fastbreak often and is capable of highlight plays every time he drives to the hoop. 

Dekker leads the BBL in usage percentage, holding the ball 30.44% of the time, and is, therefore, key to the Lions’ offensive success. 

Charged with the task of slowing Dekker down is second-year Rider and two-way star Zach Jackson. Jackson is scoring 15 points per game on offence while taking on tough defensive assignments on the other end. 

Jackson is a three-level scorer, making explosive plays at the rim, pulling up in the midrange and nailing shots from deep. He is shooting a red-hot 48.6% from three this season, second-best in the BBL behind only his teammate, Whelan. 

The Omaha graduate averaged 10 points per game last season, shooting 49% from the field while playing elite defence on the other end. 

Throughout his second Riders’ season, Jackson showcased his ability to take over games, scoring 10 straight points in the playoff quarter-final to see the Riders progress to the semis.

Expect a battle throughput between two of the best wings the BBL has to offer. 

Where to watch

The game tips off at 7:45 at the Morningside Arena, Leicester. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours here! 

If you cannot attend, it will also be streamed live on the British Basketball League channel! 

Report: Riders win overtime thriller against Giants to go top for Christmas

The Riders moved to the top of the BBL Championship table with an 89-82 overtime thriller against the Manchester Giants. 

The teams were locked at 75 after four quarters, but the Riders saw out a clutch win led by 21 points from Zach Jackson. 

Kimbal Mackenzie led the team in overtime with five points, stepping into the starting five following Derryck Thornton’s absence. His clutch free throws sealed the win late, after his ice-cold corner three to make it a two-score game. 

The win improved Leicester to 11-4 on the season, putting them top of the league table for Christmas. 

Marc Loving supported Jackson with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Mackenzie bagged a season-high 15 points. The Riders shot 36% from the field in the game, but they found a way to “win ugly”, in the words of Mackenzie after the tie. 

The Riders had one day of rest to prepare for the fixture but found enough in the legs to see it out. “Great teams win these games” was the message from coach Rob Paternostro to his team going into the extra period, and Leicester found a way to win it.  

The Giants got off to an energetic start, hitting two quick threes to jump out to a six-point lead. The Riders recovered quickly, getting to the hoop effectively to take an 11-9 lead, with four Riders starters getting on the board in four minutes.

The opening period was played at an electric pace between two heavy-hitting offences. Whelan had the best first quarter of any player, scoring seven points to lead the Riders to a narrow 21-19 advantage by the buzzer. 

The game continued to swing back and forth in the second, as the Riders got gritty on the offensive glass to keep the scoreboard ticking. Jubril Adekoya had two offensive boards alone to generate second-chance points, putting up seven points in the process. 

It rained threes midway through the second, as the sides traded bombs from deep. Marc Loving hit back-to-back deep shots, before Kimbal Mackenzie followed up his teammate from the corner to put the Riders up four. 

Loving’s threes kicked off a 13-4 Leicester run, earning them their biggest lead of the evening after Zach Jackson’s and-one play. Jackson continued attacking the rim, running the fastbreak for a monster jam after driving past Manchester’s Nick Lewis. 

The Giants’ fought back to close the half, pegging the Riders’ nine-point lead back to five to end the half 49-4 in Leicester’s favour. 

Jackson got the second half underway with a triple from the wing after some fluid Riders ball movement found him open. Leicester scored back-to-back buckets to stretch their lead to double digits. 

The Riders started the third period on a 13-2 run, led by a dominant eight-point stretch from Jackson. He relentlessly attacked the teeth of the Giants’ defence, getting points at the rim and at the foul line to put his team up 15. 

The Giants’ caught fire to end the third, cutting the lead back down to seven by getting to the free-throw line. Tajh Green had the best of the action at the line, bagging five points. 

The Giants’ continued their surge, hitting back-to-back threes to make it a one-possession game heading into the final period. 

It was an intense beginning to the fourth, with neither side able to find the basket two minutes in. Loving broke the seal from the free-throw line, but the game remained within a possession with seven minutes left. 

Darien Nelson-Henry amended this, getting to the line on back-to-back possessions to generate some offence for his team, cooly knocking down all of his foul shots. 

Two-time BBL MVP Rahmon Fletcher reached into his bag for Manchester, making tough buckets from range to keep the hosts in contention. His pull-up three tied the game at 70 with four minutes on the clock. 

Following an exchange of baskets, Adekoya’s free throw tied the game with seconds remaining. Mackenzie drove to the rim, but Green blocked his effort to send the game into overtime. 

Dirk Williams got overtime underway for Manchester, hitting a three on the first possession. Loving and Whelan responded with four points between them, retaking the lead for Leicester. 

Mackenzie followed up with a corner three to send the Riders fans into a frenzy, and put Leicester up two scores with two minutes left. He followed up his bucket with clutch free throws, sealing a hard-fought Leicester win.

The Riders return after Christmas to take on the London Lions in a top-of-the-table clash. A win would see them extend their lead in the BBL Championship, so get your tickets here to support your Riders! 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders at Giants

The Riders return to BBL Championship action, hitting the road to take on the Manchester Giants. A win would see them improve to 11-4 on the season, earning them the top spot in the league table. 

Riding high

The Riders enter the game off the back of a momentous win in the BBL Cup semi-final, beating the Caledonia Gladiators 89-68. Riders’ star trio of Marc Loving, Patrick Whelan and Zach Jackson combined for 49 points, led by 18 from Loving. 

They have a quick turnaround going into this one, with just one rest day before hitting the road to Manchester. It’s a significant stretch for Leicester, as they gear up for a congested Christmas schedule

They’ll take confidence from their efficiency on offence this season. They lead the league in field goal, three-point and free-throw percentage, led by the BBL’s sharpest shooter Whelan.

Whelan is hitting threes at a 50% rate this season, leading all deep shooters. He’s the Riders’ highest scorer, putting up 16.4 points per game, following up his BBL Team of the Year selection last season. 

He returns to his home city in this one, where he has had success. Last season, he put up his first career double-double in Manchester and will look for another game-leading performance in this one. 

Giants gearing up for winter 

With games in hand on the rest of the BBL, the Giants are positioned to make a run up the table over the winter period. They are set to play five fixtures over the next two weeks, and will be eager to see how they can build on their current 6-5 record. 

Their last game took place on December 16, when they beat the Sheffield Sharks 92-83 on the road. The Giants’ talented scoring trio of Tajh Green, Dirk Williams and Nick Lewis each scored 20 points, Green leading the way with 24 points and 10 rebounds. 

Green is the league’s leading scorer this season, putting up 20.6 points per game. The first-year pro has lit up the BBL since joining in the offseason, the athletic 6’8” forward coming up with the play of the season so far earlier in the year. 

His play has led his team to the best offence in the league, scoring 90.2 points per game. Their success has come from attacking the rim, averaging the most free-throw attempts and second most two-pointers. 

The Giants will be a tough task for the Riders’ defence, who will need to wall off the inside to slow them down. 

Key matchup

Former Rider William Lee will suit up in Manchester green in this one, following his signing to the Giants in the offseason. Lee played Leicester basketball during the 2020/21 season, helping bring the BBL Championship title to the Morningside Arena. 

The “Alabama slammer” is a high-flying phenom, rising high above the rim for explosive plays to take the roof off arenas. On the defensive end, he is the University of Alabama’s all-time leader in blocked shots and has proved a force at the rim this season, averaging two blocks per game. 

Lee is averaging a double-double this season, putting up 18.4 points and 10.1 rebounds. He’s getting it done from all over the court, shooting 49% from the field and 38% from three, putting up a season-high of 23 points on two occasions earlier in the year. 

Charged with the tough task of guarding Lee will be Ohio forward Loving, who like Lee, is playing to an elite standard on both ends this season. He complimented his 18 points in his last game with two blocks and a steal, dominating all facets of the game. 

Former G-Leager Loving is a second-year Rider, where he signed after a successful college career at Ohio State.  He averaged 13 points and five rebounds per game across his junior and senior years, and 12 points for the Riders last season to make his name in Leicester.

Loving has the physical and technical ability to trouble Lee. He’s shooting 33% from deep this season, which can force Lee to guard him on the perimeter, and he has the size and length to contest him in close. 

Get set for an intense battle between the two power forwards! 

Where to watch

The game is live on Sky Sports Mix and the Sky Sports Youtube channel, tipping off at 7:45 pm.

BBL Cup Preview: Riders vs Gladiators

The Riders host the Caledonia Gladiators in the BBL Cup semi-final. A win would see them advance to the final in Birmingham, as they look to defend last year’s crown.

Reigning champion Riders

With a change of format of the BBL Cup being implemented this season, the Riders are just two wins from back-to-back BBL Cup winning campaigns. 

The semi-final has been reformatted from two legs to one, meaning a game against the Caledonia Gladiators is all that stands between Leicester and the final in Birmingham. 

However, this is no small task, as the Gladiators have proved a stern test to their opponents this season. They have beaten the Riders twice so far, but the Riders saw out their most recent game at home in dominant 100-67 fashion. 

Patrick Whelan led the team with 25 points. The GB sharpshooter has been on a scoring tear of late, averaging 24.5 points in his previous two fixtures. Whelan ranks eighth in the BBL in scoring and is the best three-point shooter in the league, hitting 50.6%. 

Whelan’s three-point shooting is indicative of the entire Riders’ offence, which leads the league in three-point and field goal percentage, and ranks second in points per game.

 A win in this one would make it 10 wins from the Riders’ last 11 games; the reigning champions are rolling through the mid part of the season. 

Caledonia back again

The Gladiators find themselves in their second BBL Cup semi-final in as many years as they look to go on and lift the trophy for the first time in their history. Last season they fell to the Manchester Giants in the semis, who would go on to fall to the eventual champion Riders. 

In the league this season, the Gladiators are enjoying a successful run of form, having moved their record to above .500 in their previous game. It was a 117-96 win against the Cheshire Phoenix, which was the second of back-to-back wins that brought them to 7-6 in the league. 

Jeremiah Bailey exploded for a season-high 36 points, the first-year pro being one of two major scoring threats on the Gladiators roster. The other, David Sloan, is third in the BBL in scoring with 20.2 points per game and has already put 37 points on the Riders earlier in the year. 

Sloan and Bailey have helped their side generate the third most efficient offence in the BBL, shooting 47% from the field. They will hope for every bit of production in this one, as they hope to make their first Cup final since 2019. 

Key matchup 

The BBL’s third-leading scorer David Sloan has averaged 22 points a night against Leicester this season. The East Tennessee State graduate has torched the league with his scoring so far and can go off for huge numbers every night. 

Sloan scored 12.6 points per game in his final college season and dished five assists per game. The Louisville native ranked third in his conference in assists, showing off his ability to both score and facilitate. 

Sloan possesses all the qualities needed to score in the backcourt. He’s a quick, athletic ball handler with crafty moves and a quick release, keeping defenders alert for all 40 minutes.

Charged with the task of guarding Sloan is Riders point guard Derryck Thornton. Thornton was an early season addition to the Riders’ roster, and enters this one on a run of good form. 

The California native has scored double-digit points in his past four appearances, including 16 points and four assists in his last showing against Caledonia. 

Thornton played four years of college before going pro, competing for Boston College in his senior year. He scored 12.7 points per game in the NCAA division one, then took his talents to Serbia to play for Borac Cacak. 

Derryck adds explosive energy to a stacked Riders backcourt, as he looks to go toe to toe with the talented Sloan. 

Where to watch

The game tips-off at 7:45 pm at the Morningside Arena Leicester: Get your tickets here! 

It will be streamed live on the British Basketball League YouTube channel, starting from 7:30 pm.

Riders see out clutch win in Newcastle

The Riders secured a clutch 91-87 win against the Newcastle Eagles, improving to 10-4 on the season. 

Their wing duo of Patrick Whelan and Zach Jackson went off for 24 and 22 points respectively to get the team over the hump. It was Whelan’s second straight 20-point game, the GB international putting up seven rebounds and six assists in a well-rounded performance. 

It was a red-hot deep shooting night for the Riders, who lead the BBL in three-point percentage. They knocked down 50% of their threes, led by Whelan, who hit four. 

The Riders were up by as many as 16 points in the game, but a spirited Eagles comeback made it close. Javion Hamlet led the charge for the hosts, the 6’4” guard scoring 25 points, including 13 in the final period to take a one-point lead late. 

But Whelan and Jackson put the ball in the hoop to retake a narrow lead, before Derryck Thornton hit a foul shot to seal the win. The Riders now move to second in the BBL Championship table following Bristol Flyers’ loss to London Lions.

The Riders hit the ground running, bursting out to a double-digit lead in five and a half minutes, led by six points from Thornton.

The Riders started 9-13 from the field, exploding for 30 points in the first quarter to stamp their authority on the game. Whelan had eight in the first, picking up the scoring load following his point guard’s early play.

The Eagles stemmed the tide in the second period, keeping their deficit around ten. 15 year Eagle Darius Defoe checked into the game and scored six quick points to keep his side competitive.

Jackson took the Riders offensive reigns in the second quarter, going off for 12 points as the sides traded buckets. 

Jackson dominated inside, cutting from the perimeter for strong finishes at the rim. However, his outside shooting concluded the half’s action, draining a three to bring his scoring tally to 16 and put Leicester up 56-42. 

Hamlet scored six quick Newcastle points out of the locker rooms to cut into the Riders’ lead. The Eagles’ leading scorer this season used his quick handles and body control to get buckets at the hoop, but the Riders’ response retook the momentum.

Evan Walshe’s three concluded a 9-2 Leicester run following Hamlet’s buckets, giving them a 16-point advantage. They were Walshe’s eighth points of the evening, and he would go on to score a season-high 12 in the game. 

The Eagles fought back to close the third, concluding the quarter on an 8-2 run led by Donovan Johnson to cut the game to eight going into the final period. 

Newcastle made it a six-point game with a quick basket in the fourth, and the teams traded baskets until late, with the Riders holding a narrow advantage. 

With three minutes remaining, Hamlet drew a foul in close, making his free throws to make it a one-possession affair. A minute later, he drove to the rim again and took the lead with a layup. 

Jackson responded on the next possession, hitting two free throws to put Leicester ahead. After a defensive stand, Whelan made it a three-point lead with a tough layup against two defenders. 

Following another basket from Hamlet and two free throws from Whelan, it was a three-point ball game with 21 seconds remaining, the hosts with the ball. The Riders forced a turnover from Hamlet, and Thornton’s knocked one down at the line to seal the win. 

The Riders turn their attention to the BBL Cup, as they take on the Caledonia Gladiators in the semi-final.

A win against a talented Gladiators team would give them an opportunity to defend their Cup title in Birmingham, so get your tickets here to get behind the Riders!

Riders secure big win vs Gladiators

The Riders improved to 9-4 in the BBL Championship with a blowout 100-67 home win against the Caledonia Gladiators. Patrick Whelan led the scoring with a season-high 25 points, his first double-double of the year. 

Leicester burst out to a big lead late in the second and never looked back, feeding off the home crowd to extend their advantage. They shot the lights out, going 58% from the field while locking down the Gladiators to hold them to 35%.

The Riders’ defence held the BBL’s leading scorer, David Sloan, to 10 points in the game, their perimeter pressure keeping the first-year pro off the scoresheet at his usual high rate. His backcourt opponent, Derryck Thornton, had a 16-point showing to help Leicester to a big win. 

Little separated the sides through the opening stages, as five Riders got on the scoresheet to edge a closely contested first quarter. Whelan’s seven-point burst to end the period edged the Riders ahead, with the score 21-20 by the buzzer. 

Whelan had 10 at the end of the first, Leicester’s leading scorer on the season starting out with a hot hand. Jubril Adekoya took over the scoring load from the GB international in the second, bagging seven straight points to maintain the Riders’ narrow advantage. 

Following Adekoya’s baskets, the Riders exploded out to a 15-2 run to build the first significant lead of the tie. Thornton led the run with six points and an assist, finishing it off with two foul shots. 

With a firm grip on the tie, the Riders entered the locker rooms with a significant advantage, up 51-35 by the half. 

The second half started how the first half ended, with the Riders on a 5-0 run. The teams traded buckets once again after a hectic Riders surge, the lead remaining around 20 for much of the third period. 

The Riders had the best of the action to close the period, hitting back-to-back threes courtesy of Zach Jackson and Whelan. Whelan hit another from the corner with 20 seconds left to extend the lead to 26 points. 

Leicester burst out the gate in the final quarter, starting 4-0 to make it a 30-point affair. Aaron Menzies capped off a dominant display with a monster fourth quarter, swatting shots and throwing down a thunderous jam to send the Riders fans home happy. 

The Riders face off against the Gladiators again in their next home game for the BBL Cup semi-final! Get your tickets here to catch the action live!

Before then, the Riders head on the road to take on the Newcastle Eagles in BBL Championship action on December 16. A win would improve their record to 10-4, as they continue to build momentum in the season.

BBL Championship Preview- Riders vs Gladiators

The Riders take on the Caledonia Gladiators as BBL Championship action returns to the Morningside Arena. They currently sit third in the league table with an 8-4 record but are level on points with the top of the table. 

Riders bouncing back 

Following their first loss in six games three weeks ago, the Riders responded with back-to-back wins to continue their winning form. Most recently, Leicester emerged victors on the road against the Surrey Scorchers. 

Six Riders finished the game with double-digit points, led by Darien Nelson-Henry’s 16. It was a hard-fought win against an improved Scorchers side, whose new addition, Josh Jefferson, went off for 16. 

“We made the defensive stops when we needed to, had great balance and did a great job on the free throw line,” said head coach Rob Paternostro after the result. 

The Riders shot 39 foul shots in the game, dwarfing their season average of 20.2 per game, and made 33 of them. 

“We wanted to attack the rim. We always want to go inside-out, and I think we did a good job of that. We didn’t settle for shots, and we eliminated defenders to make plays.”

Read our report here! 

The Riders are the most efficient team in the BBL, leading the league in field goal, three-point and free-throw percentage. Zach Jackson has paved the way with this trend, shooting 57% from the field and 51% from deep, on his way to 14.3 points per game. 

Tonight’s opponents have challenged the Riders this season, winning both of the meetings so far. Both the games were played in Caledonia, and the Riders will look to make the most of their home-court advantage in this one. 

Caledonia finding form

The Caledonia Gladiators enter this one in-form, having won three straight in all competitions. They booked their place in the BBL Cup semi-final with a 77-68 win against the Sheffield Sharks, and beat the Riders and Patriots in back-to-back league games. 

Their winning streak has moved them to 5-5 in the BBL Championship, making a run up the league standings. They play consistent, efficient offence, turning the ball over the least in the BBL while ranking third in field goal percentage. 

Their offence is spearheaded by David Sloan, who is leading the BBL in scoring with 21.8 points per game. One of Sloan’s two 30 point games this season came against the Riders, as he put up 36 in a monster performance in October. 

“We know who our opponents are, and we know they’ve beaten us twice this season,” said Zach Jackson. “We don’t need any more motivation than that, and it’s going to be important to bring all our energy.”

“It’s going to be nice to play at home,” said Rob Paternostro. “We’ve been on the road eight times out of 12 this season, so when we get a home game, it’s like Christmas morning!

“They’re playing good basketball, and they’re a great team,  so we’ve got to play better defence and look after the ball.”

Key matchup 

The BBL’s highest scorer David Sloan will look for a similar performance to his 36-point showing against Leicester. The East Tennessee State graduate has torched the league with his scoring so far and can go off for huge numbers every night. 

Sloan scored 12.6 points per game in his final college season and dished five assists per game. The Louisville native ranked third in his conference in assists, showing off his ability to both score and facilitate. 

Sloan possesses all the qualities needed to score in the backcourt. He’s a quick, athletic ball handler with crafty moves and a quick release, keeping defenders alert for all 40 minutes. 

Facing up against Sloan off the Riders’ bench will be Kimbal Mackenzie, who has given the Riders key minutes down the stretch recently. He went to the foul line three times late in the recent win in Surrey, knocking down his free throws to seal the game.  

Kimbal’s college career was spent in the NCAA D1 for Bucknall. He enjoyed a sensational senior year, scoring 17.6 points per game, the seventh-most in a season in college history.

Mackenzie can play either guard position effectively on and off-ball offensively. He can score from anywhere on the court, making 37% of his threes in his senior year in college. His skill set allows him to fit seamlessly into any Paternostro lineup.

Where to watch

The game will be televised live on Sky Sports, tipping off at 7:45 pm. It will also be streamed on the Sky Sports Youtube channel!

Logan Rooney formally signs with Loughborough Basketball in the NBL

American 6’6 guard/wing, Logan Rooney joins Loughborough Basketball as the latest signing for the Division 1 Men’s programme. Rooney, who graduated in 2021 from Saint Martins University in the US is familiar with British basketball, having played for Newcastle University last season. During his time at Newcastle, Rooney graduated with his Masters degree in International Marketing and picked up a BUCS championship along the way. 

“I am really excited to be joining a great group of guys and a winning program here at Loughborough. I am expecting big things this season and can’t wait to get to work.”

Coach Will Maynard on his latest signing: 

“Logan’s going to be a great addition to the team. I love his versatility that he brings to the group and he adds another layer of depth to the team. He’s been with us at practice for a while now and has really gelled with the rest of the guys so I’m looking forward to integrating him into game play.”

Coming Up…Division 1 Men are on the road to Derby for round 5 of the National Cup round, Tuesday 6th December. 

Riders secure road win

The Riders improved to 8-4 after a 90-81 road win against the Surrey Scorchers. 

They had six double-digit scorers in a solid team display, led by 16 points from their captain Darien Nelson-Henry. His 16 was his second-highest scoring game of the season, the Penn graduate going 6-7 from the free-throw line and shooting 62% from the field. 

Leicester jumped out to an early lead and held on throughout, going up double digits early in the second quarter. Surrey climbed back into contention in the second half, but could not get over the hump to cut their deficit to below seven in the game. 

They were led by new signing Josh Jefferson, who made an emphatic impression on his new team. The American guard scored a team-high 15 points, making two of his five three-point attempts. 

The Riders got the game underway by attacking the hoop, getting four buckets in close to jump out to a quick seven-point lead. Through the first eight minutes, all the Riders’ points came at the rim or from the free-throw line executing their game plan effectively. 

Leicester had eight different scorers in the opening quarter, demonstrating their strength in depth. They stretched the lead to double digits early in the second after Aaron Menzies’ rolled to the rim and made a shot in close for two. 

They continued to blow the game open in the second, getting to the free-throw line effectively. They shot 21 foul shots in the first half, and held the Scorchers to 34 points to make it a 17-point advantage by the break. 

The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, as the Scorchers started the second half hot in an attempt to climb back into the tie. They went 12-7 through the first five minutes of the third quarter, cutting their deficit to 12, before the Riders came up with a response. 

Attacking the rim, Zach Jackson made a tough and-one finish to swing momentum back in Leicester’s favour.

His play was followed up by another and-one play by Nelson-Henry to reestablish the lead built in the opening half. But the Scorchers hung in the game, winning the third period 25-20 to remain in contention. 

The Riders kept their opponents at arm’s length through much of the final period, as their lead remained in the double digits. Surrey’s 4-0 run cut it to seven with a minute remaining, but Kimbal Mackenzie’s late free-throws secured a win for Leicester. 

The Riders return home for their next fixture, as they host the Caledonia Gladiators in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Tip-off is at 7:45 pm, as Leicester looks to continue their pursuit of the top spot of the BBL Championship table. 

BBL Championship Preview- Riders at Scorchers

The Riders take on the Surrey Scorchers on the road in a return to BBL Championship action. A win would see them improve to 8-4, having won six of their last seven in all competitions going into this one. 

Sharpshooting Riders sinking shots 

The Riders’ offence has clicked into gear in recent weeks, leading the BBL in all major shooting efficiency numbers. Their three-point shooting, which is a BBL-best 37.5%, helped them to a significant BBL Cup quarter-final win against their long-standing rivals, the Newcastle Eagles. 

They went 10-23 from deep in the game, led by Marc Loving’s red-hot 5-5. The Ohio-born power forward went off for 27 points, accompanied by seven rebounds and six assists. Loving leads the team’s scoring in the league this season, scoring 15.6 points per game. 

“I thought we played really good defence tonight, and we took care of the basketball really well. It was a good performance from us,” said coach Rob Paternostro. 

“Turnovers have been important for us all year. When you look after the ball and play defence the way we can play it, you have a really good chance to win.”

Leicester’s 7-4 record is good for third place in the league standings, as the reigning champions sit four points behind the league-leading Bristol Flyers. A loss to the Caledonia Gladiators in their previous league game broke a five-game Riders’ winning streak, which saw them shoot up the league table. 

Scorchers searching for offensive rhythm 

In contrast to their opponents, the Scorchers have struggled to get consistent points on the board so far this season, ranking last in the BBL in scoring. Their defence put them in a position to win their most recent game, holding the Sheffield Sharks to 60 points, but couldn’t find the bottom of the basket to grind out a win. 

Surrey did secure their first win of the season a game prior to the Sharks defeat, beating the Newcastle Eagles 79-74. New man Ryan Martin scored 20 points to lead the team, the former London Lion putting on a show in front of the Sky Sports cameras. 

The Scorchers have been plagued by injury early in the year, starting with their captain Tayo Ogendengbe going down just a game into the season. They currently have five players recovering from injury, including leading scorer Andrew Lawrence. 

“They’ve had a lot of injuries, so they’ve been mixing and matching quite a bit,” said Paternostro. “We’ve been down there already this season, and we know it will be challenging.”

Key matchup 

Having played two games with his new team, Ryan Martin has hit the ground running in Surrey. He averaged 16 points over the fixtures, kicked off by his 20-point effort against the Newcastle Eagles. 

Last season, Martin signed with the London Lions, and his eight points per game helped them to the BBL Playoff final. The seven-year pro moved back to his home country after five years competing in Europe, most recently scoring 13 points per game in Denmark for the Bakken Bears. 

The 6’11” big man is a force down low, scoring at a high percentage at the rim. New Riders’ big man Aaron Menzie will meet him in the paint, the 7’3” center looking to lock down his opponent. 

A GB international, Menzies signed for the Riders in mid-November from German second-division side Dresden Titans. He averaged 8.6 points and six rebounds in Germany after spending his first two seasons in Spain.

Menzies is a force at the rim, using his height and frame to swat shots away and grab offensive and defensive rebounds. He is effective in the pick and roll, helping ball handlers attack the rim, and plays well with his back to the basket to get his own points.

Menzies and Martin’s battle in the paint will be an intriguing part of this fixture as Menzies looks to slow Surrey’s new man down.  

Where to watch

The game is available to watch on the British Basketball League Youtube channel, tipping off at 6 pm. The stream is scheduled to start 15 minutes before tip-off.

Riders fall to Gladiators

The Riders lost their first game in six, falling 92-66 to the Caledonia Gladiators. 

Leicester fell into a 20-point hole in the opening stages, and despite cutting it to single digits in the third, failed to recover all the way. The Gladiators, who lead the BBL in steals, played intense defence to force 25 turnovers from the Riders.

Marc Loving led the attempted comeback with 15 points, going 55% from the field and 50% from three. He made momentum-building plays throughout, but the Riders could not climb all the way back. 

Jeremiah Bailey had a season-high 23 points for the Gladiators, the 6’6” wing grabbing six rebounds and dishing five assists to stuff the stat sheet. The first-year pro found form in key moments in the game to rebuild the hosts’ lead. 

The Gladiators took the ball from the Riders three times in the first three minutes to jump out to a 13-2 lead. Leicester stemmed the tide momentarily, keeping them off the scoresheet for the next few minutes, but ended the first period in a  31-12 hole after a 10-point quarter from the BBL’s leading scorer, David Sloan. 

Zach Jackson hit back-to-back threes near the end of the first, as the Riders tried to find some momentum. 

Loving came out gunning to start the second, making two three-point plays to chip into Caledonia’s lead. Leicester commenced a 14-4 run to cut it to single digits, capped off by a Loving triple. 

Leicester won the second 27-19, as Patrick Whelan hit a pair of free throws to close the half with 11 points, with the score 48-39 to the hosts. 

The Gladiators started the second half with four steals in three minutes, going on an 11-0 run to build their lead back to 20. 

After a tough start to the third, Loving and Jackson snatched back the run of play again, scoring six straight between them to once again chip away at the deficit. Kimbal Mackenzie followed up his teammates to get points in transition, making it 61-47. 

The teams closed the quarter with traded baskets, the difference still 14. But the hosts started the final period the hotter of the teams, hitting three threes in two minutes. They blew the game open to start the fourth and took their lead to the final buzzer. 

The Riders take a break from BBL Championship action on Saturday to take on the Newcastle Eagles in the BBL Cup quarter-final. The game will be played at the Morningside Arena, tipping off at 7:45 pm. 

BBL Championship Preview: Riders at Gladiators

The Riders head to Glasgow for the second time this season, where they take on the Caledonia Gladiators. 

Riders on a roll

Leicester comes into this one having won five on the bounce, finding their rhythm early in the season. They hold a 7-3 record, one behind the league leaders as they climb the BBL Championship table.

A 71-58 home win against the Sheffield Sharks was their seventh of the year. Zach Jackson’s 11-point fourth quarter saw the Riders burst out to a late lead, as Leicester looked to the Kansas native down the stretch, as they have many times this season. 

“Zach’s been awesome this year, night in, night out,” said head coach Rob Paternostro. “He’s a guy that picks his spots, but you know when the money is on the line, he’s ready to contribute.” 

Jackson is averaging 15 points per game this season and is one of three Riders players scoring that many on the season. Marc Loving and Patrick Whelan are also achieving the feat, Whelan leading the team with 15.9 a night, shooting 47.5% from three. 

The team leads the BBL in three-point shooting and is the most efficient team shooting from the field. They score the second most points per game and will hope to continue that trend in this one. 

Gladiators back home

The Caledonia Gladiators possess a 3-5 record, despite having played just one of their first eight games at home. Their only game in Glasgow came against the Riders, where they secured an 89-81 win. 

David Sloan showed out for Caledonia in the game, putting up a monumental 36-point performance. The American point guard made five threes and shot 57% from the field to will his team past the defending champions. 

Sloan has exploded offensively early in the season, his 23.4 points per game leading the BBL. The first-year pro’s 36 against Leicester was still only his second-highest-scoring tally of the season, having hung 37 on Bristol earlier in November. 

The Gladiators look to turn games into gritty affairs, playing at the second-slowest pace in the league. They get their hands in the lane on defence, averaging the most steals, often forcing their opponents into mistakes. 

Caledonia enters this one having lost three on the bounce, but a second-straight win against last season’s treble winners would go a long way to restoring momentum to their season. 

Key matchup

The BBL’s highest scorer David Sloan will look for a similar performance to his 36-point showing last time out against Leicester. The East Tennessee State graduate has torched the league with his scoring so far, and can go off for huge numbers every night. 

Sloan scored 12.6 points per game in his final college season, and dished five assists per game. The Louisville native ranked third in his conference in assists, showing off his ability to both score and facilitate. 

Sloan possesses all the qualities needed to score in the backcourt. He’s a quick, athletic ballhandler with crafty moves and a quick release, keeping defenders alert for all 40 minutes. 

Facing up against Sloan off the Riders’ bench will be Kimbal Mackenzie, who has given the Riders great minutes off late. He did not miss a shot in his most recent game, the win against the Sheffield Sharks, scoring 11 points from five shots. 

“Kimbal’s playing great basketball. He recovered from an ankle injury from last week, and was awesome tonight,” said Paternostro after the game. 

Mackenzie is shooting 51% from the field this season, a steadying presence off the bench. 

Kimbal’s college career was spent in the NCAA D1 for Bucknall. He enjoyed a sensational senior year, scoring 17.6 points per game, the seventh-most in a season in college history.

Mackenzie can play either guard position effectively on and off-ball offensively. He can score from anywhere on the court, making 37% of his threes in his senior year in college. His skill set allows him to fit seamlessly into any Paternostro lineup.

Where to watch

The game will be streamed live on the British Basketball League Youtube channel, tipping off at 7:30 pm! 

BBL Championship Preview- Riders vs Sharks

The Riders take on the Sheffield Sharks at home, trying to make it five wins in a row. A win would improve their record to 7-3, as the reigning champions climb up the league table. 

In-form Riders on the charge

Coming out of the international break, the Riders are looking to build on the momentum they gained and continue their longest winning streak of the season.

They were in full control against the Plymouth City Patriots in their previous outing, outscoring them in every quarter of the game. Finishing the game with a 79-101 win, five Riders players scored double digits for the second game in a row.

Since then, the Riders’ made a major addition to their squad, as GB international Aaron Menzies signed from Germany to join the Leicester frontcourt. The 7’3” center steps in for the injured Mo Walker and looks to make an impact inside. 

“It’s an exciting signing for us. He’s great on the glass, he adds a lot of size and the ability to change the game for us. What’s really exciting for me is that his best basketball is ahead of him. He’s getting better every day, and we’re looking forward to seeing him wear the red.” 

Menzies will join the team for this one, after playing twice for GB in the break. 

This is the second time these two teams will have played each other this season, with the Riders coming out on top in the last game, winning 86-72. Derryck Thornton posted an impressive stat line of 21 points and 4 assists.

They will look to replicate their success to continue to build into a long season. 

Sharks save their season

The Sharks come into the game 5-5, having overcome a poor start to the season that left them 0-4. They look to improve on their 17-10 season last year and gain their first win against the Riders in the BBL Championship since December 7th, 2018. 

Since then, the Sharks have lost 10 consecutive games to the Riders in the league. They enter the game with three players scoring with a double-digit average, Saeed Nelson, Kipper Nichols and Bennet Koch. 

Leading them is Nelson, who has started his third pro season strongly with 13.7 points and 5.6 assists per game. The 6’2” guard exploded for 31 points in his second Sharks game and has scored double-digit points in seven of his ten outings this year. 

Leicester will have to put pressure on the Sheffield offence, as the Sharks enter the game with the least turnovers in the league. They succeeded in their last game, winning the turnover battle in Sheffield 11-8 in their 86-72 win in October. 

The Riders will have their hands full, facing this in-form Sharks team for the second time this season. 

Key matchup 

Kipper Nichols has been on a tear as of late, entering this one having scored over 20 in two of his last three games. The third-year Shark put up 20 points and five rebounds against the Riders last time out, going 9-17 from the field. 

Nichols has shown improvement every year of his young career. He scored 10 points per game last season and was an integral part of his team’s second-placed finish. The Illinois graduate stands at 6’6” on the wing, and uses his shooting touch to score from anywhere on the court. 

Lining up against him is Zach Jackson, who has established himself as one of the BBL’s elite wings this season. He’s scoring 14.7 points per game and led the team to a win against the Patriots with 18 points and eight rebounds. 

The Omaha graduate excels on both ends, able to get his head down and get a bucket and take on a defensive assignment one-on-one. He showed his in a recent win against the Cheshire Phoenix, scoring a go-ahead basket late before locking up former Rider Jamell Anderson to seal it. 

Jackson will need to be at his brilliant best on both ends on this one, as the Riders go for their fifth straight win. 

Where to watch

Tip-off is at 7:45 for this fixture. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and streamed on the Sky Sports YouTube channel!

BBL Championship Preview- Riders at Patriots

The Riders take on the Plymouth City Patriots on the road, for the second game of a weekend doubleheader. A win would improve their record to 6-3, as Leicester finds its form. 

Riders rolling to the break

Going into the international break, the Riders are on a three-game winning streak. They’re building momentum for the first time this season as they look to climb the standings. 

They fought wire to wire in their previous fixture against the Cheshire Phoenix, pulling out an 89-85 win. Patrick Whelan led the team with 16 points, as five Riders scored in double digits. 

Read our report on the win! 

“This is our third double-header in a row with a Sunday road game, which is a challenge,” said head coach Rob Paternostro after the game. “We’ve got to get some rest, recover, and give it everything because we know we have a break afterwards.”

Leicester’s offence is humming in the opening stages of the season. It ranks top two in points per game, field goal % and three-point %. They’re led by Whelan and Marc Loving’s 16 points per game, as their well-balanced offence has four players averaging 14 points. 

The Riders are familiar with their opponents, having knocked them out of the first round of last year’s playoffs. They won 174-158 over two legs, going on to win it all at the O2 Arena. They will hope for some carry-over into this year, as a win on this long road trip would see them rise to second in the standings. 

A solid start in the South West

A 3-3 start for the Patriots through the season’s early stages marks a respectable record, as they hope to improve on 12-15 from last year. It was chalked up as a successful season for the newly formed Patriots last year, as their record earned them the last playoff place. 

But Plymouth will look to build, taking confidence from their fine form to end last season. They finished the season on a 12-7 run, turning their season around after an 0-8 start. Their highflying sensation Antonio Williams, who led their scoring last season with 18.6 points per game, stayed in Plymouth this offseason to lead them again this year. 

He started the season with a bang, averaging 24 points through his first two league games. His hot form was halted, however, being ruled out with injury for several weeks. He returned in their previous game, playing just 20 minutes in his side’s 93-85 win against the Caledonia Gladiators. 

Plymouth has hung its hat on making defensive plays this season, ranking top two in the league in steals and blocks. On offence, they crash the glass to secure second possessions, grabbing 12 per game. 

Plymouth will look for revenge against the Riders from last season’s playoffs, with a win giving them a winning record for the first time since their opening game. 

Key matchup 

In the absence of Antonio Williams, BBL veteran Rashad Hassan has held down the fort for Plymouth this season with 15 points and 6.3 rebounds per outing. The eight-year pro, and former Rider, is playing in his fourth season in Plymouth and has been the hallmark of consistency and efficiency. 

Hassan has averaged 67.2% from the field this season and has averaged over 60% in seven of his eight pro seasons. The 6’8” big enters this one having averaged 24 points and 7.5 rebounds in his previous two fixtures. 

Lining up against him in the backcourt will be Jubril Adekoya, one of the BBL’s best defenders who rises to any challenge. Adekoya’s defence inside played a pivotal role in his last game, coming up with two clutch steals in the paint. 

Adekoya’s impact on winning was on full display last weekend when the Riders took on the Sheffield Sharks. He earned the Premier Logistics’ player of the game despite not scoring, ending with a +/- of 24. 

Adekoya’s defence on Hassan in this one may once again prove the difference between the Riders and their opponents. 

Where to watch

The game will be live-streamed on the British Basketball Youtube channel, tipping off at 3 pm. 

BBL Championship Preview- Riders vs Phoenix

The Riders host the Cheshire Phoenix in tonight’s BBL Championship action, last season’s 6th-placed league finishers. 

Riders finding form

After an up-and-down start to the season, the Riders have strung together back-to-back wins for the first time this season, against quality opposition. A double header of the weekend, versus the Bristol Flyers and the Sheffield Sharks, moved them above .500 for the first time this season. 

The Sharks result was significant, with their opponents entering the game having won four on the bounce, beating the London Lions in their previous fixture. The Riders had four starters score over 15 points, led by 21 from Derryck Thornton. 

Read our report here! 

“We said before the game that we’re tired of this lose one win one stuff; let’s string some together,” said coach Rob Paternostro after the game. 

“Our offence has been playing well. Statistically, we’ve been up there in the league offensively. That’s a product of the talent we have, and our unselfishness. We played unselfish basketball today, so I feel good about where that’s at.”

Marc Loving leads the Riders’ offence, scoring 18.1 points per game after a 34-point outing against the Flyers. Leicester has been one of the BBL’s most efficient teams, ranking top two in points per game, field goal % and three-point %. 

Winning this one would bring the Riders’ record to 5-3, as the reigning champions look to chase down the top spot. 

Cheshire building on last season’s silverware

The Phoenix were the only team to beat Leicester to a piece of silverware last year, winning the BBL Trophy during the Riders’ treble-winning season. They beat the London Lions in the final, securing the fifth BBL Trophy in their history, and their second piece of silverware in 12 seasons. 

Over the offseason, Cheshire looked to fellow North Western club, the Manchester Giants, for their most significant acquisition: GB international Jamell Anderson. The former Rider has discovered new scoring form, putting up back-to-back 20-point games to start the year and logging a career-high scoring average. 

With new addition Marcus Evans, formerly of the Bristol Flyers, lining up in the backcourt, the Phoenix built a well-balanced team. But it’s second year Phoenix Larry Austin leading the scoring for Cheshire, putting up 14 points per game. 

Austin led the team in their previous game with 23 points, as they beat the Surrey Scorchers 76-66. The win improved their record to 3-4, after losing back-to-back games previous to the result.

Defence has been key to Cheshire’s success, as they hold their opponents to an average of  71 points on their wins. Their aim will be to keep the Riders’ scoring to a minimum in this one, as they rank in the bottom two in the BBL in points per game, field goal percentage and three-point percentage. 

Key matchup 

The clash on the perimeter may prove pivotal to the outcome of this fixture, as two of the BBL’s best talents face off.

Larry Austin has led the Phoenix in points this season, scoring over 20 in back-to-back games. Meanwhile, last season’s leading scorer for the Riders has cooked from deep early in the season, putting up key points from the wing. 

Austin, a 6’2” two-guard from Springfield, Illinois, is a second-year Phoenix and a four-year pro, having played in Turkey, Portugal and New Zealand. He averaged 14.4 points per game last season, establishing himself as one of the BBL’s elite perimeter threats. 

Austin has active hands-on defence, coming up with steals for quick transition points. He is fast on the break and can run it coast-to-coast himself using his speed and handles. His handles are a weapon in the halfcourt too, with his ability to take on defenders one-on-one forcing elite defenders to take on the challenge. 

Whelan will look to be up for it though, the GB international having received another call-up for his country after playing in Eurobasket in the summer. 

Whelan was named to the BBL Team of the Year last season, averaging 15.3 points per game for the treble winners. The Warrington-born wing picked up where he left off this year, scoring 16 points per game and shooting 44.4% from deep.

Whelan is a deadly shooter from outside, his smooth release keeping defenders honest when guarding him. He’s an exceptional defensive player, and will fancy his chances of stepping up against Austin. 

Where to watch

The game will be shown live on the British Basketball League YouTube channel, tipping off at 7:45 pm.  

BBL Championship Preview- Riders at Sharks

The Riders are on the road for the fifth time this season, taking on the Sheffield Sharks. The Sharks were runners-up in last season’s league table and enter this game on a four-game winning streak. 

Riders looking for momentum 

After an injury-troubled start to their season, playing games without key players Zach Jackson and Derryck Thornton, Leicester are looking to find form and health going into the rest of a long season. 

They hold a 3-3 record, winning both of their home games, including their most recent fixture against the Bristol Flyers. It was a revenge game for Leicester after they fell to their opponents in their third game of the season. 

“We needed to get back on track,” said Riders forward Jubril Adekoya “The way they beat us last time we played left a bad taste in our mouths. We owed them one. It’s still early in the year, but we’ve got to figure out how to start winning these back-to-back games. We’ve got to try and find a rhythm and keep it rolling.”

Read our report from the win!

Leicester’s offence has been ticking nicely through the season. They are one of the most efficient shooting teams in the BBL, shooting a league-best 50.8% from the field and a second-best 39.1% from three. 

They’re led by Ohio-born Marc Loving’s 18.7 points per game. Loving exploded for 34 points, two blocks and two steals in the Flyers game, torching the Bristol defence. 

“Marc was unbelievable today,” said coach Rob Paternostro after the game. “Any time we needed a bucket, he got it, and he’s been incredible all season. I think he’s one of the most underrated players in the league, and on both ends he was awesome.”

A win would see the Riders move over .500 for the first time this season, as they look to make a charge up the league table. 

Gritty Sharks grinding out results

After starting the season 0-4, the Sheffield Sharks have found their identity as a defensive force to win four on the bounce. They gave up 49 points per game through a three-game stretch, including a 62-49 win against the Cheshire Phoenix to get the ball rolling. 

They hold their opponents to 71.8 points per game on the season, the best defensive record in the BBL. On the offensive end, new acquisition Sa’eed Nelson has led the way with 14 points per game, followed by backcourt partner Kipper Nichols with 13.3. 

Nelson and Nichols led the team to a huge win in their previous game, beating the league-leading London Lions 89-81. They had 19 and 22 points respectively, going a combined 14-20 from the field. 

The Sharks look after the ball, not beating themselves. They’re a pass-first team, ranking top four in assists per game, but turn the ball over the least in the league. This reliable form of basketball, matched with their elite defence, makes them a tough prospect to face for the reigning champs. 

Key matchup 

Third-year pro Sa’eed Nelson is leading the Sharks through the opening stages of the season with 14 points per outing. The 25-year-old American played his first pro seasons in the German second division, averaging 13 points in his rookie year. 

This came after four years at American University in the NCAA D1. He scored 20 points per game as a junior, putting up five rebounds and assists as a well-rounded point guard. His scoring ability was on full display on his second Sheffield start, putting up 31 against the Giants. 

Nelson will go head to head with the Riders’ leading scorer of their own, Derryck Thornton. After missing a weekend doubleheader, he returned to the Riders’ most recent game. He is averaging 14.3 points, five assists and five rebounds in a well-rounded start to the year. 

The California native averaged 18.4 points and 5.4 assists per game in the Austrian first division last season, playing for Kapfenberg Bulls. He set the league alight with his flashy handles and electrifying dunks, attacking the rim to set up plays for himself and his teammates. 

The battle in the backcourt may end up as the key to the game, as both point guards are capable of exploding for monster performances any given night. 

Where to watch

The game tips off at 4 pm, played at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. It will be live-streamed on the British Basketball League Youtube channel.

BBL Championship preview- Riders vs Flyers

The Riders host the Bristol Flyers, as the sides meet for the second time early in the season. They will look to bounce back after a defeat in their most recent fixture. 

Riders happy to be home

Leicester endured a difficult start to the season, with four of their first five games on the road. They currently possess a 2-3 record, having beaten Surrey and Manchester, the latter their only home game of the year so far. 

“It was great to be home. We were all looking forward to playing in our home arena. We’ve had great success here, and the guys were fired up to play,” said coach Rob Paternostro after the win. 

“Our guys love shooting in here. We obviously practice here, so we’re used to shooting here.”

Patrick Whelan, who had 20 points and four threes in the game, echoed his coach’s sentiments: “It felt nice to be back, especially because we spent the first three games on the road. To be back feels really good.”

They were straight on the road after the victory, heading up to Glasgow to play two days after. They lost a close fixture, which was within six points for the entire tie before the final three minutes. 

Read our report here! 

They will therefore appreciate a week’s rest before this one. The Riders will be in high hopes, hosting a game for the second time this year. A win would see them get back to .500, as they try to build momentum in their season. 

Bristol flying high 

The Flyers enjoyed a red-hot start to the 2022/23 season, winning five of their first six games. They started the season 4-0, holding down their home floor to remain one of the two undefeated teams in the BBL. They fell in their first road game in Newcastle, losing 89-78 against the Eagles, but Bristol bounced back in their most recent game, an 81-74 road win against the Cheshire Phoenix. 

Thomas Bell leads the scoring for the Flyers this season, the American forward is scoring 16 points per game on a red-hot 42.9% three-point shooting. His team’s success has come from the front court, as Bristol has dominated the offensive boards this season, grabbing 16.2 per game. 

The early season success comes off the back of a fourth-placed league finish last season, the highest in franchise history thanks to a 14-13 record. Leicester had success against Bristol last season, winning the season series 4-2 in all competitions. But the Flyers did prove a stern test for the Riders, knocking them out of the BBL Trophy, and the matchup has remained tough this year. 

The sides faced off in the Riders’ third game, and Bristol took the win. It was a tight game wire to wire, but the Flyers found late momentum to win. Leicester will look for payback with a win in this one. 

Key matchup 

When these teams last faced, Jelani Watson-Gayle had himself a night. The 6’1” point guard scored 18 points in the tie, including six in the final three and a half minutes to seal the win. 

Watson-Gayle is playing in his first professional season, after stints in the NCAA DII with Fresno Pacific, Miles and Benedict. Last season Watson-Gayle led Fresno to the PacWest Conference Tournament for the first time in their history, whilst being named PacWest First-Team All-Conference. 

Watson-Gayle is a born scorer, shooting a good percentage from deep in every college year. The Brit played for GB under 20s in 2018, and has grown into a dangerous perimeter threat in pro hoops. 

Lining up against him is the red-hot Patrick Whelan, the Riders’ leading scorer from last season has led the way in the last two games. He scored 22 points against Caledonia, including 11 in the fourth to attempt a Riders comeback. 

The GB sharpshooter came into this season off the back of his first international tournament, representing his country at EuroBasket. He was one of the BBL’s elite last season, being named to the Team of the Year after scoring 15.3 points per game. 

Whelan has come out gunning this year, making 42.9% of his threes on the way to 17 points per game. And Whelan will look to continue to play both ends to his elite level for the Riders to secure back-to-back home wins. 

Where to watch

Tickets are available to purchase here, or on the door before the game, but are expected to sell out quickly. The fixture will also be streamed on the British Basketball League YouTube channel.

Riders fall just short in Glasgow

The Riders fell short in Scotland, losing a battle against the Caledonia Gladiators. Before the closing seconds, the lead was never greater than six for either team. But the Gladiators found late momentum to secure the win. 

The Riders’ wing duo of Patrick Whelan and Marc Loving led the scoring with 22 and 20, respectively, the former scoring 11 points in the final period in an attempted comeback. They shot well from the field, making 50% of their shots, but could not stop the Gladiators’ offence. 

First-year pro David Sloan exploded for a huge night for Caledonia. The 6’0” point guard’s 36-point effort was the best scoring night of any Riders’ opponent this season and his professional-best tally. Sloan made five of ten threes in a scorching hot shooting night. 

It was a tightly fought affair from the jump, as nothing separated the teams through a deadlocked first quarter. The Riders attacked the rim early and often, getting to the free-throw line to generate their offence.

On defence, they held Caledonia to 36% shooting in the first but gave up three offensive rebounds, which kept the score even at 18 each. 

Zach Jackson hit the Riders’ first three of the game five minutes into the second quarter, taking the lid off the basket from deep. They made three straight attempts within the next minute, but the Gladiators continued to crash the glass, with eight offensive rebounds in the first half.

Caledonia big man Jeremiah Bailey had 11 rebounds, five of them offensive, to keep it close by halftime. The score was 42-41 in the Riders’ favour entering the locker rooms.

Marc Loving took over the scoring load in the third quarter, scoring eight points in the period to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Despite his play, the score remained close, with a Patrick Tape slam to close the third making it 59-57 to Leicester entering the final period.

Sloan, who had 17 points going into the fourth, got the action underway in by nailing a three from the wing. The shot set the tone for the start of the quarter, as the Gladiators found their hottest form of the game to go up four. 

The Riders fought back, as Whelan put on an offensive masterclass. He scored 11 points to lead a comeback, his three taking the lead with three minutes on the clock. But the hosts responded with seven straight points, putting themselves in a strong position to see the game out. 

The Riders hauled up threes in an attempt to make it a one-possession game, but they would not drop, and the Gladiators saw out the win. 

The Riders look to bounce back on Friday, as they host the Bristol Flyers. A win would see their record improve to 3-3, as they look to gain some momentum in the season. 

Everymind Performance joins the Leicester Riders family as official partner to take academy programme to the next level.

Leicester Riders academy programme is already one of the most successful academies in the UK with a multitude of national titles and players moving on to professional basketball around the world. Riders have now created a new partnership with performance coaching and education experts, Everymind Performance. The partnership has already been in place for a year with Everymind Performance shaping the academy’s DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) education programme and integrating a high performance framework into the programme as a whole. 

Everymind Performance helps athletes and sports organisations to optimise their performance and deliver outstanding education. Players are educated on how to optimise their performance and break down the barriers to their potential through high quality performance coaching. 

Everymind Performance supports the players to understand how their mind works and how sustainable high performance must be a holistic perspective that starts within. From tackling self doubt and the anxieties that come with being an elite athlete, to skills needed to keep a level head in big game situations and the true realities of being a high performer in today’s society, the feedback from players has proven that performance coaching is a huge benefit to their development and ability to sustain high performance throughout a whole season. 

Rob Jarram, founder of Everymind Performance,

‘Performance coaching is becoming an integrated part of elite sport. The Golden State Warriors worked with infamous performance coach, Tony Robbins, last year in the playoff finals and Formula 1 teams have performance coaches to help the teams and drivers find those all important winning margins. This programme is just the same, we aim to help the athletes and staff to consider their thinking and behaviours and align them with what creates sustainable high performance, now and in the future’. 

Russell Levenston, Riders’ Managing Director,

‘Our academy programme is first and foremost about creating successful people. Not all academy players will go on to a career in basketball and professional careers are not forever. We have a duty as professional clubs to make sure that we develop successful people and in addition, high performance is a lifestyle. Everymind Performance brings a holistic approach which tackles the highs and lows on and off the court’.

Arlen named in top 3!

Forward, Ashley Arlen has been named in the ‘Top 3 Ballers’ in the WBBL on The BBL Show podcast alongside London Lions, Kiki Herbert-Harrigan and Shanice Beckford-Norton.

Arlen joined the Riders this season after a successful three-year spell at the Nottingham Wildcats and professional experience in Romania, Germany, Spain and Australia. Arlen now leads the Riders’ side as team captain.

After 3 games in the WBBL Championship Arlen has amassed an impressive 18.3 PPG, 2.0 BLKPG, 16 FGM, 7 3PM, 7.7 DRPG – putting her in the league’s top ten across multiple stats.

The Riders will take on the Gladiators on Sunday, 23rd October before hosting the Archers on Saturday, 29th October. You can secure your ticket to home games here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/loughborough-basketball-17898741247

Riders fall short in a close one

The Riders fell just short in a close one in Bristol, concluding a three-game road trip to start the season. 

The game was tightly contested throughout, but the Flyers found late momentum to win the contest. New man Derryck Thornton led the team for the second straight game with 16 points and five rebounds, but the game got away from them late as Bristol scored four straight to see it out. 

Backing up Thornton off the bench was Mo Walker, whose size and strength made a significant impact on the tie. His 16 points and four rebounds proved vital in a tough Riders stretch in the first half.

Leicester shot efficiently in the game, making 49% of their shots and 40% of their threes, but lost the turnover battle by four, costing them valuable possessions. On the other end, Bristol shot a red-hot 45% from deep to get the better of the game. 

Bristol’s Jelani Watson-Gayle went off for 18 points to lead the game off the Flyers’ bench. He led his team’s three-point assault, making three. Thomas Bell also enjoyed a good scoring night, putting up 17. 

The Riders struggled for an early rhythm and quickly found themselves in a 15-4 hole after a plethora of Flyers fastbreak buckets. Bristol knocked down their first three attempts from behind the arc while the Riders looked to find their eye for the hoop, starting 1-9 from the field. 

Walker entered the fray as Rob Paternostro tried to establish some size down low against Flyers’ bruising center Malcolm Delpeche. Walker scored four quick points to keep Leicester in it, but Bristol maintained their lead with a barrage of threes. 

The Riders continued to chip away at the deficit in the second as the lid crept off the basket. Threes dropped for Marc Loving and Patrick Whelan; the latter scored seven points in two minutes to cut it to a four-point game. 

The sides traded buckets as the clock ticked down to halftime. The Flyers made a shot to close the second, making it 50-43 in the host’s favour. 

The Riders bolted out the gate in the second half, scoring six straight to make it a one-point affair. With momentum firmly in their corner, a fired-up Riders team took their first lead of the game three minutes into the third, as Whelan ran the fast break before making a tough layup. 

Despite the Riders’ surge back into the game, the score remained close for the remainder of the third. Back-to-back Flyers threes built them a slight advantage, which they took into the final period, up 71-66. 

In the fourth, the Riders again started the better of the teams. Walker got to work down low to draw a foul for two shots at the line, which he converted to tie the game up. What followed was a tense finish, with neither side able to establish a grip on the game.

The Flyers build a small margin, making key buckets to go up six with two minutes left. In response, Loving hit a huge three to cut it to one possession, but Bristol continued to make shots, keeping the Riders at arm’s length and winning the game. 

The Riders return to Leicester for their first home game of the season on Friday. They take on the Manchester Giants, hoping to bounce back and improve to 2-2. Tickets are available here.

Riders bag first win of the season

The Riders took their first win of the season, beating the Surrey Scorchers 86-67 on the road. The Riders took an early lead which they carried through to the final buzzer, blowing the game open in the third quarter. 

New man Derryck Thornton enjoyed a dream debut, leading the game with 20 points after scoring 16 points in the first half. Backing up the American guard was backcourt partner Patrick Whelan, whose three three’s helped him to 17 points in the game. 

Leicester dominated the glass to march to the win, outrebounding the Scorchers by 10 in the game. Combined with efficient 51% shooting from Leicester, and they get points on the board for the first time this year. 

The skipper led the Riders out the gate, as four-year Rider Darien Nelson-Henry scored their first two baskets of a 13-4 start. New man Thornton impressed in his opening three minutes of play, leading the run with five quick points. 

Surrey found their offensive rhythm later in the quarter, and the sides traded buckets to make it 24-16 at the end of the first. 

As the clock ticked down towards halftime in the second, a pair of Scorcher threes dropped to cut it to a four-point game. Led by British big man Boban Jacdomi’s eight-point quarter, Surrey stuck close to the reigning champs. 

The Riders, led by a 16-point half from Thornton, took a seven-point lead into the locker rooms with work to be done in the second half.  

The Riders took the game by the reigns to start the second half, starting with a 10-4 run. They went on to score 17 points in six minutes to build a commanding lead, establishing a platform to see out the game. 

With two minutes remaining in the third, last season’s leading scorer Whelan nailed two threes in as many seconds after a Surrey turnover on the inbound. Whelan’s sharpshooting made it an 18-point Riders lead. 

Whelan carried his hot hand into the fourth quarter, getting the action underway with another three from the wing. 

He and Thornton continued to get points on the board in the period, Thornton’s pull-up midrange making it a 22-point Riders lead with eight minutes on the clock. They saw out the win comfortably, maintaining their lead to the buzzer. 

The win gets the Riders’ on the board in their BBL Championship defence. They finish their three-game road trip to start the season in Bristol next Saturday, where they will take on the Flyers, hoping to improve to 2-1. 

BBL Championship Preview- Riders at Lions

The Riders tip-off their title defence in the capital, taking on the London Lions. The game against the highly touted league contenders will commence a three-game road trip to start the season as Leicester look to maintain momentum from their treble-winning year. 

Running it back

The treble-winners are back, as the Riders have retained most of last season’s roster for the upcoming year. Captain Darien Nelson-Henry, leading scorer Patrick Whelan and sharpshooting stretch-four Marc Loving are among nine players returning to the Morningside Arena, as the tightly knit group will attempt to replicate last season’s successes. 

A notable departure, back-to-back BBL MVP Geno Crandall, took his talents to Germany in the offseason, but the new additions of exciting young wing Blake Bowman and high-flying guard Derryck Thornton add to a versatile roster with strengths in every department. 

Last season, the Riders were the premier scorers in the league, leading the BBL in points per game, three-point percentage and field goal percentage. On the other end, they held their opponents to the lowest points in the league, as they won the title by a franchise-record margin. 

Their treble was concluded with a playoff final victory against the Lions, as they added the BBL Championship, BBL Cup and BBL Playoffs to their trophy cabinet. 

Lions’ revamped roster 

After a trophyless season last year, the Lions have taken a different off-season approach to the Riders, having retained just two players from last season’s roster. Arriving in London is a star-studded cast from around Europe, as they hope to improve on last year’s third-place league finish. 

Among them are GB international Ovie Soko and experienced NBA players Kosta Koufos and Sam Dekker, who led the way for London with 23 points in their season opener against Sheffield. Dekker played four NBA seasons from 2016 to 2019 and averaged 13 points in the Turkish first division last season. 

It was a convincing Lions’ win in Sheffield, as they led by as much as 22 points late in the fourth quarter. They showed their strength in depth with points contributions from 11 players, as the team shot an efficient 52% from the field. 

The win will give the Lions confidence heading into their clash with the reigning champions. 

Key matchup 

The battle in the paint will be highly anticipated in this one, as Riders’ captain Darien Nelson-Henry goes head to head with former NBA center Kosta Koufos. Nelson-Henry was one of the league’s biggest stars last season, being named to the BBL Team of the Year. 

The Uni of Penn graduate put up 12 points per game last season and has established himself as one of the BBL’s most efficient scorers in his three seasons in the league. His 65.8% field goal percentage topped the stats chart last season of those who took over 100 shots. 

Meanwhile, his opponent was competing in the NBA G-League, after 12 seasons in the NBA. Drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2008, Koufos played for the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies, putting up eight points and seven rebounds per game in the 2012/13 season in Denver. 

Last year, the Greek-born big man stands at 7 feet tall and shows delicate touch from around the rim to finish in close. At 33 years old, Koufos can still get up for athletic plays at the rim, able to throw it down for highlight plays. 

Both sides will look for big nights from their bigs to establish their presence in close, as the Riders turn to their captain to lead them out the gate. 

How to watch

The game will be available to watch on Sky Sports Arena, with the broadcast beginning at 7:30 pm for a 7:45 pm tip-off. It will also be available to stream on the Sky Sports YouTube channel.