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.
The Riders booked their place in the BBL Playoff final, beating the Bristol Flyers 159-156 over two legs.
Entering the leg up seven after winning 84-77 in Bristol, the Riders needed only to lose by six or less to progress. Bristol won the second leg 79-75, Leicester hanging on to win it.
They came back from down five in the fourth to win it, flexing their championship pedigree to get over the hump. Marc Loving proved the hero, scoring a team-high 18 points, including two late free throws to win it.
By no means was it easy. The Flyers’ defence held the Riders to 41% from the floor, and their big names showed out. Big man Malcolm Delpeche bossed the boards with 23 points and eight rebounds to hand Leicester just their second playoff loss since 2016.
But the hosts had enough over two legs, and they earned the right to fight for back-to-back playoff titles.
Carrington Love got the Riders going, making their first three field goals to get the team in rhythm. The start was vital to setting the tone of the game, and a 9-5 Riders’ start settled them into it.
Carrington faces up and drains the triple! 8 already for @YaboyCLove
They controlled the early stages from there. Loving found form to score six straight, leading Leicester through the first, which ended 21-18 in their favour.
Both offences stalled in the second, but Bristol found their way onto the score sheet to take the lead four minutes in. Delpeche’s putback made it 25-23 to the visitors, forcing a Leicester timeout.
The response was immediate. Zach Jackson’s three retook the lead in a back-and-forth end to the half. But Bristol’s Tevin Olison’s three ended it, the Flyers up two going into the locker rooms.
They tied the fixture quickly in the third period, starting 5-0. The Bristol momentum set up a tense third quarter as the sides battled for control of the semi-final. And it was the Flyers who took it, snatching the lead with a 7-0 run.
Out of a Riders’ timeout, Mackenzie’s three gave the Riders much-needed points. It stemmed the tide, and the teams entered the fourth with everything in the balance.
The Riders, after falling down five over two legs to start the fourth, fought back hard. They tied it through their captain, who trailed a fastbreak to finish in close.
The sides exchanged blows in the clutch, neither backing down. But it was Leicester who found late form. Their big three, Patrick Whelan, Marc Loving and Jackson, hit huge baskets down the stretch to edge a lead.
Delpeche’s fierce slam with nine seconds on the clock meant the game came down to free throws. Loving, ice in his veins, made both making it a three-point tie. Jelani Watson-Gayle, contested brilliantly by Jackson, missed his attempt from deep, sending the Riders to the final.
The final will be played in London’s O2 Arena, and the opponent will be decided in tomorrow’s semi-final between the London Lions and the Cheshire Phoenix.
The Riders go into Sunday’s box office clash at the Morningside Arena holding a seven-point aggregate lead over the Bristol Flyers.
After opening a commanding 26-point gap between themselves and their hosts, Leicester resisted a spirited response in the second half to win 84-77 – their first victory at the SGS College Arena this season.
Here are five things to take away from a first-leg high in drama.
Another Fast Start Proved to be the Key
Starting with an earth-shattering slam from Aaron Menzies and ending with a smooth three-ball by Zach Jackson, the Riders surged into a 39-13 lead in the first half.
Much like they did against Sheffield, Rob Paternostro’s squad started the game with purpose.
Marc Loving and Carrington Love matched Jackson with a pair of nice deep balls, and 7’3” Menzies was throwing his considerable size around at both ends of the court.
The Brit was unplayable in the first 15 minutes, blocking shots, hustling to offensive rebounds and scoring with ease around the rim.
In one of his best games as a Rider, Menzies’ stat line read ten points, six rebounds and two blocks.
All of this contributed to a healthy first half lead and, once again, piled pressure on the Flyers to bridge the gap.
Riders’ Spread the Scoring
The Riders finished the game with six players boasting double-digits in points.
Starters Jackson, Patrick Whelan and Darien Nelson-Henry all breached ten points and were ably supported by Menzies, speedy guard Evan Walshe and the ball of energy that is Kimbal Mackenzie.
Mackenzie was the Riders’ top scorer with 14, driving to the basket with pace and always asking questions of Bristol’s defence.
#1 also dished out four of the Riders’ 15 assists on a night where the team displayed its impressive strength-in-depth.
The BBL post-season is bringing out the best in every player on the Riders’ team sheet.
Big Performances off the Bench
With so many points coming from all areas of the Riders’ squad, it’s not surprising that they bested the Flyers in bench points – 39 to 28.
Thursday’s semi-final preview mentioned that (between Leicester and Bristol) the team who wins the battle of the benches wins the game.
Nothing happened on Friday night to buck this trend.
Mackenzie, Menzies, Walshe and Jubril Adekoya all brought their ‘A-game’ to the court, proven by the positive numbers in the +/- column.
Menzies and Walshe both finished with a +13 personal points differential, testament to the physicality and athleticism they inflicted on the Flyers.
The latter’s speed when pushing the ball down the court looked undefendable, perfectly demonstrated by a coast-to-coast bucket in the first half.
If Leicester’s bench continue to bring this ferocity, they will be nearly impossible to stop.
Hitting the Fast Break Hard
Having players with the quickness of Mackenzie and Walshe on the team means the Riders often dominate on the fast break – Friday night was no different.
Leicester outscored their #3 ranked opponents 20-5 in fast break points, often taking advantage of Bristol’s missed shots.
The Flyers have struggled with shooting efficiency all season, and despite their ability on the offensive glass, Leicester’s quick ball-handlers were able to punish enough misses to make it count.
The Riders’ half-court offense couldn’t always break down a very tough Bristol D, so those fast break points, combined with a decent night on the boards, really helped to build the substantial early lead.
Solid Shooting Efficiency
Shooting efficiently is one of basketball’s golden rules. Missed shots just mean more opportunities for the opposition to score.
That’s a mistake Bristol made in this first leg and the Riders didn’t – for the most part.
Leicester finished the game shooting 51% from the floor and 38% from three-point range.
Menzies and Walshe were the team’s most reliable scorers, both hitting all of their shots off the bench, and Zach Jackson had a good day from deep, nailing half of his six attempts.
The 76% free throw shooting could and should be improved for Sunday’s second leg, but again, it was good enough, mitigated by the sheer volume of points the Riders hit from the charity stripe.
The Riders can shoot better, but if they can keep Bristol to a FG% under 40, it may not even matter.
Where to watch
The game tips off at 5:30 pm at the Morningside Arena 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.
Zach hits from three! We're trading BUCKETS here in the third
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.
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.
Kimbal with the steal and the finish! He's fired up
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.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 30, 2023
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.
The British Basketball League delivered the first of its kind show-stopping basketball dunk competition, brought to you by General Tire, at the top of The O2.
All to celebrate the countdown to the British Basketball League play-off finals, which take place later this month.
Leicester Riders star and high-flyer Blake “The Showman” Bowman headed 52 meters up onto the iconic roof of The O2, with roofwalk attraction Up at The O2 which provides panoramic views overlooking London’s skyline, where he recreated a series of epic slam dunks from this year’s regular basketball season, performing and recreating one iconic dunk for each of the qualifying teams who have made it through to this year’s BBL play-offs. This included Tajh Green’s unbelievable off the backboard dunk for Manchester Giants, Josh Sharma’s jam for the London Lions and Bristol Flyer’s alley-oop spectacular. You can view all eight dunks by clicking HERE.
A judging panel of experts were on hand to cast their verdict on which dunk would be crowned the BBL’s ‘Dunk of the Season’. The panel included WBBL board member Siobhan Prior, Behrad Bakhtiari and Denzel Kazembe from Simply British Ballers and leading basketball reporter Sam Neter from the dedicated British basketball website, Hoopsfix.
After eight outstanding dunk recreations, it was Bowman’s very own windmill jam that came out on top, crowning him champion of the British Basketball League “Now You Know” Dunk Challenge, brought to you by General Tire.
The activity, hosted by British Basketball master of ceremonies Tahir Hajat, celebrates another incredible year for the British Basketball League, continues to showcase the appetite there is for Basketball in the UK, whilst also raising awareness for the season defining play-off finals which take place at The O2 on Sunday May 14th.
An expected capacity crowd of close to 17,000 fans are set to generate an electric atmosphere inside The O2, with the British Basketball League’s flagship event also set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Fans from across the world are also encouraged to vote for their favourite dunk from the season by using the #BritishDunks and #NowYouKnow.
The British Basketball League’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Joe Edwards, said:
“Make no mistake, this season the British Basketball League has made history and we’ve taken the sport we all love to new heights. We wanted to do something to grab the attention of Basketball fans and the general public and celebrate the end of season play-off’s at The O2.
He added: “Whilst a completely crazy idea it might seem, it made complete sense to do this, and we hope Basketball Fans worldwide enjoy what the British Basketball League has to offer. I want to say a special thanks to our partner General Tire, and all of our other partners, the players and our staff for sharing our vision together and making this possible.”
Speaking on the incredible dunk challenge, Peter Robb, Marketing Director at General Tire, said:
“It’s great to work on this project with the British Basketball League, basketball in Britain is really taking off and it was fantastic to be able to support such an innovative idea. The challenge perfectly ties in with our brand’s philosophy of ‘anywhere is possible’, so it was a real privilege to partner with the league and make this incredible idea come to life.
“The British Basketball League has done an amazing job in harnessing the country’s love for basketball and we’re thrilled to be a part of it. As an SUV/off road tyre specialist we stand for adventure and getting out and living life to the full, so hopefully this project encourages people of all ages to get off the sofa and participate in the sport and head down to watch their local British Basketball League team in action.”
British Basketball has never been at such a high – in every sense of the word, after another meteoric year for the league, which has seen incredible progress both on and off the court. The league has had record viewership across its broadcast, fans have packed into arenas across the country each week and the men’s championship champions, London Lions, proudly flew the flag for UK basketball in a record breaking run in the EuroCup.
But the trophy the teams all dream to lift is still up for grabs, as the league’s most sought after championship game, the play-off final is set to thrill a sold out crowd at The O2 on Sunday May 14th.
Just four teams remain standing and fighting for the chance to compete in the play-off finals in ten days time. London Lions face Cheshire Phoenix, whilst Bristol Flyers do battle with last season’s champions Leicester Riders this week to try to book their tickets to the capital.
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.
Leading by example Darien has our first six points!
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.
Kimbal with the steal and the finish! He's fired up
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.
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.
The Riders take a nine-point advantage into the BBL Playoff quarter-final second leg, beating the Sheffield Sharks 79-70 on the road.
Kimbal Mackenzie led the game off the bench with 19 points, going 11-11 from the foul line. He was backed by Marc Loving’s 18 points and 11 rebounds, the Ohio-born forward dominated the glass for a double-double.
Leicester outrebounded the Sharks 46 to 30 in the game, playing with intensity and physicality inside. But Sheffield remains in the tie going back to Leicester, in part thanks to the Riders shooting 6-25 from three.
Bennet Koch led the Sharks with 17 points and five assists. Their defence in the second half saw them climb back into the game after falling down big early in the third quarter.
The Riders exploded to an early lead. A hot 3-6 start from three made it 17-9 in their favour after seven minutes, as Loving’s triple forced a Sharks timeout.
Kimbal Mackenzie’s free throws concluded a dominant Riders first quarter, putting the visitors up 28-17.
Leicester maintained their lead through to the half. They built the lead to as much as 18 after Carrington Love battled for an offensive board and laid in a two.
The Sharks fought back to cut it to 10 going into the locker rooms, the run started by back-to-back dunks from Saeed Nelson and Kipper Nichols.
Sheffield came storming back in the second half, Jalon Pipkins making it a one-possession game with an and-one play.
The Riders found a response, going on a 10-4 run to rebuild their lead. Evan Walshe put his body on the line to end the third, taking a charge on Jordan Ratinho to maintain Leicester’s 13-point advantage going into the fourth.
The fourth was a stalemate, with the lead hovering around double-digits until the buzzer. Loving led the effort with five points in the period. Jubril Adekoya then concluded the action with a air of free throws.
The performance on the road puts the Riders in a strong position going into the home fixture.
The second leg is on Sunday at the Morningside Arena, tipping off at 5:15 pm. The winner will progress to the semi-final, one step closer to the final at the O2 Arena.
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.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 23, 2023
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.
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.
He's too smooth Loving goes to the line for one more!
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.
The British Basketball League (BBL) has announced the launch of the ‘Golden Ball Treasure Hunt’, a campaign designed to drive engagement and awareness around the end-of-season Play-Off Finals, and give eight lucky individuals the chance to each win a pair of tickets to be at the final.
The treasure hunt begins on Monday 24th April whereupon a golden ball will appear in the each of hometowns of the eight qualifying teams: London Lions, Bristol Flyers, Leicester Riders, Manchester Giants, Caledonia Gladiators, Sheffield Sharks, Cheshire Phoenix and Newcastle Eagles. For the next two weeks, the ball will embark upon a journey across Leicester, visiting schools, local landmarks and many more places. Individuals looking to take part in the fun will need to keep their eye on the Riders social media where they will be sharing clues regarding the ball’s whereabouts.
To enter and be in with a chance of winning the tickets, those who come across the ball will be encouraged to take a picture with the ball and upload it onto either Instagram or Twitter tagging @BBLOfficial and using the hashtags #NowYouKnowRiders and #GoldenBall.
The golden ball will come to a halt at each of the team’s home leg of the quarter-finals, where those attending the game will also have a chance to enter the competition.
Eight winners will be selected at random on Monday 8th of May and the individuals will receive a pair of tickets to attend the BBL Play-Off Finals at the O2 Arena in London on Sunday 14th May.
Commenting on the campaign, British Basketball League Head of Marketing and Communications, Joe Edwards said:
“We are really excited to be launching our Golden Ball activation as we continue to build upon the #KnowOurName and #NowYouKnow campaign and drive continued awareness of the British Basketball League. The purpose of this campaign is to galvanise support in local communities, engage with existing and new audiences, and ultimately reward fans for their support across the season.”
Leicester Riders Season Tickets are now on sale for the 2023-24 season. Riders are delighted to announce that the season ticket price has been frozen!
Adults £295 Child £65 Concessions £215
Current season ticket holders have been contacted directly and are able to retain their existing seat if booked before 12th June 2023.
All Season Ticket purchasers will earn Loyalty points. These points will be just part of our new Members scheme, which will provide new benefits to our Season Ticket holders. We intend the launch of the Members scheme in May.
If there are any issues in securing your booking, please contact us on 0116 326 9700, or write to sales@leicesterarena.co.uk
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.
Victor Blake for three! The young guns give us our first lead of the night!
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.
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.
He's too smooth Loving goes to the line for one more!
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.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 16, 2023
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.
Darien Nelson-Henry has announced that he will retire from professional basketball following the 2022/23 season.
In three and a half seasons, the Riders’ captain led the club to four pieces of silverware, including a treble last year. He was named to the BBL Team of the Year in 2021 and 2022, following back-to-back league titles.
Nelson-Henry played seven professional seasons after a four-year college career at the University of Pennsylvania. He led Penn in scoring, rebounding and blocks as a senior on his way to an All-Ivy second-team selection.
He led Lake Washington to their best-ever state tournament finish in high school. His successes earned him State 3A Player of the Year and King County MVP to cap off a lucrative senior year.
“As you can all imagine, a lot of thought has gone into my decision to retire after this season,” said Nelson-Henry. “Although my love for the game has not diminished, my priorities have changed, pushing me to seek new challenges.
“I am so very appreciative for the opportunities that the Riders have offered me – not only with playing basketball, but also setting me up for a future beyond the arena. As a player and captain, it has been my pleasure to be a part of the Riders family.
“The staff, the fans, the sponsors, and the community have truly made this a home away from home, and I cannot express my ultimate gratitude enough. Unfortunately, we have not won anything yet this season, but there is still one more on the table!
“Despite that, the success I have shared with my teammates, coaches, and the entirety of Leicester comprise memories that will last my lifetime. Thank you all for everything, and go Riders!”
Head coach Rob Paternostro said: “Darien has not only been a great player for our club but a wonderful ambassador who has made an impact throughout the Leicester community.
“I have really enjoyed working with Darien. His talent, intelligence, and team-first attitude have been a driving force for all our success.”
Managing Director Russell Levenston commented:
“Darien has been a fantastic ambassador for all things Riders basketball. A great player on the court and a tremendous figurehead for us off it.”
“He has represented our club amazingly well and we will miss having him here next season. We wish him all the best for the future and look forward to Darien leading us in the Playoffs this season.”
The club wishes Darien every success in all of his future endeavours. He retires as an integral part of the club’s history, and will forever remain part of the Riders family.
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.
Loving and-one to start the fourth! Let's see it 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.
He's too smooth Loving goes to the line for one more!
The Riders will begin the final weekend of the BBL regular season on Friday when they host the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks.
Victory for Leicester should wrap up a second-place finish in the championship standings and will taste even sweeter after the 72-64 loss to Sheffield on March 24.
Riders’ Season So Far
The Riders currently sit in second place in the BBL standings on 48 points, just two points ahead of a Bristol Flyers squad they have battled with all season.
The narrow lead over Bristol came after Leicester willed their way to an 83-82 triumph in Manchester last Sunday.
The enthralling contest boiled down to one last play for Manchester, but Rahmon Fletcher’s drive to the basket was thwarted by a number of tireless Riders defenders, and he missed his shot.
Defeat to the Giants seemed entirely possible at half-time, Rob Paternostro’s men staring down a 12-point deficit, having only scored 31 in the first 20 minutes.
But with their coach’s impassioned words ringing in their ears, the Riders turned things around to claim a famous road win.
Point guard Carrington Love was ever-present (as he has been so often in recent weeks) dropping 17 points, snagging six rebounds and dishing out just as many assists.
His do-it-all display was backed up by the starting trio of Patrick Whelan, Zach Jackson and Darien Nelson-Henry, scoring 15, 13 and 10 points respectively.
Nelson-Henry, the Riders’ captain, bagged himself a double-double, matching his points haul with 10 rebounds.
The clutch victory was Leicester’s 24th on the season, taking their winning record to an impressive 24-10.
Sharks’ Season So Far
Much like the Riders’ last opponents, the Sharks are embroiled in a tight mid-table battle, tussling for playoff seedings with a 17-17 record.
Their form, however, has been good since the short winter break as they have manufactured an 11-6 record in all competitions.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 7, 2023
One of the wins came against the runaway leaders in London and two came against the Riders, including a BBL Trophy quarter-final win at the Morningside Arena.
Sheffield pride themselves on a formidable defence that concedes 74.73 PPG, second only to the London Lions.
The Sharks’ smart defensive play sees them rarely get into foul trouble, and players like Devearl Ramsey pressure the opposition into mistakes. Since his arrival in Sheffield, Ramsey has been one of the most tenacious on-ball defenders in the league.
The Riders will need to keep things clean on offense if they are to defeat a team that has gotten the best of them more than once this season.
Key Players
Sheffield are a team that likes to play slowly and methodically on offense, backed up by their stifling play on the opposite end of the court.
One player that has broken that mould this season, especially when facing off against the Riders, is forward, Kipper Nichols.
The American has dropped double-digits on Leicester every time they have played this season, including 19 points in the BBL Trophy QF back in February.
The Ohio native is somewhat of a fan favourite up in Sheffield, having plied his trade there for three seasons.
Nichols is averaging 12.1 PPG, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists. His ability to score inside will likely keep Zach Jackson and Marc Loving busy all night.
Sheffield’s defensive hustle makes it tough to see any clean looks at the basket, but they do slip to middle of the pack when it comes to giving up the deep ball.
Whelan’s abilities from beyond the arc are well known, so look for them to be on show again come Friday night.
The Warrington-born guard is currently second in three-pointers made with 72. The Sharks only need to give him a glimpse of the basket and Whelan is likely to take the shot.
Whelan is averaging 13.7 PPG and shooting nearly 44% from deep.
There aren’t many chinks in Sheffield’s armour, but it’s a strong possibility that Patrick Whelan will find them.
Where to watch
Tip-off is at 7:45 pm at the Morningside Arena Leicester.
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.
The Riders will complete a quickfire weekend turnaround as they travel north to Manchester to face the 17-17 Giants.
Coach Rob Paternostro’s squad haven’t seen Sunday’s opponents since February 17 and will want to make a strong statement against a team they may face in the upcoming BBL Playoffs.
Riders’ Season So Far
Travelling supporters should expect plenty of offensive flair in Manchester as was demonstrated during Friday night’s 111-68 demolition of the Plymouth City Patriots.
The Riders appeared to ball with a freedom that only comes when the entire team is enjoying their basketball – freedom that resulted in every player on the floor scoring points.
A 4th quarter alley-oop to a cutting Blake Bowman summed up Leicester’s performance in one play. Bowman rose weightlessly to the basket and stuck the jam with authority to get the Morningside Arena rocking.
In a game where big individual performances weren’t a necessity, Patrick Whelan and Kimbal Mackenzie stood out.
Whelan took full advantage of some soft defence to drain five three-pointers on his way to 22 points, while Mackenzie came off the bench to record an efficient 20-point game.
Mackenzie appears to be relishing in the sixth man role, bringing energy and leadership off the bench, shown by a +34 plus/minus on Friday night – the highest of any Rider.
No victory comes easily in the BBL, so Leicester will want to bottle this feeling and draw on it throughout the rigours of the playoffs.
The win over Plymouth sits the Riders in second place in the BBL standings, level on 46 points with the Bristol Flyers.
Giants’ Season So Far
Manchester have dipped a little in form recently, going 1-4 in their last five games, which has dropped them to 7th in the standings.
They currently sit level on 34 points with Sheffield and Cheshire, only two points behind Caledonia in 4th.
The mid-table log jam means that every game is crucial for the Giants, who will be hoping to enter the playoffs with as high a seeding as possible. Every team in the lower playoff places will be wanting to avoid a quarter final against the likes of London, Leicester and Bristol.
Friday night’s trip to Sheffield wasn’t a successful one, the Giants falling 80-71 without ever having a lead in the game.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 14, 2023
It was an uncharacteristically poor offensive performance by Manchester, who have the most prolific attack in the BBL, averaging 90.14 PPG.
The Giants play fast and rarely miss an opportunity to score the ball early in the shot clock. The Riders will want to tighten up and force ill-advised shots as the 24 seconds runs down.
Defensively is where the Giants show chinks in their armour.
They are currently allowing over 90 PPG to the opposition, the most of any team in the championship.
If the Riders can play like they did on Friday, expect another three-digit scoring output.
Key Players
When game planning for the Giants there are two names to focus heavily on – Dirk Williams and Tajh Green.
A veteran of the BBL, Williams is averaging an impressive 19.46 PPG and is by far the best three-point shooter on his team.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 12, 2023
The 28-year-old shooting guard has scoring in his DNA, and has only been held to less than 10 points on two occasions this season.
His 35-point manhandling of the London Lions on April 9 shows how dangerous he can be.
Fresh out of college, Green is a double-double machine, averaging 19 PPG and 9.5 RPG on the season.
A star of Benedict College in NCCA Division 2, the high-flyer has been ever-present for Manchester since he arrived last summer.
Going toe-to-toe with the Giants’ talented duo will be Patrick Whelan and Marc Loving, both supremely gifted in their own right.
The 6’5” Whelan will be there to answer any deep ball Dirk Williams hits with one of his own, matching him on the season with a 44% hit rate from three-point land.
Whelan routinely drops most of his points from downtown, so we could be in store for a heat check battle come Sunday.
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 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.
"I want to be known as the best post player ever in the League."
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 13, 2023
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.
Adekoya finds the cutting Bowman! One possession game
The Riders saw out a hard-fought 87-78 win against the Newcastle Eagles, winning the fourth quarter 27-17 to see it out.
It improves them to 22-10, as they move level on points with the second-placed Bristol Flyers.
Zach Jackson led the game’s scoring with 29 points, leading a comeback after the Riders fell down 10 in the first quarter. The Eagles had two 20-point scorers in the game in Javion Hamlet and David Cohn, but did not have enough firepower to get over the hump.
The Riders shot 48% from the field and 39% from three in an efficient offensive display. They dished 25 assists in a complete team performance, led by 13 from point guard Carrington Love.
The Eagles got off to a better start, building a 10-2 lead from the tip. Four of their starters got on the board early to jump out to an advantage. They carried their lead through the quarter, and led by David Cohn’s six points they were up 23-11 by the buzzer.
Aaron Menzies took charge of the Riders’ scoring load in the second period, sinking back-to-back baskets. He played aggressively throughout the quarter to jumpstart the offence.
The Eagles maintained their double-digit advantage, however. Cohn continued to hit big shots throughout, running the game from the point. They led 49-39 going into the locker rooms, leaving Leicester with work to do.
A 5-0 start to the second half got the Riders straight back in it. Jackson’s three, for his 18th points of the night, got the run underway, setting up the comeback.
The Riders continued their run to take their first lead of the game through Jackson’s turnaround hook shot.
The sides traded baskets to finish off the third, setting up a tightly contested finale. Javion Hamlet concluded the third with free throws to make it 61-60 to the visitors.
The Riders edged ahead in the fourth through Evan Walshe’s five quick points off the bench. His energy fired up the Leicester offence as they pulled away late.
Walshe baskets kicked off a 9-0 run, which Jackson concluded with a banked-in midrange to force an Eagles timeout.
Out of the timeout, Newcastle fought back. Javion Hamlet made free throws to cap off the response, cutting it to a one-possession game.
But the Riders saw the game out in the clutch. They hit back with 10 straight points, kicked off by a bucket from Carrington Love. A Jackson corner three iced it, seeing out a hard-fought game.
The Riders return to action on Friday, facing the Plymouth City Patriots at home.
Today sees the Riders return to Morningside Arena after their southern road trip to tip off against the Newcastle Eagles.
Leicester have the chance to go equal on points with Bristol in the BBL championship, after both teams suffered defeat on Friday night.
Sunday’s contest will carry added flavour for fans as it is one of this season’s ‘Retro Nights’. Old school tunes will be playing, BBL legends will be making an appearance and the Riders will be donning their 1987 jersey’s worn during the first ever BBL Championship.
It promises to be a fantastic celebration of the club’s history.
Friday proved to be an exhilarating yet ultimately frustrating night for the Riders, who came back from a 20-point deficit to push the London Lions to the final shot in an 83-81 loss.
Leicester’s players proved their resilience and had the chance to send the game to overtime in the final seconds, but Carrington Love’s shot bounced off the rim at the buzzer.
The starting point guard led the team in scoring on the night, racking up 17 points and six assists in an all-action, attacking display.
With Marc Loving sidelined through injury, Blake Bowman answered the call to start at forward. The young Brit performed well, dropping five late points after a solid defensive display in which he pulled down six rebounds, snagged one steal and rose for a block.
Adekoya finds the cutting Bowman! One possession game
Strong bench performances came from Kimbal Mackenzie and Evan Walshe, both notching double-digit point totals.
Despite sustaining their 10th loss of the season, the Riders will feel confident that they can go toe-to-toe with the best the BBL has to offer during the final stretch of the season.
Eagles’ Season So Far
Newcastle’s record sits at 8-23 after Friday’s 82-71 loss in Sheffield to the in-form Sharks. The Eagles allowed Sheffield to build a double-digit lead early and were simply unable to claw their way back into the game.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 7, 2023
Kyle Johnson had a great day ball-in-hand, putting up 26 points at a 64% clip, but the Eagles lacked much support from their bench.
Lack of offensive firepower that performs consistently has affected the Eagles for most of the season.
They have the players on court to trouble any team in the BBL – they just need to put it all together more often, especially now the chance is there to catch Plymouth in the last playoff position.
The recent two-game series between the Eagles and the Riders was split one apiece.
Leicester know that a full 40-minute performance is needed to see off Newcastle’s challenge.
Key Players
Currently, no player is catching the eye on the Eagles’ roster as much as the aforementioned Kyle Johnson.
The guard has dropped over 15 points in his last four outings including the 26 he posted against the Sharks.
Standing at 6’5”, the Brit brings power and athleticism to the guard position, as well as a tenacity that has seen him snag over 10 rebounds in a game when playing at small forward.
A player with the size, strength and attitude to match up against Johnson is the Riders’ action man, Zach Jackson.
Jackson has the tools to go basket-for-basket with Johnson, something he has demonstrated over the last three games where he is averaging over 20 PPG.
The 6’7” American combines speed with a soft touch and – at his best – is possibly the most devastating scorer in the BBL.
Fans attending the Morningside arena on Sunday can’t predict the result. What they can predict is that Jackson and Johnson could have an almighty battle of buckets.
Where to watch
The game will be streamed live on the British Basketball League youtube channel, starting at 3:45 pm.
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.
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.
Whelan and Jackson combine for five quick points! Jackson goes to the line to make it six!
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.
CLUTCH basketball EVERYWHERE! What a finish to the top-of-the-table clash yesterday between @LondonLions and @BristolFlyers as it went to overtime!
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) April 3, 2023
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.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 12, 2023
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.
Love gets us underway after the dish from Nelson-Henry
The Riders beat the Plymouth City Patriots 99-85 on the road. They took a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never surrendered their advantage to improve to 21-9.
Zach Jackson led the team for the second straight game, scoring 24 points after putting up 28 on Friday. He was followed up by Marc Loving’s 22 points and eight rebounds, but the Ohio-born forward played just 25 minutes after picking up a wrist injury in the third period.
Whelan and Jackson combine for five quick points! Jackson goes to the line to make it six!
It was an efficient display from the visitors, who shot 50% from the field and went 25-27 from the free-throw line. Loving went 4-6 from three to stretch the lead, which the Riders saw home professionally.
The win sees them claim second place in the BBL Championship standings in the final month of the regular season.
The Patriots’ Elvisi Dusha’s 19 points were not enough to win the tie, as the hosts missed 10 foul shots in the game. That proved the difference, as Plymouth now sit just two wins ahead of the Newcastle Eagles in the final playoff spot after their win this afternoon.
The Riders jumped out to a lead early through a hot offensive start. They looked to get out in transition, running the fastbreak often to score plenty of points in the first. Leicester ended the quarter up 25-16, led by Patrick Whelan and Jackson who had six points each.
Kimbal Mackenzie took over the scoring load to start the second with back-to-back threes.
Little separated the sides through the period. Former Rider Rashad Hassan found success finishing at the rim to keep his side in it, but the Riders were up going into the locker rooms after Loving’s 12-point half.
The Patriots had the better start to the second half, cutting it to a one-possession game after a fastbreak slam from James Hawthorne Jr. The Leicester response was immediate, and Jackson’s drive to the rim capped off a 5-0 run from the visitors to rebuild their lead.
The three ball started to fall for Leicester, as Loving and Whelan hit in to make it a 14-point advantage. Meanwhile, Jackson got himself to the free throw line consistently to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The Patriots also got to the foul stripe, shooting eight free throws in the third quarter to stay in it. Blake Bowman drove to the hoop for Leicester to put them up 11 with one to play.
Jubril Adekoya took over the game with his playmaking ability to start the fourth. He dished a pair of no-look assists to get the Riders’ offence hot.
Showtime Adekoya runs the fastbreak with the no-look to Walshe!
After Adekoya got them going, the Riders comfortably saw the game out to secure their third win on the bounce. He went for six points, two assists and two rebounds in the fourth to see it home.
The Riders remain on the road for their next fixture, taking on the London Lions on April 7.
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.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 31, 2023
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.
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.
Friday will see the Riders finish March with a crucial clash against the second-place Bristol Flyers.
The Morningside Arena will host the second of a two-game home stand as the Riders look to build on Tuesday’s victory over the Plymouth City Patriots.
Riders’ Season So Far
The win was the Riders’ 19th of the season in the BBL Championship, keeping them fixed in third place in the standings and now within reaching distance of Friday’s visitors.
Leicester consigned Plymouth to a fifth straight loss, but the game was never a foregone conclusion.
The Patriots mounted a spirited fourth-quarter comeback and the 92-89 scoreline perfectly reflects the competitiveness of the contest.
Marc Loving and Kimbal Mackenzie typically topped the Riders’ scoring output, dropping 24 and 23 points respectively. Loving especially had his stroke going, hitting 61% from the field including six from downtown.
Zach Jackson also had a nice night with an energetic 18 points, but it was two late plays on the defensive side of the ball that clinched victory for the Riders.
Holding a tenuous one-point lead with less than a minute to go, the Riders needed a stop. Up stepped Jubril Adekoya, one of Leicester’s most tenacious stealers of the ball.
The strong forward shot out a quick hand and pilfered possession away from the Patriots’ guard, forcing the away team to foul.
A couple of clutch Mackenzie free throws and a last-second block by Loving put the seal on an entertaining game.
No doubt more of the same will be needed to stop a high-flying Bristol team.
Flyers’ Season So Far
The Bristol Flyers have been one of the best teams in the BBL this season and travel to Leicester boasting a 21-9 record.
They sit a narrow four points above the Riders in the table, the proximity between the two teams adding extra spice to Friday’s contest.
Mixed results in recent weeks have seen the Flyers go 3-2 in their last five meetings, both losses coming against a Manchester Giants squad that fell 104-84 to the Riders in February.
Bristol’s latest game ended in a 39-point win however, the Flyers prevailing over Leicester’s Tuesday night opponents riding a strong 23-point show by guard, Tevin Olison.
A dangerous three-point threat when on the left side of the court, Olison is averaging 9.58 PPG and shoots a respectable 82% when he gets to the free-throw line.
Despite the single-digit PPG average, Olison can rack up buckets, as shown by his dominance over Plymouth.
Leicester will want to keep him in check as they did when the teams met on January 6.
Key Players
The Flyers are the least accurate team in the BBL when shooting, currently hitting 43.58% of their shots.
What they lack in efficiency, they make up in scoring chances.
Bristol attempt 69.82 field goals per game, second in the BBL. The key to this plethora of shots is their ability on the offensive glass – the Flyers are the only team to have snagged over 400 offensive rebounds this season.
The driving forces behind Bristol’s thirst for second chances are forward Thomas Bell and Flyers veteran, Malcolm Delpeche.
Never in doubt.
Thomas Bell has been named in the @BBLofficial Team of the Week.
As a result of swapping in and out at the center position, the two big men don’t trouble the BBL’s top 10 in defensive rebounds per game.
However, they rise up the statistics table when the criteria is changed to DREBs per 40 minutes.
Nelson-Henry and Menzies grab 7.87 and 9.78 DREBs per 40, the 7’3 Brit placing second in the championship in that metric.
While players like Jackson, Mackenzie and King may grab the post-game headlines for their ability to sink the rock, the battle of the frontcourt may be the true area where this game is won and lost.
The Riders saw out a clutch win, beating the Plymouth City Patriots 92-89. Marc Loving led the team with 24 points, and came up with a clutch block to seal the game.
Loving scored eight points in the fourth, taking over when it mattered most. He was backed up by 23 points from Kimbal Mackenzie, who knocked down his late free throws to put the Riders up three with seconds left.
The Patriots made big shots late in the shot clock to stay in it. Former Rider Rashad Hassan put up 21 points in their effort, going 9-14 from the field.
The Riders stamped their authority on the game early. The Riders hit three triples in a minute before Jackson scored five straight to build a lead.
It was an eight-point lead by the end of the first. Marc Loving had eight points, hitting two of the team’s five threes in the quarter.
The threes kept falling in the second. Kimbal Mackenzie got the action back underway with a three from the corner to make it a double-digit lead.
The Riders maintained a lead by the half, but the Patriots went on a 5-0 run to end it, cutting the lead to seven. Mackenzie scored 10 in the first half, scoring and playmaking, dishing three assists.
The visitors continued their run to start the second half. But after Isa Brandon made it a four-point game after two minutes, Loving scored eight quick points to stall their progress, draining two threes.
The lead was seven going into the fourth, the game in the balance.
The Patriots started hot in the quarter, as Ty Gadsden cut it to three with a layup. They tied the game up four minutes in the quarter with another layup by Gadsen, finding joy attacking the rim.
The clutch was a back-and-forth affair. Both sides traded big shots, as Loving scored eight, including two threes to edge the Riders ahead. But the Patriots found responses from deep, and the game came down to the wire.
Loving’s three with a minute left gave the Riders a one-point advantage and Jubril Adekoya’s momentous block on Hassan meant Mackenzie’s subsequent free throws made the lead three.
On the final possession, Loivng blocked Elvisi Dusha’s three to end it, winning it for Leicester.
The Riders play the second of a three-game week on Friday, taking on the Bristol Flyers. Tickets are selling quickly.
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.
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.
Whelan with the no-look dime Loving sinks the reverse!
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.
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.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 19, 2023
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.
Last night's Player of the Game, Kimbal Mackenzie's thoughts following the win over Caledonia Gladiators.
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.
The Riders won a close encounter against the Caledonia Gladiators 84-81. Kimbal Mackenzie took over the fourth quarter with eight points, helping the team see it out in the clutch.
Mackenzie led the game with 25 points, going 12/12 from the line in the game. Off the bench, Evan Walshe put in an energetic performance with 15 points off the bench, sealing the win with his late free throws.
Leicester shot just 35% from the field in the game but attacked the hoop relentlessly and went 25-27 from the free-throw line. Defensively, the Riders’ perimeter defence held the Gladiators to 22% from three, locking down the outside.
For the visitors, David Sloan and Aljami Durham put up 22 points each in the contest, pushing the Riders to the final buzzer. They were shorthanded following the ejections of Fahro Alihodzic in the first half and Jeremiah Bailey in the second. Still, they found themselves with a chance to tie it in the closing seconds.
Durham’s three-point attempt found only air, however, and Leicester found a way to put one in the win column.
The Riders’ looked like they were building a comfortable lead early, leading by six points after 10 minutes. They went on a 6-0 run to end the period led by four points from captain Darien Nelson-Henry, who closed the action with a layup on the horn.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 17, 2023
Walshe took over the scoring in the second, putting up eight of the team’s 12 points after four minutes. His fastbreak jam made it a double-digit lead as the Riders grew their advantage.
Despite the early form, the Gladiators pegged the Riders back to end the half with a 9-0 run capped off by a fastbreak bucket from Sloan.
Caledonia then took their first lead of the game following halftime through a dunk from Jeremiah Bailey. Bailey then picked up his fifth personal foul shortly after, seeing him sidelined for the remainder of the game.
The Riders then stemmed the Gladiators’ momentum, and the score continued to swing back and forth. A late run from Leicester, concluded by a Walshe three, saw the Riders edge the lead going into the final period.
The sides once engaged in a back-and-forth battle in the fourth. The score was tied at 70 with five minutes remaining following a Patrick Whelan three.
Mackenzie attacked the rim down the stretch to score four quick points to take the lead. The team battled inside, finding joy near the hoop to generate late offence.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 17, 2023
The Gladiators hit big shots, including a Durham three, which took the lead with a minute and a half left.
Mackenzie responded with a floater before making both free throws on the next possession, meaning the game came down to a chance to tie with 10 seconds remaining for Caledonia, who found themselves down three.
Durham took a three early in the shot clock and missed right, allowing the Riders to see out a hard-fought win.
The win sees the Riders improve to 18-18, four points behind the second-placed Bristol Flyers with three games in hand.
They return to league action on Friday, 24 March, taking on the Sheffield Sharks on the road.
Friday sees the Riders play the second of a two-game home stand as they tip off against the Caledonia Gladiators. Leicester will hope to make it two-for-two at home after a hard-fought 89-79 victory over the Newcastle Eagles last Sunday.
Riders’ season so far
After sharing the spoils in last weekend’s series with Newcastle, the Riders head into Friday night with a 17-8 record, six points behind the second-placed Bristol Flyers.
Leicester had to wait until the fourth quarter to create some breathing room between them and the Eagles. Marc Loving, who led the scoring with 20 points, dropped 11 in the final stretch to inspire the Riders to their ninth home win.
Loving was ably supported by captain Darien Nelson-Henry who contributed 16 points in an efficient shooting display.
Nelson-Henry is currently scoring 8.5 PPG and shooting at a 56.41% clip, good for third on the team. The 6’11” center is also the Riders’ most prolific rebounder, snagging 6.4 per contest.
Darien Nelson-Henry with some words after @RidersBball secured the win
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 12, 2023
If he has another dominant day on the boards this Friday, the 29-year-old could be the first Rider to pass 200 rebounds this season.
Gladiators’ season so far
Much like the Riders, Caledonia notched another mark in the win column after a well-fought victory against the Manchester Giants. The 92-83 triumph pushed the Gladiators to a 14-13 record and boosted their league position to fourth, leapfrogging their Manchester opponents.
The most significant difference between the two teams came on the boards – the Scottish outfit outrebounding Manchester 51 to 34. Centers Patrick Tapé and Fahro Alihodzic were excellent on the offensive glass, hauling in four OREBs each to help the Gladiators to 13 second-chance points.
Sloan is averaging a cool 16.97 PPG while dishing nearly five assists per game. The 6’0” Tennessee State Buccaneer possesses wicked ball-handling skills and has a habit of scoring points in bunches, racking up 36 against the Riders earlier in the season.
A win over Leicester would give the Gladiators a firmer hold over the fourth spot in the league.
Key Matchup
Expect guards David Sloan, Patrick Whelan and Kimbal Mackenzie to light up the scoreboard, but of more importance may be the number of chances they get.
As he did against Manchester, Patrick Tapé will want to pose as a problem for the Riders on both end of the court. The athletic big man was Caledonia’s ‘Player of the Game’ on Sunday, after a fine showing where he earned a double-double, scoring 13 points and reeling in 12 rebounds.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) March 12, 2023
The Ivory Coast international is averaging 10.5 PPG in four games against the Riders this season, but rebounds haven’t been as plentiful. Leicester have restricted Tapé to just four RPG, some way off his season average of 6.55.
Continuing the keep the 6’10” center off the glass will be key for the home team if they want to lead the season series against Caledonia, which currently stands at 2-2.
On the front line to achieve the task will be the previously mentioned Nelson-Henry and Sunday’s hero, Marc Loving.
The free-scoring forward has been dependable on defence all season, pulling down over five defensive rebounds per game. Couple that with the Ohio native’s talent for scoring, and you have a two-way forward who can match up with any front-court player in the BBL.
The Riders earned a hard-fought 89-79 win against the Newcastle Eagles, improving their record to 17-8.
Marc Loving led the team with 20 points, scoring 11 in the final quarter to steer them home. Leicester won the fourth 24-17, coming up clutch after the score was within a possession with 10 minutes to play.
Backing up Loving was captain Darien Nelson-Henry who went 7-10 from the field for 16 points. The center led from the front, finding success with his back to the basket and leading the game with a +/- of 13.
After falling to the Eagles just two days ago, the Riders earned payback against their long-standing rivals. They shot well from three, going 41% from behind the arc, and got to the free throw line effectively to go 24-26.
David Cohn led the game with 23 points, despite fouling out in the fourth. The visitors also had a hot shooting night to go 41% from three, but did not have enough late to beat the reigning champions for the second straight game.
The Riders built their early play through their captain, as Nelson-Henry bagged six points in the paint in the opening quarter. They began to stretch their lead six minutes in, as Loving made three free throws to make it 20-14.
They held their six-point lead after one, Zach Jackson leading the game with seven points.
Jackson runs in transition and sinks the tough finish!
They stretched it to double digits a minute into the second quarter, after Kimbal Mackenzie and Carrington Love scored back-to-back in the opening stages.
The Eagles found a way to get back into contention, cutting the game to five by getting to the free-throw line effectively. The second-best free throw shooters in the BBL this season were off the mark, however, shooting 66% in the quarter.
The score swung back and forth to end the period. The Riders rebuilt their advantage to 10, but the Eagles scored seven points in two plays to end the half, including an and-one off a three-point make, to make it 41-38 at halftime.
The sides continued to trade buckets coming out of the locker rooms as the game balanced on a knife’s edge. Nelson-Henry led the Riders with eight points in the third, playing effectively with his back to the hoop.
The Eagles’ got going from three, making four in the quarter to stay in the game. Cohn’s triple with a minute remaining tied it up at 60.
In response, Evan Walshe scored five points to end the third, making it 65-62 in the Riders’ favour with one to play.
A three from Loving and an and-one play from Blake Bowman started the fourth quarter with a bang for Leicester. They started the period on an 8-2 run to go up seven.
The Riders controlled the game from there, led by 11 points from Loving. An unsportsmanlike foul on Cohn saw him foul out of the game after he stopped Loving in transition, and the resulting play saw Jackson make it a nine-point lead.
With a minute remaining, Mackenzie isolated on the top of the key, finding space in the midrange for two points, sealing a hard-fought win for Leicester.
The Riders return to action on Friday, hosting the Caledonia Gladiators.
The Riders are back in action with the second game against the Newcastle Eagles in three days. It is a chance to bounce back for Leicester, who fell to the Eagles on Friday 92-85 on the road.
Riders’ season so far
Leicester enters this game off back-to-back losses, losing to the London Lions before the Newcastle Eagles. They possess a 16-8 record, sitting third in the league standings, six points from second place.
They held a 20-point lead against the Eagles, but a second-half comeback saw the North Easterners take the win. Zach Jackson led a late effort to take the result, but the Riders fell short in the final seconds.
Marc Loving leads the Riders this season with 15.9 points and 6,1 per game, playing at an elite standard on both ends. Leicester is the league’s most efficient team in field goal, three-point and free-throw shooting, making the most of their offensive opportunities.
The Morningside Arena has proved a fortress for the Riders this season, going 9-2 in their building. A win in this one would snatch back momentum for Leicester, as they start a two-game home stand.
Eagles’ season so far
The win against the Riders was massive for Newcastle, as they fight for the final playoff spot in the BBL Championship. They improved to 7-17, three wins from the eighth-placed Sheffield Sharks.
They shot the lights out from deep last time out, going 41% from deep led by three off the bench from Jermel Kennedy, Their second-half comeback was led by an explosion from Kyle Johnson, who led the game with 21 points.
But it’s Javion Hamlet who leads them on the season with 20.2 points per game, the former G-Leaguer ranks second in the BBL’s scoring charts in his second pro season.
Hamlet attacked the rim relentlessly in his previous game, shooting 10 free throws in the contest. Newcastle ranks second in free-throw percentage this season behind the Riders, making the most of their charity shots.
Back-to-back wins against the Riders would be a monumental momentum shift in the Eagles’ season.
Key matchup
The battle between Zach Jackson and Kyle Johnson proved pivotal in the previous fixture between the sides and is likely to play a key role in this one.
Johnson’s 21 points were his sixth 20-point performance of the season, and enter this one on a run of hot form, putting up 19.3 points per game in his last four.
The 6’6” wing is a 14-year veteran and has played across Europe and Canada in his professional career. Johnson spent three seasons in Iceland before landing in Newcastle and scored 12 points per game last year.
In 2017, Johnson’s scoring prowess was on full display as he dropped a 51-point performance in the Canadian NBL, the most points scored in a game in league history.
This season, Johnson is scoring 14.9 points per game on 47.4% shooting and grabbing 5.2 rebounds per game.
Facing Johnson on the wing is Kansas-born Jackson, who led the attempted charge back into Friday night’s fixture with seven points in the final period.
He’s the Riders’ second-highest scorer on the season, putting up 15.8 points per game on 55.8% shooting. Jackson is red-hot from deep, hitting 43.1% of his three-point attempts while playing elite defense on the other end.
Jackson is a third-year Rider and has made improvements each season. This has shown up in the box score, as the fourth-year pro is scoring six more points per game than in his first BBL season.
The 6’6” small forward is one of the BBL’s best scorers, able to get it done on all three levels. He shows up in the biggest moments for Leicester, so expect a good showing in this get-back game for Leicester.
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.
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.
And-one for your @BBLofficial Player of the Month, Mackenzie!
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.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) October 7, 2022
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.
Javion Hamlet was a 2 recruit coming out of HS. Never let a ranking distract you.
He dropped: 24/12/5 in No. 13 North Texas' upset win over No. 4 Purdue. @slam_university
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 Riders fell to the London Lions 102-77, in their first game back since the international break.
Fresh off being named Molten BBL Player of the Month for Febuary, Kimbal Mackenzie continued his hot form to lead the team with 18 points and seven assists. He was backed up by Zach Jackson’s 17, who found joy attacking the rim all evening.
Despite a solid Riders start, the Lions found momentum to build their lead to 13 by the half, never looking back. The Riders could not find a bucket from deep in the game, going 4-27 from behind the arc.
The Lions had five double-digit scorers, led by 18 points from former NBA forward Sam Dekker. However, their defence set the tone, holding the BBL’s most efficient offence to 41% from the field.
The result moves the Riders record to 16-7 in the BBL Championship.
Mackenzie took over the early stages with six points and an assist. Mackenzie’s play allowed the Riders to edge an early 8-6 lead.
And-one for your @BBLofficial Player of the Month, Mackenzie!
The Lions fought back, attacking the paint on three straight makes. Vojtech Hruban capped off a Lions’ run with a three, making it 13-8 to the visitors.
Leicester responded with back-to-back threes from Marc Loving and Mackenzie, cutting it close towards the end of the first. It was a six-point end after one, the score 25-19.
London started the second hot, scoring eight straight, including a putback jam from Josh Sharma. They went up 15 four minutes into the period.
The sides traded baskets through to halftime, as the Riders found their offensive rhythm to stay in touch. Jackson’s tough and-one finish made it a ten-point game with a minute left in the half.
A three from Hruban concluded the half, putting London up 48-35. They built on this momentum boost to start the third quarter, commencing a 14-5 run in the first four minutes.
The Riders showed heart to peg the score back, making it a 15-point deficit following free throws from Darien Nelson-Henry.
But the Lions, through the rest of the game, had too much firepower for a Leicester comeback, as they saw the tie out professionally.
The Riders are back on the road next week for the first of a doubleheader against the Newcastle Eagles. The game takes place on Friday, 10 March, tipping off at 7:30 pm.
Kimbal Mackenzie has been named Molten BBL Player of the Month!
The point guard averaged 19.5 points per game in Febuary, including a 31-point outing against the Cheshire Phoenix in the highest-scoring game of his Riders tenure.
His play earned Mackenzie his first GB call up, and helped the Riders to a 3-1 record over the month as the Riders climbed the BBL Championship standings.
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.
Jackson throws it up… Loving throws it down! Four Riders dunks in the quarter!
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 hereto 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.
Leicester Riders, Manchester Giants, Cheshire Phoenix and Newcastle Eagles are excited to announce the Retro Series 2023!
Five games involving these four teams in March & April have been selected as special retro games featuring retro kits, old-school tunes and off-court appearances from BBL legends.
Following the success of last season’s retro nights between Riders and Giants, the clubs are bringing back the retro games to allow the fans, players and coaches to celebrate their organisation’s history.
“We’re excited to be part of the Retro Series,” commented Riders Head Coach Rob Paternostro. “We had two entertaining games with Manchester last season, it was really cool to see both sets of fans wearing their clubs’ old jerseys at the games.”
Giants Head Coach Vince Macaulay “It’s great that this year’s Retro games have expanded to four teams. All four teams have a rich history in the BBL and we’re looking forward to celebrating it with our supporters at the games.”
Leicester Riders will sport their 1987 uniform from the first ever season of the BBL. The Cheshire Phoenix will suit-up in the 2001-02 ‘Jet-wash’ uniform, celebrating a clean sweep of trophies.
Newcastle Eagles are throwing it back to the 2004-05 season when the Eagles under legendary player-coach Fab Flournoy first won the BBL Trophy, beating Nick Nurse’s Brighton Bears in the final! Following on from the success of last year’s pinstripes, the Manchester Giants will be back this year with a retro style kit sporting the infamous cartoon Giant logo!
The Retro Series games will take place on the following dates:
March 31: Newcastle Eagles vs Cheshire Phoenix – Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle Ticket Link
April 7: Manchester Giants vs Cheshire Phoenix – National Basketball Performance Centre, Manchester Ticket Link
April 9: Leicester Riders vs Newcastle Eagles – Morningside Arena, Leicester Ticket Link
April 16: Manchester Giants vs Leicester Riders – National Basketball Performance Centre, Manchester Ticket Link
April 23: Cheshire Phoenix vs Leicester Riders – The Cheshire Oaks Arena, Cheshire Ticket Link
Keep your eyes open for more announcements in the lead-up to the games!
The Riders improve to 16-6 in the BBL Championship after a road win against the Cheshire Phoenix.
Kimbal Mackenzie went off for 31, his highest-scoring tally as a Rider. He went 11-15 from the field and 5-5 from the free throw line in his explosive performance, taking over late with six points in the closing minutes as the Phoenix cut it to 10.
Leicester blew the game open in the second quarter, as Mackenzie’s buzzer-beater to send the teams into halftime gave them their first double-digit lead. From there, they continued to build their advantage in the third, before seeing it out in the fourth in the face of a Phoenix comeback effort.
Carrington Love recorded his first 20-point effort as a Rider after joining last month. He made three threes and dished six assists in his performance, acting as a spark plug off the bench.
This marked the second double-digit win in a weekend doubleheader, as the Riders can take great momentum into a two-week break from action.
For Cheshire, Anderson put up 24 in an attempt to get his side back in it. He scored key buckets late in the third to build momentum, but the Riders made big shots down the stretch to seal it.
Neither side found a significant advantage until the second period. Cheshire edged ahead initially, taking a seven-point lead late in the first through a fastbreak layup from Maceo Jack.
However, the Riders quickly responded, in part thanks to eight points from Carrington Love shortly after his introduction to the game. He hit a three on the buzzer to close the quarter, however, Cheshire went 12-17 from the field to take a narrow lead going into the second.
Mackenzie’s free throws for his ninth points of the evening took their first lead of the game to start the second. He took over at the start of the quarter, scoring five in under two minutes to seize the game’s momentum.
Leicester went 18-10 five minutes into the second period, taking a 44-38 lead. Marc Loving went off for 10 straight points, taking the reigns.
In reverse to the first quarter, the Phoenix were forced to fight back through three threes from Jack, however, on this occasion, the Riders kept the hosts at arm’s length to take an 11 point lead into halftime, following a buzzer-beating Mackenzie heave for three after a scramble for the ball.
Back-to-back buckets from Mackenzie, which made his game tally 20, concluded a 14-8 run through the first five minutes of the third period. Leicester extended the lead built in the second period with intense defensive pressure leading to baskets on the fastbreak, leading to a fast-paced third quarter.
The Riders built a 22 point lead near the end of the third before the Phoneix scored seven points in a minute to cut into the lead going into the fourth. Anderson scored five of these to give his side late momentum.
Despite Cheshire bringing the Riders’ lead down to 10 in the fourth following a free throw from Larry Austin, the Riders saw it out, building off back-to-back tough midranges from Mackenzie with three minutes remaining.
From there, a three from Love and free throws from Mackenzie to get him over the 30 points mark left it beyond doubt.
The Riders have a pause from action for the international break until March 3, when they take on the table-topping London Lions at home. Tickets are expected to sell fast, so get them here to watch the action live!
The Riders head to Cheshire to take on the Phoenix in the second game of their weekend doubleheader.
They enter the game off the back of a home 104-84 against the Manchester Giants on Friday. It was a resounding win, with the Riders in full control throughout. They shot 58% from the field and 45% from three, scoring 30 points in the third quarter to blow the game open.
Their scoring was typical of the Riders’ season so far, as they are the league’s most efficient scorers. They lead the BBL in field goal, three-point and free throw percentage, and they rank second in the league in scoring putting up 87.5 a game.
As he did against the Giants, Marc Loving leads the way on the season with 16.2 points per game. The Ohio-born forward is putting up career highs in points, assists and rebounds, stepping up into a leading role.
Jackson throws it up… Loving throws it down! Four Riders dunks in the quarter!
The Riders possess a 15-6 record, good for third in the BBL Championship standings with three games in hand on the second-placed Bristol Flyers.
Back-to-back wins in this weekend’s doubleheader will see them put the pressure on the Flyers as they look to climb the standings to close the year.
Phoenix- Season so far
The Phoenix currently sit midtable in the BBL Championship, after a recent road loss against the Caledonia Gladiators left them under .500 with an 11-12 record. The score was 83-78 in Scotland, despite a 26-point effort from point guard Marcus Evans.
American guard Larry Austin Jr. has led them through the season with 16.2 points per game, an improvement on the 14.4 points he averaged last season with the Phoenix. On the other end, they lead the BBL in steals, playing aggressively on defence.
The Phoenix find themselves in the midst of a Cup run, having reached the semi-final of the BBL Trophy. There, they will face the Sheffield Sharks as they look to retain their silverware from last season.
Until then, the Phoenix looks to level their season record at 12-12 with a win against Leicester, their first since March 2021.
Key matchup
The Phoenix’s leading scorer, Larry Austin Jr., topped his team’s points column with 19 last time out against the Riders. He went 8-13 from the field and dished four assists in an attempt to get his side back into the game.
He’s averaged 20.4 points per game over the last nine league games, Cheshire going 5-4 in those fixtures. Austin Jr. has scored a season-high of 27 on two separate occasions this season, most recently in December vs the Gladiators.
Last season, he scored 23 points in the BBL Trophy final against the London Lions, earning the Final MVP for his efforts. He has been a major piece since his arrival in Cheshire and will be a tough defensive task for Riders’ point guard Kimbal Mackenzie.
Mackenzie’s play this season has earned him a spot on the GB roster, alongside fellow Riders Patrick Whelan and Aaron Menzies. He’s putting up 10 points per game and enters this one off the back of a 16-point effort vs the Giants.
The ball movement . Six in the third quarter for Mackenzie!
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 15 occasions this season, stepping up as a consistent starter.
However, his role on the defensive end against Austin Jr. will go a long way in deciding the outcome of this one.
Where to watch
The game will be played at the Cheshire Oaks Arena, tipping off at 5:30 pm.
It will also be streamed live on the British Basketball League Youtube channel, starting at 5 pm.
The Riders improved to 15-6 in the BBL Championship, beating the Manchester Giants 104-84 at home. Marc Loving led an explosive offensive performance with 25 points, following up his 32 points last time out against Manchester.
He was backed by 18 from Zach Jackson and 16 from Kimabl Mackenzie, as the Riders’ offence shot 58% from the field and 45% from three in an explosive performance.
The Giants could not contain the Riders’ offence and now have given up over 100 to them in the second-straight game. Offensively, they crashed the boards to grab 21 rebounds but shot just 21% from three in their loss.
They had five scorers in double digits, led by 16 points and 3 assists from two-time BBL MVP Rahmon Fletcher. Nick Lewis also scored 16 off the bench, going 4-8 from deep.
The opening stages were defined by high flying plays from the Riders, as Jackson and Loving threw down monster jams to help the Riders to a quick lead. Mackenzies’s three from the corner made it 15-6 with five minutes gone.
The Riders attacked the rim all quarter, throwing down four jams. But the story of the first was Evan Walshe, who in his first Riders start ran the show from the point. He has five assists five minutes in, lighting up the arena with his flashy passing.
Walshe with the touchdown pass to Nelson-Henry! Five assists for him already!
Fueled by the momentum of the dunk party, the Riders burst out to a 27-13 opening period led by 10 points from Loving.
The Giants found the bottom of the basket to start the second, stalling the Riders’ progress with 11 points in three minutes led by five from Lewis. Lewis scored nine in the period, helping the visitors cut the Riders’ lead to five.
But Loving beat the buzzer to have the last say in the first half, draining a stepback three to make it 54-46. He had 21 points in the first, leading the game going into the locker rooms.
Mackenzie kick-started the action in the second half, taking it coast-to-coast to make it a 10-point Riders lead. He had six in the first three minutes of the third, as the Riders extended their advantage.
The Riders outscored the Giants 17-7 to start the third quarter, making it an 18-point lead. The period took the form of the first, as the Giants’ defence could not contain Leicester, who scored 30 points, led by nine from Jackson.
Leicester saw the game out comfortably, keeping the Giants at arm’s length. Blake Bowman put up nine in the fourth to tally a career-high 12 points off the bench, sealing the win.
The Riders play the second of a weekend doubleheader on Sunday, heading to Cheshire to take on the Phoenix. The game tips off at 5:30 pm, and a Riders win would see them continue to chase down second place in the BBL Championship standings.
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
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.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) January 6, 2023
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.
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.
Riders guard Kimbal Mackenzie has been named in the Great Britain Men’s National Team 24-man roster for the first time for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers against Belgium and Serbia.
Mackenzie who holds a British passport joins GB regulars Patrick Whelan and Aaron Menzies on the roster for the upcoming window.
GB face Belgium on Friday 24 Feb before travelling to Belgrade to face Serbia on 27 Feb.
24 Man Roster for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifying Window – February 2023
Amin Adamu G 25 6’5″ Kapfenberg Bulls (AUT) 0 Jamell Anderson F 32 6’7″ Cheshire Phoenix (GBR) 15 Michael Belle F 19 6’6″ Espoirs Strasbourg (FRA) 0 Quinn Ellis G 19 6’2″ Monferrato (ITA) 2 Ashley Hamilton F 34 6’7″ Quimper (FRA) 30 Myles Hesson F 32 6’6″ Kagawa Five Arrows (JPN) 54 Noah Horchler F 25 6’8″ Aris B.C. (GRE) 0 Kyle Johnson G 34 6’5″ Newcastle Eagles (GBR) 85 Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye G 26 6’3” Swans Gmunden (AUT) 19 Callum Lawson F 26 6’6″ Valur (ISL) 2 Kimbal Mackenzie G 26 6’1″ Leicester Riders (GBR) 0 Aaron Menzies C 26 7’3″ Leicester Riders (GBR) 2 Ben Mockford G 33 6’2″ Newcastle Eagles (GBR) 54 Luke Nelson G 27 6’3″ London Lions (GBR) 35 Teddy Okereafor G 30 6’4″ Apollon Limassol B.C. (CYP) 53 Gabe Olaseni C 31 6’10” Darussafaka (TUR) 53 Josh Sharma C 26 7’0″ London Lions (GBR) 2 Mo Soluade G/F 27 6’5″ London Lions (GBR) 7 Devon van Oostrum G 30 6’3″ BK Levicki Patrioti Levice (SVK) 50 Jelani Watson-Gayle G 24 6’1″ Bristol Flyers (GBR) 0 Carl Wheatle F 24 6’7″ Pistoia (ITA) 27 Patrick Whelan G 26 6’5″ Leicester Riders (GBR) 11 Jordan Williams F 27 6’8″ Hubner Nyiregyhaza (HUN) 4 Akwasi Yeboah F 25 6’6″ Darussafaka (TUR) 4
The Riders fell out of the BBL Trophy at the quarter-final stage, losing 79-78 to the Sheffield Sharks.
The Riders had the chance to win it on the buzzer, but Zach Jackson’s turnaround jumper did not find the net, following an inspired 10 point quarter from the American.
Jackson finished the game with a team-high 18 points and five rebounds, shooting 58% from the field. He came up with big baskets down the stretch to keep Leicester in the tie, but the Riders ultimately fell short.
A 4-23 shooting night from three ultimately cost the Riders, who could not find their deep ball throughout. They also shot just 73% from the free-throw line and will rue missed opportunities for easy points.
Kipper Nichols led the game with 19 points, scoring four points late and grabbing the game-sealing rebound. The Sharks built off an emphatic 15 point first half from bennet Koch, laying the foundation for a rare win in Leicester.
Sheffield started hot, through the hands of Koch, who scored 10 points in the opening five minutes. Koch went five for five from the field before a well-earned rest midway through the first.
Despite the big man’s play, the Riders hung in the game, matching Sheffield’s scoring through the period. Marc Loving led the team with seven, but a 5-0 run in the closing minutes gave the Sharks a 26-20 lead.
The Riders hit back to start the second, as Carrington Love, inserted into the starting lineup in Patrick Whelan’s absence, scored three quick ones to cut the game to a score. A Jubril Adekoya layup two minutes into the quarter then tied the game.
Koch, checking back into the game, maintained his hot hand, scoring four more points for Sheffield to edge his side back ahead. But Leicester maintained their newfound momentum, snatching their first lead late in the half.
The Riders’ defence locked up Sheffield in the second quarter, holding them to just eight points with two minutes left. But the Sharks found offensive form to close it, scoring seven in two minutes.
Loving close the half with a two-handed jam in traffic, making it 44-39 with 20 minutes to play.
In a low-scoring start to the third, a Jordan Ratiho three for the Sharks made it a one point game. After a back and fourth battle, the visitors went on to take the lead following a pair of free throws from two-guard Nichols.
Nichols scored seven to close the third, stretching their lead to four entering the final period.
The Riders swung the scoreline back in their direction but could not get over the hump through the opening minutes of the fourth. Jackson, Adekoya and Walshe found the basket, but the deficit was one point with five to play.
Back-to-back threes from Sheffield, the second from Rodney Glasgow, rebuilt their lead. But the Riders, once again, cut their deficit to two after a pair of Jackson threes in response.
Jackson continued his takeover of the game, stripping the ball from Nichols before Mackenzie drew an unsportsmanlike foul, tying the game from the free throw line.
In the final minute, the Sharks found their way to the free throw line through Saeed Nelson who made one. The Riders had a chance to win it on the buzzer, but Jackson could not find the net.
The Riders remain at home for their next fixture, taking on the Manchester Giants in the BBL Championship. A win would see them improve to 15-6, as they go for three league wins on the bounce.
The Riders face the Sheffield Sharks in the quarter-final of the BBL Trophy. A win in this knockout competition would see them progress to the final four as they look to win the competition for the first time since 2018.
The Riders enter the game on a high, after a significant 99-73 win against the Surrey Scorchers. They shot 42% from three and 50% from the field in an efficient display, where five Riders scored double digits.
Marc Loving and Zach Jackson combined for 41 points, led by 21 from Loving. The 6’9” forward finished with eight rebounds, shooting 50% from the field.
Loving leads the Riders scoring in all competitions this season with 16.1 points per game, a career-high tally. He went off for 32 in the first round of the Trophy, an overtime win against the Manchester Giants.
It was a hard-fought victory that came down to the wire, but the Riders emerged 114-107 after a dominant extra period.
The Riders are one of the BBL’s premier offences, scoring the second-most points per game, and shooting at the most efficient rate from the field and three. They will have their work cut out in this one, however, against of the league’s elite defences.
Sharks’ slow start
While Sheffield ranks second in opponent’s points per game, it has yet to translate to the win column. A 0-4 start to the season left them off the pace, and they currently sit in the final playoff place with an 8-15 record.
They have not found an offensive rhythm, scoring a league-worst 73 points per game and shooting just 43% from the field.
American point guard Saeed Nelson has led the charge to get points on the board for Sheffield, putting up 13.5 points per game. He is one of four Sharks scoring double-digit points this season and applies pressure on the other end, snatching 1.8 steals per game.
This game sees a break from league action, however, as both teams turn their attention to the BBL Trophy. Sheffield last found themselves in the Trophy final in 2018, where they lost to the Riders 90-85.
They’ve won the competition twice, most recently in 2013, where they again met Leicester in the final. This season, they met NBL side the Thames Valley Cavaliers, winning 98-66. The reigning treble winners will be a tougher test for the visitors in this one, but it is a game they will believe they can win to progress to the BBL Trophy third round.
Key matchup
In Sheffield’s previous fixture, a 77-71 loss to the Caledonia Gladiators, Devearl Ramsey led the game with a 23 point performance. It was Ramsey’s first 20 point game in Sheffield in his fifth appearance after signing in January, as he hit three threes and knocked down eight of his nine free throws.
Ramsey is a second-year pro, who spent his rookie season in the NBA G-League. Before this, he spent three years at UC Santa Barbara, scoring 7.7 points per game in his final year. He played his rookie pro season for the Stockton Kings before moving to the BBL this season.
Ramsey is a 6’0” two-guard capable of playing in either wing position. Ramsey is active in the lane, attacking the rim for shots inside or handoffs to his teammates. He has good touch at the rim, and can draw fouls inside to get free ones at the line.
Taking on Ramsey for the Riders will be new addition, Carrington Love. The 29-year-old averaged 16.6 points and 5.8 assists last season in the German division two, playing for Eisbären Bremerhaven. He shot 47.4% from the field and 36.1% from three, finishing the year with a 16-13 record.
Love is a Green Bay graduate, having spent four years with the Phoenix between 2012 and 2016. He showed improvement every year, scoring a team-high 17.3 points per game as a senior.
He’s a sharpshooter from deep, and can breeze past defenders with flashy handles, finishing from all three levels or finding his teammates for assists. He put up eight points and five assists off the bench in his home debut vs the Scorchers, and will look for another solid effort in this one.
Where to watch
This is the Riders’ second straight home game, and tickets are selling fast. Get them here!
The game will also be streamed live on the British Basketball League Youtube channel, starting at 7:30 pm.
The Riders improve to 14-6 in the BBL Championship after a 99-77 win against the Surrey Scorchers.
Marc Loving led the game with 21 to steer the Riders to the win, in a game where five Leicester players scored double-digit points. His efforts were backed by 20 points from his wing partner Zach Jackson, who went off for 20.
It was a one-point affair midway through the second period before the Riders blew the game open with a 13-2 run. They shot a red-hot 42% from three and 50% from the field, after entering the game leading the BBL in both categories.
It was the first appearance in Leicester for point guard Carrington Love, who impressed with eight points and five assists off the bench. His three-point shooting and playmaking added a different dimension to the Riders’ offence, as he looks to settle into the second half of the season.
The win makes it 38 games undefeated in all competitions against the Scorchers for the Riders. Padiet Wang and Jalen Ray combined for 13 each for the visitors, who cut the game to nine early in the fourth.
But the Scorchers could not contain the Riders’ offence, who bounced back to seal the win.
After scoring 18 points in the first half of the previous meeting between the sides, Surrey’s leading scorer on the season Wang went off to start the game, scoring the first seven Scorchers points.
The Riders fought back, taking the lead midway through the first with back-to-back threes from Jackson and Loving. The dynamic duo led the team with seven points each in the first quarter.
Love carried the momentum into the second period, hitting from midrange to get another two on the board. But the Scorchers had the best of the early stages of the quarter, bringing their deficit to one point after a jam from Wang.
Whelan hit back, finding his from deep to make two threes, making it a nine-point game four minutes from halftime. The Riders commenced a 13-2 run following Whelan’s first three to jump out to their first significant lead of the game.
Love concluded the quarter yet again, drawing a foul on a three before making two shots at the line. He finished the half with eight points in six minutes off the bench in his first Riders home game, as the hosts entered the locker rooms up 51-41.
Leicester continued their hot deep shooting form to start the second half, as Whelan and Loving knocked down their first attempts to stretch the lead. The Riders controlled the game with their advantage, getting to the rim to win the third 28-21 to make it a 17-point game.
Leicester responded to Surrey’s surge with a 10-3 run, to leave the result in little doubt.
Next up, the Riders host BBL Trophy action, taking on the Sheffield Sharks in the quarter-final. The game takes place on Febuary 10th, tipping off at 7:45 pm.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
UNDENIABLE!@LondonLions pick up the HUGE road W after a monstrous second half, 70-84 in their favour against @AquilaBasketTN!
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.
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.
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%.
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.
@dekker discusses wanting to be an ambassador for the BBL, the @LondonLions and much more in our latest #GetToKnow profile.
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.
Leicester Riders are thrilled to have agreed terms with American point guard Carrington Love.
The 29-year-old averaged 16.6 points and 5.8 assists last season in the German division two, playing for Eisbären Bremerhaven. He shot 47.4% from the field and 36.1% from three, finishing the year with a 16-13 record.
Love is a Green Bay graduate, having spent four years with the Phoenix between 2012 and 2016. He showed improvement every year, scoring a team-high 17.3 points per game as a senior.
In his senior year, he ranked third in NCAA in steals with 2.57 per game, setting a programme record with 95 steals in a season.
Since then, Love has taken his talents to Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium before landing in Leicester. He also has experience on the European stage, putting up 10 points per game in the Europe Cup for Donar Groningen in 2019.
Love’s ties to Leicester makes him a seamless fit to the roster.
“I’m excited to join the Riders! I’ve only heard great things about the city, the coach, the players and the club!” commented Love.
“Knowing Jubril and Darien prior to my arrival has already made me comfortable with the team, and it’s a major plus having former Rider Justin Hedley and my godson Will nearby!
“I’m just excited to get on the floor with the guys and try to win as many games as possible!”
The Milwaukee native is a confident three-point shooter, able to knock down deep shots off the dribble, and with a defender in his face. He can take defenders off the dribble to attack the hoop, where he finds open teammates effectively or finish himself.
“We’re excited to get a player like Carrington at this stage of the season,” said head coach Rob Paternostro.
“He is a multi-year European professional, who has played very well throughout his career
“Carrington is a player who can play both guard positions, and has shown the ability to score and play make from many different spots on the floor.”
Love has signed for the remainder of the season. Riders can confirm we have been granted special dispensation from the league, following the injury to Devonte Bandoo, to enable Love to suit up for Sunday’s BBL Cup Final!
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.
The Riders return to BBL Championship action on Friday with a fixture against the Cheshire Phoenix. They will host the Phoenix at the Morningside Arena, the game tipping off at 7:45 pm.
The Riders are 12-6 in the league this season but have lost just one game at home. The Morningside Arena has proved to be a fortress over past years, and the Riders will attempt to continue this trend in their first home fixture in 2023.
They enter the game following an overtime thriller in the BBL Trophy against the Manchester Giants. They battled through to get a 114-107 win on the road, led by a monster 32 points and 13 rebounds from Marc Loving.
Loving has led the Riders scoring in all competitions this season, putting up 16.6 points per game. The second-year Rider has stepped into a leading role, putting up seven 20-point scoring efforts on the year.
In the league, Kansas-born Zach Jackson has outscored Loving, averaging 15.6 points. Jackson closely pursued Loving’s performance in Manchester, scoring 25 points in the tie.
The Riders’ offence has ranked among the BBL’s best this season, ranking top two in points per game, field goal percentage and three-point percentage. They needed all of their offensive prowess in their recent win in Manchester, and proved they can outscore anyone on any night.
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 a new scoring form, putting up back-to-back 20-point games to start the year and logging a career-high scoring average.
The Phoenix are one of four teams over .500 in the league this season, with a 10-9 record. They enter this one off the back of a 129-80 win against the Nottingham Hoods, seeing them through to the second round of the BBL Trophy.
Anderson scored a season-high 30 points in the game, going a red-hot five for nine from deep.
The @CheshireNix get their #BBLTrophy defence underway with a big win against Nottingham!
Re-live the weekend's Trophy action and catch every BBL game this season on our YouTube channel.#KnowOurName#BritishBasketball
They possess the third-best defence in the BBL, holding teams to 79 points per game, and will look to slow down the Riders’ firepower as they chase a rare win in Leicester.
Key matchup
Leading the Phoenix’s scoring this season is 6’2” American guard Larry Austin Jr, who is putting up 14.4 points per game in his second year in Cheshire.
Austin enters this game after back-to-back 20-point efforts in the league, and an 18-point game in the Trophy against the Hoods. He is shooting 51.7% from the field this season, and is clamping defenders on the other end to average 2.3 steals.
Last season, he scored 23 points in the BBL Trophy final against the London Lions, earning the Final MVP for his efforts. He has been a major piece since his arrival in Cheshire and will be a tough defensive task for Riders’ new man Devonte Bandoo.
Bandoo arrived in Leicester last week, signing from the Saskatchewan Rattlers in his home country of Canada, where he averaged 16.1 points per game.
The Ontario native spent his final two college seasons at Baylor University, after leading Hutchinson Community College to a national championship as a freshman.
He 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.
Bandoo will look to make a positive impact in his first game in front of the Riders’ faithful, as he takes on Austin in the backcourt!
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.
Woooow, what a finish by Blake Bowman under heavy contact! A great battle here between @RidersBball and @McrGiants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) January 8, 2023
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.
After an incredible start to the season, @McrGiants star @Haha34lee1 takes home the @MoltenSports BBL Player of the Month for September and October!
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.
Loving nets another corner triple for 15 points personal!
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!
Leicester Riders are delighted to have signed young British talent Victor Ndoukou on his first professional contract.
The young forward has signed a 4 and a half year deal which will see him as part of the BBL team through to the end of the 2026-27 season. Ndoukou will also be studying a Loughborough University on a scholarship through the Loughborough College Elite pathway with the Riders, and will be eligible to suit-up for the D1 roster and BBL.
“We really enjoyed working with Victor while he was at Charnwood College over the last few seasons,” commented Head Coach Rob Paternostro.
“He is a player with good size and skill who has a lot of potential.”
“The partnership with Loughborough University and Loughborough College has been invaluable and very influential in developing our young British players over the years .”
Ndoukou will be a familiar face to Riders fans as he first joined our pathway in 2019.
“I feel grateful to be given the opportunity to play for the Riders,” reflected Ndoukou. “I am very thankful for the opportunity the Riders pathway gave me and for the support from Loughborough University & Loughborough College. I really can’t wait to get my professional career started.”
The 19-year-old is a 6’7″ athletic wing, who averaged 15.5 points per game for Charnwood College in the 2021/22 season. He is widely regarded as the best British talent of his age, winning the MVP award in the EABL final last year.
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.
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.
Loving nets another corner triple for 15 points personal!
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.
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.
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.
Did you know … the @surreyscorchers have an INCREDIBLE 12-1 record in games played on New Year's Day!?
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) January 2, 2023
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.
ALLEEEEEY-OOP!
Malcolm Delpeche with the INCREDIBLE slam for @BristolFlyers last night live on @SkySports! Swipe to re-live the highlight play and click below to watch all of last night's action on YouTube.#KnowOurName#BritishBasketball
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.
The American forward has an incredible story, and you can find out all about it by clicking below and heading to our YouTube channel!#KnowOurName#BritishBasketball
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.
The Riders saw out a 77-72 nailbiter against Surrey Scorchers, improving their record to 12-5.
Marc Loving led the way with 22 points, scoring nine in the fourth to seal a clutch win. His teammate on the wing, Zach Jackson, closely followed with 20 points.
He's taking over! Loving with nine in the fourth quarter
Jackson turned the tide in the third quarter with six points and two steals, earning the Riders a lead they didn’t surrender.
The win makes it 37 undefeated against Surrey, the longest streak against an opponent in the BBL. The Riders’ defence held the Scorchers to 16% from deep, and 44% from the field.
The Scorchers have now lost eight games within 10 points this season. They proved they could hang with the league’s best, but were unable to get over the hump in tonight’s fixture.
Their young star Padiet Wang finished up with 24 points, followed by Quincy Taylor’s 18.
The Riders started hot, jumping out to a 7-3 lead after four quick points from Darien Nelson-Henry.
Surrey hit back via Wang, who scored five in response to take the lead for his side and set the stage for a closely fought first quarter. Wang scored 12 in the first quarter, exploding the rim with his elite athleticism.
Whelan got himself going midway through the period, hitting a three for his first points of the evening. His triple snatched momentum for the Riders, who built a seven-point lead.
Aaron Menzies put an exclamation point on the run, slamming it down one-handed at the rim.
The Scorchers found form in the second, which they started on a 12-2 run. Andrew Lawrence’s back-to-back midrange jumpers took the lead, which Surrey stretched to nine five minutes in.
The Riders halted the visitor’s run, cutting it to six by halftime led by six points from Kimbal Mackenzie.
Jackson got the second half underway with five points in two minutes, hitting a three with Taylor in his grill. He took the challenge of guarding Wang, who scored 18 in the first half. The Omaha graduate quickly came up with two steals, leading the charge on both ends.
Conner Washington’s three tied it up at 53 with two minutes remaining in the period. Whelan then took the lead with a pair of free throws, putting the Riders up going into the fourth.
Loving got the final period underway with four points, cooking defenders with his silky dribble. Jackson followed up his teammate with back-to-back tough finishes at the rim, earning the Riders a seven-point lead.
Loving took the fourth quarter over, scoring nine points in five minutes, concluded by a three from the corner.
The Scorchers fought back, as Wang strung together some buckets to take momentum back for his team. Surrey made it a three-point game with two and a half minutes remaining after Wang’s layup.
However, the Riders saw the game out in the clutch, as Nelson-Henry found Jackson on back-to-back plays to seal an important win.
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.
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.
Well well well, what a night!
3 Games and 3 results from tonight's British Basketball League, including an exciting overtime win in Manchester!
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”.
Just 24 years old, the KING of South Sudan has a bright future! @padiet_wang05 is SPECIAL
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.
What one word would you choose to describe @RidersBball!? @p_whelan1Two tells us his choice and details how much he has enjoyed his time in Leicester.
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.
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!
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.
"We're going to be ready to roll and hopefully win it."@dekker looks ahead to next month's #BBLCup Final after the @LondonLions booked their place in Birmingham with a win over Bristol in tonight's semifinal action!#KnowOurName#BritishBasketball
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!
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.
"HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS?!"
Why bother with 5 best plays of the week when NOTHING can top this dunk from Manchester Giants' Tajh Green #BBLpic.twitter.com/AO5qUXqNXy
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.
After an incredible start to the season, @McrGiants star @Haha34lee1 takes home the @MoltenSports BBL Player of the Month for September and October!
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.
Loving on fire for 11 first quarter points and counting!
The Riders booked their place in the BBL Cup final for the second straight season, beating the Caledonia Gladiators89-68 in the semis. The holders have the opportunity to defend their title in Birmingham, meeting the London Lions at the Utilita Arena.
Leicester led wire to wire in the game, seeing off spirited Gladiators’ comeback attempts to seal the win. Marc Loving, Zach Jackson and Patrick Whelan combined for 49 points, Loving leading the trio with 18.
GB big man Aaron Menzies dominated the glass of the bench, putting up nine points and 10 rebounds in 17 minutes of action. Jackson also had a double-digit rebounding effort, going off for a 14-point double-double.
The Riders caught fire from deep in the game, the league leaders in three-point percentage going 13-22 led by Jackson’s four makes. On the other end, they locked down the perimeter to hold the visitors to 25% from three.
Patrick Tape led the Gladiators with 21 points, the first-year pro putting up a season-high effort. Caledonia cut the game to six in the third period, but could not get over the hump to challenge Leicester late.
The Riders came out firing, bolting out to a 15-4 lead after drilling their first three threes. Their defence locked in from the tip-off, holding the Gladiators to just two makes from their first eight attempts as they built an early double-digit advantage.
Marc Loving helped set the tone on defence, sending Jeremiah Bailey’s shot back with authority midway through the first quarter. Loving ended the period with nine points to pair with his block, as the Riders continued their dominance to go up 30-13.
7’3” Menzies got to work on the glass to start the second, coming up with two second-chance baskets inside.
But the Gladiators stalled the Riders’ surge in the early stages of the quarter, cutting the lead to 11, led by eight points off the bench from Jordan Burns.
The Gladiators had momentum through most of the second quarter, but the Riders had the best of the running going into halftime. They exploded with two minutes remaining, scoring 10 straight points to re-establish their advantage, topped off with an Evan Walshe and-one.
In an attempt to get back into the tie, Caledonia came out firing to a 16-5 start to the second half. Tape put up nine points to make his game total 19, the 6’10 center getting to the basket effectively.
The visitor’s run made it a six-point contest midway through the third period, triggering another Riders response. Kimbal Mackenzie led the run, scoring five straight points to get it underway, including a tough three off the dribble.
The quarter ended 66-56 to the Riders, with a Walshe corner three concluding the action.
Leicester carried their momentum through to the final period, scoring seven straight points to get it underway. The points made it an 18-7 after the Gladiators cut it to six in the third.
Having started the fourth the better of the teams, the Riders saw out the game professionally to advance to the final. Derryck Thornton and Zach Jackson’s late threes sealed a hard-fought Riders victory.
The Riders now face a quick turnaround, as they face the Manchester Giants on the road on Friday. A win would put them top of the BBL Championship standings with an 11-4 record.
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.
Caledoniaback 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.
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!
The Riders are gearing up for BBL Championship action, heading to the North East to take on the Newcastle Eagles! They look to make it nine wins out of their last 10, to improve their league record to 10-4.
Riders on the road
This game will be Leicester’s ninth away fixture of the year. They’ve won 50% of these games, positioning them third in the BBL Championship standings after a recent run of good form.
A win in this one would make it four on the bounce in all competitions, with the Riders’ offence executing with elite efficiency on this winning streak.
They lead the BBL in field goal, three-point and free-throw percentage, their offence producing the second most points in the league.
Their shooting form was on full display in their previous game, as they scored 100 points against the Caledonia Gladiators. Leicester shot 57.6% from the field and 42.1% from three, led by Patrick Whelan’s emphatic 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The Riders last faced the Eagles in the BBL Cup quarter-final, booking their spot in the semis with a 94-75 win. Marc Loving’s 27 points led the team to the next round, where they will take on the Caledonia Gladiators on December 21.
Loving went 10-12 from the floor and 5-5 from three, and will hope for another elite performance in this fixture!
Eagles’ season so far
Facing their historic rivals is a golden opportunity for the Eagles to get their season on track after a 2-9 start. They enter the game on a four-game winless streak but will take encouragement from their previous fixture.
It was a closely fought encounter against a talented Caledonia Gladiators team, resulting in an 81-77 loss. The Eagles were up double digits with 7:30 on the clock, but the Gladiators finished strong to secure the win.
Newcastle was led by Darius Defoe, the most decorated player in BBL history with 27 trophies to his name, who scored 20 points in the tie. The 15-year Eagle rolled back the clock in a vintage performance, as the big man dominated inside to make 66% of his shots.
The Eagles can take confidence from their ball-sharing ability, as they average the third most assists in the BBL this season. They’ll aim to display their best brand of team basketball to secure a win from the reigning league champions.
Key matchup
GB international Patrick Whelan is leading the Riders in scoring for the second straight season, putting up 15.9 points per game on a red-hot 49.3% from deep.
The Warrington-born shooting guard was named to the Molten BBL Team of the Year last season and has continued his form into his second Riders year. His 25 points in his previous game was a season-high points tally, earning him a place in the BBL ALL-Star Five last week.
“Pat’s a great player. When he lines up a three-point shot I think it’s going down, and more importantly, he thinks it’s going down,” said coach Rob Paternostro after the game.
“He’s a confident player who’s a team-first guy, and he does a lot of little things. His teammates did a great job of finding him tonight.”
Facing up against him in the backcourt is Newcastle’s leading scorer on the season, Javion Hamlet. The American guard is scoring 19.2 points per game for the Eagles this season and is the fourth-highest scorer in the BBL.
The former North Texas Mean Green was a two-star recruit coming out of high school but proved all doubters wrong in his college career when he put up 15 points per game as a sophomore. He is an automatic scorer at all three levels and will look for a big scoring night against the Riders.
Hamlet went off for a season-high 31 points against the Plymouth City Patriots in October and has scored over 25 points on three other occasions this season.
The 24-year-old can go off for huge numbers on any given night, so Whelan and the Riders will have to bring their best defensive effort against him to slow him down.
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.
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.”
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.
Caledoniafinding 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.
Following an extensive recruitment process carried out by the league’s board of directors, Radin’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for the BBL as the league looks to accelerate its growth to achieve its full potential.
Radin moves to the BBL after compiling a successful track record across a 30-year professional career. He has held increasingly senior-level positions at a multitude of sports, media and tech organisations such as the NBA, The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal and Meta. His extensive knowledge of the commercial landscape surrounding the sport will help take the league to exciting new heights.
Alongside his professional background, Radin has been significantly involved in his community for over 20 years through volunteering as a basketball coach, and helping to lead a grassroots program which helped generate opportunities for hundreds of inner-city youth to expand their educational and professional opportunities through the sport.
Speaking on the appointment, British Basketball League Director, Lenz Balan said:
“We are thrilled to be welcoming Aaron to the BBL. His professional achievements, and passion for and understanding of the sport, make him the ideal leader to take British Basketball to the next level during this exciting period of growth.
“It has been a truly remarkable year for the league and Aaron’s appointment highlights our commitment to accelerating the commercial growth of the BBL and the longer term success of our clubs, players and partners both domestically and in Europe.”
Speaking on his arrival as the league’s CEO, Aaron Radin said:
“I am thrilled to join the British Basketball League at this critical point in its history. Between the new investment of capital into the league, the creation of new broadcast partnerships and the return to European competition, the BBL is just beginning to deliver on its goal to generate joy for its fans and value for its marketing and distribution partners. I am excited for the challenge to help the league fully deliver on that promise and I look forward to working with our clubs, owners and investors, as we join forces to become one of the most competitive and exciting basketball leagues in the world.
“We are committed to continuing to attract the most talented players to the British Basketball League from across the globe, as well as providing a platform for British athletes to fulfil their potential here in the UK as well as on the global stage.”
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.
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.”
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.
Leicester Riders will host Caledonia Gladiators in the BBL Cup Semi Final on Wednesday 21 December, 7.45pm tip.
Riders will be looking to use home advantage with a big crowd, to help take them back to Birmingham after defeating Manchester Giants in last years’ final. This years’ format means that the semi final is one leg with the outcome decided on the night.
The Riders got the best of the Newcastle Eagles, winning to advance to the semi-finals of the BBL Cup.
Marc Loving led the team with 27 points, his fourth 20-point performance on the season. He scored 11 in the first quarter to get the Riders rolling, and went 10-12 from the field and 5-5 from three on the game.
He was one of two 20-point scorers for Leicester, as Derryck Thornton put up 21 in 25 minutes. The California-born point guard attacked the rim relentlessly, going 8-9 from the free-throw line and 6-12 from the field.
The Riders put up an efficient and clean offensive effort. They shot 49% from the floor, 43% from three and turned the ball over just eight times to blow out their long-standing rivals.
Kyle Johnson put up big offensive numbers for the visiting Eagles. The Canadian guard put up 24 points, six rebounds and four assists in an effort to swing the scoreboard in his team’s favour.
Loving caught fire to get the Riders’ offence firing early, scoring 11 of the team’s first 15 points to pull back an early eight-point deficit. After the slow start, the Ohio native’s electric play got the Riders in rhythm to make a quick recovery.
They finished the first up 24-20, and the sides continued to trade baskets in the early stages of the second. Thornton was the hot hand midway through the period, making back-to-back buckets, including an and-one on the fastbreak.
With two and a half minutes remaining in the half, Jubril Adekoya, returning to the lineup after missing the previous game through injury, hit a corner three to give Leicester a seven-point lead: their biggest of the night.
The triple saw momentum shift the Riders’ way, and Kimbal Mackenzie dished a flashy pass to a cutting Darien Nelson-Henry to continue to grow the lead.
Mackenzie drops it off to Nelson-Henry for the dunk!
The Riders finished the half on a 10-0 run, going into the locker rooms up 49-37.
Zach Jackson came out into the second half gunning, scoring nine straight points to put the Riders up 20. Leicester started the third on a 17-6 run, making the run 27-6 since late in the second period.
Thornton got back to work, taking over from Jackson to bag seven points on the bounce. Mackenzie concluded the period with a two at the rim, as the Riders won the third 29-13.
The Riders saw the game out comfortably, led by Loving’s six points in the fourth to take a 21-point win.
Loving gets the defenders in the air before laying it in for two!
The Riders return to league action in their next fixture, heading to Surrey to take on the Scorchers. A win would see them improve to 8-4, and bring the season series against the Scorchers to 2-0.
Leicester Riders are delighted to partner with John Lewis at Highcross in Leicester, and open a brand new pop-up shop from now until the end of December!
Shoppers will be able to buy all official Riders merchandise including a brand new range of products ahead of Christmas.
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.
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!
The Riders improve their season record to 7-3, after a gritty 71-58 win against the Sheffield Sharks.
A 21-11 fourth quarter saw the Riders win a closely fought contest, where the Sharks’ kept the hosts honest throughout. Zach Jackson led the scoring with 17 points, 11 coming in the final period to see out the game.
The Sharks’ BBL-best defence proved a tough test for Leicester, whose three-point shooting saw them build a lead late. They shot 40% from deep and held their opponents to 27%, which proved the difference between the sides.
Kimbal Mackenzie continued his hot form, providing a hot hand from the bench. He did not miss from the field, scoring 11 points in 15 minutes of action.
The opening stages were closely fought between two great defensive outfits. Both sides struggled to find an offensive rhythm, but the Riders closed the quarter with a 9-0 run, led by four points and an assist from Jackson.
His assist fed new man Aaron Menzies for his first points in Riders’ red, slamming it down with two hands to get the home fans on their feet. They ended the first up 15-10, and with the wind in their sails.
Menzies throws it down for his first @BBLofficial points!
The Sharks fought back in the second, playing tough defence to keep it a low-scoring affair. Bennet Koch got to work down low, scoring 12 of his team’s 32 points by halftime. The Sharks won the second 22-15, to go into the half up 32-30.
The sides fought closely in the third, as the score remained within a score throughout the period. Marc Loving concluded the action in the quarter with a three to put Leicester up 50-47.
The Riders burst out the gate in the fourth, taking the game by the reigns. Jackson’s finish in close made it 54-47 a minute and a half into the final period of play.
The Riders kept their hands in the lane, their intense defensive pressure forcing five Sharks turnovers early in the quarter. They kept the Sharks at arm’s length, as Patrick Whelan’s three made it a ten-point game with three minutes remaining.
Jackson kept the foot on the accelerator, draining another three for his 11th points of the fourth. Darien Nelson-Henry’s putback sealed the deal with half a minute remaining, securing a hard-fought win.
“Defensively, I thought we were excellent tonight,” said coach Rob Paternostro post-game. “Holding them to 58 points, 30 in the second half, is a great effort, and it’s something that’s been a point of focus for us.”
“They played good defence too. They like to play slow-paced games, and the important thing was not to panic. It’s easy for guys to get out of rhythm a bit, but we were solid in the second half, and we’ve got a lot of veteran guys who understand what it takes to get a win.”
The Riders take a trek up north for their next future, heading to Scotland to take on the Caledonia Gladiators for the second time this season. A win would see them improve to 8-3, as they contest the top spot in the BBL Championship standings.
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!
Riders are thrilled to confirm the signing of Great Britain International Aaron Menzies.
The 7’3” big man will join Riders on a return from International duty after a buy-out deal was agreed with German side Dresden Titans for his services.
Aaron, who spent his college career stateside with Seattle Redhawks and Saint Mary’s Gaels, started his professional career in Spain for Ourense and HLA Alicante. He joined Dresden at the start of the 2022-23 season, averaging 8.6 points a game for the Titans.
“I’m excited to be returning to the UK,” reflected Menzies. “After six and a half seasons playing overseas it’s great for me to play in front of my family and friends again week in and week out.”
“I spoke to Pat (Whelan) and he had nothing but good things to say about the Riders. It’s a great club with a history of success. I can’t wait to get started and continue that success with some silverware before the end of the season.”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro commented:
“It’s an exciting signing for us. He’s a guy that we’ve been paying attention to over the last two years with him being from the UK.”
“He’s had a great start to the season this year. We feel that we’ve added a player with size and an ability to change the game for us. We are all looking forward to having him wear red.”
Menzies will play for Great Britain again on Monday in Latvia, having made his debut on Friday night in Newcastle.
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.
“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.
Report: Riders beat Phoenix to win three on the bounce
The Riders make it three wins on the bounce, beating the Cheshire Phoenix 89-85. their record is now 5-3, as they climb up the BBL Championship standings.
Patrick Whelan led the team with 16 points, as five Riders hit double-digit points in the win. Kimbal Mackenzie scored a season-high 12 points, scoring eight in the final period to keep the Riders’ offence ticking off the bench.
Leicester needed every one of the points in a closely fought game. It was a one-possession game with 20 seconds remaining before Zach Jackson hit a free throw and came up with a stop on defence to seal it.
For Cheshire, Marcus Evans and Tahjai Teague ran the show off the bench. Evans scored 15 from the perimeter, going 3-3 from deep and 5-10 from the field, while Teague put on a strong showing down low, scoring 14 points and going 5-7 in the paint.
But in a contest which was closely fought wire-to-wire, it was the reigning champs who used their wealth of experience to put one in the win column.
Derryck Thornton picked up where he left off in his last fixture, where he led the team with 21 points. Thornton scored six of the team’s first 12 points, helping them to a stalemate at the end of one.
Jackson also got points on the board early, bagging seven through the first ten minutes.
Little separated the teams through a half, with the biggest lead for either team standing at just four points after the second. The score was 40-38 in Cheshire’s favour, as Maceo Jack drove inside to give the Phoenix the lead to close the period.
By halftime, the Riders had hit just two of their 14 three-point attempts, staying in the game through their offensive rebounding, grabbing seven to Cheshire’s one. On the other end, the Phoenix hit 42% of their threes at the half, with 6’4” sharpshooter Llyod Daniel’s going 2-2.
Jackson got the second half going for the Riders, hitting his second and-one layup of the game. The Wichita native’s play lit a fire under Leicester’s offence, which scored 11 points in the next two minutes to build a seven-point advantage.
The Riders kept the Phoenix at arm’s length for the rest of the third, but their opponents battled to keep in it. Teague and Evans scored 13 between them in the final five minutes of the quarter for the Phoenix, with six of those points coming from the foul line.
But Jubril Adekoya had the final say in the third, nailing a corner three at the buzzer to make it 67-61 in Leicester’s favour.
Three minutes into the fourth, Kimbal Mackenzie snatched momentum for the Riders to stretch their lead to double-digits. Following his layup inside, the Riders forced a turnover off the inbound before Mackenzie hit a tough and-one fadeaway from the corner, sending the Morningside Arena into a frenzy.
Mackenzie scored eight in the final quarter to keep his side ahead, as the Phoenix fought to keep it close. Will Neighbour and Evan’s hit two straight threes with a minute remaining, which cut the lead to three.
Leicester put the ball in Jackson’s hands to seal the game with 20 seconds remaining. He took his defender one-on-one, drew a foul in the lane and hit a free throw to put them up four. He then took up his defensive assignment in isolation, locking up former Rider Jamell Anderson to win it.
The Riders are back in action on Sunday, taking on the Plymouth City Patriots on the road. A win would see them move up to second in the standings with 10 points.
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.
“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.
Riders are devastated to confirm that Mo Walker has ruptured his achilles and will be out for the rest of the season.
We would like to thank Spire Hospital for their on-going support of our players & programme. Their partnership has enabled Mo to receive the very best care as he prepares to undergo surgery in the coming days.
Everyone at the Riders would like to wish Mo all the best with his recovery.
The Riders secured back-to-back wins over a weekend of games after beating the Sheffield Sharks 86-72.
In an exceptional team effort, the Riders had four starters score over 15 points in the game. They were led by 21 points from Derryck Thornton, the 6’3” point guard shooting 50% from the field.
Leicester exploded for a 24-13 third quarter, after falling down 15 five minutes into the period. Zach Jackson scored nine points in five minutes to end the third to build the Riders’ foundation to see the game out.
As a team, the Riders shot 47% from the field and 43% from three in a red-hot shooting night. Patrick Whelan led the charge from deep, making four of his seven attempts.
The Sharks enjoyed the better start of the sides, getting off to a 10-0 start. They scored eight points at the basket, finding success attacking the bucket. Following a timeout, the Riders’ found their feet offensively to stall the Sharks’ progress. They won the rest of the quarter 15-14, led by four from Thornton.
The hosts responded with an 11-3 run, still finding joy in the paint to get another eight points inside.
Thornton put the scoring load on his back to get Leicester back into the tie. He attacked the rim, getting two and-one plays using his speed and athleticism to explode to the hoop. The Riders put their first dent into the Sheffield lead, cutting the game to four following a Patrick Whelan triple.
They rode the momentum into the half, finishing the second with threes from Whelan and Kimbal Mackenzie to enter the locker rooms down 44-43.
The teams traded buckets in the third, with the score remaining within a possession seven minutes in. Zach Jackson attacked the rim with 5:45 left in the period, laying it in with his left to give the Riders their first lead of the afternoon.
Two minutes later, Jackson put two more on the board in explosive fashion. The Riders ran the fastbreak, and Jubril Adekoya threw up a lob from behind the three-point line to Jackson, who rose up high and threw it down.
Jackson took the game over, going on to score seven in 90 seconds to give his side a 10-point lead entering the fourth.
Leicester continued the scoring barrage to start the final period, and Loving and Whelan hit threes to make it 73-57. Whelan scored eight in the final quarter, as the Riders held the Sharks at arm’s length to see out the win.
“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.”
“I thought our second unit did a great job turning the game around. Their impact on the game in the first half allowed us to be in the position in the second half to win.”
The Riders return home on Friday, taking on the Cheshire Phoenix in the hopes of getting their record above .500.
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.”
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.
Thornton knocks down the three pushing the lead to 11!
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.
The Riders put one in the win column, improving to 3-3 with a 91-73 victory against the Bristol Flyers. A monster 34-point performance from Marc Loving led a dominant second-half display, as Leicester secured a much-needed win.
Loving’s 34 came in 36 minutes, shooting 13-17 from the field and a red-hot 6-8 from three. The Ohio-born sharpshooter torched the Flyers’ defence all night long, from all over the court in a first-class scoring night.
On the other end, he had two blocks and steals to round off a complete showing, dominating every area of the game. The Riders shot 54% from the field and 46% from field to support their star forward.
The Flyers hung around until late, losing the fourth quarter 27-15. They went 10-21 from three to keep it close, led by a 24-point double-double by VJ King.
The Riders hit their stride early, as Zach Jackson fired out the gate with nine points in the opening five minutes. They jumped out to a 20-12 lead, and Jubril Adekoya forced a Flyers timeout after great defence at the rim leading to his bucket in transition.
Jackson finishes through the contact plus the foul!
The Flyers fought back, as Tevin Olison hit two threes on his way to 10 points in six minutes. The 6’4” guard’s play gave his team the lead two minutes into the second period.
Blake Bowman sparked life back into the Riders’ offence, which stalled momentarily. The first-year pro ran the fast break before rising high and throwing it down over the contesting Brandon Mayhan.
The second quarter was a dunk party, as Loving and Derryck Thornton made their own highlights. Thornton picked Corey Samuels’ pockets before raising the roof with a monster jam, before Loving did a spin move to attack the baseline and put one in with two hands.
Loving tied the game up two minutes later with a three from the wing for his 12th points of the evening. The Ohio State graduate then grabbed a steal on the other end with 24 seconds left, before blocking VJ King at the rim to give the Riders the halftime lead.
He kept his hot hand to start the third, hitting a three from each corner to make it a seven-point lead. He scored 10 straight at the start of the third, torching the Flyers to build the lead.
They held the lead going into the fourth, but Bristol clawed back points to make it close with 10 minutes to play. King, who had 24 points at the end of three, made an and-one play to close the third to make it 64-58 to Leicester.
Conner Washington took the reigns to open the fourth, scoring four quick points to snatch momentum back. Loving checked back in and put points on the board on his first possession, making it a 12-point lead. He made a three a minute later to hit the 30-point mark.
Loving hits the three to take him to 34 points personal!
The Riders saw it out professionally, keeping their foot on the pedal to maintain their distance from the Flyers. Evan Walshe concluded the action with a two inside
“Tonight was a really good win for us. Playing at home makes a big difference, and 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.”
“I think Jubril Adekoya was very good defensively in the center position. He defended the pick and roll really well, he’s great at that. We love him defensively, he’s one of the best defenders in the league, and he relishes the challenge.”
Playing more minutes in the absence of the injured Mo Walker, Adekoya played tough defence inside all night.
“Rebounding was the focus against this team,” said Adekoya.”They play aggressively, especially on offence, and we knew that and had to take control of it.”
“We needed to get back on track. 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.”
The Riders are back in action on Sunday, heading to Sheffield to take on the Sharks. A win would put them above .500 for the first time this season.
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.
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.
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.
The Riders take on the Caledonia Gladiators on the road, for the second game of a doubleheader. They hold a 2-2 record going into the game, as they look to get over .500.
Riders back on track
After starting the season on a three-game road trip, which they finished with a 1-2 record, the Riders returned home for their season opener on Friday. The result was an emphatic 102-89 win against a tough Manchester Giants team, who fought the Riders wire to wire.
“It felt great to be home, especially after spending the first three games on the road,” said Patrick Whelan after putting up 20 points in the win. “We needed to get a good, comfortable win under our belt.”
Joining him with 20 points in the scoring column was Zach Jackson, who returned to the team after missing the last two games through injury.
“He’s such a good team player and competitor’” said head coach Rob Paternostro. “He’s not 100%, but he told me yesterday: ‘I’m going to play.’ You never have any doubts about Zach Jackson.”
The Riders shot the lights out in the game, making 48% of their threes. In an efficient scoring night, they blew the tie open in the third quarter and held on until the final buzzer.
They will look to replicate their performance in Scotland, building on the momentum found against the Giants.
A new era in Glasgow
The re-branded Gladiators host their first game of the season, after starting their campaign with three straight road games. They split the results 1-2, as they look to get back to .500 in this one.
Big news came out of Scotland this offseason, with the retirement of player/coach Gareth Murray, who has taken up full-time coaching responsibilities for the club. The GB sharpshooter’s absence forced Caledonia to move into a new phase of their franchise, without their star man.
In the early stages of the year, it’s first-year pro David Sloan whose taken up the mantle as the team’s leader. He’s averaged a team-high of 14.7 points, scoring 22 in his debut against the London Lions.
Despite Sloan’s efforts, they dropped the game against London despite playing the Lions close. They picked up their only win in Sheffield, beating the Sharks 74-70, before losing big to Cheshire in their previous game. They’ll hope to get one over on the reigning champs to build some momentum in their season.
Key matchup
Rookie point guard David Sloan has hit the ground running in Caledonia, the 6’0” Kentucky native getting points on the board from the get-go. His 22 points in the season opener came with six rebounds and assists, knocking down four threes.
Sloan graduated from East Tennessee State, playing his final two college seasons there. He scored 12.6 points and dished five assists per game in his final season, before crossing the Atlantic for the BBL.
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.
Faced with the task of guarding him is Riders legend Conner Washington, who is playing in his 11th season in Leicester. Washington has won everything there is to win in the BBL, with 14 pieces of silverware to his name after adding three more last season.
The Bedford-born guard is respected around the BBL as an intelligent veteran, playing to an elite standard on both ends. He has earned Molten BBL Defensive Team of the Year honours on three separate occasions.
He reached deep into his bag of tricks in the Riders Basketball Champions League clash against CSO Voluntari, leading the team with 14 points and injecting energy into the Leicester offence off the bench.
Washington showed he can still bounce with the best of them and will bring his A-game against Sloan in this one.
Where to watch
The fixture will be streamed live on the British Basketball League Youtube channel; tipping-off is at 5 pm.
The Riders’ wing tandem led them through the game, as GB guard Patrick Whelan and Omaha graduate Zach Jackson scored 20 each. Jackson also grabbed 10 boards, putting up a monster double-double after missing the last two games through injury.
The Riders cooked from deep, scoring 48% of their three-point attempts. They shot 56% from the field in an efficient shooting night. They showed their depth of shooting, as seven players contributed from behind the arc.
The Giants fought from wire to fire, coming back multiple times to keep the Riders on their toes. By halftime, Rahmon Fletcher, William Lee and Tahj Green scored double-digit points, but the visitors could not keep up with Leicester’s offensive effort.
After a slow start, falling into an 11-2 hole, two quick threes from Jackson and Conner Washington clicked their offence into gear. Jackson exploded for seven points in five minutes in his return to the lineup.
Leicester got back into the game from deep, as threes rained for the hosts. They made five in the first, and shot 56% from the field to take the lead with two minutes remaining. The Riders rode the wave of momentum into the second and maintained their shooting form. Back-to-back threes from Jackson and Kimbal Mackenzie stretched the lead to 11.
Mackenzie knocks down the three to put Riders up 11!
The Giants fought back, as their leading scorer, Green, strung together some baskets. His putback, which followed a deep three, cut it to one possession. The teams traded buckets before Whelan hit a shot at the buzzer to make it 53-49 at the half.
Three minutes into the second half, Whelan kept firing with his hot hand to drain consecutive triples. He scored eight straight points to rebuild the Riders’ lead, as they look to reestablish their foothold in the game.
They kept their foot on the pedal, continuing to get points on the board to make it a 19-point affair. Three Corey Johson free-throws to close the quarter cut into the Riders’ lead, but they still held a significant advantage after winning the third period 30-18.
The Giants showed heart in the fourth, crashing the glass on every possession to score second-chance points. With five minutes left in the tie, they’d cut the game to 12 points following a Lee jam.
They went to their captain to settle the nerves. Darien Nelson-Henry took the ball down low, backed down Lee and hit a smooth fadeaway at the buzzer to regain control of the game.
After Nelson-Henry’s bucket, the Riders were able to see out the game, going 11-7. Jackson’s midrange jumper rounded off a professional Riders performance.
“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 game.
On Jackson’s performance, he said “He’s such a great team player and competitor. He’s not 100%, but he told me yesterday ‘I’m going to play.’ You never have any doubts about Zach Jackson!”
The Riders play the second of a doubleheader, heading to Glasgow on Sunday to take on the Caledonia Gladiators. They look to move to a winning record, before returning home next Friday to host the Flyers.
The Riders host their season opener for the 2022/23 season following a three-game road trip to start the season. They take on the Manchester Giants, who have won four of their first five games this year.
It's GAMEDAY! Back in RED, our first home game of the season is tonight!
After spending their first three games on the road this season, the Riders return to the Morningside Arena to face the Giants. They went 1-2 through the opening three games, and are hoping to get back to .500 in this one.
Their previous game was a close loss to the undefeated Bristol Flyers, which finished up 91-85. The game was within a possession throughout most of the final period, but the Flyers found late momentum to win the tie.
Mo Walker’s 16-point performance was key to the Rider’s successes; the big man made a significant impact down low after a slow Leicester start. Derryck Thornton also enjoyed a 16-point effort, leading the team for the second straight game.
Through three games, the Riders have leant on their offence, scoring the third most points in the BBL. They’ll need to be at the top of their game against Manchester, who have acquired a squad of elite defenders.
A new era in the North West
The Giants saw significant changes to their franchise over the offseason, as they look to take a leap towards challenging for silverware this season.
They made moves for two legends of the British game, as esteemed head coach Vince Macaulay took charge at the helm, and two-time MVP Rahmon Fletcher made the move from Newcastle to run the point.
Joining Fletcher in the backcourt is 16-point-per-game scorer Dirk Williams, who made his name as one of the league’s elite last season with the London Lions.
Some former Riders return to the Morningside Arena, as William Lee and Corey Johnson will suit up in Giants’ colours after winning the league in Leicester in 2021. But it’s American rookie Tahj Green who is setting the tone in Manchester healing into this one, scoring 21.2 points per game and setting the league alight with a monster dunk in his previous game.
Early in the season, the offseason moves have been a rousing success for Manchester, as they won four of their first five games to put them third in the league table. They will hope to continue their red-hot form with a win in Leicester.
Key matchup
The two-time MVP comes to Leicester, as new Giants’ acquisition Rahmon Fletcher will run the Manchester point. The Newcastle Eagles legend traded the North East to the North West this offseason, after leading the BBL in assists last year.
Fletcher spent seven years in Eagles’ colours, winning the MVP back-to-back in 2016 and 2017. In 2017, he put up 20.5 points and 6.6 assists per game, leading Newcastle to the league and playoffs double.
With a plethora of elite options at his disposal, Fletcher has continued to run the show in new colours, dropping 10 assists per game so far this year.
Lining up against him is another new signing, Leicester’s Derryck Thornton, who burst onto the scene in his first two BBL games. Thornton has led the team in scoring in both of his Riders appearances, averaging 18 points per game.
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
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.
With the fantastic expansion of Morningside Arena, and ahead of the first home game of the season this Friday against Manchester Giants – here’s all you need to know…
Tip times All Friday night home games will now tip-off at 7.45pm. This Friday there is a pre-game event!
Pre-game event This Friday we open our doors at 6pm – we have a special reveal of the new Mattioli courts with a live band, refreshments and activations. We’d love to see you there!
Arrivals Our Arena expansion means that access to games will be via the new entrance on Memory Lane. No access via Charter St.
Please use LE1 3UL on your sat nav, car parking is limited but several car parks close by are highlighted on the map below.
Post-game Live music, meet the players and refreshments available at the Mattioli courts post-game.
Tickets Tickets are still available for the game via this link. We do expect a bumper crowd so please arrive early!
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.
The Riders conclude their road trip to start the season in Bristol, where they will face the undefeated Flyers. They will hope to secure a win, bringing a 2-1 record back to Leicester.
First win on the board
The Riders secured their first win of the season with a dominant road win last time out. They blew out the Surrey Scorchers 86-67, winning the third quarter by 11 to blow the game open.
The story of the game was the dazzling debut of Derryck Thornton, the American guard going for 20 points in his first time in Riders colours. The California native exploded for 16 points in the first half, having not played since April, exciting Riders fans for his season ahead.
Thornton comes up with the and-1 for the 4-point play, and his first points in the @BBLofficial!
“I feel like as a team we played well collectively. We obviously have things to work on, but overall it was a good game,” said Thornton postgame.
“We came out really aggressive on defence, so maintaining will be important against Bristol. I like to push the ball a lot, so I think the more time I spend with the team, the more we can push it and get easy transition points.”
He was backed up by his backcourt partner Patrick Whelan, who scored 17 points in the game. The Riders shot an efficient 50% from the field and held their opponents to 37% to seal a significant road victory.
Flyers have lift-off
The Flyers are one of two undefeated teams in the BBL this season, starting their league campaign 3-0. Home wins against the Giants, Sharks and Patriots to begin the year have left the South-Westerners with high hopes for the rest of the year.
VJ King has been the standout of a talented Flyers roster, the former NBA G-Leager averaging 16 points and eight rebounds through two games this year. However, it was American two-guard Tevin Olison stealing the show off the bench in their previous fixture scoring 18 points in 21 minutes, draining three threes in the process.
The defence has been the key for the Flyers so far this season, as they boast the best defensive rating in the BBL in the opening stages of the season.
Combine this with their care for the basketball, turning the ball over at the lowest rate in the league, and the Flyers have their template going into the rest of the year.
Key matchup
Facing off against the Flyers’ new man VJ King will be fellow Ohio native Marc Loving, who has enjoyed an electric start to his second Riders season. Loving has averaged 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds through two games, setting up an exciting clash on the wing.
Like King, Loving arrived to the BBL from the NBA G-League, having played for the Delaware Bluecoats and the Agua Caliente ClippersThe 6’7” forward is a versatile scorer and defender, offering a ranged skillset to Rob Paternostro’s side.
In his debut season, Loving’s size and length gave him a strong defensive foundation, while his elite shooting ability combined with his 6’7” frame made him a dangerous weapon on offence.
On the other end, King spent his first two pro seasons with the Westchester Knicks, averaging 7.3 points per game last season. The Louisville graduate’s season high came on his Flyers debut, scoring 19 points against the Sheffield Sharks.
King can score from anywhere and loves to attack the rim with power. He’s an elite rebounder for his position and will give the Riders’ defence a difficult task with his strength and speed.
Players of both Leicester Riders and Bristol Flyers will wear warm-up t-shirts to celebrate Black History Month before Saturday’s away game.
Both sides represent multi-cultural cities and have a rich history of welcoming players from all backgrounds. Riders are also offering free advertising space on their big screens to local black-owned businesses for both home games this month. If you are a black-owned business and want to feature then please email details on your business/address and a 16:9 advert to peter@riders.basketball.
This week Riders’ Jubril Adekoya interviewed Mo Walker on what Black History Month means to him.
Kevin Routledge honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
We are thrilled to announce Leicester Riders chairman Kevin Routledge has won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 LeicestershireLive Business Awards.
Kevin’s years of contributions to basketball, the community and business were all recognised, with TV presenter & host Ben Hanlin presenting the award at the King Power Stadium.
All at the Riders would like to congratulate Kevin for winning the richly deserved award!
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.
Thornton comes up with the and-1 for the 4-point play, and his first points in the @BBLofficial!
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.
For the second of a three-game road trip, the Riders take on the Scorchers at Surrey Sports Park. Leicester look to get their title defence back on track with their first win of the season!
A hard-fought season opener
The Riders were faced with a tremendous task in their first game of the season, taking on the highly touted league contenders London Lions in the capital. Without their newly signed American point guard Derryck Thornton, they played the Lions close throughout but were unable to stage a late comeback.
There were positives to take from the game going into the rest of a long season. Last season’s leading scorer, GB sharpshooter Patrick Whelan, proved he hadn’t lost a step in the offseason, putting up 16 points in the game. But leading the fixture for Leicester was Ohio State graduate Marc Loving, the athletic wing scoring 21 points from 10 shots from the field.
Ahead of their clash with the Scorchers, the Riders hope for an important road win to begin to build momentum for their season ahead.
Scorchers look to bounce back
Surrey will hope for a rebound season after a 2-25 record left them propping up the BBL Championship table last year. A change at the helm was the foundation for a new beginning in Surrey, with the acquisition of former Manchester Giants head coach Lloyd Gardner representing the hope of a step in the right direction for the franchise.
Injury struggles provided the backdrop for last season’s struggles, so Surrey will hope to keep their roster healthy through the opening stages. The squad has been revamped for the start of Gardner’s role, with one of the promising acquisitions making his first leap into professional basketball this season.
Luke Busumbru is a homegrown young talent, who played for NBL D1 side Solent Kestrels for the last three seasons. The 6’3” guard scored 21 points in their season opener against the Cheshire Phoenix, but the team ultimately fell short in an 81-96 loss.
The Scorchers trailed wire to wire in the game, unable to slow down a potent Phoenix offence that shot 46% from deep. They will look to shore up their perimeter against the Riders as they hope to get one over on the reigning champions.
Key Matchup
Starting his season with a bang, sharpshooting stretch four Marc Loving’s 21 points against the London Lions will look to kick on from his emphatic performance in this one. Shooting 70% from the field, London struggled to live with the Ohio-born forward as he attacked the rim all night long.
Loving is a second-year Rider, having signed from the NBA G-League. The 6’7” forward is a versatile scorer and defender, offering a ranged skillset to Rob Paternostro’s side. In his debut season, Loving’s size and length gave him a strong defensive foundation, while his elite shooting ability combined with his 6’7” frame made him a dangerous weapon on offence.
Likely to be a Scorcher who will take on the task of guarding Loving is Kyle Carey, the 6’6” wing who is playing in his third BBL season. Carey played his first two BBL seasons in Cheshire, averaging six points in the North-West last season.
Carey put up eight points and five rebounds in 22 minutes against his former side in his previous game, making two of his four three-point attempts. London-born Carey played his role to great effect last year, scoring an efficient 47.8% from the field and 38.2% from three. He uses his length to fill passing lanes, and his speed and aggressiveness to punish sleeping defences at the rim.
Where to watch
The game takes place on Saturday, tipping off at 6 pm. It will be available to watch on the British Basketball League YouTube channel.
The Riders tipped off their title defence with an 89-78 loss on the road against the London Lions. Falling in a hole early, the Riders fought resiliently to stay in the game, but fell short of a comeback late on.
Marc Loving led the team with 21 points, the stretch four having an efficiently brilliant night to lead the Leicester performance. He shot 7/10 from the field and made all six of his free throws in a solid scoring effort.
He was backed up by Whelan, the team’s leading scorer last season adding 16 more points to his Riders tally. In the end, however, Leicester could not overcome their early deficit, despite playing the Lions close for the remainder of the contest.
Following a 12-2 Lions start, the Riders pivoted to a big lineup to climb back into the game. Loving, Mo Walker and Jubril Adekoya made up a towering Leicester frontcourt, shoring up the inside and stemming the tide.
Despite the battling big men working down low for Leicester, an 11-4 run midway through the second period saw London take their biggest lead of the night: 41-25.
The champs fought back, responding with a 6-0 run led by four points from Loving, and the teams traded baskets before entering the locker rooms, the score 47-36.
Loving picked up the second half where he left off the first, scoring six quick points to open the scoring for Leicester. The Ohio State graduate came out the gunning, forcing the issue to get points on the board.
The Riders traded baskets with their opponents throughout the third, staying within striking distance going into the final period. Just 11 points separated the sides as the buzzer sounded to end the third quarter.
Whelan got the offence underway in the fourth, nailing a corner three to cut it to single digits. But despite the momentum built from their GB sharpshooter, the Riders could not string together enough scores to come away with a win.
The Riders continue their three-game road trip to start the season, heading to Surrey to take on the Scorchers next week. The game takes place on Saturday 8th October, as the Riders look to bounce back and get themselves into the win column.
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.
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.
Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of American point guard Derryck Thornton! The high-flying playmaker adds to an exciting Riders roster looking to build on last season’s treble-winning success.
“I’m really excited and eager to get going,” commented Derryck Thornton.
“I know it’s a really competitive league, with great fans. I’m just really excited to get out here and compete.”
The third-year pro averaged 18.4 points and 5.4 assists per game in the Austrian first division last season, playing for Riders’ captain Darien Nelson-Henry’s former side 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.
“We are happy to have Derryck with the team,” commented Head Coach Rob Paternostro. “He is an explosive guard who we feel will add a lot to our team.”
“He has certainly performed at high levels in college and has two seasons of international play under his belt.”
“He is a guard that can score and facilitate, he can get into open spaces and eliminate defenders. He has great quickness and a good feel for the game.”
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.
Thornton replaces guard CJ Jackson who has parted company with the Riders. All at the Riders would like to wish CJ the very best for the future.
The Riders fell just short in the opening round of the Basketball Champions League Qualifiers, losing 70-61 to CSO Voluntari to conclude their venture into Europe.
The deficit was just four points with three minutes remaining, after they fell down double-digits in the third quarter. But the Romanian side had enough to hold onto the lead, knocking down their late free throws to secure the win.
Conner Washington led the team with 14 points, the 11-year Rider taking the game by the reigns to lead the comeback. The Bedford-born point guard injected energy into the Leicester offence off the bench, driving into the heart of the Voluntari defence to make plays for his team.
But despite late momentum, which built from late in the third, Leicester fell just short of the win.
The Riders found their feet quickly in the game. The benefits of retaining most of last season’s roster were evident, as a 7-2 Leicester start followed the tip-off. The teams exchanged jabs through the first period, which ended 20-16 in Leicester’s favour after buckets inside from Jubril Adekoya and Mo Walker.
A strong 7-2 start for the team against Voluntari and we lead by four at the end of the first!
There was little to separate the sides through half of the game. Walker continued to do damage inside, leading the game’s scoring at halftime with nine. However, Voluntari held the advantage heading into the locker rooms, snatching the lead at the buzzer.
It was Texas Tech graduate Toddrick Gotcher who had the final say of the half, nailing a halfcourt shot to take the Romanian’s first lead of the quarter.
In the third, Voluntari clicked into gear, forging a double-digit lead with three minutes remaining in the quarter. The Riders responded in gritty fashion, fighting hard to maintain a foothold in the tie.
Washington stepped up, leading the charge back into the game for Leicester. He took it to the Voluntari defence, drawing fouls before nailing a three as the clock ticked down in the quarter to cut the deficit to seven.
A blown dunk from Voluntari’s Tekele Cotton concluded the third, with the Riders in touching distance with a quarter to play.
Down 10 with five minutes remaining, Leicester made their charge back into the game. It was Washington again, forcing a Voluntari timeout with a deep two to make it a six-point affair.
With three minutes on the clock, new arrival CJ Jackson drained a three to keep Riders’ hopes alive, cutting the Voluntari lead to four. But there was not enough clock to complete the comeback, as they fell just short.
The Riders now turn their attention to their domestic campaign, with a trip to London up next. They face the Lions at the Copperbox Arena next Friday, hoping to start their title defence with a win in the nation’s capital.
On the day of our return to European competition, Leicester Riders have highlighted the fantastic support it has received from sponsors for its BCL Campaign, Jelson Homes, Morningside Pharmaceuticals, Lumbers Jewellers and Hilton Leicester.
“Over my time as MD of Leicester, Jelson Homes have been a critical sponsor in support of this club. We have been on a journey with Robert and the Jelson team and we are so thankful for all they do for us.”
“They have been a major part of our success over the last 15 years and we are thrilled to have them on board as we compete in the Basketball Champions League.”
“Morningside Pharmaceuticals, Lumbers Jewellers and Hilton Leicester, are three names that the Leicester fans will know well. Morningside have played a huge role since becoming the Arena’s naming rights sponsor, we are tremendously grateful that this has expanded to support our team.”
“Lumbers Jewellers have been a supporter of our club for many years, and we are delighted to have them on board again for this European adventure.”
“Hilton Leicester, have come on board this season and again are crucial for us to be able to host these high-level teams at the very best of hotel complexes.”
“All our sponsors have made this European adventure possible.”
Managing Director of Jelson Homes, Robert Jelly commented:
“To see the Riders play in Europe again is fantastic for the community of Leicester but also British Basketball as a whole. We are so happy to support the club over the last 15 years and look forward to seeing the club progress.”
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, Chairman of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, said:
“As the named partner of the Morningside Arena, Leicester, we’re very proud of the huge success of the Leicester Riders, who call the venue their home.
“The Riders’ six British Basketball League titles have really put Leicester and the Morningside Arena on the map, so it’s great to also see them competing against the best teams in Europe, as part of this prestigious international basketball tournament.
“From everyone at Morningside Pharmaceuticals, we would like to wish the Team the best of fortune in the European Champions League qualifiers and beyond.”
Managing Director of Lumbers, Dominic Gomersall commented:
“We are delighted and proud to have helped the most successful British Basketball in their quest for European recognition. At a time that patriotic thoughts are at a high – Riders will work hard to wave the Union Jack successfully in this hard fought and ultra-competitive league.”
Director at Valary Hotels, Rajiv Nathwani, owners of Hilton Leicester commented:
“It is a pleasure to support basketball in Leicester and to see The Riders competing in European competition. I wish the team the very best for the upcoming qualifiers and look forward to being a small part of the continuing success on and off the court.”
Tonight’s game against Voluntari will be streamed LIVE on the BBL’s Youtube Channel at 5pm (UK time).
The Riders tip-off their European campaign with a trip to North Macedonia for the first round of the Basketball Champions League qualifiers. There, at the Boris Trajkovski Sports Centre, they will take on Romanian side CSO Voluntari in the hopes of progressing to the second qualifying round.
The Qualification Round is a three-round knockout format, with the winners of four separate tournaments achieving qualification for the BCL regular season. The teams were drawn against each other based on their BCL ranking, and unseeded teams were seeded according to their country ranking.
To qualify for the BCL regular season, the Riders need to win three straight qualifying games against increasingly difficult opposition.
CSO Voluntari- Recent successes
This game marks Voluntari’s first venture into the BCL, having enjoyed the most successful period of the franchise’s history in recent seasons.
They are the reigning champions of the Romanian Cup, an annual cup competition, and finished runners-up in the Liga Națională last season. They entered European competition for the first time in the 2020/21 season, making the second round of the FIBA Europe Cup.
Competing on the continent represented the recent successes the franchise has experienced domestically, allowing them to make the leap into BCL qualification. Voluntari have won two pieces of silverware in their 17-year existence and will hope to continue to build on their highest-ever league finish from last season.
“We have to prepare for a very good Romanian team,” commented head coach Rob Paternostro ahead of the game. “
“They’ve recruited high-level players, and they’re a European team that’s in it for the whole season. We’ve got to come out and continue to play defence. This will be the biggest challenge we’ve had so far.”
Key matchup
American guard Toddrick Gotcher represents the biggest Voluntari threat to the Riders after leading his team with 15 points per game last season. He will face up in the backcourt against Zach Jackson, who impressed in preseason, earning Premier Logistics player of the game versus Dutch side Donar Groningen.
Gotcher is a Texas Tech graduate who led his college to the NCAA Tournament in his senior year. He then spent his first professional season in the prestigious Greek first division and went on to compete in France, North Macedonia and Japan before signing with Voluntari last season.
Gotcher is a sharpshooter from deep, knocking down 39% of his three’s last season. He will need to be guarded closely by Jackson, who established himself as one of the BBL’s elite perimeter defenders last year.
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.
The battle in the backcourt may prove to be pivotal to the game’s outcome, as the two sharpshooters duel it out from deep.
How can you watch?
The game will be available to watch here, on the BBL Official YouTube channel. Tip-off is 5pm UK time, so be sure to tune in to support your Riders!
While the Riders are in Basketball Champions League action this Wednesday the domestic league gets underway this Friday.
To celebrate the talent, culture and excitement around the league, the BBL and clubs have launched the “Know Our Name” campaign to ignite fans’ passion ahead of the start of the new season.
After an incredible 21/22 season which saw domestic attendance records broken, the BBL are looking to continue the momentum by launching the beginning of another year of exhilarating basketball action.
With players from across the league striving to be hero figures both on the court and in their local communities, fans are set to support their sides up and down the country, as they strive for glory when the season comes to it’s traditional thrilling end at the play-off finals at London’s 02 Arena on Sunday May 14th 2023.
With new signings making the move to the UK from Europe, American and fellow league rivals, the BBL and there is set to be some passionate and fiery match-ups throughout the season.
The BBL is one of the most culturally diverse league’s in the world, with 70% of its players hailing from BAME backgrounds (*Source: Sport England). Whilst the passion shines through on the court, the respect for the talent on show each week is clear to see from players, fans and coaches alike.
Ahead of the new season, Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston gave his hopes for the new season ahead:
“After returning the majority of our treble-winning roster, this season we have the added challenge of the Champions League Qualifiers. We feel that we’ve pulled together a roster to compete on all fronts with a sustainable approach that has brought us great success over the last 10 years.”
All Riders games throughout the season are available via the BBL’s YouTube channel, Sky Sports and the BBL player, so you won’t miss a minute of the action.
The Riders concluded a successful preseason campaign with a 76-72 win against back-to-back Swedish champions Norrköping Dolphins. They took the game by the reigns late, seizing their first lead of the second half in the fourth quarter and seeing it out in the clutch.
Big man Mo Walker led the team with 14 points and six rebounds. Walker went 6-12 from the fields in a dominant display down low, getting the better of his opposition inside all night long. Zach Jackson and Marc Loving backed up their big with double-digit nights of their own, scoring 13 and 12 points respectively.
The victory leaves Leicester undefeated in preseason, with back-to-back wins against Dutch side Donar Groningen following a 108-75 win against USA Select.
Just two points separated the sides at the half after the Riders came back from down eight to make it a two-point game entering the locker rooms. They showed competitive spirit throughout an intense preseason fixture, coming back from down almost double-digits on two occasions for a comeback victory.
“This team, on this court, no matter whether it’s September or April believes that somehow, someway they’ll get the job done,” said Paternostro postgame.
“Defensively we’ve really shown something, especially in the second half and fourth quarter of games. Our depth has really been key for us. We feel really confident with that second unit on the floor and I think that in the last three games the bench has really picked it up on defence and made a real impact.”
The Riders’ season tips off with an exciting fixture next Wednesday, as they take on Romanian side CSO Voluntari in the Basketball Champions League Qualifiers. A win would see them progress to the second round of qualifying, as the Riders hope to achieve qualification to the BCL regular season.
“Now it’s about preparing for a very good Romanian team. They’ve recruited high-level players, and they’re a European team that’s in it for the whole season. We’ve got to come out and continue to play defence. This will be the biggest challenge we’ve had so far.”
The game takes place in North Macedonia’s Boris Trajkovski Sports Centre, tipping off at 7pm. Details on how to watch will be announced in the coming days!
Leicester Riders today unveiled their brand new kit designs for the 2022-23 season!
With the side entering European competition, Riders have today launched their European Edition featuring sponsors Jelson Homes, Morningside Pharmaceuticals, and Hilton – Leicester.
Fans will get to see the new kits for the first time in person at tonight’s game with the squad sporting the brand new white kit!
Should Riders make it through the Champions League Qualifying the BCL patch will be added to the upper left side of the design.
Due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this evening’s game against Donar Groningen will be held behind closed doors out of respect.
Riders’ second preseason friendly against Donar on Sunday 11th, and their final preseason game against Norrkoping Dolphins on Wednesday 14th, will be played, and the clubs will pay their respect with a 2 minutes silence and wear black bands on their left shoulders.
Any tickets purchased for tonight’s game are transferable to one of the remaining friendly games, but if you already have tickets for these games, please contact us at tickets@leicesterarena.co.uk with your name and booking reference number and we will refund your tickets.
We appreciate this may not be the news you wanted to hear but thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Ahead of an eagerly anticipated FIBA EuroBasket 2022 that will see some of the world’s best basketball talent compete for supremacy, Great Britain Men’s Head Coach Nate Reinking has confirmed the 12-man roster selected to represent the team at the showpiece tournament.
Riders star Patrick Whelan has been named in the twelve, alongside former Rider Jamell Anderson.
GB’s Men have travelled to Milan for the Pool Stages of EuroBasket 2022 – set to take place from September 2 to September 8 – where they will face Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Italy and Ukraine for a place in the knockout stages, which will be contested in Berlin.
This will be the Men’s team’s first major tournament outing since the 2017 EuroBasket, and the 12-man roster contains several GB stars who have experienced the biggest stages in basketball, as well as several top British talents sampling the major international tournament for the first time.
This EuroBasket is being hailed as the best continental basketball tournament ever, with a field of teams full of incredible talent, and as such is a testament to GB’s achievement in securing a place at the top table of European basketball.
Speaking ahead of the competition and following the announcement of the final roster, Head Coach Nate Reinking said:
“This is a proud moment for the National Team to be embarking on its fifth EuroBasket competition out of the last six iterations. The team has been on a long journey to get to this point and have shown themselves to be capable of competing with the very best teams on the continent and this EuroBasket provides another opportunity to showcase British Basketball.
“It shouldn’t be lost on people just how much of an achievement this is for our players and staff to be heading to Milan for the competition, but we’re not just going there to compete – we want to win, and make some history for Great Britain.”
Great Britain’s journey to FIBA EuroBasket 2022 qualification began all the way back in November 2018 at the FIBA EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers, before a historic 11-3 run over the course of three years – including marquee wins over European powerhouses France, Germany and Montenegro – secured qualification to FIBA EuroBasket 2022.
All of Great Britain’s fixtures at EuroBasket 2022 can be watched live on FIBA’s streaming platform, Courtside 1891. Head to courtside1891.basketball and use the promo code ‘EUROGB25’ now to get 25% off an annual pass to the platform.
Great Britain Men’s National Team Roster – FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Jamell Anderson Kavell Bigby-Williams Dan Clark Myles Hesson Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye Ben Mockford Luke Nelson Gabe Olaseni Ovie Soko Devon van Oostrum Carl Wheatle Patrick Whelan
Riders are happy to announce their continued partnership with Applied Nutrition which began in the second half of last season and will see the nutrition brand as an official supplier the 2022-23.
Applied Nutrition are the UK’s fastest growing sports nutrition brand and a trusted and highly regarded player in the category. Riders will use their Informed Sport, batch-tested range of products to support the team pre, during and post games/practice.
“It’s a great partnership for us as it allows us to support our playing staff with the very best of products from a trusted supplier. We enjoyed working with Applied Nutrition last year and we are really happy to be working with them again,” commented Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston.
“The players all loved the products, we believe that correctly fuelling the team with the best nutrition can give us an edge.”
Applied Nutrition currently work with a large roster of international athletes and teams including Fulham FC, Team GB Sprinter Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and UFC superstars Paddy the Baddy and Molly McCann. After a successful partnership last season, Applied Nutrition are back on board to support Rob Paternostro’s team again this year.
Thomas Ryder, Applied Nutrition’s Managing Director said:
“Our products are perfectly suited to the huge physical demands a basketball season can put on players and we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the Riders.”
“What the team achieved last year was an incredible demonstration of commitment, hard work and an amazing team spirit and we couldn’t be happier to work with such a talented squad of players.”
“We’re looking forward to supporting Russell and the team in both the BBL and Europe this season to achieve even more.”
Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of talented point guard CJ Jackson for the 2022/23 season! Georgia-born Jackson has played three pro seasons in Scandinavia, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds per game for Bisons Loimaa in the Finnish first division last season.
Jackson is a graduate of Ohio State, playing three seasons with the Buckeyes. During his time in college, he played alongside Riders’ sharpshooter Marc Loving for the 2016/17 season. He scored 12 points a game in his senior year before going pro in 2019.
In his first game as a pro, Jackson showed his clutch genes, hitting a game-winner with 0.8 seconds left on the clock for Swedish side Köping Stars. He played two seasons in Sweden, averaging 17 points, five assists and four rebounds during his time there.
“I’m super excited to be joining the Rider family,” reflected CJ.
“I can’t wait to start the season. Playing with an old teammate like Marc (Loving) is exciting, and I’m looking forward to going into battle with him again!”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro commented on the signing:
“We are looking forward to working with CJ. He is a talented guard who can do a variety of things on the basketball court. Throughout his career he has shown that he can be effective both on the ball or off it and can be really difficult to defend.”
“His three point shooting , attacking the basket and passing ability will be a nice addition to our team.”
“We liked his experience, he played in a very good conference in the big ten and played very well, he also has had some very good professional seasons where he was a standout performer.”
Riders play their first pre-season game this Friday against USA Select – tickets are on sale here. Having just landed CJ is expected to make his debut the following week against Donar Groningen.
Riders have announced the BBL support staff for the 2022/23 season. After winning the treble last season, the club are delighted to announce the addition of some key staff members.
“It’s awesome for us to welcome the new faces to the backroom team”, commented Head Coach Rob Paternostro.
“It’s important for us to have a great support staff to support our players for the season ahead and beyond. I’m looking forward to working with them all.”
Former Riders WBBL coach Matt Pitkin returns to the club and joins Pablo Vazquez and Will Maynard on the sideline under head coach Rob Paternostro. Matt will also head up a new role for the club as Pathway Manager.
“It’s an awesome feeling to be back at Leicester after the last five years,” Matt Pitkin reflecting on his return.
“The opportunity to work with one of the BBL’s most decorated teams in the last ten years was one that really excited me. Rob is a serial winner and I’m looking forward to supporting and learning from him.”
“I’m really motivated to support the club in their journey to connect and collaborate their extensive pathway.”
Tom Austin succeeds Jordan Godfrey as the strength & conditioning coach, whilst Ben Pogmore (Head of Medical) and Callum Stevens (Performance Analysis) join the backroom.
Head Coach – Rob Paternostro Ast. Coach – Matthew Pitkin (previously Harber) Ast. Coach – Pablo Vazquez Ast. Coach – Will Maynard Team Manager – Donna Phillips Strength & Conditioning – Tom Austin Head of Medical – Ben Pogmore Performance Analysis – Callum Stevens
Managing Director Russell Levenston commented “Over the last 5 years we have really developed our support staff to help Rob take the team to next level and this year we feel we have a great group to support for the BBL team and other areas of the club.”
“It is really exciting times for the club following last years’ success and the preparation for the Champions League qualifiers in September.”
British guard Evan Walshe has returned to the Riders squad for the 2022-23 season. Walshe, who previously played & studied in America for Barry University, will continue his studies at Loughborough University, undertaking a two-year masters degree.
Walshe was added to the Riders squad last term and as well as enjoying minutes in the BBL, played a pivotal role in Will Maynard’s NBL D1 side. This time around Walshe will add some depth to the Riders BBL roster and be eligible to play in the Loughborough University BUCS side.
“It was awesome to work with Evan last season and we are looking forward to having him back,” commented head coach Rob Paternostro. “He is a talented young player who continues to develop his game. We were very impressed with him as a player and competitor last season.“
“He has good size for the guard position, he can shoot the three and he is a physical player that competes on both ends of the floor. He is a guy that can really get to the basket both in the half court and in transition.”
Last season Riders picked up three major trophies in the League Championship, BBL Cup and Playoff title, Walshe is excited at the prospect of being reunited with his fellow treble-winners.
“It feels great to sign back and to get a full season with the Riders. With all the success of last season, and bringing the majority of the squad back, there is a lot of excitement for the upcoming season,” commented Walshe.
“Working day in day out with Coach Rob last season gave me a taste for his passion for the game and gave me a new wind in my sail so I’m excited to have the privilege of working under the coaching staff again this season.”
“When the masters was offered to me it was really a no brainer, the opportunity to continue my education alongside playing is something I couldn’t turn down. Loughborough is a great University and will allow me further success off the basketball court when it’s all said and done”
Riders would like to place on record our thanks and appreciation for the continued support of Loughborough University in helping to support our players’ education.
Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce a three-year partnership with Vertu Motors and their Leicester dealership – Vertu Toyota Leicester.
The leading car dealership, who also have dealerships in Loughborough, Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield and Grantham, are supplying the team a fleet of Toyota vehicles
Chris Taylor, Group Operations Director at Vertu Motors, said: “Leicester Riders have enjoyed huge success on the court over the years and most importantly they are revered for the work they do to support local communities. We hugely admire their dedication to developing young people of all ages, through working with schools in the area and player pathways in Leicester and Loughborough. We are very proud to partner with the team.”
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors, added: “Following our Group’s successful partnerships with Newcastle Eagles and Glasgow Rocks, we are delighted to announce a further deal within the British Basketball League, with Leicester Riders. We are focused on continuing to drive brand awareness with key audiences; this partnership will serve to cement our name within the local community, and we can’t wait to get the season started.”
Russell Levenston, Managing Director at Leicester Riders, commented:
“It gives us great pleasure to welcome Vertu Motors as an Official Partner for the upcoming season. The Riders are committed to working with national brands that have a link to the local community and we are keen to help the region in becoming a more prosperous location for their business.
“We take pride in providing success both on and off the court, and we feel that this partnership, with Vertu Motors’ renowned quality service and customer care, will help us accomplish just that.”
Vertu Motors hold partnerships with a number of sports clubs across the country, including in football and cricket, with Burnley FC, Middlesbrough FC and Sunderland AFC, alongside Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Durham Cricket.
Riders are excited to announce the re-signing of former Ohio State forward Marc Loving for the 2022/23 season. The sharpshooting stretch-four scored 12 points a game last season on an efficient 46% from the field.
Loving played an integral part of the Riders’ treble-winning season last year. His season-high of 32 points game back in November, torching the Cheshire Phoenix to settle into Leicester life quickly, before earning Player of the Month in December.
Prior to last season, Loving competed in the NBA G-League for the Delaware Bluecoats and the Agua Caliente Clippers. This came after a successful four-year stint at Ohio State, where he averaged 13 points and five rebounds across his junior and senior years.
Loving became a fan favourite throughout the season and will bring a bounce to the Morningside Arena with his highlight plays.
“I’m looking forward to being back & building on what we accomplished last year,” said Loving. “I’m happy to be back with a great coaching staff and fan base. This year should be really exciting!”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on Loving’s return:
“We are thrilled to have Marc back for another season. He is a very talented player with a high basketball IQ whose versatility allows him to play in many different positions on both ends of the floor.”
“I thought he was excellent last season. He is a player that you feel comfortable with on the floor because he consistently makes the right plays both offensively and defensively.”
“His three point shot is a great weapon in our offence, he has unlimited range out there but I also think that his passing and playmaking were very important to our offence last season.”
Riders have accepted a bid from German BBL side BG Göttingen to buy BBL MVP Geno Crandall out of his new contract.
Despite signing in July, BG Göttingen’s bid triggered a release in the contract with Crandall that allows him to leave if an exceptional opportunity presented itself.
As such Crandall will now play for the FIBA Europe Cup side in Germany this coming season.
“We always said that if a team came in for Geno, and he wanted to go, we wouldn’t stand in his way, provided the club was compensated,” commented Managing Director Russell Levenston.
“He’s been the MVP in the league for the last two seasons and he was always going to attract attention from bigger European Clubs and leagues.”
“We were hopeful it wouldn’t be the case having recruited the majority of players back from last season.”
“He has tremendous ability and made an immeasurable impact not only on our club but also the BBL as a whole.”
“We wish Geno, Tasha and his young family all the best for the future in Germany and beyond.”
Riders Head Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on Geno’s departure:
“We wish Geno all the best and thank him for a tremendous two seasons. He is a fantastic player and competitor who produced in so many ways.”
“To say it’s a big blow would be an understatement. Obviously, we built this team with the thought that Geno would be back so now we have to adjust.”
“We have a tough resilient group that will be ready to rise to challenge.”
FIBA have released the four host venues for the Qualification Rounds – TFT Skopje (MKD), Unicaja (ESP), SL Benfica (POR) and FMP Meridian (SRB), taking place in September.
These four tournaments will determine the last four spots in the Regular Season of BCL’s seventh season. Riders will travel to North Macedonia, the home of Skopje for their games.
Qualification Round Tournament 1 (Group A) – Skopje, MKD – Boris Trajkovski Sports Center
Game days: 21, 23 & 25 September 2022 Participating Clubs: Fribourg Olympic (SUI), Tofas Bursa (TUR), CSO Voluntari (ROU), Leicester Riders (GBR), NINERS Chemnitz (GER), TFT Skopje (MKD)
Quarter-Final 1: Leicester Riders vs CSO Voluntari Quarter-Final 2: TFT Skopje vs NINERS Chemnitz
Semi-Final 1: Tofas Bursa vs Winner of Leicester Riders/CSO Voluntari Semi-Final 2: Fribourg Olympic vs Winner of TFT Skopje/NINERS Chemnitz
Final: Winner SF1 – Winner SF2
The four winners of the Qualification Round tournaments will qualify for the Regular Season, joining the 28 directly qualified teams.
Tip-off times will be determined at a later stage.
Zach Jackson returns to Leicester for the 2022/23 season, after the star guard played an integral role in the Riders’ treble-winning season last year!
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.
Jackson’s season-high came against the Bristol Flyers, where he scored 28 points on 57% shooting to earn a hard-fought road win. He brings elite scoring ability, defence and a team-first mentality to the Morningside Arena.
“I’m excited to be coming back to Leicester after the success we had last season. I’ve learned a lot playing under coach Rob and with the other talented players we have,” said Jackson.
“Playing in the Champions League is a big step-up in competition, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to return for my third season as a Rider!”
“We are thrilled to have Zach back with us for another season,” commented Rob Paternostro.
“He was excellent for us last season. You name it, and he did it. Defence, offence, clutch plays: he is an all-around player who knows how to win. A physical player with good size, who can score in many different ways and from many different spots on the floor.”
“Zach’s professionalism has been fantastic from day one. He continues to add to his game and is always improving. He knows how to work, and is a guy that prepares very well.”
Riders are delighted to announce that Jubril Adekoya has signed a new contract for the 2022/23 season. The American/Brit was central to the Riders’ BBL best defensive record last season, the versatile power forward playing with intensity and hustle all season.
Adekoya scored a season-high of 18 points against the Glasgow Rocks last season, and his 16-point performance in the BBL Cup Quarter-Final helped the Riders win the competition on the way to their treble.
The Valparaiso graduate’s talent transcends the box score, however, and will look to continue to help the Riders to further successes with his defence and basketball IQ.
“I’m excited to be back for a second year in Leicester, and add to the number of guys returning to build on what we started last year as a group”, said Adekoya.
“It was an easy decision to return, especially with the number of guys coming back.”
Coach Rob Paternostro commented: “Jubril had a great season for us. He was a great teammate who was always prepared to play. We are excited to have him back.”
“He provided us with a versatile skill-set, high IQ and toughness that played a huge part in our treble-winning season.”
“Defensively, he is very versatile. He understands team concepts and has the ability to cover multiple positions. Offensively, he is comfortable in many spots on the floor. He can play in many different lineups and can do damage both inside and out.”
Back-to-back BBL MVP Geno Crandall returns to the Riders! ‘The general’ led the Riders to a treble-winning year last season, and will look to help bring yet more silverware to the Morningside Arena.
Winning MVP last season, Crandall became just the fourth player in BBL history to win the award back-to-back. It was one of three individual awards for Crandall this past season, having also picked up the BBL Cup final MVP and the BBL Playoff final MVP.
Crandall led the Riders to their biggest league-winning margin in franchise history, as the Riders concluded the year with a 27-2 record, 16 points clear of second place. He put up his season-high scoring effort to clinch the league title with 25 points against the Plymouth City Patriots.
The Gonzaga graduate finished the season averaging 13.1 points and 6.8 assists, his assist tally ranking in the top five in the BBL. He also ranked second in +/- and top 10 in steals, as his efforts showed up all over the box score.
“We are thrilled to have Geno back in Leicester, he is a proven winner with hardware to back it up,” commented head coach Rob Paternostro.
“He is a guy that has provided an elite level of play from day one. He can do it all on both ends of the floor, his playmaking and ability to eliminate defenders really makes us go on offence, and his athletic ability, ball pressure and intelligence have been valuable to our defence.”
Crandall is looking forward to taking the Riders into Europe: “I’ve always wanted to challenge myself to reach the highest levels I can as a player and entering into European competition gives me the opportunity to do that.”
Geno becomes the seventh player announcement of the summer alongside Darien Nelson-Henry and Blake Bowman, joining multi-year players Conner Washington, Mo Walker, Patrick Whelan and Kimbal Mackenzie.
Earlier this month Leicester Riders confirmed they would take part in European competition in the form of the Champions League Qualification rounds again this season.
Managing Director Russell Levenston explains the decision to enter Europe in the Champions League competition this term.
“Our ambitions are to be competing at the top-level of Europe and believe champions league is the right competition for our club. We assessed the merits of us joining the FIBA Europe Cup if we don’t qualify but decided that wasn’t right for us.”
“Each competition comes with its own financial and logistical pressures, and believe the commercial level of the Champions League is the correct one for us.”
“We have to build the foundations, it’s a learning process for us. Our aim is to be competing on the European stage each season, but it’s pivotal that this is done within our means and in a measured and sustainable way to build on our successes.”
“I’d like to thank our sponsors for continuing to support us – particularly Jelson Homes, Morningside, Lumbers Jewellers and Hilton Hotels & Resorts.”
“We are all looking forward to the game against CSO Voluntari, they had great domestic success last season and it will prove a test for us.”
Riders play CSO Voluntari in Champions League opener
Riders have been drawn against CSO Voluntari of Romania in the first game of the Champions League Qualifying Rounds.
The game will be played on 21 September with the central venue being confirmed on 20 July.
Should Riders make it past CSO Voluntari, Rob Paternostro’s men then face TOFAŞ Spor Kulübü of Turkey.
The third knockout game would be against one of TFT Skopje (North Macedonia), Niners Chemnitz (Germany) or Fribourg Olympic (Switzerland).
Should the Riders reach the Champions League regular season they have been drawn in Group A alongside UCAM Murcia (Spain), Falco Szombathely (Hungary) and SIG Strasbourg (France).
Leicester Riders last competed in Europe in the 2018-19 season.
Riders have signed exciting young British star Blake Bowman on a multi-year deal, his first professional contract! The 20-year-old Derby native has played his last three seasons with his hometown Trailblazers in the NBL, before setting his sights on turning professional.
Bowman averaged 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in the NBL last season, and helped bring silverware to the midlands too. He played a pivotal role in their L Lynch Trophy win, averaging 17 points and 6.5 rebounds through the tournament, and putting up a double-double in the final.
“We are thrilled to have Blake join our club, he is coming off an excellent season for Derby and we are looking for him to come in and display those skills right away,” commented head coach Rob Paternostro.
“I really enjoyed watching him play this season, he is very athletic with good size and length that can really get to the rim. He has a versatility to his game that’s exciting for now and for the future.”
“We have had some very good young players who have studied at Loughborough and played professionally with us. Conner Washington, Jamell Anderson and Josh Ward-Hibbert are players that flourished in that situation both on and off the court.”
Bowman will continue his studies at Loughborough while competing for Leicester in the BBL, the 6’6” wing is excited to get going…
“I’m very excited to be going up against the best players in the country week in, week out. I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing against established pros,” said Bowman.
“The level of competition within the team is the highest in Britain. Competing with these guys everyday in practice will only make it easier come game time.”
Blake’s father Barry had a spell in the BBL during his professional career, while his uncle, Marc Hawley played 56 games in two seasons for the Riders between 1997 and 1999.
The move to Riders has been made possible with the great relationship held between the club and Loughborough University/Loughborough College who continue to support giving the next generation of players opportunities to further their education.
Riders to compete in Basketball Champions League Qualifiers
Leicester Riders are excited to announce their inclusion in the qualification rounds of the Basketball Champions League (BCL) for the 2022/23 season. The prestigious competition is the top-tier of basketball organised by FIBA Europe.
Leicester will participate in a 24-team qualification round, in which four teams will progress to the regular season of the BCL. The draw for the qualification round will take place on Thursday 7 July at 10am.
“It’s an exciting time for the club to test ourselves at the next level in Europe. With our recent success in the BBL, it’s the right time for us to take on the challenge of the Champions League Qualifiers,” commented Managing Director Russell Levenston.
“The players and staff have earned this opportunity, and I want to thank the sponsors for their support in making this happen.”
Riders would like to thank Jelson Homes, Morningside, Lumbers and Hilton for supporting the club in it’s return to European competition.
Riders will travel South to take on the London Lions to kick off their 2022/23 campaign, scheduled for Friday 30th September. Fans at the Morningside Arena will welcome the Riders home for the first time in the upcoming season on Friday, 21st of October as they host the Manchester Giants. Keep your eyes on our social media channels and website for the full schedule! Here’s how the rest of the league shapes up:
The countdown to another showstopping season of British Basketball League (BBL) action can begin as the fixtures for 2022-23 campaign were announced today.
The curtain will rise on the new season on Friday, September 23rd, with six clubs opening the BBL Championship season. In the opening round of matches Bristol Flyers host Manchester Giants, Sheffield Sharks take on London Lions and Surrey Scorchers meet Cheshire Phoenix.
The fixtures come thick and fast, with a repeat of last season’s Play-off Final scheduled for the second weekend of the campaign with last season’s champions Leicester Riders doing battle with London Lions
Elsewhere the BBL Cup gets underway on October 2nd as teams battle it out once again to make the showpiece final at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Sunday, January 29th.
Meanwhile, the BBL Trophy begins on Friday, January 13th, with the final set to take place in late March, with the exact date and venue to be confirmed in due course.
The six non-BBL sides entering the BBL Trophy this season will be: • Basketball Wales • Derby Trailblazers • Nottingham Hoods • St Mirren • Thames Valley Cavaliers • Worthing Thunder
Earlier this month, the British Basketball League announced that the 2022-23 Championship will follow a new format, with each side facing the other on four occasions throughout the campaign.
The season will reach its conclusion with the end-of-season Play-Off Finals scheduled to take place on Sunday 14th May at The O2, London.
British Basketball fans can catch all of the action throughout the season on Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports YouTube Channel, and the BBL Player.
After leading the Riders in a treble-winning year, Captain Darien Nelson-Henry has re-signed and will return to Leicester for the 2022/23 season.
The University of Pennsylvania graduate earned a spot on the Molten BBL Team of the Year in back-to-back seasons, after being named to the team this year. He averaged an index rating of 28.8, ranking second in the league, and was an efficient force down low, leading the team to the title by a franchise-record margin with 12 points and 5.6 rebounds a game.
The upcoming year will mark the 6’11” big man’s fourth season in Leicester, as he looks to add to the four pieces of silverware he has brought to the Morningside Arena so far.
“I am extremely excited to be back for another season with Riders. After all the success we had last season, we’re obviously trying to carry it over. On top of that, we have a European campaign to look forward to,” said Nelson-Henry.
“Hopefully, the success we had last season can be repeated along with an intensified schedule in Europe. We have managed to keep a lot of the squad together which is fantastic, as we had phenomenal chemistry last season. I am looking forward to another great season, with great people surrounding the club yet again!”
Head coach Rob Paternostro commented: “We are thrilled to have Darien back for another season. He has been a great player and leader for us both on and off the court.
“He is a very skilled high IQ player, who does a great job of scoring from the post or the pick and roll, he is also a tremendous passer who does a very good job of finding the open man.”
The Riders will host Dutch outfit Donar Groningen during their upcoming preseason. The games will take place on Friday the 9th and Sunday the 11th of September, both at the Morningside Arena.
Leicester faced Donar home and away in last year’s postseason, the Dutch side proving a stern test for the Riders. The fixtures provided key minutes to the newly formed Leicester squad, setting them up for their treble-winning season.
Donar enters their preseason off the back of a decorated year of their own, finishing third in the BNXT League and emerging victors of the NBB Cup. It was the seventh time Donar have lifted the trophy and secured their third-place league finish with a 14-6 record.
These fixtures accompany the previously announced game against the USA Select, which takes place on Monday the 2nd of September.
Click here for tickets! Corporate Packages for Club 1967 will be also available for these Riders pre-season games, please contact the Morningside Arena Box Office for more information.
Season Tickets
Leicester Riders 2022/23 Season Tickets are also now available! Secure your seat for all Riders Championship, Cup and BBL league games throughout the 2022/23 BBL Season by visiting:
Four contracted Riders players are returning to Leicester for next season, as Patrick Whelan, Mo Walker, Kimbal Mackenzie and Conner Washington continue their multi-year deals. The quartet played a pivotal role in the Riders’ treble-winning season, and will look to bring further success to the Morningside Arena.
Whelan was named in the Molten BBL Team of the Year, and the Molten BBL British Team of the Year last season! The Warrington-born two-guard led the Riders with 15.3 points per game, and was the BBL’s second-best three-point shooter on the year, averaging 48% from deep.
Mackenzie and Washington combined to create an elite backcourt duo off the bench. They averaged 7.9 and 7.3 points respectively and stepped up in the biggest moments of the season. Washington played big minutes late in the Playoff semi-final and final, scoring 20 points in the semi-final’s second leg, while Mackenzie’s season-high of 15 points came in Leicester’s BBL Cup final win.
Canadian/British big man Mo Walker was dominant down low, averaging 11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds a game. He shot 61% from the field and 71% from the free-throw line in an efficient season, putting up a season-high of 20 points and eight rebounds in March.
“All four players were very influential in our team’s success last season,” commented head coach Rob Paternostro. “They displayed talent, professionalism and team play, and we are thrilled to have them back and look forward to watching them perform.”
The British Basketball League (BBL) are excited to reveal new changes to the format of the BBL season ahead of the start of the 2022-23 campaign.
The new season will begin in September with BBL Championship action, with each team now facing each other four times (2H, 2A), playing 36 games across a 28-week league season. Basketball fans will be able to watch weekly action via both official broadcast partner Sky Sports and the BBL player.
The BBL Cup competition will now be a knockout competition featuring all 10 BBL teams. Those teams who placed 1st-6th in the 2021-22 league season will receive a bye into the Quarter Finals with seeds 1-4 receiving a guaranteed home date in the Quarter Finals.
The Semi-Finals will be an open draw. All rounds will be one-legged ties, as teams battle it out to make the final at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena for the final which takes place on Sunday 29th January.
The BBL Trophy will retain the same 16-team knockout bracket format, with the 10 BBL teams joining six invited non-BBL teams, who are to be announced in due course.
Those who made the Trophy Quarter Finals in the 2021-22 season will receive a guaranteed home tie in the First Round of the 2022-23 Trophy, with an open draw determining ties and seeding. All rounds will be one-legged ties.
The BBL Play-offs will retain the same format, with the top eight teams in the BBL Championship standings advancing to the Play-offs.
The BBL’s Chief Operating Officer, Andy Webb, said:
“We’re really excited to be announcing the new format for the 2022-23 season. The changes will help fans stay across all of the action taking place in the BBL Championship, Cup and Trophy, with each competition given precedence across dedicated weekends throughout the season. We’re looking forward to finalising and announcing the full fixture calendar to supporters in the coming weeks as preparations for another thrilling season of action continue.”
Fixtures for next season will be revealed in full later this summer, for further updates please visit bbl.org.uk and the leagues social media channels.
The BBL All-Stars emerged 94-91 victors against the Riders Legends in coach Rob Paternostro’s testimonial game, honouring Paternostro’s tenure so far as Riders coach.
The game came down to the final seconds, as the teams traded the lead in the final minute. The Riders Legends had a shot to tie, but Tyler Bernardini’s shot fell short to end the game.
The fixture was hotly contested, with both sides hustling on both ends in a fitting tribute to coach Rob. Stars from past and present knuckled down on defence to create a high-quality display of basketball fought buzzer to buzzer.
The opening stages were tightly contested, as former McDonald’s All-American Taylor King turned back the clock to start the game, draining his first three to get the action underway. Midway through the first, the BBL All-Stars edged a 10-12 start, with Dirk Williams of the London Lions leading the game with a pair of triples.
Making their first changes of the game, the All-Stars fielded five of the BBL’s current elite to see out the quarter. They stretched their lead to eight to close the period, with Surrey Scorchers legend Tayo Ogendengbe laying in a fastbreak score to make it 27-19.
Five quick Legends points started the second quarter, as big man Barry Lamble stringed a three to cut the deficit to one possession. The sides traded buckets in the period, before Zaire Taylor, who featured on the 2013 BBL Team of the Year, ran the fast break to tie it up with a layup.
With two minutes remaining in the half, the Riders caught fire from deep, draining four straight to explode out to a double-digit lead. They carried their advantage into the half, leading 53-46 at the break.
To start the second half, the BBL All-Stars fought back with back-to-back threes, as Dirk Williams’ deep shot made it a three-point game. In response, the Legends went on a run of their own, as Hassan’s midrange pull-up rebuilt the lead to nine.
They held the All-Stars at arm’s length until two minutes left in the third, before they commenced a run to climb back into the game. Matthew Bryan-Amaning dished a flashy behind-the-back pass to the BBL’s most decorated player Darius Defoe, who tied the game up in close.
Six quick Legends points to close the third made it 72-66 in their favour entering the final period. Bernardini took it coast to coast and drained a deep three at the buzzer, giving the Riders their narrow advantage.
The sharpshooter stayed on hot form in the fourth, getting the period underway with another triple. Jorge Calvo rode the wave of momentum, hitting a shot at the buzzer to claim the Legends’ first double-digit lead.
The All-Stars chipped away at the advantage, cutting it to three with three minutes remaining. Manchester Giants’ Josh Steel turned up in the clutch, driving to the hoop to make it a one-point game a minute later.
Josephs, who averaged 18 points in the BBL last season, took the All-Stars first lead of the fourth with a triple, setting up a tense finale with 40 seconds on the clock. With 4 seconds left, the Riders had a shot to tie at the buzzer, but Bernardini’s shot fell short to end the game.
The fixture completes the season’s basketball at the Morningside Arena, as Rob and the Riders look forward to the next season to earn further silverware.
Rob Paternostro testimonial Preview: Riders Legends
A roster of Riders Legends return to the Morningside Arena to celebrate Coach Rob Paternostro’s legendary tenure at the reigns, suiting up to face the BBL All-Stars in an All-Star testimonial game.
Players from across Rob’s 14-year tenure as head coach will be competing, as Riders fans will get an opportunity to see legends from past eras at the Morningside Arena once more.
A week out from Coach Rob's All-star Testimonial game…
Riders have announced the latest rosters with the teams split between Riders Legends & BBL All-Stars! More additions are expected to be announced later this week!
After competing in Leicester in the 2016/17 season, former G-League power-forward Taylor King has returned from retirement for the game. King averaged 12.5 points and eight rebounds in his season at Leicester, winning the league, trophy and playoff treble and being named to the BBL Team of the Year.
“I’m feeling very grateful to be able to head back to Leicester, where I had so many great memories, just to have the opportunity to suit up again and go hoop with a bunch of very talented players,” said King.
“Rob is the best. I played for lots of great coaches in my career, and he is up there with the best of them. I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to head back to Leicester, where I cemented so many great memories, and reunite with many great players who I keep in contact with today.
“I’m also thankful to be able to play in front of the Riders faithful. To see that amazing fanbase again is a blessing!”
Joining him from the 2016/17 season are Drew Sullivan, Harrison Gamble, Shane Walker, Andy Thomson and captain Tyler Bernardini. The group have 20 Riders seasons between them, and together helped build the most successful period in franchise history.
Sharing the court with them in honour of Rob is Jay Couisnard, who played two seasons for the Riders from 2012 to 2014. The 6’6” two-guard averaged 16 points per game in his second Riders season and is looking forward to his return to Leicester.
“I’m honoured and happy to be involved. Being able to come back to show appreciation for Coach Rob and the Riders organization was a no-brainer for me. I’m excited to see everyone including the fans and former teammates.”
CONFIRMED for Coach Rob's All-star Testimonial…
Riders legend, former Worcester Wolves, BBL Cup MVP & Saudi Arabia League MVP (Al Nasser)… Jay Couisnard (@jnooky3)!
Couisnard played a fundamental role in securing Paternostro’s first silverware, in a treble-winning year in 2013. Accompanying him from that roster is Jorge Calvo, Zaire Taylor, Drew Sullivan and captain Barry Lamble, who got the ball rolling for Paternostro’s winning ways in Leicester.
Completing the roster is Rema Lascelles, a 6’6” guard who played three seasons from 2017 to 2020, and Rashad Hassan, whose two seasons in Leicester starting in 2013 kick-started his seven-year professional career, which continues to flourish with the Plymouth City Patriots.
“I feel honoured to be a part of the game. Rob is a champion on and off the court, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to have started my professional career with the Leicester Riders,” commented Hassan.
“It’s going to be fun catching up with my former teammates and players I’ve played against throughout my career as well. There’s going to be some amazing talent playing in this game so I’m sure the fans will be in for a fun and competitive game.”
Coach Rob’s right-hand man, assistant coach Pablo Vazquez, has shared the sidelines with Rob since 2016. He added: “The commitment and hard work since the moment Rob arrived at this club has created a legacy.
“It will be a great event with so many players who have created history in British Basketball. I’m hoping for a great crowd to celebrate Rob’s commitment to the Leicester Riders organisation!”
In anticipation of the game, coach Rob commented:
“I’m so excited about Saturday. Seeing so many friends in one place will make it a night to remember. I feel honoured to be given this testimonial game and I appreciate all the people who have helped put this night together.”
The game should be a high level of basketball, and that’s something I really wanted to have. The rosters are filled with so much talent, so it should be fun watching all those great players go at it.”
Rob Paternostro Testimonial Preview: BBL All-Stars
Coach Rob Paternostro’s All-Star Testimonial game will see the BBL All-Stars take on Riders Legends in a highly anticipated fixture. A collection of some of the greatest talent to grace the BBL will suit up to form a star-studded cast, as the All-Stars will prove a formidable outfit in what is set to be a hotly contested game.
A week out from Coach Rob's All-star Testimonial game…
Riders have announced the latest rosters with the teams split between Riders Legends & BBL All-Stars! More additions are expected to be announced later this week!
London Lions’ walking bucket Dirk Williams, GB’s most consecutively capped player Teddy Okereafor and Manchester Giants’ sharpshooter Josh Steel represent some of the BBL’s elite set to take the court.
“I’m excited! It’s cool to be named to play alongside all of these other great players,” said Steel, the London-born two-guard who shot 42% from deep last season. “The Riders always put on a good show, so I’m looking forward to a good night and to be able to lace them up with some talented guys.”
Some of the BBL’s all-time greats will don the black and yellow of the All-Stars. Sheffield Sharks’ all-time leading scorer Mike Tuck and the league’s most decorated player Darius Defoe are just two names on a roster stacked with accomplishments.
Mathew Bryan-Amaning is another, the 6’8” forward has played 14 pro seasons, five in the BBL. “The roster that has been put together is excellent, with a lot of active guys who play to a high standard,” commented Bryan-Amaning, who averaged 20 points per game for the London Lions in 2014.
“It should be a good event, and a good day of basketball. The fans don’t get to see these guys playing often, especially all at one time, so it will be a good event to celebrate Rob’s achievement’s so far!”
Among those to recently grace the BBL are electric GB guard Kofi Josephs, who averaged a league-best 21 points for the Plymouth City Patriots last season, and Jordan Williams, who has eight BBL seasons to his name, including last season spent with the London Lions.
Joining them is Surrey Scorcher legend Tayo Ogendengbe, who has competed in the BBL for the last 12 seasons, averaging 17 points in the 2018/19 season.
Completing the squad is 17-year European pro Devon Van Oostrum, who averaged 16 points for the Leeds Force in 2015, and Newcastle Eagles’ legend Charles Smith, the 2014-15 BBL MVP winner who averaged 18.6 points that season.
Coach Rob’s right-hand man, assistant coach Pablo Vazquez, has shared the sidelines with Rob since 2016. He added: “The commitment and hard work since the moment Rob arrived at this club has created a legacy.
“It will be a great event with so many players who have created history in British Basketball. I’m hoping for a great crowd to celebrate Rob’s commitment to the Leicester Riders organisation!”
In anticipation of the game, coach Rob commented:
“I’m so excited about Saturday. Seeing so many friends in one place will make it a night to remember. I feel honoured to be given this testimonial game and I appreciate all the people who have helped put this night together.”
The game should be a high level of basketball, and that’s something I really wanted to have. The rosters are filled with so much talent, so it should be fun watching all those great players go at it.”
A host of Riders legends and BBL All-stars will be on court at Morningside Arena for Rob Paternostro’s testimonial on 11 June 2022. With a few big name additions still expected to join the current line-ups, the final line-ups will be announced later this week.
The teams will be split along Riders lines with generations of Riders stars to play a BBL All-Stars team.
Riders Legends Tyler Bernardini Jorge Calvo Jay Couisnard Harrison Gamble Rashad Hassan Taylor King Barry Lamble Rema Lascelles Zaire Taylor Drew Sullivan Andy Thomson Shane Walker
BBL All-stars Matthew Bryan Amaning Darius Defoe Kofi Josephs Tayo Ogedengbe Teddy Okereafor Charles Smith Josh Steel Mike Tuck Devon Van Oostrum Dirk Williams Jordan Williams
Coaching staff will be announced this week and the line-up for the half-time 3-point contest competitors!
Tonight sees the End of Season Awards for the Riders BBL & WBBL squads at Morningside Arena. As a special dedication, the club has announced that the Coach’s Player of the Year will be named after Eric Robertson.
Eric, who passed away earlier this year, was a part of the Riders family from 2016 to 2018, making 87 BBL appearances and winning six trophies (x2 Trophy, x2 League, x2 Playoff).
The Coach’s Player of the Year goes to that player who stands for everything a coach would want in a player both on and off court.
It’s an honour for us to recognise Eric’s impact and his legacy through the Eric Robertson Award.
After being crowned back to back MVP a day previous, Geno Crandall took the game by the horns in the clutch to snatch the victory. He scored or assisted on the Riders’ last six buckets, and won the game with a steal on a Lions inbound with two seconds on the clock.
Crandall was named the Final MVP with his 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. It is his third individual award of the season, after winning the BBL Cup Final MVP and league MVP earlier in the year.
The Riders’ bench played a pivotal role in the game. Leicester entered the final quarter down eight, and the second unit led the charge back into the game, before handing the reigns to Crandall. Conner Washington was key down the stretch, his wealth of experience keeping Leicester heads cool in the heat of battle.
For London, their star guard Isaiah Reese put up a monster 29 point performance, despite his team falling just short. The former G-Leaguer, who led the BBL in scoring this season, went back and forth with Crandall down the stretch, making big buckets back to back as the clock ticked down.
And it was the Lions who had the better of the first period, starting the game 22-13. Their backcourt pairing of Dirk Williams and Reese scored 19 points in seven minutes to get the game underway.
Two and-one plays, from Darien Nelson-Henry and Zach Jackson, marked Leicester’s highlights of the opening period, which finished 29-23 in London’s favour. They finished the first on a 6-2 run, with Mo Walker laying in a putback to cut it to six.
The Riders turned to their captain, Nelson-Henry to start the second. The Kirkland born big man battled down low for back to back and-one plays, which tied the score and snatched the game’s momentum.
A jaw-dropping underhand pass from Geno Crandall to Zach Jackson allowed the Riders to take the lead, which they grew going into the half. Leicester finished the second on a 13-6 run, taking an advantage into the locker rooms. Crandall, Jackson and Nelson-Henry had double-digit points by halftime, as Crandall’s basket to close the half made it 46-39.
The Lions started the second half the stronger of the sides, with a three from Lorenzo Cugini taking a London lead four minutes into the third quarter. The Riders struggled to make shots, scoring five points in seven minutes out of the locker rooms. London continued their hot form through the quarter, taking an eight-point lead into the fourth.
The Riders bolted out the gates in the final quarter, They scored five quick points, before a Washington steal in transition led to a Mo Walker jam to take the lead. Crandall checked in and took the reigns, scoring four points in under a minute to give the Riders an advantage going into crunch time.
The sides traded buckets in a tense final few minutes. The Riders turned to their back to back MVP to steer them home. Crandall scored 10 points in the final six minutes to make it a three-point game with two seconds remaining. On the Lions’ cross-court inbound, Crandall came up with the steal to secure the Riders’ fifth BBL Playoff win.
Geno Crandall has been named the 2021/22 Molten BBL MVP! Crandall has won the MVP in each of his two Riders seasons, becoming just the fourth player in BBL history to win the award back to back.
It is Crandall’s second individual award this season, having picked up the BBL Cup final MVP in January. The Minneapolis born point guard’s 26 point performance in the final led the Riders to their first trophy this season, which they followed up with their sixth league title.
Crandall has led the Riders to their biggest league winning margin in franchise history, as the Riders concluded the year with a 27-2 record, 16 points clear of second place. He put up his season high scoring effort to clinch the league title with 25 points against the Plymouth City Patriots.
The Gonzaga graduate finished the season averaging 13.1 points and 6.8 assists, his assist tally ranking in the top five in the BBL. He also ranked second in +/- and top 10 in steals, as his efforts showed up all over the box score.
Coach Rob Paternostro has been named the 2021/22 Molten Ed Percival BBL Coach of the Year! It is Rob’s seventh time receiving the award, the most in BBL history!
Rob has led the Riders to their biggest ever winning margin, with their 27-2 record winning the title by 16 points. The Riders have secured two pieces of silverware this season, having won the BBL Cup final in January.
Leicester became only the third team in BBL history to lead the league with the best offensive and defensive record this season, scoring 91 points per contest, while giving up 72 on the other end.
The award is Rob’s third of the season, having been awarded two Coach of the Month Awards during the year!
The club granted Coach Rob an All-star Testimonial event being played on 11 June – be sure to get your ticket here.
Geno Crandall, Darien Nelson-Henry and Patrick Whelan have been named to the Molten BBL Team of the Year! The trio led the Riders to a title-winning season, all playing pivotal roles in their success.
Crandall finished the season averaging 13.1 points and 6.8 assists, his assist tally ranking in the top five in the BBL. The Gonzaga graduate also ranked second in +/- and top 10 in steals, as his efforts showed up all over the box score.
One of the league’s elite snipers, Whelan was the second-ranked three-point shooter in the BBL, shooting 48% from the field. He also led the Riders in scoring on the year, averaging 15.3 points per game.
Nelson-Henry averaged an index rating of 28.8 this season, ranking second in the league. The Riders’ captain was an efficient force down low, leading the team to the title by a franchise-record margin with 12 points and 5.6 rebounds a game.
After lifting the BBL Cup and winning the BBL Championship by a franchise-record margin, the Riders have fought their way through the playoffs in an attempt to secure the treble. They entered the playoffs on hot form, having lost just two games in the regular season to earn a first-round draw against the eighth-seeded Plymouth City Patriots.
Patrick Whelan led them through the first leg with 19 points, as the Riders earned a 15 point advantage with a 86-71 road win. The Patriots fought back in the second leg, taking an aggregate lead in the third quarter. But Zach Jackson scored 10 straight points in response before Leicester saw out the game to book a spot in the semis.
They faced the seventh-seeded Glasgow Rocks in the semi-final, who came into the tie fresh off the back of an underdog win against the two-seeded Sheffield Sharks. After a closely fought opening half in the first leg, the Riders put one foot in the final by the final buzzer, taking a 21 point lead into the return fixture behind Geno Crandall’s 32 points, 11 assists seven rebounds and five steals.
In the second leg, the Riders sealed the win in a professional display, beating Glasgow 104-78. Crandall led the team with 22 points and eight assists in 25 minutes, and Conner Washington exploded for 10 points in the fourth to log 20 points in the game, the GB guard closing out an impressive win.
Journey to the O2- Lions
London entered the postseason as the third seed, falling short of their title-winning aspirations to finish the season with a 16-11 record. They found form to end the year, winning three on the bounce as they prepared to face the Cheshire Phoenix in the first round.
They started the playoffs with a bang, beating the Phoenix by 16 in the first leg at home, led by 17 from Julian Washburn. In the second leg, Cheshire put a scare into the Lions, exploding out the gate to a 53-24 lead midway through the second. But London regained their composure at the half, fighting back to win the tie by 14 on aggregate.
In the semis, they met the Bristol Flyers, a team who had tested the Lions with close encounters throughout the season. The first leg was no different, as London edged an 85-83 win going back to the Copperbox. There was little between the sides by halftime in the return fixture, before the Lions exploded in the second half to book their place in the final. Star tandem Isaiah Reese and Dirk Williams scored 28 and 26 respectively to lead their team through the game.
One to watch- Riders
To book the Riders’ place in the BBL Playoff final, Conner Washington’s season-high 20 points in 18 minutes put the game beyond doubt. The 11 year Rider shot 50% from the field and 44% from deep, putting on a vintage display for the fans.
“To come out and be aggressive is always my game plan,” commented Washington postgame. “Coming into this game, I didn’t want to hold back. I wanted to play hard defence and find my shot.”
The Bedford born point guard is a spark plug off the bench for Leicester, coming into the game off the bench to provide elite shooting, playmaking and defence. He has earned 12 trophies for the Riders in his career and was named to the BBL All-Defensive and All-British first teams in 2017.
Washington’s championship experience will prove vital at the O2. “In the final, we’ll come out and be aggressive, stick to our principles and do what we do,” said the Loughborough University graduate. “We’ve played the Lions throughout the season and know them really well. It’s going to be a great game to watch, but the main focus for us is to stick to what we’ve been doing.”
One to watch- Lions
After leading the BBL in scoring through the season, London’s star guard Isaiah Reese has been on a tear in the postseason, averaging 23 points a game. His 28 point performance was his postseason highlight so far, stuffing the stat sheet with eight assists, eight rebounds and six steals.
The 6’5” two-guard played two seasons in the NBA G-League before signing with London, scoring 8.3 points per game in his second year with the Santa Cruz Warriors. This came after a successful three-year college career with Canisius College, where he became the 38th player in the school’s history with over 1000 career points.
Reese is a bucket from deep, shooting 39% from behind the arc this season on eight attempts per game. He led the team in points and assists, dishing six a game to demonstrate his ability to score, and get his teammates involved.
Previous meetings
The sides met seven times this season in all competitions, with the Riders taking the season series 5-2. Leicester knocked London out of the BBL Cup semi-finals over two legs in their most high-profile games of the season, and won a 103-67 blowout in their most recent game.
Geno Crandall and Zach Jackson balled out in the win, both scoring 16 points as Leicester shot 55% from three. The Lions endured a difficult shooting night, going 36% from the field and 21.2% from three, as Italian sniper Lorenzo Cugini’s 16 points led them in the loss.
Patrick Whelan has been named in the Molten BBL British Team of the Year! The Warrington-born two-guard led the Riders with 15.3 points per game this season, an integral part of their championship run.
The GB international was the BBL’s second-best three-point shooter on the year, averaging 48% from deep. He scored 20 points on eight separate occasions, and recorded a career first double-double with a season-high 25 points and 11 rebounds in March.
With two trophies in the cabinet this season so far, Patrick takes his spot in the side alongside Cheshire Phoenix’s BBL Trophy winners Teddy Okereafor and Michael Ochereobia, Rowell Graham-Bell (Patriots) and Dan Clark (Giants).
Leicester Riders have some new opportunities to join their programme. We are looking for a Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist, Physiotherapy Internship and four Strength & Conditioning Interns.
The Riders booked their spot in the BBL Playoff final, beating the Glasgow Rocks 209-162 over two legs. A 104-78 win in the return fixture marked a blowout win for the league champions, as Leicester showed composure and professionalism throughout.
After his dominant display in the first leg, Geno Crandall led the team with 22 points and eight assists in 25 minutes. He averaged 27 points and nine assists over the two legs, asserting his authority in the fixtures. Off the bench, Conner Washington exploded for 10 points in the fourth to log 20 points in the game, the GB guard closing out an impressive win.
Taking a 21 point advantage into the game, Leicester controlled the fixture, playing at their own pace to earn their spot in the final. They shot 52% from the field and a blistering 46% from three, stretching their lead to double digits in the third and not looking back.
Off the bench, Falkirk native Fraser Malcolm led the Rocks with 17 points and six rebounds off the bench. Glasgow had no answer for the Riders’ BBL best offence in the two games, as the Riders scored over 100 in both.
The Riders bolted out the gates to an emphatic 17-3 start, getting it done in both ends in the opening minutes. Zach Jackson’s monster block on Rocks’ big man Vance Johnson was the highlight of the early momentum, the Omaha graduate making an and-one play shortly after as the Riders ran away with the lead.
After putting up a 32 point double-double in the first leg, Crandall continued his red hot form. He dished flashy passes and made tough shots from deep to lead Leicester to the lead, putting up nine points and four assists in the first.
After being rocked in the opening stages, Glasgow regained composure to bring the deficit back to single digits shortly into the second quarter. After a 29 point game in the first leg, first-year pro Jordan Johnson hit a three to bring the game to six.
Glasgow won the second 21-17 to make it 46-38 on the night. But despite the Rocks’ fightback, the Riders entered the locker rooms with a 27 point aggregate lead.
Leicester started the second half how they started the first, getting the action back underway with an 11-4 run. All five Riders starters had made baskets four minutes into the third, as the hosts built on their advantage.
Crandall continued his scoring streak in the third, scoring nine points in the period. His coast to coast drive with a minute remaining was the highlight of the third, which ended 72-61 in Leicester’s favour.
Crandall goes coast to coast and finishes for two!
With the tie all but sealed, the Riders saw the game out in the fourth. Loughborough’s Evan Walshe checked into the game to log key playoff minutes, while Washington went off for 13 in the period. The sides traded buckets, before the Riders stretched their lead emphatically in the closing minutes to book their place in the final.
“To come out and be aggressive is always my game plan,” commented Washington postgame. “Coming into this game, I didn’t want to hold back. I wanted to play hard defence and find my shot.”
“In the final, we’ll come out and be aggressive, stick to our principles and do what we do. We’ve played them throughout the season and know them really well. It’s going to be a great game to watch, but the main focus for us is to stick to what we’ve been doing.”
The final will take place at the O2 Arena on Sunday, tipping off at 4:15 PM. The Riders take on the London Lions, hoping to secure the treble.
The Riders return to Leicester for the second leg of the BBL Playoff semi-final. They take a 21 point lead to the Morningside Arena following the first leg in Glasgow.
The Riders earned the top seed for the postseason in dominant fashion, winning the league title by a franchise-record margin of 16 points. They finished the year with a 25-2 record, earning a first-round matchup against the eighth-seeded Plymouth City Patriots.
Patrick Whelan led them through the first leg with 19 points, as the Riders earned a 15 point advantage with a 86-71 road win. The Patriots fought back in the second leg, taking an aggregate lead in the third quarter. But Zach Jackson scored 10 straight points in response, before Leicester saw out the game to book a spot in the semis.
The first leg in Glasgow was a back and forth affair for the first half. In the second, the Rocks exploded to a double-digit lead, which lit a spark in the Riders’ offence. Leicester went 59-28 the rest of the way, led by a historic game from Geno Crandall. The reigning MVP put up 32 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and five steals, dominating every aspect of the game.
With a 12-15 record through the season good for the seventh seed in the playoffs, the Glasgow Rocks faced the second-placed Sheffield Sharks in the first round. The Rocks won the season series 2-1, matching up well with their opponents.
In the home leg, four Sharks scored over 15 points to leave the Rocks in a seven-point hole. But pre-game news of injuries to the Sharks’ star backcourt pairing, Antwain Johnson and Rodney Glasgow Jr, put the Rocks on the front foot for a comeback. The Rocks took advantage of the Sheffield injuries, beating the Sharks 96-72 to pull off the upset win.
The Rocks were led by first-year pro Jordan Harris in the first leg, who put up a season-high 29 point performance. However, to progress to the Playoff final, Glasgow will need to overcome a deficit from which no need has recovered in BBL Playoff history.
One to watch- Riders
In the opening leg, Leicester’s star point guard put up a performance for the ages. His index rating of 40 was the highest in a game since 2012 for a Riders’ player, putting the team on his back in a blowout win.
In his second Riders year, Crandall averaged 13 points and 6.8 assists through the season. His assist tally ranks fourth in the BBL, and his index efficiently third, as he shot 50% from the field and 39% from three.
Last season, the Gonzaga graduate pulled the strings in the backcourt, averaging a BBL best nine assists in the playoffs. His team-high 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists sealed the league title for the Riders, and he is set to help the team through their playoff push.
Crandall is an elite offensive talent, with his flashy playmaking skills dominating highlight reels. He pushes the tempo quickly in transition to set up teammates for easy buckets, and has active hands defensively averaging 1.8 steals. With his ability to read the passing lane and take the ball from the opposition, he is a fantastic asset to Rob Paternostro’s side on both ends of the floor.
One to watch- Rocks
Despite his team’s loss, Jordan Harris’ 29 points were an impressive showing for the rookie in the opening fixture. The former Georgia Bulldog averaged 7.1 points per game as a senior in college, but improved to 17 points per game after he took the step up to the pros, settling into his new team seamlessly.
The 6’4” guard gets it done on both ends, finishing top five in the BBL in steals with two per game. Harris’ active hands were on full display in the first leg, as he snatched five steals. He is an efficient scorer, averaging 48% from the field over the season, preferring to get it done at the hoop.
Harris has lit up the BBL this season with his athleticism, serving up posters all year long to become a prominent feature on the BBL’s top 10 plays of the week. His highlight plays date back to college, as his monstrous chase down block features in ESPN’s top 10 plays in his senior season.
The Rocks will need every bit of production from Harris in this one, as they look to stage a historic comeback.
Previous meetings
After the first leg win, the Riders are 4-0 against the Rocks this year after sweeping the season series. Each game was won in emphatic fashion, with Leicester taking each game by 15 points. Another win would see them advance to the Playoff final, as they pursue a treble-winning year.
It is advantage Riders in the BBL playoff semi-final, after they won the first leg 105-84 against the Glasgow Rocks.
After being named the British Journalists’ Player of the Year in the week, reigning BBL MVP Geno Crandall put on a show for the Riders, putting up an astonishing 32 points, 11 assists seven rebounds and five steals. The Gonzaga graduate’s points tally is his season-high, as he led his team a step closer to the final.
Crandall comes up with the and-1 for the three point play!
It was a red hot performance for the league’s best offence, scoring 105 points by shooting 55% from the floor. In the third, where the Riders began to build their lead, they drained six threes, finishing the game making 54%.
The Rocks took a double-digit lead shortly after halftime, but fell victim to a Riders offensive explosion to which they had no answer. Jordan Harris went blow for blow with Crandall in a battle in the backcourt, leading the team with his season-high 29 points.
It was Leicester who got off to the better start. Back to back threes got the Riders on the board, as they jumped out to an 8-2 lead. They carried their early momentum through the first five minutes, led by eight points from Marc Loving, to force a Rocks timeout up 11.
The Riders exploded on both ends through the first period, which finished 25-17 in Leicester’s favour. They shot 52% through the quarter while holding Glasgow to 33%, flexing their BBL-best offence and defence.
Glasgow fought back into contention to start the second, tying the game courtesy of eight points from first-year pro Harris. Three Leicester turnovers in as many minutes allowed the hosts to build momentum on the fastbreak, as the Rocks started the quarter 12-4.
The score swung back and forth until the half, which Glasgow’s Jordan Johnson concluded with a three at the buzzer to make it 48-43 to the hosts. Crandall had 15 by halftime, the MVP taking the reigns for the Riders, while Harris put up a monster 20 point first-half performance for Glasgow.
Crandall comes up with the and-1 for the three point play!
In the third, it was Glasgow’s turn to hit two threes to start the half, building their lead to double digits. Johnson nailed both, as the former NBA G-League point guard improved his game total to nine.
The Riders’ response was immediate, as Whelan his team back into the game. The British Journalists’ British Player of the Year scored eight quick points to retake the lead in 90 seconds. Whelan’s play lit a fire under Leicester from deep, as they nailed five threes six minutes into the third quarter.
Zach Jackson scored nine straight in the latter stages of the third, continuing his hot form from the quarter-final where he accomplished the same feat. the Omaha graduate’s play put the Riders up 77-69 entering the final quarter.
Conner Washington kicked off the fourth with five quick points to stretch the Leicester lead. The 11-year Riders put his team in good stead as they looked to close out the tie.
Crandall took over the dying stages of the game, scoring seven points in the final five minutes to stretch the lead to 19. The Riders commenced a 9-2 run late in the tie to consolidate their advantage going into the return fixture. Crandall closed the game with a free throw, making it a 22 point game.
The return leg will take place on Monday, with the game tipping off at 7:45. Should the Riders win over the two legs, they will book their place in the Playoff final at the O2 Arena.
Leicester-born Louie Jordan has committed to division one NCAA school Weber State and will travel to America for the 2022-23 season.
Jordan, who has been a key player throughout the Riders pathway, has played for Charnwood College, Loughborough Riders and Leicester this past season.
“I’m excited to commit to Weber State. I have always wanted to go and test myself in the NCAA and I’m really grateful to Weber State for the opportunity to fulfil a dream”, said Jordan.
“Winning the EABL title is the perfect way to leave Charnwood College. I owe a big thank you to the whole Rider programme – the staff and coaches who have supported me in my time here.“
Jordan’s announcement follows on from Victor Ndoukou committing to join North Dakota earlier this week.
EABL Finals MVP Victor Ndoukou has committed to division one NCAA school North Dakota and will start his American college career with the Fighting Hawks next season.
Ndoukou, who came through the Charnwood College programme, played for both Loughborough Riders and Leicester this past season.
“I’m really happy to commit to North Dakota. I’ve had several conversations with Coach Sather and liked what he had to say about the school and the team,” commented the 6’8” forward.
“It’s been a dream of mine to be playing in America and I’m grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my coaches and support staff here in the Riders programme for their support.”
North Dakota, the former school of BBL MVP Geno Crandall, currently play in the Summit league where they face Zach Jackson’s former team Omaha.
For the second straight season, Leicester Riders guard Geno Crandall has scooped the Player of the Year in the Basketball Journalists Association’s annual awards for the 2021-22 season.
Crandall averaged 13.1 points and 6.8 assists a game this season, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the floor during the regular season, as he led the Riders to a league and Cup double.
“It’s an honour to be recognised by the British basketball media that cover the game,” Crandall said.
“To be rewarded for the work that I have put in not just throughout the season but also during the off-season where I made commitments to better myself and my game certainly means a lot.”
Manchester Giants’ Tyrik Armstrong finished second in the voting with Riders’ Patrick Whelan, third.
Along with Crandall, Leicester Riders Rob Paternostro also won back-to-back awards as he claimed his second straight Coach of the Year accolade.
Thanks to Paternostro’s leadership, Leicester secured a 25-2 record for the season, achieving a BBL record-winning margin of 16 points between them and second placed Sheffield Sharks.
“It’s been wonderful to work with our team this season,” Paternostro said.
“Their talent, togetherness and commitment has been on display since we came together in August.
“It’s been fun to come to work each day, working with the players and staff that we have assembled here. It’s been awesome.”
Lloyd Gardner, who led Manchester Giants to their first final in 21 years and a first playoff spot since 2014 was second in the voting with Sharks coach Atiba Lyons in third.
Completing a hat-trick of awards for the Riders is Patrick Whelan, as he wins the Pete Jacques Award for Best British Player in the BBL.
One of the leading shooters this season, Whelan shot 47.9 percent from three-point range and 54.2 percent from the field, overall, averaging 15.3 points per game.
“From such a strong pool of British players in this league, I’m extremely blessed and grateful to even be considered for this award, let alone win it,” Whelan said.
Manchester Giants’ Dan Clark was second in the voting with Cheshire Phoenix’s Teddy Okereafor in third.
Karlie Samuelson of Spanish side Perfumerias Avenida won this season’s Syd Lipski International Award for top British performer on the global stage.
The Great Britain international reached the EuroLeague Women Final Four for a second straight season and secured a bronze medal in the process.
Samuelson averaged 7.3 points as well as shooting 48 percent from three-point range in Europe’s premier competition with season-high performances of 17 points on two occasions in the regular season.
Temi Fagbenle, who reached the EuroCup Women semi-finals with CBK Mersin, was second in the voting with Myles Hesson of Japanese league side, Saga Ballooners, third.
The Riders will face the seventh-seeded Glasgow Rocks in the semi-finals of the BBL Playoffs! The first leg will be played on the road, on Saturday 7 May at 2 pm. The teams return to the Morningside Arena for the return fixture on Monday 9 May, tipping off at 7:30 pm.
The Riders earned the top seed for the postseason in dominant fashion, winning the league title by a franchise-record margin of 16 points. They finished the year with a 25-2 record, earning a first-round matchup against the eighth-seeded Plymouth City Patriots.
After a slow start to the first leg, the Riders had control of the tie by the third quarter. They took a 15 point advantage into the return fixture, led by a 19 point performance from GB sniper Patrick Whelan.
In the second leg, hosted at the Morningside Arena, the Patriots fought back, eventually taking the aggregate lead midway through the third. But Omaha graduate Zach Jackson responded with 10 points unanswered, snatching back momentum that the Riders carried to the finish.
“Geno going out brought us together in the third. It really motivated us. I was ready to go,” said Jackson postgame.
“We’ve got to be ready to play, it’s the playoffs. Plymouth was the eighth seed and gave us a tough run. We’ve got to be ready in the next round.”
Playoffs so far- Rocks
With a 12-15 record through the season good for the seventh seed in the playoffs, the Glasgow Rocks faced the second-placed Sheffield Sharks in the first round. The Rocks won the season series 2-1, matching up well with their opponents.
In the home leg, four Sharks scored over 15 points to leave the Rocks in a seven-point hole. Glasgow’s player/coach Gareth Murray scored 20 to keep them in the tie heading to Sheffield, but their 3-11 away form through the season left them as heavy underdogs against the two-seed.
But pre-game news of injuries to the Sharks’ star backcourt pairing, Antwain Johnson and Rodney Glasgow Jr, put the Rocks on the front foot for a comeback. The Rocks took advantage of the Sheffield injuries, beating the Sharks 96-72 to pull off the upset win.
One round away from the playoff final, the Rocks will hope for another underdog win to progress to the O2.
One to watch- Riders
Warrington born Patrick Whelan led the Riders through the first round of the playoffs, averaging 18 points over the two legs, good for tenth in the BBL. He went 5-11 from three, and 11-11 from the free-throw line, an efficient showing in his first BBL playoff action.
Whelan was the BBL’s second-best three-point shooter this season, hitting 48% of his deep shots. His 15 points per game led the Riders, and he has carried his form into the postseason.
Whelan’s bucket getting capabilities, combined with his elite defence on the other end, make him a formidable opponent for opposing teams. With seven 20 point performances on the year, the William Jewell graduate is capable of big games to lead Leicester to wins.
One to watch- Rocks
After leading the Rocks through the season with 18.4 points per game, Jordan Johnson put up big numbers against the Sharks to help Glasgow to the semi-final. Johnson scored 17.5 points over the two legs, with an 18 point performance in the second leg seeing his side through.
His scoring ranked top five in the BBL this season, and he made waves with his playmaking ability too. The UNLV graduate dished 8.4 assists per game, the 13th most in a single season in league history.
The former G-Leaguer, who played his first pro season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, is a dual-threat point guard, able to score and set up his teammates at an elite level. Slowing down Johnson would go a long way to helping the Riders through to the playoff final.
Previous meetings
The Riders swept the season series against the Rocks, winning all three games in the season. Leicester won the games by an average margin of 24 points, blowing out their opponents in all three meetings.
Their previous game was the second-last fixture of the Riders’ season, a 101-86 victory in Glasgow. Mo Walker led the team down low, scoring 17, while Jordan Harris led the game with 19 for the Rocks.
The Riders booked their place in the BBL Playoff semi-finals, beating the Plymouth City Patriots over two legs. A 88-87 win in the second leg built on the 15 point advantage they’d built in the first, a solid showing over 80 minutes.
Zach Jackson led the team with 18 points, the Kansas born wing scored 12 in the third quarter after Plymouth took an aggregate lead. Jackson was backed up by 17 from Patrick Whelan and 14 from Geno Crandall, a team showing sealing a hard-fought win.
Leicester got their offence going at the line, driving to the rim to shoot 33 foul shots. They made 88%, and drained 38% of their threes to see them past the Patriots. The win makes it 7-0 in the season series and improves the Riders’ win streak against Plymouth to 38, a run dating back to 2012.
Plymouth had two 20 point performers in the game, with Antonio Williams and Rowell Graham-Bell scoring 25 and 24 respectively. The visitors had a solid scoring night, shooting 51% from the floor, but ultimately fell short against the league champions.
As they did in the first leg, the Patriots got off to the better start, jumping out to a 14-2 lead in the opening minutes. Their big man tandem of Graham-Bell and Rashad Hassan scored eight points between them on the run, forcing an early Riders comeback.
Whelan kick-started the Riders’ response, scoring five quick points including a tough and-one finish.
Whelan drives inside and comes up with the and-1 for the three point play.
On the defensive end, a chase-down block by Marc Loving denied Patriots’ sniper Josh Hart at the rim, before a strong finish from Mo Walker inside brought the game to within a score. Walker led the Riders through the first with seven points off the bench.
After falling in an early hole, Leicester came back with a 24-12 run in the rest of the quarter. The first ended with the Riders up 109-87 on aggregate.
The Riders exploded for seven quick points to start the second, taking their first lead of the game. Their BBL-best defence locked in, holding the Patriots scoreless through the first four minutes. Whelan added seven more points to his game tally, as Leicester grew their lead.
Plymouth made a nine-point run to end the half, taking a 45-42 lead into the locker rooms. A ten-point quarter from Crandall meant he led the Riders with 12 points by the half.
The Patriots came out of halftime strong, scoring eight quick points. Graham-Bell built on the Plymouth momentum to score seven straight, as Plymouth took the aggregate lead. Crandall picked up his fifth foul, sidelining him for the remainder of the game.
Jackson responded, driving to the lane on four straight possessions for eight points. The Omaha graduate took the game by the reigns, snatching back the lead with 10 points unanswered.
Riding the wave of momentum, Leicester’s 17-2 run tied the game in a raucous Morningside Arena. Jackson’s free throws made it 63-63 entering the fourth.
Conner Washington took over the scoring load to start the final quarter, scoring six points to stretch the lead. The sides traded buckets in the fourth, as the Riders kept their opponents at arm’s length.
With two minutes on the clock, Jackson drained a three to take the roof off the arena. Washington drained four free throws down the stretch, sealing the win for Leicester.
“Geno going out brought us together in the third. It really motivated us. I was ready to go,” said Jackson postgame.
“We’ve got to be ready to play, it’s the playoffs. Plymouth was the eighth seed and gave us a tough run. We’ve got to be ready in the next round.”
The Riders will head to Glasgow for their next game, the first of two legs against the Rocks. A win in the game would set the Riders up to progress through the semi-finals, as they go for the treble on the season.
The Riders face the Plymouth City Patriots in the BBL Playoff quarter-final, the second of two legs. The first leg was played in Plymouth, an 86-71 Riders win. The return fixture is at the Morningside Arena, tipping off at 4pm on Sunday.
The Riders locked up the one-seed with five games to spare, winning the BBL Championship by a franchise-record 16 point margin. Leicester earned their 25-2 record with the BBL’s best offence and defence, making them the third team in BBL history to lead the league in points scored and conceded. They put up 91 points per contest while giving up 72, dominating on both ends.
To tip off the postseason, the Riders put in a dominant away display against Plymouth. Despite a difficult shooting start, Leicester kicked into gear through the final three quarters, shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three in the game.
Patrick Whelan kicked off his postseason campaign with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Geno Crandall’s six-point fourth quarter sealed the first-leg advantage. The win was the Riders’ 37th straight against Plymouth, a streak dating back to December 2012.
Having won the BBL Cup and the league title earlier in the year, the Riders are going for their fourth-ever treble in the playoffs. With a commanding lead going into the second leg, they will look to continue their red hot home form to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Season so far- Patriots
After a 0-8 start to the season, a Patriots’ miraculous turnaround earned them a playoff place, going 12-7 since. A dramatic “win or go home” game against the Newcastle Eagles, with the winner taking the final playoff spot, secured 8th place for Plymouth.
They jumped out to a hot start to their postseason, forcing an early Riders timeout with a 10-2 run to start the game. But they left themselves with work to do in the second leg, as the Riders came back to take a 15 point lead by the final buzzer.
Kent State point guard Troy Simons led the team with 16 points, while his backcourt teammate Anotnio Williams put up 15 points, nine assists and 5 rebounds in a stat sheet stuffing performance. The Patriots’ offence struggled for consistency against the BBL’s best defence, shooting 44% from the field and going 4-16 from three.
A monumental turnaround is needed to get Plymouth back into the tie, as they attempt to make the second round in their first season as a franchise.
One to watch- Riders
Scoring ten straight Riders’ points to end the third quarter, Zach Jackson played a pivotal role in building the Leicester lead in the first leg. The Omaha graduate finished with 14 points, going 5-7 from the field in the win.
Jackson averaged 18 points per game in his senior year at Omaha, before the Kansas born small-forward progressed to the Ukrainian league in his first pro season. Jackson is playing in his second Riders season and averaged 10 points per game this year.
An elite scorer, Jackson is a threat from anywhere on the court, able to make big plays at the rim and score efficiently from deep. He is capable of exploding for monster performances, with a season-high of 28 coming against the Bristol Flyers earlier in the year.
With his defence, scoring and team-first attitude, Jackson is the epitome of what makes Rob Paternostro’s side the BBL’s premier outfit.
One to watch- Patriots
In his third Plymouth season, Rashad Hassan has been on a tear, having averaged a monster 17.3 points and 7.4 rebounds this season. He enters this game after dominating down low in the first leg, putting up 15 points and seven rebounds.
Hassan is a former Rider, who played his first two pro seasons in Leicester. He averaged 18 points a game in his second season, before going on to play for the London Lions and Rueil in the French third division.
Hassan averaged 19.2 points per game in his first two Plymouth seasons and helped them to 21-9 record last year. His contributions towards winning are needed now more than ever for the Patriots, as they look to make a comeback against the league champions.
The Riders tipped off their BBL playoffs campaign with a win in Plymouth, beating the Patriots 86-71 in the first leg of the quarter-finals.
Patrick Whelan led the team with 19 points and seven rebounds in his first BBL playoff game, his strong third-quarter setting the tone for Leicester. The Riders won the third 25-18, building their lead before maintaining their advantage in the fourth.
Reigning MVP Geno Crandall also put up big numbers in the win, scoring 18 points. His defensive efforts also showed in the box score, as the Gonzaga graduate, who finished the season ranking top 10 in steals per game, added another four to his season tally.
After scoring just 12 in the first quarter, the Riders’ BBL-best offence clicked into gear and scored at a 100 point pace the rest of the way. They hit eight threes in three periods after not hitting one in the first, and shot their foul shots at an efficient rate, making 22 of 24.
They held the Patriots to under 20 points in each quarter, despite a 16 point performance from Kent State point guard Troy Simons. Plymouth struggled to lock in from deep, going 4-16 from three, and turned the ball over 14 times.
But it was the hosts who jumped out to a quick start, hitting their first five shots to build a quick 10-2 lead. Leicester endured early offensive struggles, starting 1-6 for two points in five minutes. They hung in the tie through their work on the defensive end, as the Patriots went 1-6 after their hot start. But six turnovers in the quarter meant the Riders trailed 17-12 after the first.
The sides traded buckets to start the second, as Conner Washington got the quarter started with the Riders’ first three of the game, taking the lid off the basket. After former Rider Rashad Hassan responded with two quick Plymouth baskets down low, Washington drained another deep shot to tie the game three minutes into the second.
The score continued to swing back and forth to close the half, which was concluded in style by Crandall. Isolating against the bigger Hassan, he jab-stepped before cooly draining a three in his face, taking a 37-36 lead entering the locker rooms. Crandall scored 10 points in the first half to lead Leicester to a narrow advantage.
Three fouls in two minutes to start the second half sidelined Crandall, so it was Patrick Whelan who stepped up in the third. He scored eight points, including two threes to stretch the lead to eight.
Zach Jackson closed the quarter scoring 10 straight Riders points, as a 10-2 run closed the period to put Leicester up double digits. The Omaha graduate drained a three as the clock ticked down, making it 64-52 in his team’s favour.
Whelan and Jackson continued their form in the final period, scoring a basket each to get the action underway, as the Riders kept the Patriots at arm’s length in the fourth.
Crandall concluded the tie with a tough finish at the rim for his sixth points of the quarter, as the Riders carried a strong advanatge into the return leg.
The Riders look to seal the deal in front of their home crowd on Sunday, as they host the second leg of this fixture. A win on aggregate score would see them advance to the semi-finals, as Leicester aim for the treble.
Our 2022 Play-off tees are available for collection from 11.30am on Sunday, ahead of the WBBL game against Nottingham Wildcats (at 12pm) and BBL home Play-off Quarter Final versus Plymouth City Patriots (at 4pm).
A huge thank you to our tees sponsors – Jelson Homes, Torr Waterfield, Premier Logistics, Mather Jamie, 5or6, bespoke LED and RDL Technologies for supporting this years’ tees and covering the costs. This generosity means that all donations this year will go to the Riders Foundation.
The tees give a nod to Eric Robertson who sadly passed away this year, with Robertson 22 on the back of the tee.
The club can also confirm that your BBL ticket will also get you into the WBBL fixture. You can buy tickets here.
With just over two weeks of epic action still to take place on the court to confirm the teams that will be contesting the British Basketball League (BBL) Play-off Finals at London’s 02 Arena, the BBL is delighted to announce the special guest performances that’ll take place during the event.
Concluding an epic season of action with this showpiece event in the capital on Sunday, May 15th , it has been announced that UK artist and producer Ayo Beatz will perform during the half-time show during the BBL Final, and UK dance group Flawless will perform during the interval of the WBBL Final.
Ayo Beatz has produced records for some of the biggest artists in the world, such as Jason Derulo, Labrinth and Wiley, with his recent hits including ‘Habits’ in collaboration with Wes Nelson. Flawless were finalists of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and have since gone on to develop a leading reputation for their high-energy and exciting performances.
Between both finals will be the BBL Slam Dunk Contest, featuring some of most talented high-flyers in the world, including:
2021 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final Dunk Contest winner, Piotr ‘Grabo’ Grabowski from Poland
The best dunker in Britain, Joel ’The Royal Guard’ Henry
Europe’s most promising dunking prospect – 21-year-old Bartek Szwed from Poland
Leicester Riders’ Chris Yapo, who starred in the BBL Cup Final Dunk Contest
Tickets are continuing to sell fast for this fantastic event in London, and you can get yours at https://bit.ly/3vjdqwO
The Riders face the Plymouth City Patriots in the BBL Playoff quarter-final, over two legs. The first leg will be played in Plymouth, taking place at 7pm on Friday. The return fixture is at the Morningside Arena, tipping off at 4pm on Sunday.
The Riders enter the playoffs as the 1-seed, having been crowned BBL champions in the league season. They won the title by 16 points, the biggest winning margin in BBL history. Their 25-2 record won the league with five games to spare, as they secured the league against their playoff opponents.
That's the final table – and it's a @BBLofficial record winning margin of 16pts #BritishBasketball
The Riders are also the third team in BBL history to lead the league in points scored and conceded. They put up 91 points per contest, while giving up 72, dominating on both ends.
GB sharpshooter Patrick Whelan has led the team on the year, scoring 15.3 points per game on 48% from three, his efficiency from deep ranking the 12th best all time. The reigning MVP Geno Crandall has pulled the strings, also enjoying an emphatic season. His 13.1 points and 6.8 rebounds have been pivotal to Leicester’s success.
In their last game of the season, Leicester faced their playoff opponents, winning 92-82. Bench tandem Conner Washington and Mo Walker led the team. Washington put up a season-high of 20 points, while Walker dominated inside with 17 points and nine rebounds.
Walker saw the game as a scouting opportunity ahead of the postseason. “They’re a feisty team, they play really physical. We’ve got to do a better job in the playoffs, keeping them out of the paint and just defending better.”
Having won the BBL Cup and BBL Championship so far this season, the Riders look for the treble in the playoffs.
Season so far- Patriots
In their first BBL season, the Plymouth City Patriots booked their place in the playoffs. A dramatic “win or go home” game against the Newcastle Eagles, with the winner taking the final playoff spot, secured 8th place for Plymouth.
They bested the Eagles 80-72 at home, in a tense affair. It was a four-point game with a minute and a half remaining before the Patriots closed with a 6-2 run to seal the victory. Rowell Graham-Bell closed the year with a season-high 26 points and 11 rebounds, backed up by former Rider Rashad Hassan, who put up 25 points and 12 rebounds.
After a 0-8 start to the season, a Patriots’ miraculous turnaround earned them a playoff place, going 12-7 since. They get to the free-throw line the most in the BBL, and can build on their 80.6 points per game by improving their foul shooting, as they currently knock down just 70%.
Facing a mammoth task, taking on the league champions over two legs, the Patriots will rely on Antonio Williams’ scoring to challenge for the win. His 18.6 points per game in the season ranked second in the BBL, as he looks to continue his form in the postseason.
One to watch- Riders
Reigning BBL and BBL Cup Final MVP Geno Crandall will look to kickstart his postseason with a win, after putting up 13 points and 6.8 assists through the season. His assist tally ranks fourth in the BBL, and his index efficiently third, as he shot 50% from the field and 39% from three.
Last season, the Gonzaga graduate pulled the strings in the backcourt, averaging a BBL best nine assists in the playoffs. His team-high 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists sealed the league title for the Riders, and he is set to help the team through their playoff push.
Crandall is an elite offensive talent, with his flashy playmaking skills dominating highlight reels. He pushes the tempo quickly in transition to set up teammates for easy buckets, and has active hands defensively averaging 1.8 steals. With his ability to read the passing lane and take the ball from the opposition, he is a fantastic asset to Rob Paternostro’s side on both ends of the floor.
One to watch- Patriots
The BBL’s second-ranking scorer and third-ranking assist maker Anontio Williams has been integral to the Patriots’ playoff push this season. His 8.32 assists per game ranks 15th for a single season in BBL history, as he looks to lead Plymouth on a postseason run.
Williams put up big numbers in his last game against the Riders, with 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The Chicago born guard did not take a three in the game, attacking the rim to shoot 11 free throws.
Williams is a third-year pro, having spent his first two professional seasons in Estonia. The Kent State graduate scored 15 points per game in his senior year, and 17 points as a rookie.
In his first BBL postseason, Williams will look to help his team defy the odds, as they attempt to best the league champions over two legs.
Previous meeting
The teams have faced off five times in all competitions this season, with the Riders winning every affair.
They last met in the Riders’ final game of the season, a 92-82 Riders win. Conner Washington put up a season-high of 20 points, and Mo Walker dominated inside with 17 points and nine rebounds.
For Plymouth, Antonio Williams put up 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The Patriots will rue missed opportunities in the game, as they shot 56% from the free-throw line.
Leicester currently possesses a 36 game win streak over Plymouth, dating back to December 2012. It is the longest winning run against an opponent in BBL history, and they look to extend it in this one.
The Riders concluded the league season with a win, beating the Plymouth City Patriots 92-82. They finish the season with a 27-2 record, their best ever winning percentage.
The Riders’ bench tandem of Conner Washington and Mo Walker led the team with 34 points between them, as Washington scored a season-high 20 to lead the team in scoring for the first time this year. The duo put up 23 points in the final quarter to seal the win, coming up big in the clutch.
The win marks the 36th straight against Plymouth, a streak which dates back to December 2012! It is the longest winning run against an opponent in BBL history, and completes a 5-0 season sweep.
The victory also maintained the Riders undefeated home record this season. They are 13-0 at home in the league, making the Morningside Arena a formidable place to visit for teams entering the playoffs.
Plymouth had two scorers put up 20 points in the defeat. They will rue missed opportunities from the free-throw line, as they made just 14 of their 25 foul shots.
Offence ruled the early goings, as the teams traded baskets for an 8-7 Patriots start in the first two minutes. Crandall got the Riders’ offence flowing, dishing no-look passes to find open shooters in a back and forth first quarter. Following his season-high performance in his last game, Kimbal Mackenzie finished off the period with a rare breakaway slam cut a narrow Riders’ deficit to one.
In the second, Mo Walker got the crowd on its feet with a monster putback slam for his ninth points off the bench. The play kickstarted an 8-2 Riders’ run, as the home side took the lead.
What an assist from Loving to Nelson-Henry for two!
Zach Jackson beat the buzzer with a long two to end the half, sending the Riders into the locker rooms up 48-41. Darien Nelson-Henry led the team with 10 in the half, as the Riders won the period 24-16.
Leicester took a double-digit lead to start the second half, as Patrick Whelan scored five quick points.
The Patriots, fighting for playoff contention, battled back into the tie. They commenced a 12-2 before tying the game at 60, as Williams scored seven straight points for Plymouth.
In response, the Riders’ backcourt clicked into gear, as Conner Washington and Mackenzie scored five quick points. Deji Adekunle drove to the hoop for two Plymouth points to end the third, as the sides entered the final quarter with the score 66-63 in favour of Leicester.
Washington started the fourth as he finished the third, draining a three to stretch the Riders’ lead. Building off his point guard’s play, Walker got to work down low, bruising his defender for three baskets from the post.
Walker’s play rebuilt the Riders’ lead to double digits, putting them in a solid position to see the game out. Walker and Washington combined for all but two of the Riders’ 23 fourth-quarter points, getting it done at the free-throw line. The duo’s play was enough to get the Riders over the line, as they secured their ninth straight win.
“I feel like I’m in tip-top shape, and the team’s playing good right now”, said Walker post-game.
Walker has averaged 14 points and six assists in his last eight games, as he prepared for a playoff run.
“I’ve been patient, and the guys are really looking for me. I’m just playing my game, not forcing anything and playing team basketball.”
With the league season concluded, the playoffs are now upon us! The first leg of the quarter-finals will be played on the road, with the date and opponent yet to be decided, and the return fixture will be played at the Morningside Arena on May 1.
Tickets available for the Riders’ first home playoff game are available here!
The Riders conclude their league season against the Plymouth City Patriots, looking to finish their title-winning year with a 25-2 record. A win in this one would maintain their undefeated home record, as they head into the offseason looking for the treble.
Leicester is in the midst of an eight-game winning streak and comes into this game off the back of two straight blowouts. Most recently, the Riders dominated in Glasgow, beating the Rocks 101-86.
They had 11 different scorers, five putting up double-digit points. Riders’ tandem of Mo Walker and Kimbal Mackenzie combined for 32 points off the bench, with Walker leading the team with 17 points.
The Riders have been the BBL’s premier outfit this year, boasting the best offensive and defensive record in the league. In this game, facing the Patriots will provide crucial intel going into the postseason, as they are a potential first-round matchup in the playoffs.
Season so far- Patriots
After a 0-8 start to the season, the Patriots’ miraculous turnaround has left them in hot contention for a playoff spot. They are 11-6 since, and enter this game after back to back wins against the Surrey Scorchers and Glasgow Rocks.
Three Patriots scored over 24 points, as American big man Rashad Hassan’s 31 points led them to a 115-105 win. They shot 62% from the field and 44% from three in an emphatic offensive effort.
It has been another American native, Antonio Williams, who has led the team this season. The Kent State graduate leads the BBL in scoring with 18.9 points per game, picking up a Player of the Month award in the process.
With this being Plymouth’s penultimate game of the season, a win would place them in a solid position to qualify for the postseason.
One to watch- Riders
Canadian/British big man Mo Walker put on a show down low in his previous game. His 17 points off the bench against the Rocks came in just 15 minutes, as the Minnesota graduate went an efficient 6/9 from the field.
Walker is playing in his third Riders season, having gained previous experience in Latvia, France and the BBL for the Worcester Wolves. Walker averaged a monster 18 points and nine rebounds per game for the Wolves. He led the league in rebounds and was the BBL’s fifth-highest scorer per game.
Standing at 6’10”, Walker dominates down low. His paint presence translates to both ends of the floor, using his size to bully the best big men the BBL has to offer. Walker has given the Riders double-digit points off the bench 13 times this season, as he makes big contributions in limited minutes.
One to watch- Patriots
In his third Plymouth season, Rashad Hassan has been on a tear, averaging a monster 17.6 points and 7.4 assists. He enters this game after his second 30 point performance of the season, and his eight occasion scoring over 20.
Hassan is a former Rider, who played his first two pro seasons in Leicester. He averaged 18 points a game in his second season, before going on to play for the London Lions and Rueil in the French third division.
Hassan averaged 19.2 points per game in his first two Plymouth seasons and helped them to 21-9 record last year. His contributions towards winning are needed now more than ever for the Patriots, as their last two games of the season are pivotal.
Previous meeting
The team’s last met in April, in a significant game for the Riders. They were crowned league champions after beating the Patriots 77-60.
Geno Crandall led the Riders in the game with 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals- a stat sheet stuffing performance. Leicester shot 41% from three to torch Plymouth, taking a historic road win.
For the Patriots, Antonio Williams led them in defeat with 20 points and five rebounds. They shot 36% from the field and 20% from three on a tough shooting night.
The Riders won their final road game of the league season, beating the Glasgow Rocks 101-86. Having previously wrapped up the league title, the win is crucial for maintaining the team’s winning rhythm.
Leicester’s tandem of Mo Walker and Kimbal Mackenzie combined for 32 points off the bench, with Walker leading the team with 17 points. Mackenzie’s 15 points and six assists marks his best statistical performance of the season, as Glasgow’s defence found no answer for the Canadian.
The lead rose to as much as 27 points before Glasgow’s late flurry of threes cut the game closer. After taking a double-digit lead in the first half, the Riders controlled the game until the final buzzer.
They shot 54% from the field and dominated the glass, doubling their season average with 14 offensive rebounds. Leicester had 11 different scorers, five putting up double-digit points, as coach Rob Paternostro split the minutes and the offensive load.
The win improves the Riders’ record to 24-2, as they extended their winning streak to eight. The Glasgow loss dents their recent hot form, as the hosts entered the game having won nine of the last ten fixtures, and casts doubt on their playoff hopes in the process.
Glasgow’s Jordan Harris led the game with 19 points in his side’s defeat. The first-year pro out of the University of Georgia went 9-13 from the field and used his elite athleticism to create a multitude of highlights at the rim.
There was little to separate the scoreline through the opening period, as the sides felt their way into the game in the early stages. There were seven lead changes in the first quarter, one just one point in it with eight minutes gone.
The Riders closed out the first with a 9-2 run, earning an advantage to end the period. Walker made the difference off the bench, getting to work down low as his matchup, Vance Johnson, picked up two early fouls.
The Rocks fought back, with Vance Johnson and Jordan Johnson making up 18 of the team’s 22 initial points. Vance Johnson had nine points and six rebounds in a dominant first quarter display.
But the second period belonged to Leicester, as they kept their opponents at arm’s length until the half. BBL MVP Geno Crandall turned up the style, handing-off an audacious 360 dish to Patrick Whelan down low to make it an 11 point affair.
Assist of the year from Crandall!
Riders out here continuing their 360 degrees highlight game!
Whelan led the Riders into the locker rooms after a 13-point second quarter. The score was 53-44 at halftime, leaving Leicester in a commanding position.
The Riders started the second half testing a new lineup, playing three guards in Crandall, Mackenzie and Whelan. Mackenzie rewarded his coach’s decision, draining a three to get things underway.
Another three from the Bucknall graduate five minutes into the third gave the Riders a 14 point advantage, their biggest of the night. The Rocks, led by six quick points from Harris, chipped away at the lead, cutting it to single digits. However, the Riders remained in control, responding to Glasgow’s blows with big shots of their own.
Leicester ended the third with a 13-0 run, led by eight more points from Walker. His three ended the quarter with the Riders leading 83-61.
Walker comes up with the and-1 for the three-point play!
With Leicester up 23 in the fourth quarter, Loughborough and Charnwood’s Louie Jordan and Evan Walshe checked into the game to log key BBL minutes. Both got on the scoresheet quickly, with Walshe driving to the hoop before making a tough finish for two, before Jordan drained a three from the corner.
Walshe with the spin move inside and finishes for two!
The final two games of the season are set to be useful for Leicester, as they will be played against two of the Riders’ potential first-round playoff matchups, the Glasgow Rocks and the Plymouth City Patriots.
The games will provide the Riders will key information about their opponents heading into the postseason, starting with the Rocks on Tuesday night.
Season so far- Riders
The BBL Champions are gearing up for the playoffs, after winning the league with four games to spare. Having lost just two of their 24 games, they are the BBL’s premier outfit and have the luxury of casting their attention to the postseason.
Statistically, the Riders lead the league on both ends, scoring 90.6 points per game while giving up just 70. But it was their three-point shooting that saw them through their last game, a dominant 103-67 win against the London Lions.
Leicester knocked down 16 threes in the game, and 11 by halftime, besting their season average of ten a game. All the Riders starters scored double-digit points in an emphatic team display, led by 18 from Marc Loving.
GB sniper Patrick Whelan leads Leicester on the season scoring 15.2 points per game. The William Jewell graduate is not taking the last two games of the season for granted, having locked up the league title.
“At this stage of the season, we can try some different things having won the league already. We can test some different looks and that’s going to help us going into the playoffs, seeing how to guard certain actions. We’ll be ready.”
Season so far- Rocks
The Rocks are caught in a five-way scrap for the final playoff spot, as the season winds down. They sit in sixth position with a 12-13 record, with just four points separating fifth and eighth in the table.
Their disparaging home and away form has led to their near-.500 record. Their home form ranks among the best in the league, as they boast a 9-3 record. However, away from home, their record is 2-11, leaving them with inconsistent form.
In their previous game, however, the Rocks picked up a crucial win on the road against the Sheffield Sharks. Down one with 0.5 seconds remaining, Jordan Harris put in a lob pass on the inbound to snatch a win, a monumental basket for the Rocks’ playoff chances.
Harris is one of four Rocks players to average over 15 points per game this season, helping Glasgow to the third-ranked offence in the BBL this season. Jordan Johnson leads the team with 18.8 points per game, his 15 points against the Sharks snapping the former G-Leaguer’s seven-game streak of scoring over 20 points.
With the playoffs firmly in their sights, a win against the league champions would go a long way in securing a postseason spot for the Rocks.
One to watch- Riders
Leading the team with 18 points in his previous game, Marc Loving lit up the Morningside Arena in Leicester’s blowout win. The Ohio State forward went 6-12 from the floor and hit two threes, and made the play of the game with an acrobatic 360 layup to send the home crowd, and the bench, into a frenzy.
Loving is averaging 12.6 points and four rebounds on the season, and a steal and a block per game. Head coach Rob Paternostro loves the way Loving fits seamlessly into his lineups.
“Marc’s a great all-around basketball player. He doesn’t go hunting his shot, he just tries to play the right way,” said Paternostro. “If he gets an open look, he’s taking it. I love his floor game too. His shot is amazing, and the way he plays the game is very intelligent. He’s a player that helps us in many ways.”
Loving is a former G-League forward, having played with the Agua Caliente Clippers and the Delaware Bluecoats after his four years at Ohio State. Standing at 6’7”, Loving is a danger to defenders all over the court, able to rise up from anywhere to make shots.
With a season-high of 32 points coming against the Cheshire Phoenix earlier in the year, Loving is capable of a monster night whenever needed, and will put on a show with his shot-making ability each and every night.
One to watch- Rocks
Leading Glasgow with 18.8 points per game, Jordan Johnson has taken his team into playoff contention this year with his elite scoring ability. Johnson ranks second in the BBL’s scoring charts, and his 8.2 assists per game ranks third in the league.
With his scoring and playmaking ability, johnson has amassed nine double-doubles this season and put up a season-best performance against the Scorchers with 32 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds early in the year.
The former G-Leaguer played his rookie year with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers after graduating from UNLV, before playing last season in the Netherlands.
Johnson is a shifty, pass-first point guard, who dished the 23rd most assists in the country in his senior year in college. Shooting 50% from the floor, Johnson plays with high IQ, taking good shots consistently while focused on making the right basketball play.
Previous meeting
The Riders last faced the Rocks back in Febuary, in a statement Leicester win. The Riders were up 30 by halftime, and cruised to a 105-76 road win, despite the absence of MVP Geno Crandall.
Whelan and Loving led the team with 23 and 22 points respectively, as the Riders knocked down 15 threes in the game. Former Rider Ali Fraser scored 17 in his team’s defeat, going 7-15 from the field.
The Riders made it seven wins on the bounce with a cracking Easter Sunday display, beating the London Lions 103-67.
All of Leicester’s starters scored double-digit points in an emphatic team effort. Marc Loving led the team with 18 points in 27 minutes, while Geno Crandall put up a near double-double with 16 points and nine assists.
The league champions put on a clinic from wire to wire, blowing out their opponents to maintain their hot form entering the postseason. The Riders hit 16 threes on the game to torch the visitors.
For the Lions, it was their fourth straight loss as they struggled to contain Leicester’s league-leading offence. Italian sniper Lorenzo Cugini led the team with 16, going 8/16 from the field.
Crandall pulled the strings to get the game underway, the MVP scoring or assisting on five of the Riders’ first seven baskets. The MVP’s play led Leicester to an explosive 18-8 start, with Zach Jackson’s back to back threes establishing the double-digit lead.
Crandall’s play extended through the entire first period, as he scored eight points in his first seven and a half minutes of play. He was bested only by Jackson, who led the Riders’ early three-point barrage to drain three of their seven made triples, as the Riders finished the first up 33-15.
Crandall goes coast-to-coast and the finger-roll to finish!
The Lions fought back in the early stages of the second, playing through their star guard Isaiah Reese. Reese, London’s leading scorer on the season, had ten points midway through the quarter, as they cut their deficit to 10.
Crandall checked back in to retake the reigns and made an immediate impact. The Gonzaga graduate drove hard to the rim, before laying in an acrobatic finish through heavy contact for an and-one play.
With momentum back under them, Leicester continued their red hot three-point shooting. The Riders entered the game making 10 threes per game, a tally they had bested by halftime having made 11 entering the locker rooms.
Loving made the play of the game with a circus shot in close, making his 16th points of the first half. He met Julian Washburn at the rim, pulling off a 360 layup to get the fans on their feet. The strong finish to the quarter capped off an astonishing offensive display, which put the Riders up 62-37 by halftime.
The three-point shooting remained locked in out of the locker rooms, as Patrick Whelan kicked off the second half with back to back triples. He and Nelson-Henry combined for 10 points unanswered to start the third, putting Leicester up 35.
The Riders clicked into an offensive rhythm, swinging the ball around the court in a display of elite ball movement. The Lions showed heart, finishing the third with a 10-2 run, but the score entering the final period was 83-55 in Leicester’s favour.
What a pass from Crandall! Jackson finishes at the rim for two!
Leicester kept their foot to the floor in the fourth, starting the period with a 10-1 run. Holding a 39 point lead, young prospects Louie Jordan and Greg Wild checked into the game to log valuable BBL minutes.
Jordan got the crowd up late, draining a three from the corner with two minutes remaining. A minute later, Jubril Adekoya sealed the deal with a three of his own, breaking the 100 point mark for his team.
“It’s nice to have the league wrapped up, and now we can play a bit looser. Tonight we were on point for most of the game,” said Whelan after his 13 point performance.
“We showed to the league that we’re not messing around. We’re here to win every game, and that’s what we’re going to try and do every time we go out there. We’ve always got out foot on the pedal.”
With just two games remaining on the schedule, the BBL Championship season will be concluded in the coming week for the Riders. They head to Glasgow on Tuesday to take on the Rocks, before returning home to take on the Plymouth City Patriots on Friday, in the final game of the year.
The last home league game of the season is this Friday versus @PlymCityPatriot at Morningside Arena, 8pm tip.
The club have announced they have granted Head Coach Rob Paternostro an All-star Testimonial Game in celebration of his achievements in his 14 years at the helm.
The game will take place on Saturday, June 11 – 6pm tip, and will follow a kids coaching session led by Coach Rob at 3pm.
The game is set to be very competitive, with squads made up of current BBL players, Great Britain Internationals and Riders legends!
To round off the day’s festivities, an after-party will be held at the arena, with a DJ set until 12pm.
Ticket prices are set at £20 for adults, £17.50 for concessions, £7.50 for children and £17.50 for the training camp.
“We are all thrilled to be able to grant Rob a testimonial event. He has had unrivalled success as our head coach and we are sure he will achieve even more in the years to come,” commented Managing Director Russell Levenston.
“He’s a hall of fame level coach and we’re excited to put on this event as a celebration of his achievements so far. He’s a passionate and competitive coach and we expect the game to be similar!”
“Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for players being announced… there’s a few surprises in there that not just the Riders fans, but the whole BBL will be excited about seeing.”
Rob has enjoyed a prosperous basketball career, dating back to his high-school career in his home city of Waterbury, Connecticut.
He attended Holy Cross High School, and was named into the All-State second team in his senior year after amassing over 1000 points in two seasons.
Rob then spent a successful four years at New Hampshire college, becoming their all-time assist leader to earn a spot in their Hall of Fame.
He became the first player in his college’s history to receive the NEBCA Bob Cousy Award, and won a total of seven individual awards for his performances in his senior year.
After turning pro, Rob joined the BBL in 2000, where he started a multi-year stint with the Birmingham Bullets. In 2006, Paternostro was first welcomed into the Riders’ franchise, spending the season running the point for Leicester.
After a further playing season in Birmingham, Paternostro hung up his jersey and was appointed head coach of the Riders.
In his first year, 2008/09, he recorded Leicester’s best-ever top-flight league finish up to that time, and the following season he became the first coach in franchise history to record back-to-back 20-win seasons.
His performances in his first coaching year made him the first Riders coach to win the BBL Coach of the Year. Five years later, Paternostro turned his club’s good performances into silverware.
The Riders secured their first treble-winning year in 2013, winning the BBL Championship, BBL Cup and BBL Playoffs. Since then, Rob has led Leicester to the most successful period in franchise history.
Paternostro has won 16 trophies in his 14-year coaching stint at the club and has six Coach of the Year awards to his name, making him the Riders’ most decorated coach. The Riders have won five of the last six league titles, the most successful stint for any club in BBL history.
Rob brings passion, intensity and character to the Leicester sideline, and will hope to add yet more silverware to the Riders’ trophy cabinet in years to come.
The BBL Champions are gearing up for the playoffs, after winning the league with four games to spare. Having lost just two of their 24 games, they are the BBL’s premier outfit and have the luxury of casting their attention to the postseason.
Statistically, the Riders lead the league on both ends, scoring 90 points per game while giving up just 70. They locked in defensively to win the title against the Plymouth City Patriots, holding their opponents to 60 points.
Patrick Whelan has led the scoring for Leicester, the GB guard scoring 15.3 points per game. But it was reigning MVP Geno Crandall who led them over the line, putting up 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists against the Patriots.
Crandall scored 23 points in the Riders’ previous fixture against the Giants, putting on a show on their coronation night as league champions.
Coach Rob Paternostro explained the team’s mindset in the closing stages of the season: “We’ll take it day by day, and game by game. We’ll make sure everyone is healthy and in a nice rhythm. I think we’ve earned the right to do that.”
Season so far- Lions
Entering the season with expectations of challenging for the title, the London Lions have endured a disappointing season thus far, going trophyless with just one piece of silverware left up for grabs.
They sit fourth with a 13-8 record, and are locked in a tight battle for second in the standings. The fight took a setback on Friday night, as they fell to the second-placed Sheffield Sharks in overtime.
Isaiah Reese led them in the game with 22 points, despite his side’s loss. The Lions will hope that the overtime period did not take much out of their legs, as they continue their road trip to face the Riders with just a day between fixtures.
The Lions’ offensive production has held them back, as they score just the sixth-most points in the BBL. They shoot just 45.5% from the field and come into this game out of rhythm after scoring 71 points in an overtime defeat.
A win against the league champions would put the Lions’ season back on track, as they look to string some wins together, and build some form entering the postseason.
One to watch- Riders
Putting up solid numbers in key minutes off the bench, Kimbal Mackenzie has run the point for the second unit to great effect this season. Averaging 18 minutes a night, the Bucknall graduate has put up double-digit point performances 13 times on the year.
The third-year pro came to the Riders having spent two years in Spain, and the summer playing with for the Guelph Nightwaks in Canada alongside Riders big man Mo Walker. This came after a successful college career, averaging 17.2 points per game in his senior year at Bucknall.
A natural athlete, Mackenzie captained his high-school football team, demonstrating the leadership ability he brings to Leicester. Able to sideline his ego for the good of the team, and put his outstanding abilities to good use from the bench, Mackenzie symbolised the team-first mentality which runs through the Riders roster.
American guard Isiah Reese has been a fundamental component for the Lions this season. They have a 12-8 record with him and went 1-2 after he went down injured in March, demonstrating his influence on the team.
Resse is averaging 18.6 points and 6.6 assists in the league this season, ranking top five in the BBL in both categories. The 6’5” guard has scored 25 points on three occasions, including in back to back games to get April underway.
Before arriving in London, Reese spent his first two professional seasons in the G-League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, averaging eight points per game in his second season. This followed a college career at Canisius College, where he became the first Canisius sophomore since 1993-94 to earn All-MAAC First Team honours.
Reese is a pass-first, playmaking guard with a high IQ, able to score himself or get teammates easy baskets. Shooting 37% from three this season, he can score on all three levels, and won’t allow the Riders’ defence a moment’s relief in this one.
Previous meeting
The Riders will look for revenge in this tie, having fallen to the Lions 79-77 in their previous meeting in Febuary.
The Riders fought back from double digits down, draining threes to make it a ball game late.
Patrick Whelan put up 20 in Leicester’s efforts, but despite Marc Loving’s late three to make it a two-point game, the Riders fell just short, with Isiah Resse scoring 23 for London.
A Riders win would be the fifth against London on the season, after seven meetings in all competitions.
Morningside Arena will host a basketball game to raise money for research into brain tumours as a local player battles the disease.
Andi Peel, 30, from Groby, Leicestershire, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in January 2020.
The otherwise fit and healthy Carphone Warehouse manager suddenly started getting strong headaches in August 2019. By January 2020, his headaches became so severe that he had to pull over when driving. On 20 January, he went to Leicester Royal Infirmary and had an MRI scan, which revealed a mass on his brain.
Ross Bland, 34, who has known Andi for 15 years, said: “When I was told he had a GBM, it completely crushed me because I knew the prognosis is not good.
“It was devastating because he’s like my little brother. We met through basketball and we’ve played in many teams together, and we created our own successful team, ‘Ferndale Fury’, together in 2013.
“Andi’s brain tumour has taken over everything. It’s horrible to watch the way he has declined because of it.”
Andi had the tumour removed at Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Ross, a product manager, has brought together friends and players from across the basketball leagues who are connected to Andi through the sport. Proceeds from the game on 17 April will go to the Brain Tumour Research charity.
The game will take place at the Morningside Arena, and afterwards, the Leicester Riders will play against the London Lions in the British Basketball League (BBL).
Ross said: “It’s going to be incredible and big thanks go to the Leicester Riders. Everyone’s come together, and it’s all through Andi and basketball.
“Brain tumours are hugely underfunded and more needs to be done. Brain Tumour Research is important to me and I want to do everything I can for them.
“Andi’s been involved in organising the event, and it’s given him a new lease of life.
“We may be too late to save Andi, but we want to help others avoid what he’s going through.”
Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK singularly focused on finding a cure for brain tumours through campaigning for an increase in the national investment into research to £35 million per year. It is also fundraising to create a sustainable network of brain tumour research centres in the UK.
Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research said: “We’re really grateful to Ross, Andi, Leicester Riders, and the basketball community as it’s only with the support of people like them that we’re able to progress our research into brain tumours and improve the outcome for patients like Andi who are forced to fight this awful disease.
“Unlike many other cancers, brain tumours are indiscriminate. They can affect anyone at any time. Too little is known about the causes and that is why increased investment in research is vital.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
On the night of their coronation as league champions, the Riders won an 88-82 retro night thriller against the Manchester Giants.
With the league wrapped up, the Riders produced the same intensity which has earned them their 23-2 record on the year, in a game that remained within single digits for the full 40 minutes.
Geno Crandall led the scoring for the second straight game with 23 points and six assists, the MVP scoring eight in the final five minutes to inspire a clutch win.
For Manchester, Texas graduate Tyrik Armstrong put on a show with a 21 point double-double. His passing talents were on full display, reaching into his bag of flashy passes to dish 10 assists on the night.
Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on the win: “They wanted to win. No question. We said before the game, let’s just play the way we’ve been playing. The energy in the building helped us go on and that was key in the game.”
This marks Paternostro’s sixth league title as Riders head coach. “It never gets old. Every year is different. Every group is different. But the one thing that stays constant is the fans and the people of Leicester. I feel honoured to be able to work in such a great sporting city.”
Whelan got the game underway with a breakaway two, kickstarting a Riders 9-0 run out the gate. Any notion of a Leicester comedown after the recent title win was quickly quashed, as a Crandall three capped off an electric Leicester start.
The first Giants score came five minutes into the tie, as veteran Dan Clark forged Machester’s first way through the stifling Leicester defence. Clark caught fire for 11 first-quarter points, GB’s all-time leading scorer putting his team on his back to tie the game.
In response, Mo Walker got to work down low, scoring six points in a minute in close. The teams traded buckets to close the first, which ended 21-20 in the Giants’ favour.
Walker started the second how he finished the first, hitting a smooth jump-hook over David Ulph. Followed up by a Washington three, his play was the start of a 9-2 run to begin the period, as Manchester found themselves in the penalty seven minutes from the half.
The game remained competitive throughout the second quarter, as the Riders fended off Manchester’s efforts to climb back into the tie. Martaveous Mcknight scored five of the Giants’ 14 points in a low scoring period.
Darien Nelson-Henry drained a rare three to end the half, as the teams entered the locker rooms with the Riders holding a narrow 40-35 lead.
Leicester got away to another hot start to a quarter, with a 7-2 run getting the second half underway. A Whelan three capped off the burst of momentum, as the Riders gained a narrow advantage.
Despite the Leicester success, the game remained close, with the Giants making key buckets to peg back the Riders’ lead. Manchester took their first lead since the start of the second, with a three from Mcknight making it 49-47 to the visitors.
The Giants rode their wave of hot form, as Tyrik Armstrong’s free throws made it a seven point game.
It was Leicester’s turn to show their grit, climbing back into the game. They got to the line effectively, getting four quick foul shots, before Jackson’s solo breakaway bucket cut the deficit to two.
Jackson channelled the electric energy in the Morningside Arena to take the game over. With a minute to go in the third, he came up with back to back steals, producing the play of the game with a behind the back pass for Crandall to slam down to take the lead.
The score continued to swing back and forth in the final period of play. Six minutes into the fourth, neither team managed to establish an advantage, with just one point the difference to set up a tense finale.
With three minutes on the clock, Whelan and Marc Loving combined for a momentum grabbing sequence. With Armstrong driving to the rim, Whelan came up with a monster chase-down block, before dishing it to Loving who knocked down a three.
The play lit the spark in Leicester to seal out the game. They commenced on a 9-0 run to take an 83-74 lead with a minute remaining, enough to win the tie.
The Riders return next week, where they will host the London Lions on the 17th of April. They will look to maintain their form on the road to the playoffs, as they attempt to go for the treble.
The Riders take on the Giants on retro night! There will be throwback tunes and special guests, as your champions are presented with the BBL Championship trophy!
CONFIRMED: Riders will lift the BBL Championship trophy following the game tomorrow night as such the Riders will revert to our home red kit for the game.#RetroNight tunes, auction & special guests promises to make it a special night at the Morningside Arena! pic.twitter.com/JBKyROl1O1
The Riders began the season 12-1, the best start to a season in franchise history. They never looked back, with their 22-1 record enough to confirm them as back to back BBL Champions. They have now won five of the last six league titles, the most successful period of any team in BBL history.
Patrick Whelan has led the Riders on the season. The GB sharpshooter is enjoying a career year, scoring 15.5 points per game and leading the BBL in three-point shooting by making 48% of his attempts from downtown.
The Riders won the league in style, leading the BBL in points scored and conceded. Their success has stemmed from sharing and protecting the ball, as they turn it over the least in the league while ranking second in assists.
A 77-60 road win against the Plymouth City Patriots brought the silverware back to Leicester, as last season’s MVP Geno Crandall led them over the line. He stuffed the stat sheet with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, as the Riders cruised to a blowout.
The Riders will lift the trophy, their second of the season, after the game. They will look to maintain momentum in the final stretch of the season, as they enter the postseason looking to win their fourth-ever treble.
Season so far- Giants
There is much to play for as the season winds down for the Giants. They are in hot contention for second place in the league, as they are set to make the playoffs for the first time in seven years.
They enter this tie having won five of the last six games, off the back of a solid road win against the Bristol Flyers. Their offence has been in red hot form, scoring over 90 points consistently, led by Tyrik Armstrong’s 21 points in the previous game.
Armstrong leads the team on the season with 16.6 points per game. The first-year pro out of Texas Southern has enjoyed an emphatic rookie year, after averaging 14.3 points in his final year in college.
The Giants’ recent form has catapulted them to second in the offensive standings, as they look to make a final push for a high playoff seeding. A win against the Riders would put them in a solid position to continue their red hot finish to the year.
One to watch- Riders
Riders veteran Conner Washington played his role to great effect in his previous game, scoring nine points in four minutes to close the third quarter. He maintained the Riders’ lead in a crucial stage of the game, all but sealing the win.
Washington is a 14-year pro and an 11-year Rider, bringing championship experience to the team having won 14 pieces of silverware with Leicester. His composure in the biggest moments is a great asset to the Riders, as he steps up in the biggest moments with steely composure.
The 6’0” Bedford-born guard is elite on both ends, having been named on the 2016/17 BBL all-defensive and all-British first teams. The fan-favourite has put up efficient numbers in limited minutes this season, and his experience will be pivotal to the Riders’ playoff preparation.
One to watch- Giants
Giant’s veteran Dan Clark brings experience from the highest level of European basketball to Manchester, having spent 14 seasons in the Spanish first division. The GB captain is his country’s all-time leading scorer, winning over 100 caps.
The 6’11” power forward is one of the best passing big men in the league, and the 33-year-old is putting up 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes a game for the Giants.
His standout game this season came against the Lions, as he dominated down low for 17 points and 17 rebounds, dishing five assists and grabbing two steals in the process.
The Giants will lean on Clark’s leadership down the stretch, hoping to continue their good run of games to secure the BBL’s second spot.
Previous meeting
The sides last did battle in Manchester back in Febuary, as the Giants edged a close one 85-83. Armstrong led the victors with 24 points, as Will Saunders’ go-ahead three with less than a minute remaining was enough to win the hosts the game.
For the Riders, Patrick Whelan recorded his first career double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. The Warrington born guard drove to the rim on the final possession, but found no whistle through heavy contact to give the Riders their second loss of the year.
The Riders were crowned BBL Champions with a 77-60 win against the Plymouth City Patriots! Their 22-2 record cannot be caught, as they win their sixth league title.
It is the second back-to-back Championship in franchise history, and last season’s MVP Geno Crandall led them over the line. He scored his league season-high 25 points, recording a near triple-double for the second straight game with eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Riders were composed and confident with the title in reach, taking a double-digit lead in the second quarter and never looking back. After exploding out of the locker rooms to take a 20 point lead, they cruised to a comfortable win in the second half.
Leicester flexed their BBL-best defence throughout, holding Plymouth to under 20 in every quarter. They forced the Patriots into 20 turnovers, suffocating the hosts for 40 minutes.
Mo Walker dominated off the bench, scoring 15 points in 19 minutes. He shot 6-11 from the floor and grabbed four rebounds, leading the Riders bench.
For Plymouth, Kent State graduate Antonio Williams led the way with 20 points, in an impressive individual display, He scored a third of the Patriots’ points, playing 37 minutes in his team’s valiant effort.
The hosts came out the gates strong, as the Riders were locked into a battle in the opening stages. GB big man Rowell Graham-Bell, inserted into the Patriots’ lineup for this fixture, had seven quick points as his team jumped out to a 13-8 lead.
The Riders fought back through Crandall, who had six first-quarter points off 75% shooting. Building off his point guard’s play, Walker got to work down low off the bench, scoring six straight points to earn the Riders their first lead of the night.
Back to back threes from the Riders got the ball rolling in the second quarter, as their league-leading defence remained locked in. Plymouth scored just two points in the opening four minutes of the period, as the Riders’ lead gradually grew.
Crandall and Darien Nelson-Henry linked up for the play of the first half to make it an eight-point game. Running the pick and roll, Crandall drove into the lane and threw it up high for the cutting Nelson-Henry, who slammed it down with authority.
Zach Jackson finished the half with a flurry to take the Riders’ first double-digit lead of the night. He had five in the final two minutes, including a corner three, to make it 43-31. Crandall came up with a monster block to swat Troy Simons’ three-point shot out of bounds, sending the sides into the locker rooms.
Crandall took the game by the horns coming into the second half, driving into the teeth of the Plymouth defence to be sent to the line. On the next possession, he finished off a flashy behind the back pass from Nelson-Henry, before coming up with a steal which led to a Marc Loving three.
Within two minutes, the lead shot up to 17 after a 5-0 Riders start to the third quarter. Leicester gained firm control of the tie after bolting out the gate, and played solid basketball the rest of the way.
Crandall showed off his footwork down low, dropping Cameron King in the post with a pivot before finishing in close. His three on the next play stretched the lead to 20, as he recorded his 17th points of the game.
Riders’ veteran Conner Washington took over the game with four minutes left in the third, scoring six points to close the quarter. The GB guard scored nine points off the bench in 11 minutes, playing a pivotal role in sustaining the Riders’ advantage,
Plymouth’s Albanian guard Elvisi Dusha then concluded the period with a two in close, as the sides entered the final stanza with Leicester leading 67-46.
Ten minutes from the title, Crandall got his head down to put the game beyond doubt. He scored four quick points to make it a 23 point lead, as Leicester had one hand on the silverware.
Crandall came up with the play of the game with six minutes left. Running the fastbreak, he faked a behind the back pass to dupe his defender before finishing in style at the rim, receiving applause from the Plymouth crowd.
The Riders return home on Friday, where the Morningside Arena will host retro night! They face the Manchester Giants in front of what is sure to be a raucous crowd, welcoming their champions to the court.
A win in this one would secure the Riders the BBL Championship! It would be the second time in their history winning back to back Championships, as they would lift their sixth league title.
Going 12-1 through the opening stages of the year, the Riders burst out the gate to their best-ever start to a season. They haven’t looked back since, and are in the midst of a four-game winning streak.
Their previous game was a dominant display against the Newcastle Eagles, as the Riders won 103-77 led by 18 points from their captain, Darien Nelson-Henry. They improved to a 20-2 record with five games remaining of the season.
Patrick Whelan leads them on the season, the GB sniper is averaging 16 points per game on 48.8% three-point shooting. This percentage ranks highest in the BBL for those who have taken over 100 threes, earning him his first international call up.
With the best-ranked offence and defence in the BBL, the Riders have been the league’s premier outfit from the jump, and will be keen to lift their second piece of silverware of the season in this fixture.
Season So Far – Patriots
After a difficult beginning to their campaign, starting the season 0-8, the Patriots have turned their season around to climb into the playoff places. The addition of American point guard Antonio Williams coincided with a 9-5 run, lifting Plymouth to seventh in the standings.
Williams is leading the Patriots in scoring with 17.9 points, in a Plymouth side ranking seventh in the BBL scoring charts with 79.2 points per game. They lean heavily on their free-throw shooting, attacking the hoop to average the most foul shots in the league.
After an 18 day break from basketball, the Patriots returned to action on the 1st of April against the Sheffield Sharks. Rowell Graham-Bell led the team with 18 points, but his efforts couldn’t take his team to the win, as Plymouth took a 71-61 loss on the road.
With just one win separating ninth from sixth in the standings, every game is pivotal for the Patriots’ playoff chances, as the season ticks down. They have five games remaining to separate themselves from the teams around them, and a win against the league leaders would go a long way in doing so.
One To Watch – Riders
With two perfect performances in a month, captain Darien Nelson-Henry has been at his efficient best in the paint for Leicester. He scored 21 points against Surrey, and 18 in the Riders’ most recent game against the Eagles, all without missing a shot.
The Penn graduate is playing in his third Riders season, after leading his college in points, rebounds and blocks in his senior year. He gained experience playing in Poland and Austria before moving to Leicester and quickly became a fan favourite.
Nelson-Henry has been one of the BBL’s most efficient players throughout his Riders tenure and is leading the BBL in FG% for those who have played over 10 games. His dominance down low is a vital part of the Riders’ success, as they are a game away from back to back championships.
One To Watch – Patriots
Leading his team in scoring since he joined in January, Antonio Williams has led his team into the playoff places. His play earned him player of the month in Febuary, after averaging 18.7 points per game, including a 35 points game, and leading the Patriots to a 5-2 record.
Williams spent his first two pro seasons in Estonia, after a college career at Kent State and Indian Hills Junior College. He helped Indian Hills to a 30-0 record before transferring to Kent State, where he led the team in steals as a senior with 1.8 per game.
Williams is one of the BBL’s premier scorers, ranking second in the league’s scoring charts with 17.9 points per game. Despite standing at 6’0”, he can attack the rim effectively, using his athleticism to rise high and finish strong in close.
Previous Meeting
The teams last met back in December in a Riders blowout. It was the biggest Leicester win of the season, as they emerged 106-60 victors.
Nelson-Henry led Leicester with 22 points, the big man at his efficient best going 7-8 from the field. Kofi Josephs led Plymouth with 21, the GB shooting guard having since departed from the team.
The Riders are a win away from their second straight league title, after beating the Newcastle Eagles, 103-77. With the win, the Riders sweep the season series against their long-standing rivals 3-0, winning each of the games by over 20 while scoring over 100 points.
Darien Nelson-Henry led the Riders after a dominant first half, putting up 17 points and five rebounds, not missing a shot as he went 8-8 from the field. Leicester had seven players score in double digits in an emphatic team display.
In 25 minutes of play, MVP Geno Crandall put up a near triple-double showing with 12 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, GB sharpshooter Patrick Whelan made everyone better, finishing with a +/- of 28.
Leicester attacked the basket all night long to great effect, as they shot a scorching hot 73% on two-point shots. They got easy buckets on the fastbreak, scoring 37 fastbreak points by snatching 11 steals.
For the Eagles, Justin Gordan and Rahmon Fletcher scored 21 each in their side’s losing effort. Gordon nearly had a triple-double of his own, with nine rebounds and seven assists, but the Charlotte-born forward’s play still left Newcastle short in a heavy defeat for the hosts.
The Riders’ got to work on their gameplan from the tip, attacking the hoop to get the action underway. Their first six baskets came in close, and the paint wide open for the Riders to attack, the opposite was true on the other end, as Leicester blocked two shots in the opening five minutes.
All of Leicester’s starters got on the board in five minutes, their team play seeing them through a tightly fought first quarter. But a monster 16-0 run at the end of the period, led by five points from Geno Crandall, allowed the Riders to establish their first lead of the night, as they ended the first up 28-14.
After finishing the first quarter with a steal and a basket, Jubril Adekoya came up with another steal and four more points at the start of the second, the Valparaiso graduate capitalising on his side’s momentum.
Leicester continued their hot streak, as Kimbal Mackenzie caught fire to score 10 points in five minutes and stretch the lead. The Riders found themselves up 23 four minutes into the second.
Nelson-Henry showed off his passing skills midway through the period, making the play of the first half with a behind the back dish to a cutting Zach Jackson. He got to work on the next possession, the captain getting his back to the basket and laying the ball in for his seventh points of the night.
The Eagles fought back behind two-time MVP Fletcher towards the end of the half, going on a 13-2 run, with the seven-year Eagle scoring eight. The Newcastle run meant it was a 58-43 Riders lead entering the locker rooms.
The Riders started the second half with suffocating defence, getting two steals, finished off by two fast-break buckets from Crandall. They put up 12 quick points to re-establish their 20 point lead, as a Patrick Whelan three caused an early Eagles timeout.
Whelan continued his hot stretch, the Riders’ points leader scoring five points out of the timeout to continue the Leicester run. The William Jewell graduate had ten in the quarter, as Leicester cruised into the final period.
It was Crandall’s turn to show off his flashy playmaking skills, as his behind the back pass to Mo Walker down low gave him his 10th assist of the evening. The Riders won the third 26-13, entering the final quarter up 84-58.
Walker came out aggressively in the fourth, scoring the Riders’ first seven points of the quarter. Leicester stretched the lead to 30, as they continued to play hard until the final buzzer against their rivals. Loughborough’s Evan Walshe checked into the game, and his bucket put the Riders over the 100 point tally in a blowout win.
The Riders could be crowned league champions before their next fixture, should the London Lions lose their Sunday night clash against the Sheffield Sharks. Should London win, Leicester will get a shot at back-to-back titles on Tuesday, with a win against the Plymouth City Patriots enough to secure their sixth BBL Championship title.
In a shock move for the start of April, Riders are delighted to announce the addition of former Glasgow Rocks star & GB captain Kieron Achara MBE.
Achara, 38, retired in 2019 after a third spell with the Rocks, but has come out of retirement to join the Riders in a last bid to pick up some BBL silverware.
It is believed the Scot will suit up for tonight’s game in Newcastle as well as holding down his media duties for Sky Sports.
“I have always wanted to join the Riders,” commented Achara. “They have secretly been my favourite BBL team and they look on course to win another trophy or two.”
“I spoke to Ali Fraser and he told me about the good old times when he won silverware. I thought I should go get myself some.”
“Some people may call me a glory hunter and they would be right.”
After negotiations with the BBL, the Riders, who have been chasing Achara since 2015, were able to extend the player signing deadline to April 1st.
The Riders are two wins away from retaining their BBL Championship title, sitting top of the table with a 19-2 record. A blowout win against the Scorchers in their previous game brought them one step closer to the silverware.
Patrick Whelan led them in the game with 23 points, the GB sharpshooter scored an emphatic 47 points in a back to back over the weekend. These performances have been consistent of Whelan all season long, as he leads the Riders in scoring with 16.1 points per game on 48.7% three-point shooting.
Whelan’s efforts has helped Leicester to the best offensive record in the BBL, with the team scoring 90.2 points per game. They have dominated on both ends, also possessing the best defensive record in the league, giving up just 70.5 points a contest.
A win against their long-standing rivals in this one could be enough to secure the league title, should the London Lions lose one of their upcoming fixtures against Newcastle or Bristol. It will certainly bring the league to within touching distance however the results fall.
Season So Far – Eagles
This season will not go down as one of the more successful years for the esteemed Eagles franchise. They sit third bottom of the league table with an 8-11 record, and have gone trophyless through the season so far.
Defence has been the area of concern for Newcastle. They give up 90.6 per game, leaving them near the bottom of the BBL’s defensive rankings. Should they resolve their issues on that end, they will feel confident of making a playoff run, as they rank third in the offence charts, scoring 87 per game.
Justin Gordan has led the Eagles after rejoining the team midseason. Gordon enjoyed a successful stint in Newcastle last year, and took a half-season away in Hungary before returning to Tyneside. The 6’6” two-guard is the BBL’s third leading scorer, putting up 18.5 points per game.
A win in this game will snap a three game losing streak for the Eagles, as they look to secure a playoff place.
One To Watch – Riders
Sealing the deal with eight points in the final quarter against the Scorchers, Conner Washington showcased the value he has brought to the Riders over his 11 years in Leicester.
The GB guard has won 12 trophies with the Riders, and was named to the BBL All Defensive team and All British First Team in the 2016/17 season. The Bedford born point guard is known as a two way threat, still able to lock up the best guards the BBL has to offer, while draining shots from deep on the other end.
Washington had 11 points, three rebounds and three assists in his previous game, and will look to put on another solid showing in this one.
One To Watch – Eagles
An ever present feature of the Eagles over the last decade, two-time BBL MVP Rahmon Fletcher is continuing to put up big numbers in his seventh season in Newcastle. The 33 year old point guard is leading the BBL in assists with 10.4 per game.
Fletcher is a graduate of the Green Bay Phoenix, where he graduated averaging 15.6 points in his senior year. After two season’s in the Netherlands with B.A. Limburg, he signed with the Eagles in 2014. Despite taking a year out in 2017 to play in Slovakia, Fletcher has played every other season since 2014 in Newcastle, helping the BBL’s most decorated franchise to yet more success.
A gritty player on both ends, Fletcher is a team-first guard, able to play elite defence and set his teammates up to great effect on offence. Fletcher hold the record for the most BBL team of the year appearances, with five, and his two MVPs are tied for the most in BBL history.
Previous Meeting
The teams last met in December, with the Riders taking a convincing 100-72 home win. Geno Crandall led Leicester with 22 points, as the Riders had six players scoring in double digits.
For Newcatsle, former Rider Corey Johnson put up a team high 15 points, his efforts failing to inspire a comeback for his team.
Riders defeat Scorchers for second win of the weekend
The Riders are two wins away from a second straight league title, after convincingly beating the Surrey Scorchers on the road. Patrick Whelan led the game with
Whelan wasn’t the only Rider player to reach the 20 point mark, as Mo Walker put up a season high 20 points in as many minutes off the bench. The Uni of Minnesota big man grabbed eight rebounds to pair with his points tally in an impressive effort.
It was raining threes for Leicester, as they knocked down 16 threes in the game in a red hot scoring effort. Whelan made six, and Washington drained three of his own as Leicester scored over 100 points for the eighth league game this season.
For Surrey, Stanley Davis Jr put on a show with 23 points. The Morgan State two-guard had nine rebounds and eight assists in a near triple-double effort, while taking just nine shots.
Despite Davis Jr’s play, it was a convincing win from start to finish, as Leicester won every quarter on the way to a blowout. After falling in a 6-0 hole with a quick Scorchers start, Marc Loving and Patrick Whelan kicked off the Riders’ response with eight points between them in two minutes.
The pairing’s play clicked Leicester’s BBL-best offence into gear, as they commenced a 15-2 run to take an early advantage.
Whelan went off in the first, hitting all four of his threes in the opening period of the game. The William Jewell graduate scored 14 of the Riders’ 28 first-quarter points, as Leicester got off to a hot start, entering the second up 10.
Following up six points in as many minutes in the first, Walker continued his work down low in the second, starting the quarter with two made free-throws. As the Leicester lead grew, the Scorchers made a run back into the game, led by four points from 10-year Scorcher legend Tayo Ogendengbe, cutting a 20 point Riders lead to 13.
In response, the Riders took back the game’s momentum via a five-point burst from Whelan. Bucknall graduate Kimal Mackenzie ended the period for Leicester how it started, with a pair of free throws to make it 54-39 in the Riders’ favour.
Geno Crandall started the second half from deep, getting the Riders underway with a quick three. He made two in the quarter as the reigning MVP locked in offensively, scoring nine points in the third.
The Riders won the period 26-16, extending their lead further to set up a comfortable finish. Walker added four more points to his tally in the closing stages of the quarter to make it 80-58 by the buzzer.
Walker added another two to start the fourth, working down low to maintain the Riders’ offensive momentum. Leicester saw out the game comfortably, as GB guard Conner Washington scored eight to seal a dominant win.
Loughborough’s Evan Walshe ended the game with a three from the corner, as the Riders improve to 19-2 on the season.
They head to Newcastle on Tuesday, hoping to better their rivals and take another step towards their sixth league title.
After a win against Bristol the day previous to this fixture, the Riders are three wins away from retaining their BBL Championship table. They possess an 18-2 record, and the best offence and defence in the BBL.
A huge clutch win against the Bristol Flyers put them one game closer in their previous fixture. Leicester earned an 87-82 win after Geno Crandall blocked Trejon Jacob’s three-point effort in the dying seconds, before Zach Jackson sealed the deal with a breakaway jam.
Patrick Whelan led the Riders in the game with 23 points, as he has done all season. he’s putting up 15.7 points and five rebounds a game on 47.3% shooting, a career year for the William Jewell graduate.
“We had a great reaction when things weren’t going our way. It lit a fire under the team and that’s going to be a key for us going into the playoffs,” said Whelan after the Flyers win.
“We have one hand on the trophy, but we’re going to take it game by game as we have all season. We’ll go to Surrey tomorrow and try and get the dub.”
Season So Far – Scorchers
The Scorchers prop up the BBL Championship table, possessing a 2-15 record and having won one of their last 11 games. This is the second game of a back to back against the Riders for Surrey, and they will hope for a better result this time around.
It was an 80-62 Riders win, in a game that was within single digits late until the Riders pulled away. It made the season series between the sides 2-0 in Leicester’s favour, with both games being won convincingly.
Stanley Davis Jr has led the team through the season with 16.7 points per game, the Morgan State point guard putting up 6.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists to stuff the stat sheet. Davis Jr’s productions will provide little solace for Surrey, however, who rank last in offensive production with just 72.9 points per game.
Despite their record leaving them out of playoff contention, a win against the league leaders would go a long way towards turning the Scorchers’ season around.
One To Watch – Riders
Stepping up in the biggest moment of the Riders’ previous game, Geno Crandall’s MVP talents were on full display in the clutch. Picking up the red hot Trejon Jacob one on one with 10 seconds remaining, Crandall forced Jacob into a tough, contested three-point attempt, which Crandall blocked to seal the game.
Crandall has been one of the BBL’s premier playmakers this season, ranking top five in the league in assists, dishing 6.8 per game. He has shown his prowess on both ends, ranking top three in steals with two per game.
The Gonzaga graduate has led the Riders to their successes all season long, continually putting winning ahead of statistical accolades. He has earned in his fair share of individual success, winning the BBL Cup final MVP to help the Riders to their first silverware of the season.
‘The General’ will look to lead the Riders to the win in this one, to take a big step towards retaining their BBL Championship title.
One To Watch – Scorchers
Joining the Scorchers in Febuary, Desmond Ringer has hit the ground running for his new team. He is averaging 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, ranking second on his team in both categories.
The Mercer graduate, who led Eagles Landing to their first ever state championship in high school, is playing in his second pro season, after competing in France last year.
Standing at 6’9”, Ringer is a versatile offensive threat, able to take defenders off the dribble and pull up from deep. He is able to run the floor, with his vision and passing ability allowing him to make plays for his team.
He provides a headache for any defence he goes up against, with his size and strength combined with his shooting creating mismatches with most defenders. The Riders will need to guard Ringer close to prevent him from continuing his hot streak.
Previous Meeting
The sides last met last time the Riders went on the road, the game going Leicester way with an 82-60 win. The Riders locked in to hold Surrey to nine points in the final period after the teams entered the fourth with the game in the balance.
Darien Nelson-Henry dominated down low, scoring 21 points in 26 minutes. For Surrey, Desmond Ringer scored 14 in his team’s efforts, as the Riders took a 2-0 advantage in the season series.
The Riders won a hard-fought battle against the Bristol Flyers, finishing 87-82 victors. Patrick Whelan led the team with 23 points, going 5-10 from the field and 11-11 from the free-throw line.
With 11 seconds left and up three, Geno Crandall sealed the win for the Riders with a clutch block on Trejon Jacob. Leicester blocked nine shots on the game, this one the most pivotal as they improve to 18-2.
In the absence of Flyers’ star Marcus Evans, who served a one-game suspension in this one, Trejon Jacob stepped up in the Bristol backcourt. He had 17 points and six assists in his team’s efforts, hitting two big threes in the clutch to keep it close.
Three more wins will secure the Riders’ second-straight BBL Championship, as they sit 12 points clear atop the table. They fought back against a hot Flyers start to take a big step towards the silverware.
It was Josh Rogers who led them out the gate, the sharpshooter put up eight points in three minutes to give Bristol an early edge.
With the Riders in a 14-5 hole in the opening five minutes, the captain, Darien Nelson-Henry, stepped up to give his side a jolt of momentum. He scored four quick points after a Leicester timeout to bring the game to within five.
But despite the big man’s efforts, the Flyers’ offence remained in a rhythm through the rest of the first. They shot 65% in the quarter, to take a 32-21 lead into the second.
Leicester fell back on their league-leading defence to get back into the game. Steals on three straight possessions got the home crowd on their feet, as a Marc Loving off-balance three cut the deficit to single digits.
The Riders continued their charge back into the game, locking down on defence to go on a 12-0 run. Patrick Whelan’s free-throws gave Leicester their first lead since early in the first, after Loving scored eight on the Riders’ run to give them a 46-43 halftime lead.
The teams to start the second half, as the score stayed locked within a possession for the entirety of the third. Mo Walker scored four to close out the period, while the Flyers’ Mike Miller dropped eight before going down with a leg injury.
Zach Simmons closed the third with a pair of three throws, to send the game into the final quarter with the score 64-61 to the visitors.
The Riders took the game by the horns in the fourth, going on an 8-0 run to start the quarter and take the first two-possession lead of the second half. Running the fastbreak, Jubril Adekoya sent the crowd into a frenzy by finishing hard at the hoop through contact, making an and-one play.
The Flyers came back, making three contested threes to take a narrow lead with two minutes left. It was time for the MVP to take the reigns, as Crandall drained a running three-pointer early in the shot clock to take an 81-79 lead.
With 11 seconds left and the score 83-82 to Leicester, Nelson-Henry went to the line and made both, coming up clutch for his team. With the game on the line, Crandall came up with a huge block, and Jackson knocked down two more free throws to seal a hard-earned Riders win.
“We had a great reaction when things weren’t going our way. It lit a fire under the team and that’s going to be a key for us going into the playoffs,” said Whelan post-game.
“We have one hand on the trophy, but we’re going to take it game by game as we have all season. We’ll go to Surrey tomorrow and try and get the dub.”
With eight games remaining, the Riders are strong favourites to retain their BBL Championship title. They sit 10 points clear atop the table with a 17-2 record, with a game in hand on the Manchester Giants below.
Leicester possesses the best statistical record on both ends, scoring 89.7 points while giving up just 69.6. Their defensive prowess was on full display in their previous fixture, as they bested the Surrey Scorchers 82-60 on the road.
It was an 11 point game going into the fourth, but the Riders held the Scorchers to just nine points in the final quarter to secure the win. Riders captain Darien Nelson-Henry led them to the win, scoring his 1000th BBL points with 21 in the game.
On the season, it is William Jewell sniper Patrick Whelan who is leading Leicester. His 15.3 points per game, on 48% three-point shooting, has been integral to the Riders’ league-leading success thus far.
“We know there are not many games left. We’re in a great position and we’ve got to keep going,” said coach Rob Paternostro postgame. “One thing I love about these guys is that they are not bothered by any of the noise. They’re not worried about who we’re playing, they come out and play professionally.”
The Riders will need every ounce of that professionalism to come away with the win in this one.
Season So Far – Flyers
The Flyers have a shot at rising up the ranks of the BBL Championship table, having played five games less than the second-placed Manchester Giants and being eight points behind. Their defensive know-how has been the key to their consistency this season, as they rank third in the BBL by giving up just 77 points per game.
The Flyers are 8-2 when they hold their opponents to under 80 points this season. Trejon Jacob sets the defensive tone on the perimeter for Bristol, the FIU graduate ranking fourth in the BBL in steals, with two per game.
On the offensive end, the Flyers have struggled to establish a rhythm, scoring the fewest points per game in the BBL. Marcus Evans leads them in scoring with 15.9 points per game, but he will sit out this game to serve a one-game suspension.
Without their leading man, the emphasis on slowing down the Riders’ league-leading offence is even greater for the Flyers, should they want to start their potential rise up the table.
One To Watch – Riders
Returning from injury in the Riders’ previous game, Mo Walker left his mark on the Scorchers down low on limited minutes. The Minnesota graduate scored eight points in the first half, muscling his defender in the paint.
Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on his center’s efforts: “Mo’s first half set us up and put us in a great position. He was unstoppable for a time, and it really helped us get the lead.”
“We like a lot of his matchups every game, and we knew he could get good position down low, and he’s so skilled down there.”
The Canadian/British big man has been a vital component to Leicester’s success this season. He leads the BBL in winning percentage and also tops the league charts in index rating per 100 possessions.
Walker brings a wealth of experience to the Riders roster, having played in Italy, France and the NBA summer league with the Orlando Magic after graduating college. At the Uni of Minnesota, Walker led the team in rebounding and blocks, and came second in the scoring charts in his senior year.
“Big Mo’s” return to light a spark in the Riders in the closing stages of the season, as his contributions to winning are contagious throughout the team.
One To Watch – Flyers
With his defensive efforts ranking among the best in the BBL, Trejon Jacob has announced himself as an elite talent on both ends in his first professional season. The Louisianna born guard is scoring 15.6 points per game on 39% three-point shooting, and leading the Flyers with 8.3 rebounds a game.
Jacob enjoyed a successful college career. He scored 451 points as a sophomore at FIU, the second-most in college history. He finished his senior year with 11.6 points per game before graduating and signing with the Flyers.
Jacob has gone off for 20 on three occasions this season, and in his previous game put up a 17 point, 11 rebound double-double against the Sheffield Sharks. The 6’5” sharpshooter has a quick trigger from deep, and can explode for high volume three-point shooting, as demonstrated by the seven threes he made against the Cheshire Phoenix in Febuary.
Last time against the Riders, Jacob had 17 points and six rebounds and will be hoping for another big performance in the absence of his backcourt running mate, Evans.
Previous Meeting
The last time these teams met, the game went down to the final buzzer, with the Riders taking a narrow 78-75 victory. Zach Jackson led Leicester with 28 points and hit a go-ahead step-back three with less than a minute remaining to win the game for the Riders.
Evans led the fight for Bristol, scoring 18 points. The backcourt pairing of he and Jacob scored 35 points, but Evans’ three at the buzzer was too long as the Riders took home a hard-fought victory.
The Riders improved their BBL best record to 17-2, beating the Surrey Scorchers 82-60 on the road.
Darien Nelson-Henry led the team with 21 points and five rebounds, not missing a shot as he went 8-8 from the field. Nelson-Henry’s shooting was consistent throughout the team, as Leicester enjoyed a characteristically efficient shooting night, going 56% from the field.
Entering the final quarter with a slight advantage, the Riders flexed their league-leading defence to seal the win. They held Surrey to just nine points in the final period, as the Scorchers went 3-11 from the floor and turned it over six times.
The game marked the return of Mo Walker from injury, who put in a solid effort in limited minutes. The Minnesota graduate scored eight points in the first half, muscling his defender in the paint.
Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on his center’s efforts: “Mo’s first half set us up and put us in a great position. He was unstoppable for a time, and it really helped us get the lead.
We liked his matchups today, especially against the second unit. We like a lot of his matchups every game, and we knew he could get good position down low, and he’s so skilled down there.”
After a tough Riders shooting stint to start the game, Marc Loving took the lid off the basket. He threw down a monster alley-oop slam to send the Leicester bench into a frenzy, before converting an and-one play to keep the early score close.
Building off his teammate’s play, Walker made his first buckets after returning from injury. The Canadian/British big man scored six in three minutes to give the Riders a 21-17 lead to end the period.
Loving came out into the second quarter in attack mode, getting to the line twice in three minutes including another and-one play. Spurred on by the Ohio State graduate’s play, the Riders took their first double-digit lead of the night, courtesy of Patrick Whelan’s three.
On the next play, Loving came up with the play of the game. Following up Whelan’s missed layup, Loving rose high over Sol Rolls-Tyson, and threw the ball down two-handed on the 6’8” forward’s head, silencing the home crowd.
The Riders rode a wave of momentum from the play, and entered the locker rooms up 45-30.
After a 6-0 Scorchers start to the second half, the Riders attacked the hoop to put their opponents in early foul trouble and reestablish their lead at the free-throw line. Crandall ran the offence with his elite playmaking, showing off his flashy passing by throwing an assist over his head to Zach Jackson on the perimeter.
But the Scorchers responded, getting to the line themselves to great effect to take eight free-throws in three minutes, cutting the difference to single digits. Kimbal Mackenzie ended the period with a layup for the Riders, ending the third with the score 62-51 in Leicester’s favour.
Mackenzie carried his form into the final period, scoring five points in two and a half minutes. But Surrey continued to get to the line, and Stanley Davis Jr’s foul shouts cut the Riders’ lead to nine.
In response, with five minutes left in the game, Whelan scored five quick points to give Leicester a firmer grip on the game. After Whelan’s burst of offence, the Riders went on a 10-0 run, all but sealing the win.
The win brings the Riders a step closer to retaining their league title, with just eight games left to play.
“We know there are not many games left. We’re in a great position and we’ve got to keep going. One thing I love about these guys is that they are not bothered by any of the noise,” said coach Rob postgame
“They’re not worried about who we’re playing, they come out and play professionally. Coming off last week’s game, which was a heartbreaker, and come out here and dominate as we did was excellent.”
A 16-2 record is enough to put the Riders 10 points clear atop the BBL Championship table. They have dominated the BBL on both ends, possessing the league’s best offensive and defensive record by scoring 90.2 points and giving up just 70.1.
The Riders start to their season was the best in franchise history, placing themselves as hot favourites to retain their league title. Patrick Whelan is leading the way with 15.3 points per game, the Warrington born shooting guard earning his first GB call up after a career-best season thus far.
In their previous game, the Riders fell for the second time this year, taking a loss on the road to the Manchester Giants. It was a closely fought game that came down to the final possession, with neither side able to establish a double-digit lead throughout. Whelan drove to the rim on the final play, but did not find a whistle through heavy contact as the Riders fell 83-85.
They will look to bounce back in this one, as they head to Surrey to face a Scorchers team with newfound confidence.
Season So Far – Scorchers
The Scorchers won their second league game of the year in their most recent fixture, beating the Glasgow Rocks 95-86. The victory broke a nine-game losing streak, as they look to build off the momentum to turn their season around.
Desmond Ringer led the Scorchers with 20 points, the new acquisition is averaging 19.5 points in his last two games, hitting the ground running in his new home.
Despite the recent win, the Scorchers prop up the league table with a 2-16 record. Their struggles have stemmed from their offence, as Surrey is producing just 73.8 points per game on a league-worst 40.6% from the field.
But a win against the league leaders in this one, securing back to back wins, would go a long way to instilling the confidence for the Scorchers’ resurgence.
One To Watch – Riders
Despite the loss in the Riders’ previous game, Patrick Whelan put on a show for Leicester. He recorded his first career double-double, putting up 25 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field.
After the game, Whelan wasn’t content with his individual stats.
“You play to win, so it doesn’t really mean anything. Obviously, it’s nice to play well, and I feel like I’m in a good rhythm, but not getting the win is disappointing for all of us.”
Whelan has been in a rhythm all season long, with the second-best high-volume three-point percentage in the BBL with 48.5%. He is a top 20 scorer in the league, scoring 15.3 points per game, leading the Riders to the top of the BBL Championship table.
His focus has been on the upcoming fixture since the previous loss. “We take losses personally, that’s why we only have two of them. We’ll come out hard, we’ll come out strong and we’ll be ready for the next one.”
One to watch- Scorchers
Ranking ninth in the BBL scoring charts, Stanley Davis Jr. has been on a tear for the Scorchers this season. His 17.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game has been integral to his team in his second professional season.
Davis Jr arrived at the Scorchers after a season in Albania, taking Vllaznia Shkoda to the playoffs averaging 18.5 points and shot 43% from three. This came off the back of a successful college career at Morgan State, where he averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in his senior year.
To pair with his sharpshooting ability from the outside, Davis Jr is an athletic wing, able to attack the basket and make contested baskets in close. He has scored over 20 on five occasions in the league, highlighted by his 26 point effort against the Newcastle Eagles on opening night.
Previous Meeting
The teams last met early in the year in Leicester. The result was a blowout for the hosts, as the Riders secured a 90-61 win.
Geno Crandall put on a show for the home crowd, putting up 24 points, nine assists and making five threes. The Scorchers, without Davis Jr, were led by 14 points from Martelle McLemore, while Bowie State big man Saiquan Jamison grabbed a monumental 21 rebounds.
The Riders took their second defeat of the season in a thriller, falling to the Manchester Giants 85-83.
Losing their MVP Geno Crandall to injury after the first minute, the Riders fought hard all game to keep it close. There was never double-digit points between the teams, as the game came down to the final possession.
The final play came down to Patrick Whelan, who recorded his first career double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. He drove strong to the hoop, but found no whistle through heavy contact before the final buzzer sounded.
Riders captain Darien Nelson-Henry led them out the gate, scoring the first five points including an and-one play. The big man’s buckets led Leicester through the opening stages, as a flurry of fastbreaks gave them a 12-5 lead.
In response to the hot Riders start, the Giants charged back into the tie led by GB international Will Saunders. The London born wing scored eight, including back to back threes to give Manchester the lead.
The game swung back and forth for the remainder of the period. Marc Loving hit a three to tie the game at 20 by the end of the first, despite the Riders starting 1-8 from behind the arc.
Whelan came out into the second quarter aggressively, making two three-point plays to retake the Riders lead. Despite this, they struggled to find their offensive rhythm, turning the ball over five times in the period. They hung in the game, courtesy of nine from Whelan, and Kimbal Mackenzie hit a floater at the buzzer to make it 41-38 at the half.
Shots started to fall in the third, as Zach Jackson, Loving and Washington hit their first three-point attempts of the half to give the Riders a narrow lead. They carried their advantage all the way into the fourth, as Leicester locked in with their BBL best defence to hold Manchester to 15 in the third.
But it was the Giants who came out the stronger of the sides in the final quarter, going on a 7-2 run. Whelan hit a three to tie the game up, setting up a tense finale with the score 70-70 with five minutes remaining.
As the clock ticked down, Nelson-Henry took over the game down low. He scored seven straight points, including a monster two-handed slam and a tough and-one finish. The Penn graduate’s play gave the Riders a five-point advantage, their biggest since the first quarter.
The Giants came back at Leicester with a run of their own, with Jamell Anderson and Tyrik Armstrong making baskets to cut the game to two. Mackenzie responded with a layup on the other end, before Armstrong made a three to make the score 83-82 in the Riders’ favour with a minute left.
Both teams locked in to keep it scoreless until the final five seconds. It was Saunders who came up with the goods for the hosts, draining a three to put the Giants up two. Whelan drove to the rim on the next play in an attempt to tie, but his shot was stuffed with heavy contact to end the game.
“Things weren’t going our way, and we tried to fight through it and gave it our all but came up just short,” said Whelan post-game.
His thoughts are on the next game, where the Riders will look to bounce back against the Surrey Scorchers.
“We take every loss personally, that’s why we only have two of them in the league. We’ll come out hard and come out strong. We’ll be ready for the next one for sure.”
Manchester hosts retro night in this one, with classic kits, tunes and special guests set to feature! The Riders will be throwing it back to the early 2000s, sporting a blue and orange for the contest.
Season So Far – Riders
The Riders sit top of the BBL Championship table with a 16-1 record, their best start to a season in their history. They enter this tie on a four-game winning streak, after beating the Cheshire Phoenix 80-59.
The victory in their previous game clinched a playoff spot for the Riders, but captain Dairen Nelson-Henry says his sights are set on bigger goals.
“We’re not satisfied with just that. We want to go and win the BBL Championship, and go on and win the finals. It’s a nice little pat on the shoulder, but we want more.”
Nelson-Henry had three blocks in the game, acting as the anchor to the BBL’s best defence. No team has scored 80 against Leicester in the league this season, as they hold their opponents to 69 points a game.
On the other end of the floor, the Riders have the best offence in the league also, scoring 90.6 points per game. Patrick Whelan is leading the team with 14.8 points per game, the GB sniper shooting a scorching hot 50% from three-point range, the second-best percentage in the BBL.
A win in this one would see the Riders take another step towards retaining their league title, continuing their record-breaking season.
Season So Far – Giants
A BBL Cup Final appearance against the Riders has been the highlight of the Giants’ season so far. In the league, they’ve enjoyed a successful campaign so far, sitting joint second in the table with a 10-8 record.
They enter this game having won two on the bounce, beating the Newcastle Eagles 110-89 on the Sky Sports cameras. Geno Artison led the game with 23 points and eight rebounds in just 26 minutes, going 9-11 from the floor and 6-7 from three in an electric performance.
The Giants are the fourth most productive offence in the BBL, scoring 87.7 points per game, and rank third in assists with 21.1. Tyrik Armstrong has led the way for Manchester this season, the Houston native scoring 15.8 points per game.
Manchester will be keen to secure a win in this one to see themselves go clear in the tightly contested second spot in the BBL Championship table.
One To Watch – Riders
A force in the paint and a leader in the dressing room, Riders captain Darien Nelson-Henry has been at his efficient best this season. Putting up 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds, the Uni of Penn big man is ranked seventh in the BBL in field goal percentage with 61.5%.
In college, Darien led Penn in points, rebounds and blocks in his senior year, his performance in the season earning him an All-Ivy selection. After gaining experience in Poland and Austria, he joined the Riders, and is competing in his third year in Leicester.
Efficiency is what Nelson-Henry hangs his hat on, having averaged over 58% from the field in every one of his professional seasons. He gets his back to the basket often, using his supreme strength to fend off the best post defenders the BBL has to offer, and uses his touch at the rim to finish.
Darien will look for another efficient night in this one, and steer the Riders to a fifth straight win.
One To Watch – Giants
Former Rider Jamell Anderson is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his 11-year career. Known as an elite defender throughout his 10 years in the BBL, featuring on the Molten BBL Defensive Team of the Year last season, Anderson is scoring 10.6 points on 51.6% from the field, playing great basketball on both ends.
Anderson spent eight seasons at the Riders, winning eight pieces of silverware in the process. Standing at 6’7”, the Nottingham-born wing is a versatile defender, able to guard any position from anywhere on the court.
He is the epitome of a “three and D” player, pairing his elite defence with 39.5% three-point shooting this season. Anderson gives opponents continual headaches, with the Riders needing to be at the top of their game on offence to get the better of him.
Previous Meeting
The sides last met in mid-Febuary, as the Riders emerged 86-69 victors in Leicester. Nelson-henry led the way for Leicester with 23 points, as an electric second quarter saw the Riders establish a lead.
Armstrong had the best of the Giants’ efforts, putting up 15 points and eight assists. The Riders forced the Giants in 39% shooting, playing suffocating defence to secure the win.
The Riders improved to 16-1 at the top of the BBL Championship with a comfortable 80-59 win against the Cheshire Phoenix. With the Rocks losing their game against the Surrey Scorchers, the Riders clinched a playoff place with the win.
A team effort saw the Riders take the win, as eight players scored eight or more points in the game. Geno Crandall and Patrick Whelan led the Riders with 13 each, with Crandall dishing five assists and stealing the ball twice.
Leicester put on a defensive clinic with their BBL best defence to dominate the game. They continued their record of holding every opponent under 80 points this season, forcing the Phoenix into shooting 34% from the field.
Despite his team’s loss Central Michigan graduate Larry Austin Jr. put on an excellent offensive effort for Cheshire, with 18 points and 10 rebounds marking his second double-double of the season, and eight steals matching his career-high.
The Riders got going in electric fashion, as Marc Loving’s chase-down block on Namon Wright followed up Whelan’s three to start the game. Despite the hot start, they were engaged in a closely fought battle in the first period.
Both teams competed with tough defence in a low scoring quarter, which finished 14-11 in the Riders’ favour. Leicester established a narrow advantage with two fast-break scores, including an and-one play from Crandall, as they kept Cheshire scoreless for the final six minutes.
Whelan started the second period as he did the first, draining a three to get the Riders underway. This time around, the three put the wind in Leicester’s sails as they built a lead with a 9-3 run in the first three minutes. A threaded bounce pass from Jubril Adekoya down low to Zach Jackson gave him an easy layup before he attacked the rim himself to make it 23-14.
Fending off bursts of offence from the Phoenix, the Riders kept their opponents at arm’s length until the half. They had great success at the line in the first half, making all 13 of their attempts to lead 39-26 into the locker rooms.
Crandall got the second half underway with a bang, jamming home a two-handed slam in traffic. The Riders continued to play stellar defence, holding Cheshire to just one field goal in the opening five minutes of the third.
The Phoenix suffered from poor free-throw shooting, going 1-5 from the line as Whelan nailed two more threes to make it a 20 point game. Crandall turned up the heat, showing off his MVP talents by running rings around the Phoenix defenders, his flashy handles getting him to the rim in style.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of one of our former players Eric Robertson.
Out with being an outstanding basketball player and all his accomplishments on court, Eric was a stand out human being who’s light shone so brightly. He was a man of family and faith. His infectious smile and energy made him an amazing teammate, a pleasure to coach and a firm fan favourite.
The statistics will show that Eric was a part of the Riders family from 2016 to 2018, making 87 BBL appearances and winning six trophies (x2 Trophy, x2 League, x2 Playoff). He also enjoyed a successful BUCS career representing Loughborough University winning two BUCS golds. In truth his impact on the programme and the people he met transcended basketball and ‘E-Rob’ will forever be etched into our history and remain part of our Riders family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerica, Luca James and all of Eric’s family and friends. We pray his faith is a comfort to you all at this sad time. Rest in peace Eric.
The Riders are clear at the top of the BBL Championship table, having lost just one of their 16 games this season. They are the BBL’s premier side on both ends of the floor, scoring 91.3 points per game while giving up less than 70.
Shooting efficiency has been the key to the Riders’ success this year. They have the second-best field goal percentage in the league, and are the best three-point and free-throw shooters in the BBL.
GB sniper Patrick Whelan has led the statistical charge for Leicester, earning himself his first international call-up. Shooting 48.8% from three, Whelan has scored a team-leading 15 points per game.
Leicester enters this game on a three-game winning streak, and are in prime position to retain their league title.
Season So Far – Phoenix
Despite a 0-4 start to the season leaving them propping up the BBL Championship table, the Phoenix have won seven of their last nine games to rocket up the league. They enter this tie in third place, in the midst of a five-game winning streak.
The Phoenix crash the glass and dominate the paint, not allowing second-chance points by leading the league in defensive rebounding. British big man Michael Ochereobia is a top-five rebounder in the BBL with 8.6 per game, ranking third in offensive boards.
Former Rider Namon Wright leads the points column for the Phoenix, putting up 16.6 points per game. It has been the best statistical season of his career, improving on his 15.8 points per game with Leicester in 2020.
The Phoenix will look to ride their wave of momentum to best the league leaders, continuing their good run of form. A recent win against the Glasgow Rocks earned them a spot in the BBL Trophy final, highlighting the rise of the Phoenix organisation into a silverware contending outfit.
One To Watch – Riders
After posting a colossal effort in his previous game against the Bristol Flyers, Zach Jackson enters this tie in hot shooting form. His 28 points led Leicester to a closely fought win, hitting a go-ahead three with less than a minute left.
Seemingly everything Jackson put up hit net in the game, as he shot 57% from the field and went 3-4 from three. 28 points was his season-high effort, after putting up 26 on opening night.
Jackson is an Omaha graduate, and has sporting prestige in his family. His mum was a national champion high jumper at Kansas State, the University of Jackson’s home city. He uses his athletic pedigree to rise high above the rim, making plays at the hoop to open up his three-point shot.
He will look to continue his rhythm against the Phoneix, putting up another efficient effort.
One To Watch – Phoenix
Taking the BBL’s spotlight with a monster posterising dunk in the Trophy semi-final, Larry Austin Jr has been integral to Cheshire’s success this season. The high-flying American two-guard is averaging 14 points and five rebounds a game, and has scored in double-digits in his last four.
Austin Jnr spent his college senior year at Central Michigan University, averaging 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and six assists. He was an elite force on both ends, being named to his conference’s All-Defensive team and on the All-Conference second team.
Since college, he spent two seasons in Europe, taking his talents to Turkey then Portugal, before moving to the BBL for his third professional season. Austin Jnr electrifies the BBL with his rack attacking, getting the lion’s share of his points with athletic finishes at the hoop.
Previous Meeting
The teams last met in January, as the Riders put up a blowout win in Cheshire. The score was 76-59, the lowest points tally the Phoenix have managed all season.
Whelan led the game with 16 points, shooting 62.5% from the floor and making two of his five threes.
The Phoenix, led by Wright’s 15 points, shot just 19% from three against the suffocating Riders perimeter defence.
The Riders won a battle in Bristol, emerging 78-75 victors against the Flyers. Zach Jackson put on a show throughout, scoring 28 points and leading Leicester down the stretch.
The game came down to the final shot after Jackson’s three put the Riders up one with less than a minute remaining. He and Geno Crandall made their late free throws, before Trejon Jacob’s three at the buzzer fell short to secure a victory.
It would have been Jacob’s 20th points of the evening, but he finished with 17, accompanied by six rebounds and three assists in a solid display. However, despite the FIU guard’s play, the Riders’ BBL best defence maintained their record of holding every opponent to under 20 in the league.
The win makes the Riders record 15-1, their best start to a league season in franchise history. They sit 10 points clear at the top of the BBL Championship table, in good shape to retain their title.
Jackson got the Riders underway with eight quick points as they bolted out to an early advantage. The Kansas born sniper hit his first two threes to get Leicester off to a hot start.
“I got going with a couple of threes, and when we were struggling from the field I was able to hit some shots.” said Jackson after the game. “If you’re the one hitting shots, you’ve got to keep shooting. That’s what the team need you to do.”
Crandall made the plays of the quarter, dishing a one-handed bullet pass through the teeth of the Bristol defence, finding a cutting Loving to give Leicester a 14-8 lead. He followed the play with a colossal chase-down block on Marcus Evans to silence the home crowd.
The Flyers fought back into the game’s opening stages, and Jacob’s smooth stepback three made it a one-point game with four minutes left in the first. Jacob tied the game up with an and-one play a minute later, making it all to play for after a quarter.
The game remained tied for the first half of a low-scoring second quarter, as two of the top three BBL defences locked in. 10 points were scored between the sides in the first four minutes of the period before the offences clicked into gear.
A Bristol run saw the Riders down seven going into halftime, led by two dunks from Bates graduate Malcolm Delpeche. But out of the locker rooms, the Riders charged back into the game with a 6-2 run to cut the game to a possession.
Leicester attacked the hoop in the third, scoring 10 points in the paint led by six from Jackson. But it was a deep shot that tied the game, with Kimbal Mackenzie draining a corner three to make it 57-57 with 1:30 left in the third.
A series of Flyers free-throws put them up three entering the fourth, the game in the balance.
After a layup from Adekoya cut the Riders’ deficit to one, Conner Washington nailed a three off the dribble to claim Leicester’s first lead since the second quarter.
Jacob made tough shots down the stretch to rebuild a Flyers lead. His off-balance contested three made it 73-66 with 3:38 remaining, forcing a Riders timeout.
Out of the timeout, Jackson pulled up from midrange before making an and-one on the fastbreak in the next play, stealing back momentum. His five point outburst cut the game to two.
At the line with a minute remaining, Evans missed both to give the Riders a chance to take the lead. Leicester took the opportunity, as Jackson drained a step-back three to put the Riders up 74-73.
They stood firm on the next defensive possession, forcing the Flyers into a deep three which was missed, before Jackson was put to the line, making both. With a three point deficit, the Flyers drove to the rim to cut the game to one, Jacob throwing down a two-handed slam.
It was Crandall to be sent to the line next, as he hit both of his foul shots to rebuild the Riders’ three point lead. The final shot came down to Jacob, whose three fell short to seal a hard-fought Leicester win.
“We have to find ways to win when things aren’t going our way,” said Rob Paternostro post-game. “I think we’ve done that this season, and that’s why we’re 15-1.”
The Riders return on Friday, hosting the Cheshire Phoenix. A win would extend their lead atop the BBL Championship table, and bring their winning streak to four.
BBL and WBBL clubs unite to show solidarity in support of Ukraine.
The British Basketball League (BBL) and its 23 Men’s and Women’s clubs will stand together over the next five days in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, showing support at all matches from March 4th-9th.
The thoughts of the British Basketball community are with all of those who have been impacted by the Russian’s invasion of the Ukraine and we unequivocally reject Russia’s actions and wish to show our support for the people of Ukraine
As such the BBL’s Men’s and Women’s teams will all take part in 24 seconds of reflection and a show of solidarity before tip-off at each game between March 4th-9th.
Clubs will also show the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag with the wording ‘Basketball Stands Together’ on screens at their arenas.
This message of solidarity will also be visible to the BBL’s global fanbase across our digital channels, as logos and profiles on those platforms will change to represent the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Retro kits, top tunes and special guests are all in store for the Leicester Riders & Manchester Giants remaining league games against each other.
Leicester’s trip to Belle Vue, Manchester will have a twist on Sunday 13 March 2022 with both teams playing in a version of a RETRO kit from years’ gone by (tickets available here).
Both teams will also be in RETRO kits for the return fixture in Leicester on Friday 8 April 2022 (tickets available here).
Riders have played a number of games in special kits before having worn a St Patrick’s Day, Diwali and Neon jersey in years’ gone by. This time around Riders will wear a blue and orange number throwing this back to early 2000s!
Watch out for more announcements and the kit reveals soon!
Riders home game with Bristol Flyers has been selected to feature on Sky Sports. As such the game on 25 March 2022 will now tip-off at 7.30pm.
With an international break this weekend, Riders are back in league action away at Bristol on Saturday 5th before returning to the Morningside versus Cheshire on Friday 11th – tickets available here.
The Riders dominated the Glasgow Rocks wire to wire, taking a 105-76 road win to improve to 14-1.
Patrick Whelan led the Riders with 23 points in 22 minutes, exploding from three to hit six of his seven attempts. Joining him in a hot shooting night were Conner Washington and Marc Loving, who went 3-7 and 4-9 respectively.
The Riders bolted out the gate to score 68 by halftime, their highest ever points tally in a half of basketball. Loving, Washington and Whelan had 47 points entering the locker rooms, as Leicester hit 11 first-half threes to leave the Rocks shellshocked.
In the absence of MVP Geno Crandall, Conner Washington stepped into a starting role seamlessly, playing every minute of the first half and scoring 15 by halftime. The GB guard put up his season-best scoring tally to help his team to a commanding win.
Another man stepping up for the shorthanded Riders was Jubril Adekoya, who acted as a sixth man as Mo Walker sat out with an injury. He also put in a season-high performance with 18 points, hitting both of his threes and eight of his 11 field goals.
Entering the final period with 46 points, the Rocks showed heart in the final ten minutes. They scored 30 in the fourth to make it a respectable scoreline.
Glasgow’s two high volume scorers, who both sit top in the top 10 of the BBL scoring charts Ali Fraser and Jordan Harris, went off for 17 each. Harris grabbed six rebounds and dished five assists in a well-rounded game, the former Georgia Bulldog putting in the bulk of his points in the latter stages.
The win makes it two on the trot for Leicester, who extended their lead at the top of the league table. Loving has exploded for back to back big shooting nights, after leading the Riders to the win last time out.
He spent no time backing up his team-leading performance in his previous game, pulling up from all over the court to score eight points in less than a minute in the first. The Ohio State sniper drained back to back deep threes, getting the Riders off to a perfect start.
Loving’s shooting was infectious, as the Riders went 8-9 in the first five minutes of the game, bolting out to a 12 point lead. Whelan quickly bested his teammate in the points column, making three straight three-point plays to bring his tally to 11 in the first quarter.
With Loving and Whelan taking a well-earned rest on the bench, Adekoya checked in and quickly set the tone down low. He scored seven points in four minutes, including a steal and a breakaway jam to end the period 33-17 in Leicester’s favour.
After the Riders hit five threes in the first quarter, Washington continued the barrage from deep, hitting two of his own to get the second period underway.
With momentum firmly behind the Riders, big man Adekoya showed off his playmaking skills, throwing a halfcourt lob to Darien Nelson-Henry who flushed it down with two hands. The connection between the front-court pair was evident throughout, as Nelson-Henry repaid the favour on the next possession by dishing an assist to Adekoya inside.
The Riders’ lead continued to grow as they neared the halfway mark, with everything they threw up seeming to go down. They hit six more threes in the second quarter, in which they scored 34 points to enter the half up 68-37.
Leicester began the second half like they ended the first, continuing to grow their already colossal lead. Scotland international Fraser scored 7 straight for Glasgow in an attempt to chip into the deficit, but a Whelan three put a quick stop to the Rocks run, before Nelson-Henry made it a 40 point affair.
Loving’s fourth three of the night concluded the third, as the Riders entered the final period up 90-46. The Riders flexed their BBL best defence in the third, holding the Rocks to just nine points.
The Rocks showed heart despite the deficit in the final quarter, scoring 12 in the first five minutes. Adekoya got to work down low in response, putting Fraser in a spin cycle in the post to lay in his 18th points of the night, a season-high tally.
With the game in no doubt in the final stages, Evan Walshe saw 10 minutes of floortime, scoring six points. The small forward, who gained international experience with GB u20s, received his season-high minutes total in the game, valuable game time for the 23-year-old.
The Riders return in another road game next time out, as they head to Bristol to take on the Flyers. A win would bring their record to 15-1, as they continue their best-ever start to a season.
The Riders are once again the team to beat in the BBL, as they sit top of the league table with a 13-1 record. They are in a strong position to retain their BBL Championship title, playing elite basketball on both ends.
Leicester possesses the BBL’s best offensive and defensive record, scoring 91.2 points while giving up just 69 a game. No team has scored 80 points against the Riders in the league this season, and they held the Sharks to 14 in the fourth in their previous game to maintain that record.
The final score was 90-77, a deceptive scoreline to what was an intensely fought game. Marc Loving played all 40 minutes, leading the Riders with 23 points. Loving scored 11 in the fourth as the Riders stretched their lead late, after entering the period up just two.
It was the perfect response to their first league loss of the season, something Loving commented on post-game:
“It was very important for us to get on the right track today. We had a long week of practice after the loss to London, and now we’re going back in the right direction.”
“Tonight I had to bring some scoring to the table, and I’m happy my teammates put me in a position to knock some shots down.”
The Riders hope to improve to 14-1 against the Rocks, continuing their best-ever start to a league season.
Season So Far – Rocks
After a solid 3-3 start to the season, the Rocks enter this tie on a six-game losing streak which puts them second bottom of the BBL Championship table. They came close to breaking the streak in their previous fixture, but fell short in heartbreaking fashion.
It was the second of a back to back against the Newcastle Eagles, which they lost 97-95. They held a two-point lead in the final minute, but fell victim to former MVP Rahmon Fletcher’s game-winning jump shot to send the Rocks home empty-handed.
It was former Rider and GB international Ali Fraser who led his home country Rocks in the game with 25. Fraser was one of two Glasgow players who scored 20, with Georgia graduate Jordan Harris scoring 21.
Defence has been responsible for the Rocks struggles this year, as they hold the worst record in the BBL, giving up 93.23 points per game.
As they prepare to face the league’s most potent offence, they will need to buckle down to have any hope of breaking their losing streak in this one.
One To Watch – Riders
Carrying the scoring load in his last game, Ohio State star Marc Loving went off in the fourth quarter to seal a Riders win. The 6’9” power forward knocked down three of his seven threes, and shot 56% from the field on his way to his 23 point night.
Loving is stuffing the stat sheet this season, ranking second in scoring for the Riders with 14.4 points per game, and topping the rebounding charts averaging 5.6. His production comes efficiently, as he knocks down 40% of his threes and 47.3% of his field goal.
Coach Rob Paternostro sings the praises of loving: “Marc’s a great all-around basketball player. He doesn’t go hunting his shot, he just tries to play the right way.”
“If he gets an open look, he’s taking it. I love his floor game too. His shot is amazing, and the way he plays the game is very intelligent. He’s a player that helps us in many ways.”
Coming out of high school, Loving was the number one recruit in Ohio, after being named his state’s Mr Basketball in his senior year. He brings NBA G-League experience, after playing for the Agua Caliente Clippers and the Delaware Bluecoats, and is a calm presence to the team in every occasion.
One To Watch – Rocks
Jordan Harris has been on a tear for the Rocks this season, putting up 20 points in seven league games. The 6’5” guard comes off a back to back against the Eagles where he averaged 21 points and five rebounds.
The Georgia graduate averaged 7.1 points per game in his senior year with the Bulldogs, and gained experience playing alongside NBA number 1 pick Anthony Edwards in college.
A human highlight reel, Harris is capable of serving up big plays on any given possession. His athleticism allows him to rise up high and throw down poster dunks, which he does often with his willingness to run in transition.
The first-year pro will look to continue his hot streak to end the Rocks poor run of form.
Previous Meeting
The teams last met early in the year, as the Riders hosted a 105-76 blowout win.
GB sniper made six threes for the Riders on his way to 22 points, as the Riders knocked down 18 threes in the game.
Harris led the Rocks with 14 points and four assists, as his team shot 50% from the free-throw line in the heavy defeat.
Riders get back to winning ways with Victory over Sharks
The Riders bounced back from their first league loss of the season, beating the second-placed Sheffield Sharks 90-77. They stretched their lead atop the BBL Championship table to eight points, possessing a 13-1 record.
Marc Loving played all 40 minutes to lead the team with 23 points. He scored 11 in the fourth to seal the win, in a tie that was closely contested throughout.
The Riders put on the ultimate team display, as all of their starters scored in double digits. But as has been typical of this Leicester outfit, it was their defence that won the day.
No team has scored in the 80s in the league against the Riders, as their streak continued in this one as they held Sheffield to 14 in the fourth. Jubril Adekoya had three steals, and his defence late was integral to Leicester’s success.
The Sharks dominated the glass to stay competitive until the dying stages. Pulling down 10 offensive rebounds, their physicality challenged the Riders who were without their big man Mo Walker.
Sheffield’s new star Antwain Johnson continued his scorching hot start to Sharks life, leading the game with 25 points and seven rebounds. The former NBA G-Leaguer carried the bulk of the scoring off the bench for large stretches going 8-12 from the field in 28 minutes.
Getting the game underway, wing tandem Patrick Whelan and Zach Jackson got the Riders cooking early, scoring the first 11 Leicester points. Jackson stayed hot through the entire first quarter, scoring nine.
A Loving breakaway dunk capped off a hot Riders start, as they bolted out to a 15-8 lead. The Sharks battled back, with San Fransisco graduate Jordan Ratinho scoring back to back buckets, but Loving halted the Sharks’ surge with a monster baseline jam, lifting the roof off the Morningside Arena.
Loving scored seven in the first, as the Riders ended the period up 26-19 after Kimbal Mackenzie got the roll of the rim to knock down a floater in the lane.
Sheffield’s new man Antwain Johnson started the second with five points in a minute, cutting the score to a possession. The Riders, struggling to find the bottom of the net, buckled down defensively. They forced three straight turnovers out of the Sharks, who possess the best turnover record in the BBL.
With Johnson scoring 10 in the second for Sheffield, the visitors won the period 22-12 to enter the locker room with a slender lead. Crandall’s finish through heavy contact cut the Sharks lead to 43-40 by halftime.
To start the second half, Whelan drained a quick three to tie it up. The Riders snatched the game’s momentum, breaking out on a 7-0 run out of the locker rooms.
The score swung back and forth as the sides attempted to secure a foothold in the game. There were 11 lead changes in the third quarter, with each team responding to each other’s baskets with big plays on the other end.
Whelan finished the third with five points in the final minute, including a tough and-one in the lane. Johnson’s free-throws concluded the period, with the sides entering the final quarter with two points between them, the hosts with the advantage.
Early in the fourth, Adekoya took over the game, scoring three points and stealing the ball twice in three minutes while playing stifling interior defence. Building off the big man’s play, a three from Whelan gave the Riders a seven-point advantage with five minutes on the clock.
Playing physical offence, the Riders put the Sharks in foul trouble with the fourth coming to a close, as they got to the line effectively. With Sheffield unable to foul, the Riders clicked their offence into gear, taking the first double-digit lead of the night as Crandall dished to Adekoya down low.
With a raucous Morningside Arena behind them, the Riders sealed the game in style, as Loving scored his 11th points of the quarter to put it beyond a doubt.
After the game, Loving spoke on the importance of responding to their recent loss: “It was very important for us to get on the right track today. We had a long week of practice after the loss to London, and now we’re going back in the right direction.”
“Tonight I had to bring some scoring to the table, and I’m happy my teammates put me in a position to knock some shots down.”
The Riders head on the road for their next game. They face the Glasgow Rocks, looking to improve to 14-1 in their league title defence.
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@kimbalmack named the @LRSCbball Fan's Player of the Year at last night's game! #BritishBasketball #KingCity pic.twitter.com/R556OnxyAo
Watch live: 
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Darien has our first six points!
Blake for three! The young guns give us our first lead of the night!
TUFF Circus Lay by Kipper Nichols!
: 
"I want to be known as the best post player ever in the League."
Click below to re-live the action on YouTube.
Adekoya runs the fastbreak with the no-look to Walshe!
Coach Rob (and a special guest!) react to tonight's win! 
Our report on the dub!
pts in 11 minutes at the half! 
recruit coming out of HS. Never let a ranking distract you.
Such a TOUGH lay from 
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A week out from Coach Rob's All-star Testimonial game… 
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'We're gonna do it for you guys, and the whole city of Leicester!' 
