Last night, the Riders went toe to toe with the table-topping London Lions, falling just short in a 102-94 loss.
Here’s what we can learn from the fixture.
Hanging with the best
From wire to wire, this Riders roster showed it could compete with the best the British Basketball League has to offer. It was a one-score game at the end of the second and third quarters before the Lions found late form in the fourth.
It was just a four-point game late after Miryne Thomas’ layup in close, the Riders hanging around until the final buzzer.
After their blowout of the Eagles last time out, and pushing London all the way, Leicester are growing into the season and establishing themselves as a contender for the top end of the table game by game.
Caleb’s tenacity
Last night’s Wok 68 Player of the Game was Caleb Asberry, who covered every inch of the floor in an energetic display.
Asbery’s infectious energy spread through the entire Arena, snatching the ball of the Lions three times, including a timely steal on Donte Grantham to end the half, which led to two important points.
He finished with a stat line of 16 points, 9 rebounds, three steals and three blocks, all worth an index rating of 30. He made his mark all over the stat sheet and kept the Riders in the tie through heart and hustle.
Offence clicked into gear
The Riders’ offence has been a strength all season, but in this one it showed it can contest with the League’s most productive and high-firing unit.
Four of the Riders starters scored in double-digit points, Xavier Pinson missing out by only one, and Kimbal Mackenzie made an incredible impact off the bench with 17.
Competing with a Lions side that had three 20-point scorers on the game, the Riders have consistently found multiple plates who can put the ball in the basket up and down the roster.
Led by Jaren Holmes’ 18 points, topping the Riders’ scoring charts once again, the Riders shot 47% from the field and 35% from three, their killer efficiency allowing them to go blow for blow with the Lions.
After their 111-point scoring night against the Eagles, the Riders have proven their ability to blow anybody out of the water on any given night.
Recipe for rebounding
After having difficulty on the defensive glass throughout the season, the Riders had no such issues last night.
They kept the Lions off the offensive boards completely for three and a half quarters to secure every defensive possession and won the offensive rebounding battle 9-5 by the finish.
Leicester Riders are thrilled to continue their long-standing relationship with 360 Autoleasing!
360 Autoleasing is an independent vehicle finance, contract hire and car leasing broker.
They specialise in sourcing the best car contract hire and van leasing special offers for both businesses and individuals from a range of automotive funders and dealers.
360 Autoleasing’s support of the Riders includes the sponsorship of Riders’ guard Caleb Asberry for the 2023/24 season.
Ian Hallam, regional sales director of 360 Autoleasing, commented: “Being part of the Riders family means so much to us and our team, we are really excited for the forthcoming season.
“Aligning our business with a local sports team helps us to demonstrate our commitment to the wider community.
“What the club offers on a grassroots level through its foundation is inspirational, and we would recommend any businesses to consider their support.”
For more information on how to partner with the Riders, please contact [email protected], or read more about our sponsorship opportunities here!
“Hard work beats talent”- Caleb Asberry on his journey to the pros
In 2018, Caleb Asberry came fresh out of Pflugerville High School to play junior college hoops. Through grit, hard work and elite play five years later, he was starting in the BIG 12 for Oklahoma State.
“Hard work beats talent,” Asberry told us. “I had to play super hard to get on the court in college. I have to work hard to prove to people that I belong.”
After a season at Ranger College, putting up 10.5 points per game on efficient 48-43-89 splits, the Texan earned a spot at Texas State in the NCAA Division One.
There, he fought his way into the starting lineup. He started five games as a sophomore, the final 19 as a junior, then became the only Bobcat to start all 29 games in his senior year.
Asberry was named to the NABC All-District 23 Second Team and All-Sun Belt First Team, winning the conference twice. It was then time to take his talents to Oklahoma State.
But once again he had to earn his spot. His early play in the BIG 12 saw him achieve a starting role.
“My proudest basketball moment so far was making my first Oklahoma State start. It was a huge progression from starting in JuCo to starting in the BIG 12. It was a massive deal for me.
“All I could think when I got the call was: ‘don’t mess it up!’”
As he had throughout his college career, Asberry made the most of his opportunity. He scored 9.7 points per game in his final year of eligibility, more than holding his own in the BIG 12 conference and impressing Riders’ Head Coach Rob Paternostro.
“He had a decorated career at Texas State,” said Paternostro. “It was enjoyable to watch him play, and it was impressive how in his final season he went to a new team in the BIG 12 and made a significant impact.”
Having signed for the Riders, he is set to make his first venture into Europe.
“I’ve only been outside America once, so I’m so excited to get over there. I feel so lucky to be able to go over there and play basketball for a living. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and expanding my horizons.”
The 6’3” guard is set to bring his skillset to the BBL.
“I’m going to add energy. I’m a loud person, and I’m going to bring the noise! I can also shoot the ball pretty well.
“But above everything, I’m about defence, defence, defence. That’s something that’s ingrained in me from my coaches in college.
“The pros are a whole new ball game. The speed of the game and the physicality are something that is going to be ramped up, but I’m ready for that.”
As the seventh man named to Paternostro’s 2023/24 roster, Asberry is ready to give everything in Riders red.
“I want to thank the Riders for the opportunity and for taking a chance on me.
“At Texas State, we won conference twice, and we were the first team to miss the tournament as a senior. It has fueled my desire to win even more.
“The Riders are a hugely successful club, and I really want to add to that. To start my career off with some silverware would be incredible.
“Im ready to give everything, and I’m ready to win. I’m excited to meet you all, and I can’t wait for the whole experience. Thank you all for bringing me in, and I’m ready to bring you all in too!”
He averaged 9.7 points per game in the Big 12 for the Cowboys, following three seasons with Texas State.
At his home university, the Texas native had back-to-back seasons scoring over 13 points per game. He was the only Bobcat to start all 29 games and led the team in steals and three-pointers made.
Asberry also became the first Bobcat in school history to earn back-to-back All-District honours from the NABC. He helped his school to the 2022 Sun Belt MMB regular-season trophy and was named to the All-Sun Belt First Team as a senior.
“I want to express sincere gratitude and excitement towards singing with the Riders,” said Asberry.
“It is truly an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to join such an incredible organisation. I understand the weight and responsibility that comes with this new chapter in my career.
“Rest assured, I am fully committed to giving my absolute best, both on and off the court. I’m thrilled to be joining an organisation that shares my values and ambitions!”
“We are thrilled to sign Caleb,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro.
“He is an exciting player who can really put pressure on the defence. He plays the game with a bounce and energy that teammates and fans can appreciate.
“He had a decorated career at Texas State. It was enjoyable to watch him play, and it was impressive how in his final season he went to a new team in the BIG 12 and made a significant impact.”
“He can shoot the ball from long range both off the catch and off the dribble, and he’s the kind of player that can get hot in a hurry and change the game.”
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