Leicester Riders’ Charles Thompson has been named to the Molten Super League Basketball Defensive Team of the Year!
Thompson was the league’s leader in blocks with 2.5 per game this season. The American ranks 14th all-time in top-flight British basketball history for blocks per game, and his 80 blocks on the year are tied for the13th most all-time in a league season.
In his rookie season, Thompson recorded a season-high seven blocks twice, against London Lions in April and Bristol Flyers in March. He blocked five or more shots on five occasions and blocked a shot in 23 of 32 games in the league season.
He smashed the Riders’ top-flight British basketball blocks record in his first season with the club. Thompson’s blocks per game bettered Jimmy Brandon’s 2.0 average in 1988/89, and his blocks total was 20 more than TrayVonn Wright’s 60 in 2015/16.
Thompson said: “It’s an honour to be named to the Defensive Team of the Year. I’ve always made defence my calling card, and it’s something I take pride in.
“In basketball, people can get caught up in the stats and the flashier parts of the game. I’m quick to remind people that there are two sides of the ball and they are equally important. I’m grateful to be recognised by my peers and am thankful that my hard work has paid off.”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro added: “Charles had a spectacular rookie season. His defence from day one made an incredible impact on any game we played, and his improvement as an overall player was exciting to watch.
“His personality and energy is as valuable as any statistic he could possibly put up.”
2025 Super League Basketball Defensive Team of the Year
Larry Austin Jr. (Cheshire Phoenix)
Josh Ward-Hibbert (Newcastle Eagles)
Alen Hadzibegovic (London Lions)
Dame Adelekun (Surrey 89ers)
Charles Thompson (Leicester Riders)
Leicester Riders in Super League Basketball Playoff Semi-Final
Leicester Riders take on Sheffield Sharks this weekend in the SLB Playoffs Semi-Final over two legs.
Tickets to the home leg, which takes place on Sunday, May 11, at 3 pm, are £10.
