Leicester Riders responds to its supporter’s frequently asked questions
In the interest of improving communications between the Club and its fans, Leicester Riders Basketball Club have engaged in open conversations with its official supporters club and individual fans in recent months.
After listening to your comments and queries, the Club has committed to various changes, and is able to provide answers to some of the specific enquiries that have been made.
Below, you can find answers to some of your most frequently asked questions.
Please note, further comments will be made in the near future regarding our game night car parking arrangements.
We appreciate your feedback, and will look to make additional improvements to your fan experience throughout the season.
Questions and Answers
Q: At the first game of the season we played in a black kit. Will we be playing in this kit at home this season?
A: As shared by Super League Basketball there has been a delay in teams receiving their official kits and an interim solution was put in place. For this season our kit colours will be Red and Black, therefore, once we receive our official kits the vast majority, if not all our home games will be played in our Red kit whilst our Black kit will feature primarily in our away games.
Q: Will we be able to purchase our new kit soon?
A: Once we receive our new official kits we will be able to order the replica kit for fans. Due to the wide range of sizes that will be available we have made the decision for all kit to be available on pre-order. If you want to guarantee your kit and be the one of the first to receive it you can pre-register by emailing [email protected] with your full details and kit size, pricing will be confirmed shortly.
Q: The atmosphere at the game was poor and there was no commentary. What happened and what are the plans for the future?
A: We share your disappointment of the events on Friday night. It fell well short of the standards we aspire to and want to deliver for existing and new fans. Arrangements with our planned commentator fell through with short notice, and while we worked hard to find an alternative on the day and thank our team for stepping up to fill the role last minute, we understand that this had a negative impact on the game night atmosphere. In addition, our musical support faced unexpected in-game restrictions upon request from a game official, all far from ideal. We are focussed on addressing these issue for our next home game and are confident that we will meet expectations of supporters. We appreciate the understanding of those that have been in contact regarding this issue.
Q: Where were the Cheerleaders? Will they be part of the game night experience this season?
A: During the offseason we undertook a detailed review of all our existing arrangements and partnerships. We want our events to reflect the community that we live in and attend the games and bring the multi cultural aspect which is at the heart of Leicester. Following detailed discussions with the Cheerleader representative it was a mutual agreement that they would not form part of the game day experience for this season. We will be bringing a range of pre and half time entertainment this season and will update you as we progress through the season.
The American returned to Riders red with a bang, the four-time British basketball silverware winner not missing a beat as he took to the floor for his first competitive action of the season.
Report: Riders record impressive win in season opener
Leicester Riders got their 2024-25 season underway with an impressive 91-69 victory against Bristol Flyers.
It was a start-to-finish dominant display led by 22 from returning Rider Zach Jackson, who grabbed 7 boards and 5 steals in an impressive effort on both ends. After a series of fluid offensive performances, the newly formed group played with a sense of togetherness leading to a plethora of open looks from deep which the Riders hit at a 46% clip.
Jackson was backed by 17 points from rookie point guard Jaylin Hunter making his professional debut, and Ethan Wright went 3-4 from deep for 15 points in total.
On defence, Charles Thompson’s interior protection held Flyers star Kedrian Johnson to five points, locking off the inside wire-to-wire. Rookie guard Trey Tennyson led their efforts with 15 points, as his team shot 36% from the field.
Starting hot
The Riders flew out the gate to a 10-0 start. Jackson bagged the team’s first Super League Basketball points with a three after free flowing ball movement, before another triple from Riley Abercrombie ended the run to force a Bristol timeout.
Jackson scored eight in five minutes to settle Leicester into it. The Riders maintained this foundation to lead 23-15 after the first quarter, which Blake Bowman ended with a triple.
Riders veterans took over in the second, with Conner Washington and Duke Shelton combining for two straight scores to keep the Riders in control.
Flyers find their feet
The Flyers found form in the middle of the second, making back-to-back scores at the rim- the second from new addition Jaren Sherfield. But Jackson stemmed the tide with his patented hook shot for Leicester.
A throw down for Jackson on the fastbreak got the fans on their feet, and snatched momentum firmly back. Ethan Wright took advantage of that with a three to force another timeout for the visitors, with the score 38-26.
Threes from Sherfield and former Rider Evan Walshe started a Bristol surge back into the game as halftime neared. Washe, playing aggressively late in the second, drove to the rim for an and-one finish, cutting the difference to five.
Abercrombie connected with a three on the other end to maintain the Leicester lead, but the Flyers were back into contention by the break.
Taking control in the second half
Despite finding a hot streak, the visitors couldn’t make an indent into the Leicester lead to start the third period, as the Riders found joy consistently attacking the rim. Wright made it a double digit lead once again with a layup inside for his 10th points of the night.
The American made his presence felt on both ends, chasing down Sherfield emphatically with a swat out of bounds. Jackson and Hunter built on the swat with five quick points, and the score was 58-43.
Jackson caught fire, hitting two triples with the shot clock winding down as Leicester took firm control.
Seeing it out on defence
Washington, again from deep, kicked off the fourth followed by Jackson’s 22nd of the evening. A circus shot at the rim from Hunter kept the foot on the pedal, and the hosts had a convincing position to see the game out from, leading by 15.
Wright stringed another three, making it 3-4 on the night for the American. Hunter then rattled on in to make the score 83-64.
The Riders put the clamps down defensively. Bristol mustered seven points in eight minutes in the final period, suffering from intense ball pressure from the hosts. Charles Thompson, anchoring the defence, was a stifling presence at the rim.
Hunter put the cherry on top of the performance with a pair of threes, epitomising a hot night from behind the arc.
Hitting the road
The Riders are back in action on Sunday for the first game of a two game road trip. They head to London to take on the Lions at the Copper Box, hoping to make it 2-0 in the Trophy.
“I know I am going in the right direction”- Elise Tweedie previews her 2024-25 season
Author: Sam Hargrave
Last season’s Player’s Player of the Year, Elise Tweedie, is ‘super excited’ to be representing the Riders again this season after returning for another year.
Riders Women’s opening fixture of the campaign is away to Oaklands Wolves on the 29th of September in the Super League Basketball Trophy.
Ahead of the new season, Tweedie provided an insight into pre-season and how herself and the squad is shaping up ahead of a fresh year.
When asked about pre-season Tweedie answered, “pre-season has been good so far. The group that we have is progressing well and we are working on new things.”
The Riders announced their latest signing last week, Brittany Hodges, who makes her return to British basketball.
The American forward played for the South Adelaide Panthers over the summer and has had experience in British basketball, having had played for Sevenoaks Suns in the 2022-23 season.
“Britt is super experienced and so far provides great vibes and she is very much a professional,” said Tweedie.
Head Coach Ben Stanley began his tenure on the 5th of July 2023 and has been hard at work with this new group ahead of his second season at the reins. “Ben is super focused on what he wants us to achieve so that is nice to be lined with direction and drive,” acknowledged Tweedie.
The former Caledonia Pride centre will complete her master’s degree at Loughborough University whilst also lining up on their roster for the season.
Tweedie said: “I am super excited for the upcoming season. Loughborough is the best university in the world for my course which is insane, and I know that people would love to be in my position. I am super grateful for that opportunity.”
The Scot’s season last year was unfortunately cut short due to injury; however Tweedie is more than ready for the upcoming campaign.
“I was not happy with how the season was for me. I started to get out of that dip just as I got injured which is such bad timing, but I showed glimpses of what I could do and what my role should be in the team.”
Tweedie added: “Knowing I was on the right path before my injury gives me confidence coming back now to know that I was in a good place before the injury, I have rehabbed, I have got a better idea of my role this year and hopefully I can filter that into this year and get off to a good start.”
Tweedie’s high standards on and off the court last season resulted in her being awarded the Player’s Player of the Year award, a gesture that the 6’4” centre appreciates greatly.
“That is always a nice award to be given. To know that my teammates value what I bring outside of points and rebounds or statistics whether that is just being there for each other like trying to bring good energy, hype people up and be a shoulder for my teammates. For me that is more important, it means a lot because I know I am going in the right direction.”
Tweedie provided a very reassuring and confident evaluation on how the squad is shaping up ahead of the season opener against Oakland Wolves on the 29th of September.
She noted a difference in the mentality of players returning to the roster from last season, especially in young star Katie Januszewska (KJ).
“KJ’s mentality seems different this year, she seems as if she is extra ready to go, maybe a little more fired up. She has that confidence within herself, and she is so good for us.
“Shahd [Abboud] too. She’s locked in. She brings so much expertise to the game, and she’s a true professional so to have that on the team is super nice.”
Tweedie was also named the BUCS Sport Premier North Conference Most Improved Player for the 2023/24 season.
“Of course it is nice to get an award where people recognise the improvements because sometimes the days feel like a drag, you are in the gym, getting shots up, you are sore, you are tired, you had class etc. This award makes it easier and reminds you of why you are doing these things.”
Talking about this season’s goals and hopes Tweedie said: “I want to be more self-confident; I want to be more present and just continue to express gratitude for the situation that I am in.
“This is the last year of my masters; I am playing the sport I love. You never know what is going to happen.”
Leicester Riders finished pre-season with a professional 86-66 road win against Surrey 89ers.
Jaylin Hunter put in a complete performance from the point with 19 points and 6 assists to lead the game. He took over in the second to build Leiecster’s first meaningful lead, and pulled the strings in a fluid Riders offence all game long.
He was backed by Zach Jackson’s 17 points and 5 rebounds. The American took over from where Hunter left off in the second half to keep the Niners at arm’s length. Charles Thompson also logged an impressive display with 10 points and 9 rebounds, dominating the paint for 5 offensive boards.
Missed open looks meant the score failed to demonstrate the level of Leicester’s play through 40 minutes. The Riders shot 9-31 from three and 40% from the field, but will back themselves to connect on those shots on a consistent basis this season.
The win puts Leicester in good stead going into their season opener against Bristol Flyers next Friday. Despite limited time together, the team played in impressive unison on both ends as they built towards the Super League Basketball season.
Tight opening stages
Despite the final score, there was little separation on the scoreboard early.
Jackson started aggressively, getting his head down for a finish at the rim and a pair of free throws following a strong drive to the hole, but Dame Adelekun responded with six points for the Niners, the big man showcasing his versatility with a variety of buckets. It was the Riders, however, who took the early lead through a fastbreak layup from Hunter.
It was a closely-fought, fast paced affair from the jump. No side built a real advantage throughout the opening period, but with the Riders off on their deep shooting early Surrey edged ahead.
Hunter connected from the corner late, before Blake Bowman spiked away a Niner layup attempt to end the first on a positive sequence, the score 20-19 to the hosts.
To begin the second, Bowman snatched the lead for Leicester with three trips to the foul line. He made it 27-26 with 6:46 remaining at the half.
The Niners seized momentum back in response with Jalen Ray and Mervin James making tough shots over good contests to take a five point lead.
Riders take the initiative
The lid lifted off the basket for Leicester as the clock ticked towards half. Hunter and Riley Abercrombie hit from three, and the Riders led 42-36 at the break courtesy of Hunter’s foul shots.
Thompson then got the second half underway from inside, logging seven quick points and a block to extend the Leicester lead. His final score of the stretch was a tough finish at the hoop putting back an Abercrombie missed triple, setting up an and-one play.
Thompson’s dominance at the start of the third built a double digit advantage for the Riders. He was backed by Jackson, who hit his signature turnaround next time up before drawing an offensive foul.
Jackson scored seven straight, but it was generated by Thompson who was undeniable on the glass. Three offensive boards in a single possession saw him fly around the court with Rodman-esque physicality, too strong for the Niners frontcourt to handle.
He put the exclamation point on his third quarter performance with a monster one handed jam to follow a Jackson steal, the duo proving too much on both ends.
Keeping Surrey at arm’s length
Three scores for the Niners saw them climb back into contention, making the score 61-51 with two minutes left in the third. But a three from J’Raan Brooks was the final bucket of the period, making it 64-51 with one left.
Noah Allen found his first triple of the game to start the final period in his first Riders action. Jackson made his way to the rim for another two, and Duke Shelton threw down a thunderous fastbreak slam as Leicester re-extended their lead.
Shelton, who was fouled on the dunk, made it 74-57 from the foul line with six minutes left. He broke away once again, stealing a loose pass and this time throwing down a windmill on the break emphatically.
Brooks found a rhythm from deep, connecting with his eighth points with a three with two minutes left. Hunter followed up with another from the corner to make the difference 19 points with his 19th points.
Thompson finished off the night at the rim and concluded the Riders’ pre-season with a 20-point win.
Pre-season preview: Leicester Riders at Surrey 89ers
Leicester Riders are set to play Surrey 89ers in their final action of the 2024-25 pre-season.
It’s the first fixture between the Riders and the newly formed franchise, and a final opportunity for team chemistry building among Leicester’s roster ahead of the season.
Here’s how the fixture is shaping up.
Fixture information
Fixture: Surrey 89ers vs Leicester Riders
Date: Friday, September 20
Tip-off: 7 pm
Venue: Surrey Sports Park
Last pre-season test for Leicester
Played a week before the Riders’ season opener against Bristol Flyers, this game represents an opportunity to build on the positive first impressions given to fans from this new Riders group. A convincing 111-66 win against USA Select was a successful first performance for the Riders roster which features seven new additions.
And it was the new faces who stole the show. Riley Abercrombie led the scoring with 24 on his Riders debut, and he was backed by a contingent of players making their first Mattioli Arena outings.
The top five Riders scorers were summer additions, as Jaylin Hunter backed up his teammate with 19 points and 5 assists, and Charles Thompson dominated the paint with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
12 points and 7 rebounds from Ethan Wright made for a productive evening, and returning Rider Zach Jackson completed the top five scorers with 13.
“We have a lot of talented players, and you saw that against USA Select,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro. “It was nice to see the group’s versatility.”
Coach Rob was particularly impressed by the game’s leading scorer, taking time to credit Abercrombie’s skillset post-game.
“He can seriously shoot, but he can do much more than that. At 6’9” he has good size and he’s so strong- the future is really bright for him and we’re really happy with the way he’s started.”
Now the Riders turn to professional opposition in the 89ers, which will prove a different test to the one offered by USA Select last time out.
New beginnings in Surrey
A brand new franchise in Surrey has brought some familiar faces to the fray, which should provide a solid benchmark going into the Super League season.
A plethora of players signed with the Niners from the Surrey Scorchers, including a star from last season in Cam Gooden, GB international Andrew Lawrence and club legend Tayo Ogedengbe.
Joining them are some star summer signings, including the club’s latest arrival Mervin James who was announced on Monday. James averaged 18.9 points and 6.1 rebounds in his senior year for Rider Broncos, adding elite scoring to the 89ers front court.
A two-game pre-season tour of Spain kicked off the Niners’ first action as a franchise, before they returned home for three domestic fixtures. They hold a 2-3 record in their five pre-season games going into this one, but raised eyebrows with a 17 point win on the road in Newcastle.
The Niners have played out competitive games with British opposition in their last three fixtures, and while team building, chemistry and fitness are the primary focuses of the game, Surrey should provide Leicester with a broader understanding of where they place in the domestic landscape.
Season opener
We are just over a week away from our highly-anticipated season opener against Bristol Flyers on September 27!
Leicester Riders looking for game night entertainers
Attention, entertainers!
Leicester Riders are seeking game day entertainers for the upcoming 2024-25 season!
In line with the Club’s dedication to investing in and establishing connections with the local community, it will prioritise hiring local talent for game day entertainment throughout the year.
Are you a local dance group, singer, freestyler, or possess any other unique skills? This is your opportunity to showcase your talent and perform in front of thousands at Leicester’s largest indoor arena during a Riders game.
If you’re interested in performing, please contact [email protected] with the subject line “Game day entertainment.”
Don’t miss this chance to share your talent and add excitement to the Riders game day experience!
Report: Riders take convincing win to open pre-season
Leicester Riders got their pre-season underway with a 111-66 victory against USA Select.
It was a convincing first outing for the newly formed Riders roster, in front of a pre-season record attendance at the Mattioli Arena.
Riley Abercrombie led the scoring, putting up 24 points on his Riders debut, backed by Jaylin Hunter who went off for 19 points and 5 assists.
Charles Thompson dominated the paint with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and 12 points and 7 rebounds from Ethan Wright made for a productive evening for the Riders rookies.
Thompson got the game underway with dominance inside. He showed his strength from the jump, battling down low for an offensive board before a hook shot netted him his first points in Riders red, and Leicester’s first of the 2024 pre-season.
The big man scored two quick buckets in the midst of a 7-2 Leicester start, and blocked Morgan Brown’s layup attempt. Abercrombie also enjoyed a red hot start, connecting with his first two attempts from deep. It was quickly 15-2, as returning Rider Zach Jackson forced USA Select’s first timeout with a euro-step on the break.
The visitors bit back with two straight buckets halfway into the period, but Abercrombie put an end to any USA Select momentum with an and-one finish, bagging his ninth points of the evening.
A Riders scoring drought did open the door for USA Select on the back end of the quarter, as they found joy on the fastbreak and the offensive glass. A triple saw the score pegged back to 28-21 with a minute remaining.
But they re-found their groove to close the first, and Jackson finished the opening period with a floater to make it 34-23.
Conner Washington picked up from where his teammates left off after the first period. He got the second quarter underway with a triple, the 12-year veteran always a hot hand from outside. He and Abercrombie rebuilt the lead from distance throughout the second, and Hunter effectively pulled the strings from the point.
The Riders, who found difficulty controlling the glass at times early, secured defensive boards consistently in the second to hold their opponents to 12 second quarter points.
In a physical affair, Jackson had multiple trips to the foul line as the half came to a close, knocking down free throws to make it a 20 point Leicester lead. The sides entered the half with the Riders up 57-35.
Out of the break, Hunter got the second half going with a steal and a score, before pulling up in transition on the next play for three. It was a 30 point lead quickly in the third, courtesy of Abercrombie again adding two more on the fastbreak.
USA Select still had no answer for the Australian who brought his game tally to 20 at the foul line with 3:30 left in the third.
A scoring flurry for the visitors saw USA Select maintain the difference at 30 late in the third, draining a three on the buzzer to make it 81-52 with one to play.
Final flourish
Another and-one started the final period, this time Thompson taking the contact inside and connecting with the finish. Hunter followed up with a trip to the stripe next time up, and he made the score 85-52 with 8:42 left.
Hunter was hot in the fourth, and he drained a triple over a hand in his face to add three more to his game tally.
Blake Bowman brought the Riders’ game score to 100 with a spin move inside, and Abercrombie capped off a player of the game performance and a convincing Leicester win with a three.
The Riders return to action on September 20, taking on Surrey Scorchers on the road ahead of the Super League Basketball season opener on September 27.
Tickets go on sale for the Riders’ 2024 SLB home fixtures on Monday, September 9, at 12 pm.
Leicester Riders are set to tip-off their 2024 pre-season campaign against USA Select!
The newly built roster, with seven new faces ready to be welcomed by the Riders faithful, looks to find chemistry and understanding in the upcoming pre-season campaign, before for the debut season of Super League Basketball in September.
Their first test: a USA Select team featuring the next generation of American talent, looking to showcase their ability on their way to their first professional contracts.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture.
Fixture information
Fixture: Leicester Riders vs USA Select
Date: Friday, September 6
Tip-off: 7 pm
Leicester basketball is back!
It has felt like a long wait, but Leicester are ready to take to the court for their first action of 2024-25. It’s a pivotal pre-season for the Riders roster, who make their preparations for the debut season of Super League Basketball.
The seven new additions look to settle into Head Coach Rob Paternostro’s system quickly before competitive action begins, but the roster is blessed with experience to ease that process.
Among the summer signings is returning Rider Zach Jackson. His familiarity with both coach and club will be a valuable asset throughout pre-season. Jackson returned to the Club having spent three seasons with the Riders between 2020 and 2023. He played an integral role in the Riders’ 2022 treble, winning four trophies during his time in the East Midlands.
“It’s been great seeing Coach Rob and some familiar faces on the team again,” said Jackson. “I’ve always loved playing for Rob, and I can’t wait to see the fans again.
“Everyone on the team always got along during my time here, which is a big thing in professional basketball. Everyone on this team seems to have good character.
“We haven’t gone live yet to see how each other plays, but hopefully over the next few weeks we’ll start building chemistry and get to know one another.”
This game presents an opportunity for exactly that. It will be the first test for the new team to suit up alongside one another in competitive action.
With four rookies joining the Riders ranks over the offseason, Charles Thompson, Jaylin Hunter, J’Raan Brooks and Riley Abercrombie, that is especially important. These are key minutes early in the professional careers of the rookies especially, as they look to grow quickly accustomed to the team against USA Select.
Leicester Riders meeting with USA Select has become annual tradition, having established a relationship with the programme over previous decades.
USA Select are in the midst of a busy European tour, hoping to secure their players their first professional contracts. The programme has produced household names in British basketball over its 40 year existence, including Sheffield Sharks Head Coach Atiba Lyons.
The Riders have established a thriving relationship with the programme.
“Leicester Riders, like so many other clubs in the UK, has been phenomenal for us over the decades, which is why I never miss the UK out on these tours,” said Head Coach and General Manager Sean Kilmartin.
“The club, and its vision in a sport that was always under the radar and never truly appreciated in the UK, has changed the way people look at basketball in the country. Their venue is the first of its kind, and it set the bar for the other clubs in the league.
“When my players can see all that, they see what professionalism looks like. They see how professionals put pride in their job, and their humility when they put their jerseys on for the fans.
“The Riders fanbase is amazing. The love and respect we get from those fans is humbling. They really get it.”
Join the cavalry
Tickets are still available for tonight’s action! Standard tickets are £10, courtside seating is £25.
Leicester Riders basketball club is set to tip-off for the first time in 2024-25, suiting up pre-season against USA Select.
In response to fan feedback, the Club has pledged to improve the game-day experience at Leicester Riders game day. This includes offering various activities and entertainment to ensure an enjoyable evening for all attendees.
The Arena will feature a new food selection, fan zone activations and in game entertainment throughout the season.
Here’s all you need to know about Leicester Riders game day against USA Select.
Fan Zone in Mattioli Courts
The Fan Zone, located in Mattioli Courts, will open at 5:45 pm before the game. It will feature a range of new entertainment and activities, and an improved food selection.
The Club’s Foundation has worked hard to bring an entertaining environment for its fans and visitors prior to games in Mattioli Courts.
Mattioli Courts will host a “beat the pro” free throw challenge, where fans are invited to beat a Riders player’s free throw total on ten attempts, a local acoustic duo performance, Bollywood dancing, and the presence of USA Select team.
Our game day sponsors, Gresham Hotel, who have generously hosted the USA Select team for the game, have a stand at the fan zone, along with Edmunds and Slatter and Leicester Riders Foundation, who will explain to fans how they can get involved in basketball through their community sessions.
Doors to the main arena will then open at 6:30 pm, half an hour before tip-off.
Eating at the Arena
Mattioli Arena has introduced a new and improved menu for the 2024-25 season, offering a high-quality array of food options.
The menu includes fish goujons and chips, chef’s bake of the day, Indian snack selection with sauces, and warmed doughnuts served with strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.
You can see the full menu and pricings below:
In Game Entertainment
As part of the Club’s commitment to investing in and connecting with the local community, it will focus on employing local entertainment for game days.
For the game against USA Select, the club will showcase Bollywood dancing group, representing Leicester’s Indian community.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, fans can expect a variety of entertainment from local Leicestershire talent.
Those interested in performing on Riders game day can contact [email protected] for more information.
Super League Basketball gets green light to unite elite men’s and women’s game
Super League Basketball (SLB) has confirmed the unification of Great Britain’s elite men’s and women’s leagues under one banner.
Following a unanimous vote by shareholders of the Women’s British Basketball League, both the men’s and women’s elite competitions will now adopt SLB branding and work together to unlock the sport’s considerable potential across the country.
The Men’s League’s nine member clubs will be joined by 11 counterparts in the Women’s League, ensuring Super League Basketball is accessible for all, with the inaugural season set to get underway on September 27 2024.
By uniting under a single brand, the leagues will leverage each other’s strengths to create a more cohesive and powerful identity, increasing visibility and commercial opportunities across both men’s and women’s basketball in the UK.
Speaking following confirmation of the partnership, SLB Interim Chair Vaughn Millette said:
“Uniting under the Super League Basketball banner marks a pivotal moment for us. By bringing together the Men’s and Women’s Leagues, we are not just enhancing the visibility and reach of the sport, but also fostering a stronger, more unified community that will drive the growth and success of basketball across the UK.”
Chair of the Women’s League, Jim Saker, added: “This unification under Super League Basketball represents an exciting step forward for the sport in the UK. We are excited to create a shared platform that amplifies the strengths of both leagues. This collaboration will not only elevate the game but also inspire a new generation of fans and players across the country.”
Fixture information for the Men’s League has already been announced, with tickets now available to purchase via the club websites. Fixture information for the Women’s League will be announced in the coming days.
Leicester Riders basketball club are excited to announce the signing of American Brittany Hodges for the 2024-25 season.
The 6’1” power forward suited up for the South Adelaide Panthers over the summer, averaging 18.11 points and 11.89 rebounds per outing. She had nine 20 point performances with the Panthers and 15 double doubles in 19 games.
Hodges has prior experience in British basketball, having played for Sevenoaks Suns in the 2022-23 season and averaging 10.1 points per game. She played an integral role on a 15-7 Suns team, leading them in rebounds with a 7.7 average.
An experienced professional, Hodges has played in Germany, Luxembourg and Australia after graduating from Furman University in 2015.
Hodges said: “I’m really excited to be a part of Leicester Riders! Thank you to Coach Ben and the coaching staff for the opportunity to join the team, and contribute to what I hope will be a successful season.
“I can’t wait to meet my teammates and get to work. See you all soon!”
Head Coach Ben Stanley added: “We’re very excited to get Britt on board this season. She brings not only professionalism and experience to the club, but a high skill level and real strength and toughness on the interior.
“We’re anticipating a big year from her both on the court and in terms of her leadership with the group.”
Leicester Riders raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms with new charity partnership
Leicester Riders, the UK’s oldest professional basketball club, have announced a pioneering new partnership with Ygam, a charity with a mission to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms.
This collaboration, a first for any team in British basketball, signifies a major stride in the Riders’ commitment to the digital safeguarding of all children and young people associated with the Club.
Through its Foundation’s Academy and partnerships with Charnwood College and Loughborough University, the Riders organisation’s commitment to young people extends beyond the basketball court. Collaborating with Ygam further enhances the organisation’s capacity to safeguard and equip young people with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in later life.
Ygam has been appointed Leicester Riders ‘Charity of the Year’ for the forthcoming 24/25 season, alongside the Riders Foundation.
The latest report from the Gambling Commission revealed that 40% of 11- to 17-year-olds have had some experience of gambling over the last 12 months. 1 in 4 have spent their own money on gambling in the past 12 months and 35% of young people have encountered gambling advertisements at sports events. Research from the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms revealed that basketball has one of the highest gambling participation rates for young people aged 18-24 in the UK, compared to other popular betting sports like football, horse racing, and combat? sports.
Basketball is a growing sport at grass roots level in the UK, with nearly 1.25 million children and young people playing the sport at least once a week, and over 1200 licensed coaches nationwide. Popularity of professional basketball in the UK has also seen immense growth over recent years, where viewership of live and on-demand games across YouTube and Sky Sports has jumped from 1.4 million to over 20 million since the 2022/23 season.
This partnership aims to build greater awareness and educate more children and young people about the potential risks associated with gaming and gambling, both within a sporting context and beyond.
Simon Winfield, Interim CEO of Leicester Riders, said: “We’re excited to be working with Ygam. We have a deep admiration for their efforts in promoting gaming and gambling awareness among the youth of today.
“The Riders organisation takes seriously its responsibility to the young people who have entrusted us with their futures, both at Charnwood College and Loughborough University. A large part of that responsibility is ensuring that they are well set up for life beyond the Riders. Through Ygam’s education on the potential risks and dangers associated with gaming and gambling, we are fulfilling our commitment to ensuring their well-being and long-term success.
“We’re also excited at the prospect of helping to educate thousands of young people across Leicestershire, who we work closely with through the Leicester Riders Foundation. Through this partnership, we uphold the Club’s dedication to its local community, ensuring that we leave a lasting, positive influence on the lives of generations to come.”
Sacha Kent, Programme Lead for Education, Sports, and Youth at Ygam, said: “We are honoured to partner with Leicester Riders for the upcoming season and extend our reach within the sport of basketball. With gaming and gambling so heavily intertwined with professional sports, it is vital that we are doing all we can to safeguard all young people who participate in the sport they love.
“Leicester Riders do fantastic work in surrounding communities, including one of the country’s largest Basketball Apprentice schemes at Charnwood College, and a partnership with Loughborough University. The club’s community programmes also reach nearly 20,000 young people from across the city and wider county, and we are excited to use sport as a vehicle to make a real difference in the lives of young people, helping them navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.”
The partnership will involve key home games dedicated to Ygam and the charity’s work, with awareness raising and fundraising events throughout the season, alongside delivering Ygam’s City & Guilds Assured CPD training to all coaches and staff associated with the club.
More details about the partnership and the initiatives planned for the upcoming season will be announced soon.
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) August 28, 2024
Here’s how the season will shape up:
SLB Trophy
The season will begin with the Trophy group phase on Friday, September 27, where we will host Bristol Flyers at 19:45 in our first competitive action of 2024-25.
The group phase is a round robin tournament with the teams split into two groups, the Riders group featuring London Lions, Surrey 89ers and Bristol Flyers, who will be played once home and away.
We conclude our Trophy group phase against London Lions at home on Sunday, October 27 at 16:00.
The winners and runners-up in each group will qualify for the two-legged semi-finals, with the winner of Group A facing the runner-up of Group B and vice-versa.
A single-leg Final will take place in January 2025.
SLB Championship
Our Championship campaign begins at home on Saturday, November 2, against Surrey 89ers at 18:00.
The Championship features all nine SLB franchises playing each other four times (twice at home, twice away from home) over a 23-week season, equating to 32 games per club.
Our final game of the 2024-25 Championship season will be away at Newcastle Eagles on Friday, April 25 at 19:30.
SLB Cup
The SLB Cup will begin at the quarter-final stage, with the Riders’ fixture being played between February 7-9, against an opponent to be decided.
A random draw will take place to draw seven teams straight into the Cup quarter-finals, with the remaining two franchises playing a single-leg qualifier for the chance to join the other seven teams in the next round.
The Cup semi-finals will be two-legged ties, and the single-leg Final will take place in March at a venue to be confirmed.
SLB Playoffs
Following the conclusion of the Championships season, the top eight placed teams from the standings will qualify for the Playoffs.
Both quarter-finals and semi-finals will be played over two legs, with the quarter-final ties assigned by Championship seeding (1st vs 8th, 2nd vs 7th, 3rd vs 6th, 4th vs 5th).
The semi-final ties will be assigned by the highest remaining seed facing the lowest remaining seed and the second-highest facing the second-lowest.
In both rounds, the higher seed has the choice of home leg.
A single-leg Final will take place in London on May 18 with venue information to be confirmed.
You can find our full fixture list below:
Date
Tip-off
Competition
Opponent
H/A
Friday, September 27
19:45
Trophy
Bristol Flyers
H
Sunday, October 6
16:00
Trophy
London Lions
A
Saturday, October 19
18:00
Trophy
Surrey 89ers
A
Wednesday, October 23
19:45
Trophy
Surrey 89ers
H
Friday, October 25
19:30
Trophy
Bristol Flyers
A
Sunday, October 27
16:00
Trophy
London Lions
H
Saturday, November 2
18:00
Championship
Surrey 89ers
A
Friday, November 8
19:45
Championship
Sheffield Sharks
H
Sunday, November 17
16:00
Championship
Sheffield Sharks
A
Friday, November 29
19:45
Championship
Manchester
H
Sunday, December 1
17:30
Championship
Cheshire Phoenix
A
Friday, December 6
19:30
Championship
Bristol Flyers
A
December 6-8
Trophy semi-finals
TBD
Friday, December 13
19:45
Championship
Caledonia Gladiators
H
Friday, December 20
19:30
Championship
Surrey 89ers
A
Sunday, December 22
16:00
Championship
Newcastle Eagles
H
Friday, December 27
19:45
Championship
Bristol Flyers
H
Monday, December 30
19:45
Championship
London Lions
H
Friday, January 3
19:30
Championship
Newcastle Eagles
A
Friday, January 10
19:45
Championship
Manchester
H
Sunday, January 12
17:30
Championship
Cheshire Phoenix
A
Friday, January 17
19:45
Championship
Caledonia Gladiators
H
Saturday, January 25
17:00
Championship
Caledonia Gladiators
A
Friday, January 31
19:45
Championship
Bristol Flyers
H
February 7-9
Cup Quarter-Final
TBD
Thursday, February 13
19:45
Championship
Cheshire Phoenix
H
Friday, February 28
19:45
Championship
Surrey 89ers
H
Sunday, March 9
15:00
Championship
Manchester
A
Sunday, March 16
16:00
Championship
Sheffield Sharks
A
Friday, March 21
19:45
Championship
Newcastle Eagles
H
Friday, March 28
19:30
Championship
Bristol Flyers
A
Friday, April 4
19:45
Championship
Cheshire Phoenix
H
Sunday, April 6
16:00
Championship
Caledonia Gladiators
A
Friday, April 11
19:45
Championship
Sheffield Sharks
H
Sunday, April 13
16:00
Championship
London Lions
A
Thursday, April 17
19:45
Championship
Surrey 89ers
H
Sunday, April 20
16:00
Championship
London Lions
H
Friday, April 25
19:30
Championship
Newcastle Eagles
A
Please note, these fixtures may be subject to change.
Ticket information for our upcoming SLB games will be confirmed in the near future.
Super League Basketball, the new elite basketball competition in the UK, has announced the iconic American sports brand Reebok, as the official kit supplier and basketball sneaker of the league with a multi-year partnership.
A dominant force on the court, Reebok’s legacy is rooted in innovative designs and iconic endorsements by some of the game’s greatest players. The brand has made strides in its re-entry to the sport and appointing basketball legends Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson as President and Vice President of Basketball, respectively.
Partnering with the Super League Basketball reinforces Reebok’s rightful place in the sport.
“We are thrilled to partner with the newly established Super League Basketball,” said Todd Krinsky, CEO of Reebok. “This collaboration represents a perfect synergy between Reebok’s storied basketball heritage and the vibrant future of the elite league in the UK. We are excited to bring our innovative designs and high-performance gear to the court, and we can’t wait to see the players and fans embrace the new kits this season.”
Starting in September with the 2024/25 season, all the Super League Basketball teams will be equipped with elite Reebok-designed playing kits, training kits, travel attire and basketball sneakers. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase replica kits for the 2024/25 season, with the unveiling of the new kits scheduled for early September.
Paul Blake, owner of Newcastle Eagles commented: “Speaking on behalf of all the basketball clubs competing in our newly launched Super League, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this partnership with Reebok. It’s been a challenging few months for our sport, but to attract a brand of Reebok’s status, heritage and association as we launch our new league is fantastic.”
“It is perfect timing for this partnership as Reebok relaunches its performance basketball division and we embark on new future as Super League Basketball. Seeing stars like Shaq and Allen Iverson involved in a project that touches our League is incredibly exciting and with them on-board, we look forward to achieving great things both on and off the court.”
Nick Woodhouse, President and CBO, Authentic Brands Group, owner of the Reebok brand said: “We are delighted to witness Reebok’s renaissance in the basketball arena through this collaboration with the Super League Basketball. This partnership blends Reebok’s legacy with the energy of the league’s future, creating a fusion of style and performance that will echo through the courts.”
John Carden, CEO of Sports Hub Group, UK distributor for Reebok said: “Being able to bring two amazing brands together in Reebok and the League is a real personal achievement, and I can’t wait to see this pairing brought to life when the kit is launched next month.”
It’s with regret that we have taken the decision to defer the Fan’s Q&A Session scheduled for September 19 to an alternative event as soon as possible.
Whilst we are really keen to present our new teams to our loyal fans and have you get to know them better, the changing schedule this season and practice commitments of our top teams mean we have to look for a better date.
We’ll be in touch with those who have already purchased tickets to arrange a full refund and will share details of an alternative event as soon as possible.
The Leicester Riders family apologise for this change of plans, but we look forward to seeing you all for our first pre-season game against USA Select.
Super League Basketball announces four competition formats for debut season
Ahead of a hotly anticipated debut campaign, Super League Basketball announced the four competitions that will make up the inaugural season, which is set to tip off on Friday September 27.
The SLB have introduced four formats for the 2024/25 season which pay homage to the storied history of top-flight British basketball, with Championship, Cup, Playoff and Trophy competitions set to keeps fans on the edges of their seats throughout the year.
Getting underway in late September, the Trophy tournament takes centre-stage from the tip-off as five weeks of group stage action will see SLB fans to the start of November, when the Championship campaign commences.
Utilita Arena Birmingham will host the first major Final in SLB history on January 26, 2025, as the Trophy title will be up for grabs, representing the first in a trio of showpiece events taking place before the end of the season.
Continuing the history of one of British basketball’s most storied competitions, the SLB have established a Cup competition which will take place over six weeks from February ahead of a Final in March at a venue to be confirmed, before the road to the Playoffs resumes with the Championship action concluding on April 27.
The top eight teams in the SLB will qualify for the post-season, battling in two-legged quarter- and semi-finals for a place in London on May 18 in the Playoff Final to compete for the biggest prize in British basketball. Venue information for the Cup and Playoff Finals will be announced in the coming weeks.
Speaking following confirmation of the competition formats, SLB Interim Chair Vaughn Millette said:
“We’re delighted to be launching our inaugural season with four fantastic competitions for our fans to look forward to. British basketball has a rich history and we’re pleased to pay tribute to that heritage with these competitions, setting the stage for a spectacular SLB season.
“The excitement for the return of elite level British basketball is evident and we’re delighted to be able to give the fans what they want from September 27, with a full fixture list for all of our competitions to be released in the coming days.”
Leicester Riders prepare for Super League Basketball against USA Select on September 6.
The Leicester Riders are renowned for our game night atmosphere and we are looking for energetic and fun additions to our Game Night Crew to help us bring even MORE entertainment to all those attending the Mattioli Arena ahead of our new season tipping off next month.
Game Night Crew members are responsible for managing our in-game entertainment, delivering birthdays, mascot packages and more, plus ensuring our fans have an enjoyable visit!
Here are a selection of the Volunteer roles we are recruiting for:-
a) Half time : Ensuring our half time entertainers are ready, willing and on time
b) Birthday Parties : Meet, greet and deliver all our amazing birthday party packages
c) Mascots : Meet, greet and deliver our growing number of Mascots on game night
d) Chuck a Duck : a Manic game which requires speed, accuracy and fun! Selling the ducks and then picking them up – all great fun!
e) Guard of Honour: Meet, greet and ensure our Guard of Honour are on time, in place and have a great time!
The above positions are Volunteer only where you will receive a complimentary game night ticket in exchange for your help. Some roles will require a full DBS check.
For more information, or to show interest in these roles, please contact [email protected].
Closing date for these applicants will be 30th August 2024
Leicester Riders basketball club are excited to welcome J’Raan Brooks to their 2024-25 roster.
The 6’9” American signs from UC San Diego Tritons, where he played his final two collegiate seasons.
Brooks averaged 5.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in his final year with the Tritons. He was named to the Winter Big West All-Academic Team, named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators for his work in the classroom and on the court and earned NABC Honors Court academic recognition.
Prior to joining the University California San Diego, Brooks played his freshman year at USC, before transferring to the University of Washington. A 2018 graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle, Brooks led Bulldogs to a state championship in his senior year.
Brooks is a versatile offensive threat, able to step outside and shoot from distance (hitting on 38% of his looks in his final collegiate season), pass and score out of the post and finish at the rim.
He is the 11th member of the Riders’ 2024-25 roster, and the sixth American, ahead of the Super League Basketball season.
Brooks said: “I’m beyond excited for the opportunity from the Riders and Coach Rob for allowing me to be able to achieve my dream goal of playing ball at the pro level.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about the Club and city, can’t wait to get out to Leicester to meet the team and staff, and as well as play in front of the Riders fans. I’m ready to get to work!”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro added: “J’Raan is a versatile big who can play either the 4 or the 5. He has a skill set that will add something different to the frontcourt players we have on our roster
“He is versatile defensively: he is a player who can guard multiple positions and who plays with a high IQ. We’re looking forward to having him on our team this season.”
Your first chance to see J’Raan in action is September 6, as Leicester Riders get their pre-season underway against USA Select.
Leicester Riders are excited to announce the signing of American Noah Allen for the 2024-25 season.
The 6’7” wing is a nine-year pro, who played most recently for Culiacan in the Mexican first division. 2022-23 saw Allen suit up for Club Comunicaciones in Argentina, putting up 14 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.
His professional experience has seen him play two seasons in the NBA G-League, and log 10 points and 6 rebounds per game in 2019 for the Capital City Go-Go.
Allen also suited up for Würzburg Baskets in the German first division in 2019-2020, averaging 7 points and 5 rebounds, played two seasons in the Spanish second division for HLA Alicante and Zunder Palencia, and averaged 11 points per game in the Mexican first division for Soles de Mexicali.
Prior to Allen’s professional career, he spent his first three college seasons with the prestigious UCLA Bruins, before transferring to the University of Hawai’i. He put up 15.7 points and 5.8 rebounds as a senior in a history-making season.
Allen earned all-Big West first team honours, led the team in points, rebounds and steals, and became the first Warrior in 21 years, and just the fifth in school history, to score 30 or more four times in a season.
Allen said: “It feels amazing to have the opportunity to play for this organisation! I’m very grateful and excited to get out there! I hope to see everyone soon!”
Allen is Head Coach Rob Paternostro’s fifth American signing of the offseason, following the additions of Jaylin Hunter, Zach Jackson, Ethan Wright and Charles Thompson previously.
He added: “We are excited to have Noah for this season . He is a veteran player with good experience in many different leagues.
“He is a versatile player with good size who can be effective in many different spots on the floor and has shown the ability to defend multiple positions.”
Franchises confirmed for Super League Basketball’s debut season
Super League Basketball (SLB) is pleased to confirm the line-up for its inaugural campaign:
Bristol Flyers
Leicester Riders
Newcastle Eagles
Cheshire Phoenix
London Lions
Sheffield Sharks
Caledonia Gladiators
Manchester
Surrey 89ers
Nine teams from England and Scotland will take to the court on the opening weekend of SLB action at the end of September, with further franchises expected to join this exciting cohort for the 2025/26 campaign.
Speaking on behalf of SLB, Interim Chairman Vaughn Millette said: “We are pleased to be able to welcome new ownership into the league with Sherwood Family Investment Office securing the Manchester franchise; and Lithuanian tech-group Tesonet, shareholder of leading EuroLeague organisation Žalgiris Kaunas, successfully completing the purchase of London Lions.
“Our focus is to strategically grow this league with sustainable and secure partners. The consortium of clubs has been impressed by the international attention we have attracted since being awarded the men’s professional licence by our governing body, the British Basketball Federation.
“The process for securing franchises for this inaugural season is now complete. We are delighted that there is further competition for franchises for the 2025/26 season, and we will be announcing the formal franchise expansion process during the forthcoming season.
“All ownership groups have now signed up to SLB’s operating terms and we are delighted that we’ve been able to secure the partners that we have thus far. Our clubs are looking forward to getting the new season underway with fixtures and the competition formats to be released in the coming days.
“Thank you to all the fans for their patience. We can’t wait to welcome you to Super League Basketball.”
Former Great Britain captain, current all-time GB men’s record cap holder, and co-owner of the Surrey 89ers Dan Clark added:
“It has been an extremely busy off-season and has taken a huge amount of work to get the new league ready for September.
“There’s a great mix of continued long-term ownership and new investment into the league. I’ve been hugely impressed by the commitment from all the club owners to work collegiately and collaboratively alongside the British Basketball Federation to bring a sustainable and elite offering to the court in the coming weeks.
“I personally can’t wait for top-flight basketball to resume. The level of passion and support for our sport is higher than ever and it will be great to see British basketball fans cheering their teams to success.”
Leicester Riders get their pre-season campaign underway on September 6 against USA Select.
To see the Riders 2024-25 roster in action for the first time, get tickets here!
Leicester Riders basketball club can announce the retention of Shahd Abboud for the 2024-25 season.
Abboud signed a two-year deal last summer, contracting her to the Riders until the end of the 2024-25 season.
The Israeli international averaged 5.3 points per game in the Women’s British Basketball League, stepping up in the biggest moments of the year including a 13 point performance against Essex Rebels in the playoffs.
Abboud went off for nine points in the fourth, leading the Riders down the stretch to a 81-79 win. Her clutch performance saw Leicester through to the semi-final in front of a home Mattioli Arena crowd.
Prior to landing in Leicester, she represented her country in the 2021 European Championships, and regularly played for Israeli senior team since 2018.
In 2018, the Nazereth-native was named the first-ever Arab-Israeli captain of an Israeli Premier League team by Hapoel Petah Tikva.
“I’m really happy to be back for another season,” said Abboud. “This offseason has been great for me and I’m excited for this upcoming year. I can’t wait to meet all my new teammates and get to work!”
Head Coach Ben Stanley added: “We’re incredibly happy to have Shahd back with the group this year.
“First and foremost, we’re returning another fantastic person to the group, which is a big key. We’re also returning someone who is highly skilled, who has been an MVP at a very high level.
“She knows the game, and although she had a difficult season last year with injuries, we feel she has put in the work this offseason to be in a good place physically and ready to contribute. We think this could be a really big year for her.”
Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the re-signing of Duke Shelton to their 2024/25 roster.
The American, who holds a British passport, first signed in Leicester in January 2024, putting up a productive 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 16 minutes per outing. Shelton brings a wealth of experience to Leicester, having played nine seasons of professional basketball across Europe.
Prior to joining the Riders, Shelton played two seasons for the Newcastle Eagles. The 6’10” forward averaged a double-double in ten games for the Eagles in the 2021/22 season, logging 14.1 points and 10.5 rebounds. The 28-year-old’s European experience has seen him compete in Israel, Finland and Slovakia.
Shelton is an energetic force in the paint on both ends, using his length and vertical ability to rise and swat away shots, and his relentless hustle to run in transition and lead the charge up the court for breakaway buckets.
His efforts were epitomised by his 14 points and 16 rebounds in 22 minutes of action against the Plymouth City Patriots in March, where he grabbed 6 offensive boards in the Riders’ double overtime win.
“I’m excited to be back,” said Shelton. “I’m ready for the great atmosphere that the fans bring and I’m looking forward to playing alongside my teammates. I believe we have a really good opportunity ahead and I can’t wait to get started.”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro added: “We’re really happy to have Duke back with the Riders. Last season we were impressed with his consistent effort in games and in practices. He was a true professional, and he lifted us with his energy.
“Duke is a frontcourt player that can run the floor, he’s active on the glass on both ends and he’s someone that plays with passion and emotion.
“He’s a veteran. Duke has been around professional basketball for a while, and hell add veteran leadership to the locker room.”
Want to see Duke in action? Tickets to our pre-season opener against USA Select are on sale now!
The eye of the Tiger: Charles Thompson on his journey to the pros
“Hustle.” When asked what defines his game, that’s how Charles Thompson responded.
This should come as no surprise. It’s a mentality passed down a generation, from Charles’ dad, Tony “The Tiger” Thompson, who fought for a better life in the boxing ring throughout his son’s childhood.
Tony Thompson first entered the ring aged 26, turning professional two years later. He went on to have a 40-7 professional career, having fought for the unified world heavyweight titles against Wladimir Klitschko on two occasions.
Not only a fearless fighter in the ring, Tony Thompson was a role model outside of it.
“It’s how I always knew him,” said Charles Thompson, reflecting on his childhood. “He was getting up at 4 am, working out, coming back home and working out again three or four times a day.
“That played a huge role in my development, because I saw what toughness looks like. My dad gave me a great image to look up to.”
From Tony “The Tiger”, to Towson Tigers
His dad’s work ethic is evident in Charles, who became Towson University’s all-time leader in minutes played.
Thompson showed his heart and hustle from the first tip-off in college to earn himself valuable playtime in his freshman year.
“Even as a freshman when there were people more talented than me on the team, I found a way on the floor. I think that makes me more malleable and versatile, with a willingness to do whatever I need to do to get out there and help the team.”
In his first collegiate year, Thompson had a 17 rebound game. It was tied for ninth best single-game rebounding performance, and the second best by a Towson freshman, in programme history.
Thompson impressed with his effort as a freshman, seeing him in an increased role as a sophomore, which he responded to with a huge jump in production.
After averaging 3.2 points per game a year prior, Thompson put up 9.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game as a sophomore, and earned a place on the CAA All-Defensive Team.
Seeing your own true potential is a skill in itself, and that was the key to Thompson’s growth throughout his five years at Towson.
“I’ve always seen myself as a better player than I truly am at any point, and feeling that way means I’m always looking at where I can get better.
“Consistency is what I’ve learned. Nothing happens overnight, improvement happens over months and years of maintaining the same process.”
Defensive mindset
Thompson was named to the CAA All-Defensive team four seasons in a row. He averaged over 1.5 blocks per game in every one of those seasons, making his name as an anchor in the paint and a force at the rim.
But above his 6’8” stature, explosive vertical and lengthy wingspan, Thompson cites his work ethic and commitment as the leading attributes for his defensive talents.
“Defence is just hard work. I believe that everybody has the capability of being a great defender even without the physical tools. A lot of it is mental concentration and physical effort. Anybody can be great on defence. All you have to do is communicate and show effort.
“If I was playing badly on the defensive end, people would question whether I’m giving max effort. That’s something that I really care about.”
Defence is part of the fabric of Leicester Riders. The greatest teams in Leicester have leaned on their hard-nosed, gritty resistance as the bedrock of their play, and Head Coach Rob Paternostro sees Thompson as the anchor for his 2024-25 defence.
“Coach Rob told me that one of the things he was looking forward to seeing was me leading the defence, anchoring the defence, and being a contributor on that end.
“Defence can give you a spark of life, especially when things aren’t working on the offensive end. Sometimes shots don’t fall, but your defence can be there for you night, in night out.”
“If you had 13 guys like Charles Thompson, you wouldn’t need coaches.”
Those were the words of Towson Head Coach Pat Skerry, who coached Thompson for his five-year tenure at the University.
His hard work and on-court mentality has won the respect of coaches and teammates alike, building a well-earned reputation of being a true professional.
“Everyone we spoke with talked about what a great leader he is both on and off the court,” said Paternostro following Thompson’s signing. “We are thrilled to add him to our locker room.”
— Leicester Riders Basketball Club (@RidersBball) August 4, 2024
The Cavalry will soon get to know Thompson after he lands in Leicester for the upcoming season.
Not only is he set to light up Leicester on the court, but he’ll bring the work ethic, mentality and personality seen in the legends who have worn the Riders red before him.
Want to see Thompson make his Riders debut? We start our pre-season campaign against USA Select on September 6!
Leicester Riders are excited to announce the signing of 6’9” forward Riley Abercrombie for the 2024-25 season.
The Australian, who possesses a UK passport, signs from the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s NBL 1, where he averaged 23.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Abercrombie’s season with the Hawks featured back-to-back 38 point games, five 30 point outings and six double doubles over 19 games.
Prior to Abercrombie’s summer in Illawarra, he played his graduation year with the University of North Colorado. He averaged 7.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game over his two seasons with the Bears, logging his best statistical season as a senior with 8.2 points per game.
The Wollongong native declared for Boise State as a freshman, before transferring to Rice University for two seasons. At Rice, Abercrombie was a two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and was named to the NABC Honors Court in 2021.
At 6’9”, Abercrombie can take defenders off the dribble, use his deep range to knock down shots and can score with his back to the basket. As a three level scorer, he poses a threat from anywhere on the court, and his size allows him to impact the boards on both ends.
Abercrombie said: “I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Leicester Riders this upcoming season. It’s a great club and with an amazing support system behind it.
“I can’t wait to be in England and put on a Leicester Riders jersey!”
Abercrombie is Head Coach Rob Paternostro’s eighth signing of the summer ahead of the 2024-25 season.
He added: “We are looking forward to having Riley on our team. He has good size and has the ability to stretch defences with his three point shooting. He is also an effective rebounder who has shown the ability to play team basketball.
“He has had an excellent summer playing in Australia, where he put up some impressive numbers. We are looking forward to working with him this season.”
Want to see Abercrombie in action? 2024-25 season tickets and tickets to our pre-season opener against USA Select are on sale now!
Leicester Riders are excited to announce the signing of Julia Chandler for the 2024-25 season.
6’2” Canadian “Juice” signs from the City of Joondalup Wolves, where she averaged 14.08 points per game in the Australian NBL1 West League.
An impressive 28 points and 10 rebounds in April was the highlight of her tenure in Australia, and was one of six double doubles in 13 games for the Wolves.
Chandler began her professional career playing for Monaco in France’s top division, averaging 8.4 points and 6.5 rebounds during her time there. She remained in France for her second professional season, suiting up for FCL Feytait and averaging 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Her collegiate career began at the prestigious Syracuse University, where she remained until her sophomore season. She then transferred to the University of Dayton for her junior and senior years, appearing in all 33 games as a senior.
Chandler brings valuable size from the front court and a wealth of international experience to the Riders. She is Head Coach Ben Stanley’s second addition to the 2024-25 roster, following the signing of American guard Kaia Harrison.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Leicester Riders!,” said Chandler. “Thank you to Coach Ben and the coaching staff for the opportunity to be a part of the Riders organisation.
“I can’t wait to get to Leicester, meet my teammates and get to work. I’m looking forward to helping the team, and having a successful season!
“See you soon!”
Stanley added: “Juice will be a great addition to the squad. She’s of high pedigree, having played in a lot of tough leagues over the course of her career and put up impressive numbers.
“She has such a versatile skillset for her size and position which will allow us to play in a lot of different ways. Juice provides strength and depth in the front court, and has shown her ability over multiple seasons to be a force on the boards.
“She was also one of the most enjoyable recruitment calls I’ve ever had. She’s an incredibly honest person, and I’m really looking forward to having her as part of our squad this season.”
Leicester Riders are excited to welcome back Zach Jackson for the 2024-25 season.
Jackson returns to the Club having spent three seasons with the Riders between 2020 and 2023. He played an integral role in the Riders’ 2022 treble, winning four trophies during his time in the East Midlands.
During the 2022-23 season, Jackson averaged 16.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, shooting 55% from the field and 43% from three. He led the Riders in points, rebounds and steals during the 2023 Playoffs, making the final at the O2 Arena with 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
Jackson’s career-high night in Leicester came against the Newcastle Eagles, where he put up 29 points and 9 rebounds and went 10-13 from the field in an 87-79 win. It was one of 11 20-point games during the 2022-23 season for the Wichita native, who went off for 20 points and 9 rebounds in the Playoff Final against the London Lions.
Prior to the Riders, Jackson spent his rookie season in Ukraine for Kharkivski Sokoly, averaging 12 points and 4 rebounds per game. He went on to sign for Shonan United BC of the Japanese B.League last summer, before returning to the Riders for the upcoming season.
The 6’6” wing is respected as an elite scorer, rebounder and defender, and is known for stepping up in the biggest moments and delivering clutch plays.
Jackson said: “It feels good to be coming back to play for Coach Rob, and play in front of the fans that we’re a part of a very good time in my career.
“I hope to help win some more trophies for the organisation. I look forward to getting back to Leicester and getting to work.”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro added: “It’s fantastic to have a player like Zach back. In his time with the club he was a pleasure to work with both on and off the court.
“He knows how to win, he has played in a lot of big games and has made so many important winning plays in his time in Leicester.
“Zach is a versatile player who is comfortable playing the two through four positions, which should give us many different combinations to use throughout the season.”
Jackson is Paternostro’s sixth addition to the Riders 2024-25 roster, and fourth American following the signings of Jaylin Hunter, Ethan Wright and Charles Thompson.
Want to see Jackson back in Riders red? 2024-25 season tickets and tickets to our pre-season opener against USA Select are on sale now!
Leicester Riders are excited to announce the signing of American forward Charles Thompson for the 2024-25 season.
6’8” Thompson will suit up for his rookie season in professional basketball after five seasons with Towson Tigers in the NCAA Division 1.
He averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds as a senior at Towson, and 10 points and 9 rebounds in his graduation year, leading the team to four winning seasons during his collegiate tenure. He graduated with an 87-51 record over five years.
Photo credit: Kenny Storck
Thompson finished his college career as Towson’s all-time leader in games played and games started, and second in all-time minutes. He is one of three players all-time to score over 1,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds for the University, and was named to the All-CAA Third Team and CAA All-Defensive Team in 2023-24.
He ranks third in all-time in total rebounds and field goal percentage, and fourth in blocks. An efficient scorer and dominant force in the paint, Thompson averaged over 50% shooting from the field in every season for Towson. His physical play on both ends made for a prolific college highlight reel, and he looks to build on that electric portfolio with the Riders.
His father, Tony “The Tiger” Thompson, was a heavyweight boxer who retired with a 40-7 record. Tony Thompson had two fights for the unified world heavyweight titles in 2008 and 2012, both times against Wladimir Klitschko.
Tony Thompson fighting Wladimir Klitschko for the unified heavyweight title in 2008. Getty Images
Charles now looks to bring his own heavyweight style of play to British basketball.
Thompson commented: “It feels great to be signed to the team. I can’t wait to get over there, meet the guys and get my feet on the ground and running. I am excited for this opportunity that I have been given and will surely make the most of it!”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro added: “We are thrilled to add Charles to our team for next season. He had a highly decorated career at Towson where his team won 20 or more games the last three seasons.
“He has put up some excellent numbers and is a very impressive defensive player, whose strength, quickness and mobility will be an excellent addition to our team.
“We are thrilled to add him to our locker room. Everyone we spoke with talked about what a great leader he is both on and off the court.”
Thompson makes the Riders’ 2024-25 roster six-strong so far, following the signings of Americans Ethan Wright and Jaylin Hunter, the re-signing of club legend Conner Washington and retention of the young British pairing of Blake Bowman and Victor Ndoukou.
“I’ve always had this dream”- Kaia Harrison on signing her first professional contract
“To play professional basketball.” That was Kaia Harrison’s response when asked what her post-graduation plans were when she first arrived at Wake Forest University.
145 games later (the second most in school history), she signed her first professional contract with Leicester Riders, where she will play her rookie season.
Five years competing in a brutally tough conference, the ACC, has tested Harrison in every way imaginable. This isn’t an inexperienced rookie ready to suit up in Riders red.
“I’ve seen a lot of different competition, played so many different schools and players in one of the best conferences in the country,” said Harrison. “That has absolutely helped me prepare for the next level. I’ve gone face to face with WNBA players, and nothing sets you up for success more than testing yourself against the best of the best.
“I always knew that I wanted to play professionally, but I also knew the amount of work that I’d have to put in to get here. I need to thank my support system, my family, because college is not easy at all. It’s mentally and physically draining, but that’s developed me as a person. Knowing that I’ve always had this dream and seeing it come true- I’m extremely grateful.”
It was a collegiate career filled with achievement, not least in 2021. In her sophomore year, Harrison helped the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 33 years.
Her development as a player saw Harrison finish her graduation year as the team’s second-leading scorer, adding electric energy to both ends of the court. It’s that energy and effort that Head Coach Ben Stanley sees as one of the biggest additions to the Riders’ roster.
A perfect match
“Coach and I hit it off right away. After our initial conversations, we had a meeting to go over my film of myself and the team last year to see how I fit into the scheme. I’ve never done that before, and the conversations that we had allowed me to see how I fit into the plans and seeing how I can develop as a player.
“I’m a very fast-paced player. I like to push the ball a lot in transition, and Coach really likes that part of my game, especially how I get good shots off early in the shot clock. The Riders played at a fast pace last year, so I can really see myself in that system.
“On the other end of the floor, I’m a very passionate defender. I like to wreak havoc on defence with my energy, and I think that is partly what drew the Riders to me.”
Football fanatic
Basketball wasn’t Harrison’s only calling. In 2019 she received all-county distinctions in football (soccer to her, but we’ll call it by its proper name!), and played until her senior year.
“I grew up playing both basketball and football, and I had the best experience playing football in college. It really helped get in shape over the summer too. I’ve loved watching it- at Wake I’d go down to watch the men and women play and it was really competitive. I can’t wait to get down to a Leicester City game this season!”
Expanding horizons
Off the court, Leicester is a chance for Harrison, who has been abroad only once before, to expand her horizons. When asked what she most looked forward to from her rookie season, the opportunity to travel was near the top of her list.
“I’ve been to Italy once for four days, and that’s the only time that I’ve been overseas! I haven’t been to the UK, or any other countries for that matter.
“I’m excited to branch out and explore somewhere else, outside of America. I’m looking forward to experiencing both a new style of play on the court, but also new people and a different culture. I’m so ready to get there, and play at the professional level.”
— Wake Forest Women's Basketball (@WakeWBB) March 6, 2024
But on the hardwood, Harrison’s number one motivation is improvement. Improvement of herself, and improvement of her teammates.
“I always want to get better than I was last season. I have some things I want to work on with my game, but that also goes for the team. I want to develop my game and the players around me, and win as many games as we can.
“I consider myself a leader, and to me that means bringing your teammates along with you and helping them to be the best that they can be.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this Club and get to work! I’m going to go out there and try to win every game we can. Thank you for having me!”
Leicester Riders today announce the signing of Kaia Harrison for the 2024-25 season.
The American guard joins the Riders for her first professional season after playing five years at Wake Forest. In her graduate year, Harrison averaged 8.9 points per game, and finished her collegiate career with 145 games played, the second most in school history.
Harrison, a New York native, helped the Demon Deacons to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 33 years as a sophomore. She was the team’s second-leading scorer in her final collegiate season, adding electric energy to both ends of the court.
She commented: “I am thrilled to announce my signing with the Riders. I’m super excited for the opportunity to compete in this league and contribute my best to this team’s success. I look forward to showcasing my talent and I’m ready to get to work!”
Heading into his second season as Head Coach, Harrison is Ben Stanley’s first addition to the Riders’ 2024-25 roster.
He added: “We’re really looking forward to having Kaia join us this year. She comes from a fantastic school, and we know that she’s had a big impact for Wake over the last couple of years.
“We expect to see a lot of the same things from her for us, with her ability to handle the ball and her defensive acumen. We think she’ll be a fantastic addition to the squad.
“She’s also an incredibly vibrant person, and she’ll have a big impact on the local community as well as Leicester Riders women.”
The consortium of clubs awarded the licence for men’s professional basketball in Great Britain has today revealed the official trading name as Super League Basketball.
Just two weeks ago the group of clubs were successfully awarded the playing licence by their governing body, the British Basketball Federation, allowing elite level men’s professional basketball to continue in Great Britain this September.
Chris Grant, Chair of the British Basketball Federation commented: “The arrival of Super League Basketball represents another significant step forward. Considerable credit must go to the clubs for their unified approach and clear focus on delivering the best possible league for fans, players and everyone with an interest in the future of top-level British basketball.”
Speaking on behalf of the clubs, Steve Timoney, owner of Caledonia Gladiators said: “There has been much speculation over what our new league name would be, and we have unanimously decided that a fresh approach is needed.
“We hope all our fans are looking forward to the clubs taking to the court in September as part of this new league and we are excited for our future together. It has been a turbulent time for the clubs and our supporters, and we thank all the fans for their continued support and enthusiasm.
“There is a lot still to do before the season starts, but we are looking forward to sharing news with our fanbase and followers as we count down to the opening weekend of Super League Basketball this September.”
Information on clubs, competition, fixtures and commercial partners will all be revealed in the next few weeks.
Leicester Riders are happy to confirm the retention of Victor Ndoukou ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The 6’8″ forward signed his first professional contract with the Riders in January 2023 to accompany his studies at Loughborough University, committing him to Leicester for 4 and a half years, which will see him signed to the Club through to the end of the 2026-27 season.
Ndoukou is a product of Charnwood Academy. There, he won the 2021/22 EABL MVP award after averaging 11.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in NBL D1, shooting 46% from three that season.
He added another trophy to his cabinet last season with Loughborough Riders, winning the BUCS title after hitting back-to-back clutch threes late in the final.
Ndoukou will suit up for another season at Loughborough while playing for the Riders. The Club would like to thank the University for its continued support.
“I’m excited for another opportunity to play this season,” said Ndoukou. “I’m really looking forward to meeting all the guys and getting back to work!”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro commented: “Vic is a promising young player who continues to develop in our program. He has good size and skill and an excellent feel for the game.”
Since the announcement of a new professional league in British Basketball, the club consortia have been working diligently to ensure the launch of a new season by the end of August 2024.
To that end we expect to make several key announcements that will satisfy the fanbase up and down the country that a return to topflight basketball is in hand.
It is expected that the new league name will be announced in the coming days and that will be followed by some exciting news on how the league will operate and commercial partnerships as soon as the details are completed.
Further to this, communication will come regarding the direction of the league, the 2024/2025 season, the number of franchises and our new media deal.
As clubs begin to announce new signings, further developments include the commitment to move forward with a strategic growth plan which has been agreed by all parties. The overall desire is to grow the league and the sport commercially and will result in increased franchise areas over a medium-term period.
This new season will not only see the return to elite basketball but a return to European competition for many of our teams with plans to expand that participation in the season to follow.
The club consortia appreciate the patience of their fans during this difficult process, but we look forward to rewarding all with an exciting season ahead.
“Whatever I can do to support the city I’m ready to do”- Get to know Leicester Riders’ new signing Ethan Wright
Ethan Wright grew up with basketball. As much as he found the game, the game found him.
His mother, Ellen, is one of the greatest players in Princeton University history, and ended her four-year career as the school’s second-leading scorer.
A four-time All-Ivy performer, she netted 430 points during the 1983-84 season, the best ever at the time. She currently sits second in program history in rebounds and blocks, and holds the single-game record for blocks in a game with nine.
Ellen was Wright’s coach until eighth grade, but never forced the game onto him.
“She wasn’t the type of parent to beg you to work out or force you into the gym, but she let me know that if I wanted to have success I had to work for it. She gave me all the help and resources I needed, and having a mum who had been through the entire college process was really helpful for me. She’s my biggest basketball resource.”
He quickly followed in her footsteps, declaring for Princeton in 2018.
Playing alongside British forward Tosan Evbuomwan, now of the Detroit Pistons in the NBA, Wright helped the Tigers to a 23-7 record in 2022, winning the Ivy League regular season.
It was the school’s best season since 2017, coming back with a bang after the COVID 19 pandemic saw the cancellation of Ivy League play.
As it did for many student athletes, COVID ripped Wright away from the game, making workouts near-impossible for months on end.
But absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that was certainly the case for Wright’s love of the game coming back from the season-long hiatus.
“It made me fall in love with basketball again,” said Wright, reflecting on his cancelled year at Princeton.
“We hadn’t played for a year and we were dying to get out there. For six months I couldn’t even work out. College basketball is a grind, and it gave me a halftime break to let me miss the game.”
British fans will be familiar with Evbuomwan, who came through the Newcastle Eagles’ youth system.
“Tosan was so fun to play with. He was pretty much our point guard, even as a big, so we ran the offence through him. We had one of the best offences in the country, and I was playing with my best friends who I’d played with for four years.
PIVOTAL PERFORMANCE. @PrincetonMBB grabs a pivotal 81-75 decision at Yale to move into a tie for first place in the standings. Tosan Evbuomwan and Ethan Wright combined for 49 points to pace the Tigers. 🌿🏀 pic.twitter.com/emal9JY0Kg
“That year was the most fun I’ve had playing basketball.”
Rookie in Romania
After playing out his graduation year for the University of Colorado, Wright’s post-college career started in Romania with CSM Târgu Jiu last season. It was his first time leaving North America, and a big adjustment, as it is for any American rookie playing in Europe.
But he adapted quickly to the new environment, and the new challenge of going up against professionals for the first time.
“It’s definitely a learning curve. You’re no longer going up against kids, for one. In Romania there’s great players who are talented and athletic, and while that talent and athleticism was there in college too, the speed of the game in the pros is quicker.
“The shot clock is shorter, and guys are grown men who are really physical. There’s a lot of really experienced players who don’t make the same mistakes you see in college.
“But you have to have confidence in yourself. If you go to a pro team and you don’t have that self belief and competitiveness then it’s going to be difficult for you. I learned a lot from my rookie year.”
Similarly, life off the court presents challenges for rookies.
“We were in a very rural area in Romania, where there are very few Americans, or even English speaking people. If you don’t get along with your teammates it would have been very isolating. It’s important for your own life and the team’s success that you’re together.”
That’s something that has always come naturally to Wright. In his final collegiate year, Colorado awarded him the Stephen Tebo Family P.A.S.S. Award, for being the player who best exemplified the virtues of Perseverance, Attitude, Selflessness and Success.
The award is a testament to his off-court character and leadership, not only in that season, but throughout his basketball life.
“I’ve always tried to be a good locker room guy. I don’t think I have a big ego at all, and I try to be someone who is fun to be around. With that team at Colorado, there were a lot of young guys who were dealing with things that I’d already gone through. I felt like someone they could go to for advice and talk to when they needed to. I try to do that wherever I am.”
Landing in Leicester
Wright is ready to bring that off-court attitude to the Riders this season, along with his on-court talents.
He put up 11.7 points in 23.7 minutes per game in Romania, logging 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per outing.
“I think I bring shooting as my best attribute, but I can also attack the rim and make plays. I showed a lot of different things last year, and now that I have that overseas experience I feel a lot more comfortable as a pro.
“I do a lot on defence and with my rebounding, and I’m going to go in and try to be a spark plug for the team. I’m a versatile player, so however Coach sees my role in the team I can adapt to.”
While it’s his first venture into the UK, Wright is itching to embrace the culture of the country and the city upon his arrival.
“I’m really excited to get to the UK. I’m especially excited about getting the chance to go to a Leicester City game! I played football for a while, and I’ve always loved watching the game. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the culture, get to know what the city and the country is like.
“I’m looking forward to eating the food. I hear Leicester has one of the biggest Indian populations in the country so I’m enthusiastic about engaging with that community and culture too.
“I’m honoured to be signing in a city with such incredible sporting heritage. Everything I hear about the club is the fans are great, and they support the club passionately, so that’s really cool.
“The city really loves sport, and that makes me really excited to interact with fans, hang out in the community and get to know people. We need the fans’ support, so whatever I can do to support the city and support them back I’m ready to do.
“If you’re a fan, don’t be a stranger! I’m excited to meet everybody!”
Leicester Riders today announce the signing of American guard Ethan Wright for the 2024-25 season.
Wright signs following his first professional season in Romania, where he suited up for CSM Târgu Jiu. He averaged 12.1 points on 45/37/90 shooting splits, and pulled down 3.1 rebounds per game.
Prior to his rookie year, the Massachusetts native played four seasons of NCAA D1 basketball, initially for Princeton University alongside British forward Tosan Evbuomwan, currently of the Detroit Pistons in the NBA.
Wright helped lead the Tigers to the 2022 Ivy League regular season championship. He was named to the 2022 All-Ivy League and National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Second Team, and was three-time Ivy League Player of the Week in the 2021-22 season. Wright was also named to the NABC Honours Court in 2022.
In Wright’s final year in Princeton, he was his team’s third leading scorer with 14.7 points per game. His 50% shooting from the field and 39.5% shooting from three ranked third in his conference, and his 6.9 rebounds per game was fourth best among all Ivy League players.
His final collegiate season was spent at the University of Colorado for the Buffaloes. Wright was one of four Buffs to feature in all 35 games, and ranked third on the team in three-pointers made with 29, while hitting 34.9% beyond the arc.
Wright commented: “It feels great to sign in Leicester. I’m really excited to be a part of a club and city with so much sporting history, and my goal is to be a big part of continuing that history.
“I’ve always wanted to visit the UK, so it is a dream come true to be able to play for Leicester. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to succeed as a group and I can’t wait to get started!”
Wright is Head Coach Rob Paternostro’s second American signing ahead of the 2024-25 season, following the addition of Jaylin Hunter last week.
He commented: “Ethan is someone we feel fortunate to pick up. He has one year of pro experience in Romania already, and we’re impressed by his all around play. He plays on both ends with intelligence, and we feel he will fit into our programme very well.
“When you look back at his career so far, he’s a very effective shooter, but there’s more to his game than that. He has good athleticism and a great IQ and feel for the game.”
Leicester Riders announce Rob Jarram as Head of Foundation and Performance Pathway
Leicester Riders are thrilled to introduce Rob Jarram as the new Head of Leicester Riders Foundation and Performance Pathway.
Rob’s role will encompass not only continuing the Foundation’s invaluable charitable efforts throughout Leicestershire, but also allocating resources and attention to the Academy pathway, fostering the growth of youth basketball in the region.
This appointment underscores the Club’s dedication to developing its youth pathway system. Its connections with Loughborough University, Charnwood College, and its Foundation’s Academy are essential not only for the Club’s future successes, but also for the sustained development of British basketball.
Through its collaborations with local schools and basketball clubs, the Academy plays a crucial role in making the sport accessible to hundreds of children, thereby fostering inclusivity and encouraging participation in basketball.
Rob’s background in sport, particularly his ten years at Loughborough College primarily as Sports Development Manager, make him ideally suited to propel the Academy to the next level of player development.
In the past, his company, Everymind Performance, has collaborated with Leicester Riders, Charnwood, and Loughborough players to enhance their performance and development both on and off the court.
Everymind Performances’ contribution was pivotal in achieving the Club’s mission of not only elevating the on-court performance of players in its youth system, but also equipping them with the necessary tools for a successful transition into adult life.
Rob has familial ties to the Riders. His brother, Mark Jarram, served as Head Coach of Loughborough University Riders for eight seasons. Rob looks to continue his brother’s legacy of player development in Leicestershire through working with the Leicester Riders Foundation’s pathway.
Jarram commented: “Leicester Riders, by work or by leisure, has been part of my life since I was 14 years old. I’m extremely excited to be leading areas of the club that make a huge impact to so many young people and adults.
“I want to continue to build on the strengths within our Foundation and Performance Programmes as well as expand our provision and standards of delivery.
“Ultimately, it’s all about our community, as a club and as a sport, and the future of British Basketball.”
Leicester Riders are happy to confirm the retention of Blake Bowman ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The British forward will take to the floor for his third season with the Club, having signed a multi-year deal last summer.
High-flying Bowman made big contributions throughout last year, leading the Riders with 15 points against the Caledonia Gladiators in October. He’s a mainstay on the highlight reel with his play above the rim, and a constant fastbreak threat for opponents.
Bowman will suit up for the Riders while competing for Loughborough University, where he also enters his third year. Bowman has won back-to-back BUCS championships with Loughborough, winning MVP in the Final last season.
The Club would like to thank the University for its continued support.
“I’m super excited to get back going with the Riders,” said Bowman. “I’m looking forward to the grind of the season and getting back out there in front of our fans.
“After a successful BUCS season, we had some key guys graduate, but were hungrier than ever to get another national championship for Loughborough.”
Head Coach Rob Paternostro commented: “We are happy to have Blake back with us. He is a player that is continually improving and we expect big things from him next season.
“Blake has two BBL seasons under his belt and has gained good experience playing in our league. I’ve been really impressed with the work that he has put in this summer- he is motivated to have a great season.”
Leicester Riders Basketball Club today announced the signing of American Jaylin Hunter for the 2024/25 season.
Hunter, a 6’0” guard, will suit up for his rookie season in professional basketball having spent his final two collegiate years at the Ohio University.
He averaged 14 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds for the Bobcats in 2023/24, and was named Second Team All-Conference after finishing the year as the MAC assists leader.
The Connecticut native helped Ohio to the MAC Championship semi-finals last season, scoring 17 points in the final four.
Before the University of Ohio, Hunter spent three seasons at Old Dominion University, captaining the team in 2021/22. Starting all 32 games for the Monarchs, he averaged 9.7 points and ranked top 10 in the Sun Belt Conference in assists, steals, assist-to-turnover ratio and minutes played.
Hunter commented: “I’m excited to get to Leicester and join my teammates and the fans to get working on a successful season! I’m thrilled for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started with the Riders!”
Hunter becomes Head Coach Rob Paternostro’s first American signing of the offseason, and is the second addition to the Riders’ 2024-25 roster following the announcement of the re-signing of club legend Conner Washington on Thursday.
Paternostro commented: “Jaylin is a dynamic guard, with an ability to get to the paint, make plays for his teammates and score in different ways. I’ve been impressed throughout the recruitment process with the positive references on his leadership and ability to be a good teammate.
“I’m excited to work with him. He has the characteristics you want from a point guard, and someone with the ball in his hands. His quickness, strength and shooting range make him a really difficult cover.”
Leicester Riders today announce the re-signing of club legend Conner Washington for the 2024-25 season.
The GB guard returns for his 12th season with the Riders, having won 14 pieces of silverware during his storied tenure with the Club.
After arriving in the East Midlands in 2011, Washington has been featured on the All-British Team of the Year on four occasions and the Defensive Team of the Year three times He is a dangerous perimeter threat, averaging over 40% from behind the arc in three separate seasons.
Paternostro commended: “It’s great to have Conner back. He is a legendary player at the club who has had incredible success in his time with us.
“He has been one the best three point shooters in club and league history, and he continues to be a threat . His experience on the court and in the locker room has always been valuable to our team.”
Washington added: “I’ve been hooping for 20+ years and I still find myself getting nervous before games – it is a true blessing, the hard work never stops! I’m excited to get right back to it!”
Washington’s re-signing also marks the first signing for interim CEO Simon Winfield.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve signed Conner. He’s proven his worth within the Club for a number of years, and is clearly a fan favourite. For him to be out of contract and choose to stay with us again for another season is really exciting.
“It’s important for him to be here, and mentor the new players coming in. Having spoken to Conner he’s really fired up about next year, not only about playing, but also supporting the organisation however he can.”
Statement: Professional Men’s League License Awarded to “Premier Basketball Limited”
The British Basketball Federation (BBF) has today confirmed a three-year license has been awarded to a consortium of British clubs for the professional men’s basketball league in Great Britain.
The BBF revoked the license from Basketball League Limited (the operating company of the BBL) following breaches in the license after the 23/24 Season concluded. The BBF stated it would work with the clubs to try and establish a route for the 24/25 season to go ahead and today confirmed a new license has now been issued.
Chris Grant OBE, Chair of the British Basketball Federation said: “I’m delighted that fans, players, staff and partners can look forward with confidence to the continuation of top-level British club basketball.
“The fact that we’ve been able to move so quickly following the termination of the previous licence is down to the positivity and unity of the clubs, as well as the professionalism and focus of our BBF team and Board.
“The way we’ve worked together bodes well for the ongoing improvement and alignment of our player pathway so that the wealth of British basketball talent can translate to success on the international stage.”
Speaking on behalf of the consortium of clubs, Vaughn Millette, new majority shareholder of Sheffield Sharks, said:
“Since the license was revoked, we (the clubs) have all worked together to sustain the elite professional pathway in the UK. There has been a huge amount of work undertaken in a very short amount of time to enable this to happen.
“We would like to thank Chris Grant and the team at the BBF for working with us to deliver this solution and reassure our fans that a professional basketball league will get underway this September.
“We are pleased that the British Basketball Federation has made the decision to award the men’s professional license to our newly formed operating company “Premier Basketball Limited”. Our fans will appreciate there is a huge amount still to be done and more details will be released shortly – including the fixture schedule for the forthcoming season.”
Premier Basketball Limited has been established by clubs that previously competed in the BBL. The new League name, club line-ups, start date and fixtures will all be announced in the weeks to follow.
Leicester Riders announce new interim management arrangements as part of an ongoing restructure of their three businesses.
Simon Winfield, Managing Director of Red Monkey Play will, on an interim part-time basis, provide ongoing managerial oversight of the businesses, and support and drive, in particular, the preparations for the new Riders basketball season.
Mark Torr, joint Managing Partner at Leicester accountants Torr Waterfield, will also continue to provide financial oversight of the businesses, while the new structure of the businesses is finalised and implemented.
Simon and Mark are long time sponsors and supporters of the Riders, and Simon is also the Chairman of Leicester Riders Foundation, as well as another well-known Leicester charity, the Furnley House Foundation.
Riders Chairman Kevin Routledge said,
“We are hugely appreciative of the support and experience Simon and Mark are providing to the businesses over the last number of months, and their commitment to defining a new way forward for the growth and sustainability of the Club.
“We are all busy making preparations for the new season in September, and these changes will accelerate that process.”
Leicester Riders announce departure of Managing Director Russell Levenston
Leicester Riders announce the departure of Managing Director Russell Levenston.
Russell is moving on to pursue new opportunities, after 17 years with the Club.
Riders wish to thank Russell for his great service to the Club, which covered a period of very significant developments off the court, and exceptional success on the court.
The Board and all the staff and players at the Riders wish Russell well in all his future endeavours.
Leicester Riders Chairman Kevin Routledge commented:
“Thank you to Russell for great service over many years, which helped to develop and grow the Club. His work is appreciated by everybody at the Riders, and we wish him luck for whatever is next.”
Please stand by for further communications from the Club, which will be provided in the coming days.
A message from Russell Levenston
Dear Riders Fans, Sponsors, Staff, and Volunteers,
After 17 years, more latterly as Managing Director of the Leicester Riders, it is with a very heavy heart that I must say goodbye. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me since I joined the club. I have countless stories and fond memories shared with the people whose lives we as a club have impacted.
My journey with the Riders began in 2007 when I moved from Milton Keynes to Leicester as a young British basketball fanatic. Vince Macaulay, my mentor for over 30 years, guided me as I took the bold step of investing in the Leicester Riders. Many thought I was crazy, but I believed in the potential of British basketball to change lives. I am proud to say that belief has been validated by the programs’ successes – the men’s team winning 17 BBL national titles in the past 11 years and the women’s team securing 4 WBBL national titles.
One of my proudest achievements has been establishing pathways for athletes in partnership with Loughborough University, Loughborough College, and Charnwood College. These pathways have allowed aspiring professional athletes to receive high-level education comparable to opportunities in the USA and other countries. The academy’s success in EABL, WEABL, and BUCS is a testament to our efforts.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Robert Jelley for his unwavering support, both personally and financially. Without Robert’s support, the Leicester Riders program would not be where it is today, and I am forever grateful for his contributions. Robert helped lay the foundations and supported a great community program that has changed many lives.
My passion has always been to prove that British basketball can be successful both on and off the court with the right approach. I want to thank every Riders fan, volunteer, player, and staff member who believed in the vision and direction of the club. Your support has been invaluable, especially in those early days.
There are many players and staff I would like to acknowledge, but I must single out Rob Paternostro, who has been a colleague and great friend for the past 16 years. Our journey together has been filled with challenges, but I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else. I have loved every minute of it both the ups and downs!
To the sponsors and partners, thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our vision. Your passion and commitment have been instrumental in our success.
Lastly, I want to thank my family. My parents and brothers, who initially thought I was crazy for leaving my job at Reebok in 2007 to take on this project, have supported me every step of the way. My amazing wife has been my rock, enduring my 24/7 work schedule, and my children, who have become diehard Riders fans. One of my best moments was during the playoffs this year, seeing Noah on the drums and Lydia on the horn, rallying the Riders fans. My family has shared many special moments with me during this journey, and I couldn’t have done it without their support.
As I step away, I am not sure what comes next other than taking some time off to spend with my family. However, I am confident that I will not be far from British basketball for long.
Good luck to all of the Riders family and to Kevin Routledge, who will continue to take the Riders program forward.
Following the announcement by the British Basketball Federation, the governing body of Basketball League Ltd (BBL), to terminate the current operational professional league licence, the BBL Clubs have taken the decision to issue the following statement.
In what has been a very challenging period in recent times, the decision to act by the BBF has been accepted in good faith by the incumbent club members of the British Basketball League, including Leicester Riders.
We understand the decision was not taken without serious consideration of what would be best for the future of professional basketball across the UK.
Furthermore, the BBL Club owners will now begin the task of co-operating with the BBF to ensure there is a topflight men’s professional League operating from September 2024 and to assist British Basketball and its stakeholders in the rebuilding and strengthening of the position for our sport.
The British Basketball League has made a significant impact in the growth of the game in profile, participation, development pathways, performance and especially in new purpose built Arenas and it is our intention to continue these contributions in partnership with the governing body.
Further information will be made available in the near future, meanwhile all existing clubs will continue with their summer preparations for the new season.
Leicester Riders and Leicester Arena Partner with Cyferd to Propel Sports Operations into the Future
Leicester Riders Basketball Club and Mattioli Arena, Leicester, proudly announce a new partnership with Cyferd, a leading innovator in artificial intelligence and digital solutions. Cyferd is set to become the Official AI and Digital Partner for both entities, signalling a significant leap forward in the integration of cutting-edge technology within the sports landscape.
Kevin Routledge, Chairman of Leicester Riders, and Jas Hayer, Global Sales Director at Cyferd, shake hands.
This strategic collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency of operational decisions within the Riders and Arena. Cyferd’s AI-driven platform operates as a centralised hub, offering comprehensive solutions for team management, development, knowledge, and training. The Cyferd Sport Platform is meticulously designed to address the unique operational needs of team sports clubs, providing an integrated ecosystem for streamlined operations.
Ranjit Bahia, CEO of Cyferd, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with the Leicester Riders and Leicester Arena. Cyferd is dedicated to supporting the local community and bringing innovation to the forefront of sports operations.”
Kevin Routledge, Chairman of Leicester Riders, and Jas Hayer, Global Sales Director at Cyferd, discuss the impact AI can have on sport.
Kevin Routledge, Chairman of the Leicester Riders and Mattioli Arena, emphasised the pivotal role of AI in the future of sports operations, stating, “As someone who focuses on data, I believe that integrating AI into our operations is not just a choice but a necessity. This collaboration with Cyferd signifies our commitment to staying ahead in the sports technology game, ensuring the Leicester Riders and Mattioli Arena are at the forefront of the digital revolution in sports.”
Kevin Routledge, Chairmain of Leicester Riders, discussing how Leicester Riders is leading the way with embracing AI.
The partnership signifies a shared vision for the future, where advanced technology and sports excellence converge. The Leicester Riders and Arena, in collaboration with Cyferd, are poised to redefine the landscape of sports operations, embracing a new era of innovation.
Report: Riders fall to Lions in Playoff semi-final
Leicester Riders’ season ended in London, as they fell in the Women’s British Basketball League Playoff semi-finals 95-70 to the London Lions.
It was a closely fought first half, the Riders taking a seven point lead in the first quarter through hot three point shooting. But the EuroCup champions battled back and took control in the absence of Riders’ captain Mckenzie Johnson, who was injured at the end of the second quarter.
Riders’ record-breaking leading scorer Taylor O’Brien led the team again with 19 points and 8 rebounds, days after being named to the Team of the Year. She was backed by Jessica Eadsforth-Yates, who went 4-9 from three for 12 points and 5 rebounds.
A big night for London’s Abby Meyers saw her lead the game with 22 points, as six Lions scored in double digits to book their spot in the Final. Mayers went 9-16 from the field and pulled down 5 boards.
Red hot Riders start takes first quarter lead
The Riders had a hot start from deep, draining five triples in the opening five minutes to jump out to a 10-17 lead. Sharpshooters Katie Januszewska and Eadsforth-Yates had two each from behind the arc.
Lions’ guard Meyers found lanes to the hoop on the other end to cut into the Riders’ lead with 6 points, London starting 7-7 from two point range. But the hosts started cold from the outside, going 0-7 from three in the first quarter.
Their first one went down with a minute left, as Shanice Beckford-Norton gave the Lions the lead. This took the lid off, and Katsiaryna Snytsina knocked down another to send the sides into the first quarter break with London leading 22-18.
Meyers leads London to big lead
The start of the second saw the Riders cool off, and the Lions built their lead to eight. Maya Price hit a long two to force a Riders timeout a minute and a half in.
Johnston ended the cold streak with a corner triple for her first points of the afternoon. She was followed by O’Brien, who began her patented attacks of the rim to get to the foul line and keep the scoreboard ticking over for Leicester.
Despite O’Brien’s play, the Riders’ deficit grew thanks to the red hot hand of Meyers, who brought her game tally to 11 with a three. It was a 15 point Lions lead with 3:52 left in the half.
Riders run brings visitors back into it
An Erin Powell three, followed by an O’Brien runner, breathed life back into the Riders. With under two minutes left in the half, O’Brien pulled up and banked in a triple, cutting the deficit to single digits and forcing a London timeout.
The Riders, rolling, put the ball in the hands of Januszewska, who logged her 7th points to further make inroads.
Late London buckets from Snytsina and Meyers made it 48-38 at the break, the Riders in touching distance. But Johnston took an elbow to the face as the half closed, seeing her out for the game.
Lions rebuild lead out of the half
A breathless start to the second half saw a Marrissa Hamilton and-one play met by back-to-back threes from Holly Winterburn, as the Lions edged ahead. Savannah Wilkinson drained her first three of the game with 6:25 on the clock, for her 13th points and giving the Lions an 18 point lead.
The Riders’ defence stood strong, keeping the hosts to two points in three minutes, but with Johnston on the sidelines struggled to generate offence.
O’Brien, as she did in the second, continued to get to the foul line on her drives to the rim. She made it 17 points on the game, making the score 70-50. Shahd Abboud followed with a spin move from the midrange to trigger a Lions timeout.
To end the third, Faye Endean hit from close to make it 72-52 with one quarter to play.
London sees the game out
Abboud got the fourth underway with a smooth fake spin, laying in a two at the rim. In response, Beckford-Norton scored two straight buckets to seize back control for the hosts.
Januszewska stayed hot, draining her third three of the game as the Riders kept chipping away. Eadsforth-Yates went back-to-back from three to make it 12 on the night from the British guard.
Endean made the last bucket of the night from the foul line however, and the Lions won the fourth 23-16 to see it out.
Playoff semi-final preview: Leicester Riders at London Lions
Leicester Riders are a game away from the Playoff Final at the O2 Arena. Standing in their way: the undefeated, EuroCup champion London Lions, looking for their third-straight clean sweep.
Here’s how the playoff semi-final is shaping up.
Last time out
The Riders were forced to battle back in the quarter-finals to beat the Essex Rebels in the clutch. A slow start at the Mattioli Arena saw Leicester down as much as 21, but fought back behind Taylor O’Brien’s 21 points and 17 rebounds.
Leicester’s biggest lead of the night was two points- their winning margin at the end of the game. Once the Riders were back in it in the fourth, Shahd Abboud took over with big shots as the hosts vanquished their first playoff foe.
It was a gutsy win, as the Riders dug deep, stemmed the Rebels momentum and slowly climbed back into it over three quarters. They’ll take confidence from their late form into the game against London.
Record-breaking O’Brien
Leading the team in the playoff opener followed the season trend for Riders’ star guard Taylor O’Brien, who was named to the British Basketball League Team of the Year this week.
O’Brien is lightning fast from the backcourt, attacking the rim relentlessly from wire-to-wire. She runs the pick-and-roll effectively to get her moving down hill, and her determination and hustle gets her on the offensive glass for second chance points.
She’ll attack the heart of the Lions’ defence all night long at the Copper Box, attempting to help the Riders to their second-straight visit to the O2 Arena.
Lions’ season
The Lions, last season’s quadruple winners, are yet to be defeated in the British Basketball League this year. They won the League with a 20-0 record, and won the Trophy in January after facing the Rebels in the Final.
However, key players departed to the WNBA ahead of the Lions’ playoff run, including Karlie Samuelson, Temi Fagbenle, Megan Gustafson and Shey Peddy. Samuelson and Gustafson were the Lions’ two leading scorers on the season, the latter winning the Trophy Final MVP.
The adjustment to the departures was felt in their playoff opener, despite confidently putting away the Nottingham Wildcats. The Lions, who averaged 98 points per game over the season, mustered only 80 against Nottingham, winning by 10 on the final buzzer.
Compared to the Lions’ 140-42 and 105-49 wins against the Wildcats earlier in the year, the win was underwhelming as they felt the effects of losing their leading scorers.
One to watch
Holly Winterburn
13.5 points, 4.4 assists, 60.8 FG%, 52.1% 3PT%
Remaining on their roster, however, is Holly Winterburn, who arrived on the European stage for this season. She hit the shot of the EuroCup final, her game-winning three which was dubbed the biggest shot in British basketball history against Besiktas.
Her season can be defined by more than that single three, however. The former Riders led the League in three point percentage, knocking down a red hot 52.1% of her looks from deep, and hitting on 60.8% of her field goals.
Winterburn played once against the Riders this season, but didn’t make her typical scoring impact with only 8 points. But she showed her ability to affect the game in multiple facets, finishing with 6 assists.
Expect Winterburn to show up in the biggest moments should this one be close late.
Where to watch
The game will be shown live on the Women’s British Basketball League YouTube channel, tipping off at 4:30 pm.
Following the conclusion of Leicester Riders’ 2023/24 season, Head Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on the team’s playoffs, and the season as a whole.
Playoff series vs Sheffield
The Riders’ season ended in the quarter-finals of the playoffs, losing 2-1 in a best-of-three series to the Sheffield Sharks.
Leicester took a Game One win, and had a chance to take the lead with seconds left at home in Game Two. But a double-dribble call gave Sheffield’s Prentiss Nixon the opportunity to hit a game winner with 1.6 seconds left, and a hotly contested no-call on a Miryne Thomas three sent the series back to Sheffield the following day.
“We knew we had a great opportunity, holding the lead at halftime and then having a chance to take the lead with 25 seconds left,” said Paternostro. “The double-dribble call was devastating for us, and then Nixon hit a great shot- credit to him.
“It was a tough loss. As tough as they come. Especially when we had to be back on the road 13 hours later. We had our chance to win the series in Game Two, and next thing we know we’re on the road to Sheffield.”
The Sharks won Game Three convincingly in the second half, after a first half in which missed free throws were the difference between the sides. The Riders were down nine at the half after missing nine foul shots in the opening two quarters.
It was a continuation from the day before, where Leicester shot 66% from the line.
“In the first half the free throw line hurt us as it did in Game Two. If we made our free throws we’d have been in it, but we couldn’t handle Sheffield in the second half. Give them credit. Their home court advantage with the way their crowd was was too tough for us to overcome.”
The Riders were without their captain, Kimbal Mackenzie, for the playoff run. Paternostro addressed the impact of losing the team’s point guard, who was recently named to the British Team of the Year, had on the series.
“Not having Kimbal for the playoffs was devastating for our chances. He was our leader, and the guy with the ball in his hands in the biggest moments of our season. It was a huge huge loss, but I thought other guys in Game One and Two stepped up to give us an opportunity to win the series.”
The fans
The raucous crowd played a factor in every game, with travelling numbers adding to every atmosphere.
“The fans were top notch- as good as I can remember in any playoff series. Our fans really got that going on the road in Game One, and their fans came back and were awesome in Game Two.
“Our fans were incredible at home. They played such a big role in driving us on at the end, and the next day they were fantastic again.”
This year’s British Basketball League playoffs featured a new format, with the first two rounds taking place over a best-of-three series. The new format created an electric environment in the arenas.
“As someone who has played in these series as a player, I know that they’re great for the fans. We saw that in this matchup. It really was a positive thing for the League to have that environment.”
Final reflections on the season
The season saw ups and downs throughout, following a large turnaround in players in the offseason.
Paternostro reflected on how it unfolded over the course of the year.
“We lost so much from the year before, where we were 25-11 in the League. We lost a lot of experienced players, who we knew would move on after some time. We missed them, but we put together a roster that was 4-1 to start the year.”
After the 4-1 start, the Riders fell to 7-10 having lost to the London Lions twice, and Cheshire Phoenix three times over a difficult stretch of fixtures. Leicester made changes to their roster, adding high volume scorer Teddy Allen and energetic big man Duke Shelton to the team ahead of the upcoming Trophy run in January.
“We were in the mix and trying to find our feet, but hit a tough stretch of games and had to make some changes. When Teddy and Duke arrived, they provided a boost and we started to play some good basketball around the holidays.
“We put ourselves in real contention for the Trophy, doing a great job to qualify through a challenging group. Then we had an amazing fightback against Cheshire and had the lead with seconds to go. We were trending upwards at that point and with a couple of bounces going differently we would have been in the first final of the season.
Following the Trophy, the Riders faced six double header weekends. They went 2-4 in the second games of double headers after the Trophy, contributing to Leicester’s fall to .500 come the end of the year.
“We were like a lot like other teams at around .500, and dealt with injuries at a crucial part of the season with a lot of double header weekends. Our record on those Sundays wasn’t the best and we dropped some games. This league is very challenging with its schedule, and it’s about who can survive the grind of February, March and April.”
2024/25 season tickets on sale now!
As the offseason awaits for the Riders, you can book your spot in the stands by getting your 2024/25 season ticket now!
A message from Leicester Riders Chairman, Kevin Routledge
Dear Supporters,
With the Riders 2023/24 British Basketball League season coming to a premature end last Sunday in Sheffield in the playoffs, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our fans, supporters, commercial partners, staff and volunteers for their unwavering support.
This has been a challenging season for the Riders, with the loss of a significant number of our experienced players in the last off season, and there have been more changes in personnel throughout the season than we would have ideally liked.
The British Basketball League has become ever more competitive each season and maintaining the high standards we have achieved on the court over the last decade or so becomes increasing more difficult.
In addition, our cost base, like many of your own family and business budgets, have come under increased pressure, due to the cost-of-living crisis, and, with our now large overheads, we have had to respond to the pressures and rethink how we do things.
Some of the matters at league level have been very transformational, but other aspects, as many of you know, have distracted from the many good things going on in the British Basketball League, the Club and in British basketball.
But national success has continued in other areas in our Club with our university and college teams.
We are fortunate in the strong support we have received throughout the community and are confident we can build on a stronger base for the future.
We will make the necessary changes in the off-season to make improvements wherever we can and look forward to earning your further support in the future.
Look out for further communications throughout the offseason and look forward to a reenergised Riders when we come back in the new season in September.
Taylor O’Brien named to 2024 Women’s British Basketball League Team of the Year
The Women’s British Basketball League today announced that Taylor O’Brien has been named to the 2024 Team of the Year.
The rookie guard led the Club in scoring this season with 16.4 points per game. With 328 points scored, she surpassed Oceana Hamilton for the Riders’ single-season scoring record. 16.4 points is also the highest single-season average in Riders history.
In 21 games, she scored in double-digits on 17 occasions, scoring a season-high 30 points in the final game of the season against Sheffield Hatters.
O’Brien’s 6 rebounds per game ranked second on the team, and logged double digits in rebounds on four occasions from the guard position.
It’s an honour to be named to the Team of the Year,” said O’Brien. “I owe it all to my teammates, coaches, family, friends and everyone who has impacted my first year playing overseas.
“There have been so many people that have helped me in tremendous ways and I’m so grateful for their guidance and support all season. I really could not have done it without them.”
Head Coach Ben Stanley commented: “Taylor has been electric for us this season. While people will rightly look at her scoring and ability to get to the rim, she’s contributed in a number of different ways.
“She has improved her passing over the season, and owned the glass in a number of big games, none more so than her 17 boards in the playoff first round. She’s been a huge part of our success this season.”
Leicester Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston added: “Congratulations to Taylor for being named to the 2024 Team of the Year. It’s right that she is recognised for her incredible achievements this season, having broken multiple records in Riders red.
Teddy Allen named to 2024 British Basketball League Team of the Year
The British Basketball League announced today that Leicester Riders’ Teddy Allen has been named to the 2024 Team of the Year.
The American wing was the Club’s leading scorer this season with 22.7 points per game. He was one of only two players in the League to average over 20 points, and one of three players to rank top 10 in points (2nd) and rebounds (10th), pulling down an average of 6.4.
Allen played his first game for the team on December 16, logging 32 points and 6 rebounds in the Riders’ win against the Caledonia Gladiators. He went on to score over 30 points five times, and over 20 points 14 times in his 23 appearances for the Club.
His performances this year saw him named 2024 All Star captain for team South. He put up 32 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the game to earn All Star MVP.
Allen adds to his growing list of accolades, which include 2023 CEBL MVP, 2022 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year and 2022 Western Athletic Conference Tournament MVP.
Sam Ashby named to 2024 Women’s British Basketball League British Team of the Year
The Women’s British Basketball League today announced that Sam Ashby has been named to the 2024 British Team of the year.
The Australian/British rookie was the Club’s second-leading scorer (13.6) and led the team in steals (1.8). She scored in double digits on 17 occasions in 21 appearances this season, putting up a season-high of 23 points and 7 rebounds against Oaklands Wolves in March.
Ashby’s performances earned her a starting spot for Team South in the 2024 British Basketball League All Star game.
She also received her first international call up for Great Britain in November.
The British Team of the Year selection adds to Ashby’s growing list of accolades, which includes Associated and Catholic Colleges Most Valuable Player in 2017 and Most Outstanding Female Basketballer in 2016 and 2017 for Newman College, Perth.
“It’s an honour to be chosen in a pool of such amazing British athletes this league has brought together,” said Ashby.
Head Coach Ben Stanley commented: “Sam’s really developed from the start of the year to now, playing out of pick-and-roll and improving her decision making.
“When you combine that with her ability to shoot the ball and her inherent toughness it’s no surprise she has made the British Team of the Tear, and we’re looking forward to seeing her on the international stage further with GB.”
Leicester Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston added: “Congratulations to Sam for her selection on the British Team of the Year. We have been impressed with how she acquitted herself all season both domestically and internationally, on and off the court.
Kimbal Mackenzie named to 2024 British Basketball League British Team of the Year
The British Basketball League announced today that Leicester Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie has been named to the 2024 British Team of the Year.
The Canadian/British guard finished the Championship season as the Riders’ second-leading scorer with 13.2 points and leading playmaker with 5.2 assists per game.
Mackenzie’s assist average ranked fifth in the British Basketball League among all players. He also ranked fifth in free throw percentage for players who have over 40 attempts on the season, shooting 87.2% from the foul line.
This was Mackenzie’s best statistical season in his five-year professional career. He averaged a career high in points, rebounds, assists and minutes. His performances earned him his first appearance on the British Team of the Year in his third season in Leicester.
Mackenzie scored in double digits in 28 of 39 appearances this season, topped by his 26 points and 15 assists against the Plymouth City Patriots in March. He was a consistent performer in the clutch, taking lead and hitting big shots in key moments late in games.
He was named a 2024 All Star in recognition for his performances this season.
Mackenzie commented: “It’s a huge honour to be named to the British Team of the Year. I’m proud to represent a fast growing league with a tonne of talent.
“Credit goes to the coaching staff and my teammates for trusting me and putting me in a position to succeed.”
The American rookie ranked fourth among all players in blocks per game (1.4) and second in rebounds per game (11), leading the Club in both categories.
Peeples logged six games with multiple blocked shots this season, including a season-high 4 blocks to go with 18 points and 13 rebounds against Cardiff Met Archers in February. She also recorded 12 games with double-digit rebounds, and a season-high of 18.
Her average in blocks was a career-high for Peeples, bettering any of her three seasons at St John’s University and her single season at North Carolina A&T State University.
“Being selected to the defensive team of the year is a major accomplishment for me,” said Peeples.
“My game has always been driven by my play on both ends of the floor, and I have always taken pride in being a great defender. Thank you to my coaching staff and teammates for putting me in a position to succeed.”
Head Coach Ben Stanley commented: “Rayven has been an anchor for us on the defensive end all season. She’s not only defended her position but been great in switches and rotations as well as meeting the challenge to be dominate on the defensive glass.
“We wouldn’t be where we are without her contribution at both ends of the floor.”
Leicester Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston added: “Congratulations to Rayven for earning a place on the Defensive Team of the Year.
“She has been an outstanding performer on both ends this season, and she deserves to be recognised for her efforts on the defensive side of the floor. Well done Rayven!”
The Riders return to action on Sunday, taking on the London Lions in the Women’s British Basketball League Playoff semi-finals.
Leicester Riders’ season ended in the British Basketball League Playoff Quarter-Finals, after losing to the Sheffield Sharks 86-69 in Game Three.
After a closely fought first half, matching the tone set in the opening two games of the series, the Sharks blew the game open in the third with hot shooting, and the Riders couldn’t get back in it.
Sam Idowu fought hard to chip into the deficit with 13 third quarter points, and led the team in the game with 16. But it wasn’t enough to make inroads, and the Sharks advanced to the semi finals.
As he did in Game One, Prentiss Nixon led the Sharks with 17 points in 19 minutes of play.
Riders fight back after slow start
Sharks had an electric start, with Malek Green capping off a 7-2 run from the tip-off with a putback jam. Sesan Russell found a response with a three from the top to momentarily quiet the crowd, but Devearl Ramsey and Green combined back-to-back to retake momentum.
A shot clock violation from the Riders highlighted their slow offensive start. It was rookie Jaren Holmes whose aggression got them going as he pulled the strings with drive to the hoop. He drew a foul with 4:41 left in the first, his foul shots making the score 11-9, and Mo Walker tied it up at the rim a minute later.
The Riders took their first lead of the game, Teddy Allen hitting his first three off the dribble, but the Sharks had the better of the final minute of the first with Prentiss Nixon banking in a three to end it, the hosts leading 24-21.
Riders run meets Ratinho response
Two Sheffield corner threes started the second quarter to give them a seven point lead. It was quickly double digits through Eytle-Rock on the break, forcing a Rob Paternostro timeout.
A Miryne Thomas three stopped the bleeding, and after Samuel Idowu blocked Kipper Nichols driving to the rim, TJ Lall ran the break for two to cut into the deficit.
As the Riders looked to equal the score, it was Holmes again to lead the charge. His and-one finish followed by a breakaway two cut it to one with 3:06 left in the half.
Threes from Nichols and Jordan Ratinho undid the Riders work, however, and Ratinho hit another on the fastbreak to make the score 46-37 with one possession left in the second. That’s how the sides entered the half, as Nixon missed a prayer on the buzzer.
Sharks blow game open in the third
Ramsey got the second half underway with a midrange, followed by three scores from Green, to get the hosts the better start in the third period. They led 53-37 three minutes in.
Idowu ran the pick-and-roll with Holmes to get two points back, but a Marcus Delpeche slam to get the points straight back. Idowu had 13 points in the third, attempting to get the Riders back in it with his work around the rim.
But a rim-rocking alley-oop jam from Green took the roof off the Arena, and the score was 62-46 with 3:22 left in the period.
Sharks see it out
The Sharks caught fire to end the game. Everything Pipkins and Nichols shot found string, allowing them to pull away to a 20 point advantage quickly in the fourth period. Pipkins logged with 12th points to make the score 74-52.
Blake Bowman scored back-to-back for the Riders, using his athleticism at the rim, but Pipkins hit another three on the other end.
The fourth quarter was 17-17, and the Riders’ season came to a close.
Leicester Riders fell 74-77 to Sheffield Sharks in Game Two of the British Basketball League Quarter-Finals.
Prentiss Nixon’s game winner forced a Game Three in Sheffield, after a closely fought battle throughout.
Teddy Allen led the tie with 23, hitting big shots consistently to keep the Riders in touch. The Riders had a chance to tie with 1.6 seconds on the clock, but Miryne Thomas’ attempt missed, and he found no call despite claims of contact.
Malek Green led the Sharks with 22 points and 11 rebounds going 10-13 from the field.
Game Three is to be played on Sunday May 5 at 4pm, at the Canon Medical Arena.
Teddy takeover starts Game Two
Allen took over the opening stages with his tough shot making, draining two-and-ones including a fadeaway out of a double team. He scored six to lead Leicester to a 12-9 start by the media timeout.
Duke Shelton, checking into the game for the first time, made an immediate impact with a slam, running the pick-and-roll with Sesan Russell. He pulled down an offensive board next time down which led to a Thomas hookshot, and putback Jaren Holmes‘ miss to put Leicester up 18-11.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) May 4, 2024
Fending off the fightback
Nixon picked up where he left off after 25 points in Game One, draining a corner three for Sheffield off the bench. He and Kipper Nichols took over for a stretch, and the Sharks tied it at 24 quickly in the second period.
Allen stayed hot, hitting a triple from the top to get three points back for the hosts. TJ Lall drove inside for an and-one, then Conner Washington stepped up to hit a three, which took the roof off the Arena and rebuilt the Leicester lead to seven.
A three from Allen with 3:48 left in the half, following Sam Idowu’s second block of the game, made it double digits and brought his tally to 12.
It was Thomas’ time to get to work a minute later. He sized up Marcus Delpeche at the top of the arc, stepping back for three to make it 45-30.
Ratinho run gets Sheffield back in it
Jordan Ratinho was the Shark to snatch momentum back, laying in a two before driving on the fastbreak to be sent to the foul line by Idowu.
After he made both, Ramsey stole the ball and found Ratinho on the run again, and he went to the line for two more to make it 45-38 with 1:07 left in the half.
Russell, fighting among the trees for an offensive board, made a trip to the stripe himself to stop the 6-0 Ratinho run, but out of a timeout Nixon got to the midrange for two. The half ended with Green at the line, who made it 47-41 at the break.
Sharks snatch the lead in tense third
RJ Eytle-Rock started the half with two buckets at the rim for the Sharks to make it a one score game. But Russell once again settled the team by making his way to the line, stealing the ball from Ramsey in transition and taking a charge on him in three straight plays.
Russell was relentless, covering all 94 feet on defence to suffocate the Sharks. But his defence on Green in the post was deemed too physical for the officials, and he was forced to the bench in foul trouble.
With Russell on the bench, Green tied it up with a drive to the rim with 5:30 left in the third, and the Sharks then took the lead at the hands of Delpeche.
Defences locked down for the rest of the third, with only one point scored in over two minutes. Sheffield led by a score during that time until Jalon Pipkins laid in a two to make it 56-60. He then got to the hoop to start the fourth for two more.
Sharks hit game winner in closely fought clutch
Despite a defensive start to the fourth, Idowu and Lall came up with Riders scores to cut it to two. Allen scored four straight points, but Sheffield got to the rim back-to-back and they took a four point edge.
Two offensive rebounds for Green in succession meant it was 64-70. But Allen came up with a huge four-point play, hitting a three through contact to keep the Riders in touch. Fading away on the baseline, he then hit a tough contested two, and was followed by a layup from Holmes.
Allen and Lall both had chances to tie the game from three, but missed both attempts with two minutes left. Idowu then went to the foul line and made one of two to make it 72-74.
Green missed from two, and Iwodu followed his own miss to tie with 50 seconds left. Idowu was called for a double dribble, giving the Sharks a shot to win. Nixon took it, and hit a three with 1.6 seconds left.
Thomas had a chance to tie on the horn, but missed and found no call despite claims of contact, and the series was sent to a third game.
Leicester Riders pulled off a comeback in the clutch to beat Essex Rebels 81-79 and progress to the semi finals of the Women’s British Basketball League Playoffs.
The Riders were down by as much as 21 in the game, and 11 going into the final quarter, but pulled off a comeback led by star guard Taylor O’Brien’s 21 points and 17 rebounds.
She had 6 rebounds in the fourth, but it was Shahd Abboud’s scoring which lit the fire under Leicester with back-to-back buckets, cutting it to three. Her layup with 52 seconds left proved to be the game winner for the hosts.
Essex had a red hot start, running out to a 20 point lead in the first quarter, but the Riders chipped away until the fourth and snatched the win. Dayzsha Rogan led the game with 23 points and 9 rebounds, going 10-17 from the field.
Essex take early lead
A 13-3 Rebels lead to start the game was built from tough shot making inside. Rogan scored 6 points in four minutes, banking in two layups off balance as she drove to the rim.
After the middle had been established, Renee Busch hit a corner three to make it 13, and force a quick Riders timeout. Essex’s hot first quarter meant they started 22-3, led by 8 points from Rogan.
Marissa Hamilton took the lid off the basket for Leicester with a layup in the post, which was followed by a midrange from Mckenzie Johnston, making it 7-22.
But after chipping into the deficit, it was back to 19 at the end of one after Tia Freeman was sent to the foul line to end the quarter, making it 11-30.
Riders charge back into it
Long range efforts continued to fall for the visitors in the second, keeping Leicester at distance. The Rebels were shooting 50% from three midway through the third, while Jessica Eadsforth-Yates knocked down the host’s second triple with four minutes left in the half.
However, a run to close the second breathed life into Leicester. Katie Januszewska ran the fastbreak at 2:49 on the clock, driving to the rim and finishing through contact to make it 30-43. Erin Powell was next to chip away with two shots from the foul line, and the deficit was 11.
Essex stemmed the tide with free throws from Busch, but O’Brien brought her tally to 11 with a tough finish at the rim, and Januszewska finished the half with a triple to enter the locker rooms down 39-50.
Essex refound their early form to start the second half, building their lead back to 18. Rogan added two more buckets to her tally to shoulder the scoring load, continuing to battle in the paint.
They had no answer for O’Brien, however, who kept the Riders’ side of the scoreboard ticking over and bringing her points total to 16.
Building on their point guard’s play, the Riders fought their way back in it, forcing back-to-back turnovers in the closing seconds of the third.
Abboud and O’Brien punished the mistakes, and Leicester went on a 9-0 run at the end of the quarter to make it 55-66 with one to play.
Riders charge into the lead
Hamilton got the fourth underway with back-to-back scores, cutting the deficit to single digits for the first time since the opening stages.
The Riders dominated the offensive glass from the backcourt through Eadsforth-Yates and Johnston, grabbing three in the first two minutes, and Johnston hit from the foul line after her second offensive board to make it 61-66.
Essex slowed the Riders’ charge with a three from Claire Paxton, but Abboud responded from distance on two straight plays, making it a one possession game. Johnston then tied it up from the foul line, and Eadsforth-Yates drained a three to snatch the lead for Leicester.
Essex steadied themselves to regain the lead, Daniella Turner hitting back-to-back to put them up three.
But the Riders, through Januzsewska’s up and under for two, kept in the game, and Hamilton’s block leading to a shot clock violation gave them a chance to get ahead with under a minute on the clock.
Abboud, again, drove to the hole and finished for two to capitalise on that chance, before Januzsewska stole the resulting inbound. She then pulled down an offensive rebound from an Eadsforth-Yates miss, but couldn’t put in the putback and the Rebels had a chance to win it.
The shot fell to Paxton, but her three hit iron. O’Brien pulled down her 17th rebound, and she was sent to the line with 0.2 on the clock. She made one and missed the second, ending the game and winning it for Leicester.
Heading to the capital
The Riders will head to the capital to face the undefeated London Lions in the semi final. A win would see them progress to the Final at the O2 Arena on May 19.
Playoff Preview: Leicester Riders v Sheffield Sharks Game Two
Leicester Riders are set to take on the Sheffield Sharks in Game Two of the British Basketball League Playoff Quarter-Finals.
The Riders enter the game leading the best-of-three series 1-0, meaning a win in the game would see them advance to the Semi-Finals.
Here is everything you need to know about the fixture.
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Sheffield Sharks
British Basketball League Playoffs: Quarter-Finals Game Two
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
6:45 pm
Game One Recap
The Riders enter Game Two up 1-0 in the series, after taking Game One on the road 84-81.
Riders’ rookie duo of Miryne Thomas and Jaren Holmes led the team to the win with a combined 46 points and 14 rebounds, Thomas leading the way with 24/8.
24/8 on your playoff debut 🤯 Have yourself a night @_1Montana1_ 🔥
After a hot start for the Riders, seeing them up double digits within minutes, the Sharks responded through their bench play to take the lead back, which they held until midway through the fourth.
But a late Riders surge saw them bounce back in the clutch, locking the Sharks down with their defence. Teddy Allen sealed the win with two trips to the foul line, meaning Leicester are now one win away from the Semi-Finals.
One to watch
The Sharks’ bench, which scored 59 points in Game One, was led by a game-high 25 points from American guard Prentiss Nixon.
It was a season-high for Nixon, who scored 20 on only two occasions prior this season, both times in December.
Nixon averaged 9.2 points per game over the course of the year, but caught fire early in this one for 11 first quarter points off the bench, and led the hosts in the clutch to keep them in contention late. He went 9-15 from the field and 4-9 from three in 23 minutes of play.
The third-year pro will take confidence into Game Two after his performance on Sunday, potentially providing a spark off the bench for the Sharks.
The Numbers
The Riders went through shooting struggles in Game One despite coming away with the win, shooting 6-26 from behind the three point line.
However, looking back on how the season series played out, Leicester can take confidence back to the Mattioli Arena where they shot 46% from three against the Sharks from three this season.
This is in contrast to the 26% three point percentage in Sheffield. Leicester can expect to produce a more consistent threat from three in Game Two of the series.
Turnover troubles also followed a similar trend. The Riders gave up double digit turnovers in their two road games against the Sharks this season, and another 12 in Game One.
But at home, it was 6 turnovers per game for Leicester, and over 100 points scored on both occasions.
If the numbers are anything to go by, home court advantage is set to play a role in Saturday’s action.
Where to watch
Only a few tickets remain to the Riders home playoff opener. You can get them here.
DEFEND OUR HOUSE 🏡
We need you behind us on Saturday 🫵
Doors open at 2:15 for our playoff double header!
👕 First 1,200 through the door will receive a free Dark Horse T-Shirt.
🎟 Pack the house. Bring the cavalry. Get tickets here ⤵#DarkHorse
Doors to the Arena open at 2:15, and the first 1,200 fans through the door will receive a free Dark Horse playoff t-shirt thanks to the generosity of the Riders’ sponsors at RDL Technologies, Vertu Motors, Torr Waterfield, Jelson Homes and EverythingBranded.
The game will also be shown live on Sky Sports and Sky Sports YouTube.
Leicester Riders are set to tip-off their 2024 Playoff campaign at the Mattioli Arena against Essex Rebels.
PLAYOFF MODE 🔛🔥
👀 It’s that time of year! Our playoff Quarter-final matchup is confirmed! We’ll host the @essexrebelsbasketball at @leicesterarena next Saturday, with this fixture taking place before the Men’s Quarter-Final Game 2.
The Riders enter the postseason as the 4-seed, finishing 15-5 in the Championship. Meanwhile the Rebels’ 11-9 record earned them the 5-seed following their trip to the Trophy Final in January.
Here’s what to expect from the matchup.
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Essex Rebels
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
Women’s British Basketball League Playoff Quarter-Finals
2:45 pm
One to watch
Kat Tudor
18.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists
American guard Kat Tudor is Essex’s leading scorer this season. She ended the season as the fourth leading scorer in the Women’s British Basketball League, and shot the best from the field of anyone in the top eight of the scoring charts at 46.3%.
The 25-year-old joined the Rebels from Australian NBL1 West side Mandura Magic, where she was the second-leading score on the team with 15.6 points.
Her scoring ability translated seamlessly to British basketball. She scored in double digits in every game this season, and averaged 28.5 over her last two Championship games.
Tudor’s best performance of the season, 31/5 on 80% FG shooting, came in her penultimate game against Oaklands Wolves, heating up in time for the postseason.
She went 6-7 from three in that game, and is capable of catching a heater from deep on any night. She shot 7-12 against the Giants and 5-9 against the Riders earlier in the season.
Tudor also shot 5-6 from three on her way to 24 points to knock the Riders out of the Trophy in January, and will look for another red hot game as the Rebels get their Playoffs underway.
Season series
In all competitions, the Riders won the season series against the Rebels 2-1. It was 2-0 in the Championship season, the Riders winning by an average of 8.5 in two closely fought games, but the Rebels won in a win-or-go-home Trophy game 84-70.
Game one, played in Essex, was a 79-70 Riders win, led by Taylor O’Brien’s 20 points and Rayven Peeples’ 17. It was a closely fought affair, with a four point difference on the scorebaord with three minutes on the clock, but captain Mckenzie Johnston’s 6 points in the final minutes saw the Riders over the line.
Kat Tudor’s game-high 25 points wasn’t enough for Essex, but 24 in the next game was. Tudor shot 6-7 from the field, 5-6 from three and 7-9 from the foul line in a red hot shooting night to progress past the Riders in the Trophy.
The Riders were down by as much as 24 in the game, but pulled it back to six late in the fourth. However, five straight points from Tudor ended the Riders comeback, and their Trophy journey in the first round.
The Riders’ revenge came in April, playing Essex at home for the first time. They won 60-52, Johnston leading Leicester with 15 points. The hosts led wire-to-wire, and by as much as 17 points in the third.
But a run at the end of the quarter saw the Rebels enter the fourth down only 46-40. Johnston, again, put the team on her back late to score six in the final two minutes of play, leading Leicester to a win.
Battle on the boards
The rebounding battle was pivotal to the Riders’ success against Essex this season. In their two wins, they outrebounded their opponents 55-36.5, and by 16.5-5.1 on the offensive glass. The Riders rebounded by committee on the defensive end to complete defensive possessions repeatedly.
However, in Essex’s Trophy win, they found joy on the boards for the first time against the Riders. They pulled down 47 to Leicester’s 38, and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds to Leicester’s 11.
The Riders, as the third best rebounders in the League this season, aren’t accustomed to losing the rebounding battle often, so winning on the glass will be pivotal to their success in this one.
Where to watch
Tickets are on sale now for the Riders men’s and women’s playoff games at the Mattioli Arena.
Doors open at 2:15 for a 2:45 women’s tip off, followed by the men’s tip off at 6:45.
Thanks to the generosity of the Riders’ sponsors at RDL Technologies, Vertu Motors, Torr Waterfield, Jelson Homes and EverythingBranded, the first 1,200 fans through the door will receive a free “Dark Horse” playoff t-shirt.
The Riders opened their 2024 Playoff campaign on Sunday with an 84-81 win on the road against the Sheffield Sharks.
Series are won and lost through game-to-game adjustments, therefore Rob Paternostro and the team will pour over film from Game One to find an edge for Game Two.
Here’s what the Riders can take from Sunday’s action.
Riders’ rookies show resilience
If there were any nerves from the Riders’ rookies, Jaren Holmes and Miryne Thomaswho were both making their professional playoff debuts, it didn’t show.
The American pair led the team to the Game One win with a combined 46 points and 14 rebounds, both putting up 20 to pick up the scoring load.
Thomas’ Player of the Game performance saw him go off for 24 and 8, shooting 9-12 and making tough plays and highlights from start to finish.
“I love this environment,” said Thomas post-game. “I love playing hard in competitive basketball, and tonight was a hell of a show.”
Meanwhile Holmes played downhill all game from the guard spot, relentlessly attacking the rim to keep the Riders in the game while they trailed through the second and third quarter. Like Thomas, Holmes relished the bright lights with his aggressive play.
“I was just trying to make the right plays,” said Holmes. “That’s what I always try to do. I saw lanes and tried to attack, find my teammates and be aggressive. It’s a big part of my game when I’m aggressive and try to get downhill and make plays for others.”
Sharks’ second unit shoulder scoring
The Sharks’ bench carried their scoring, going off for 59 points led by 25 from Prentiss Nixon. But 22 points from the starters, and none of the Sheffield starters scoring in double digits, meant the Riders had the best of the beginning and end of the game.
Nixon checked in down 10 in the first quarter and scored 11 points in five minutes. His play cut the host’s deficit to two by the end of the first period. The Sharks’ bench was responsible for a 20 point swing in the score that saw them leading by seven with one to play.
Rodney Glasgow Jr., also off the bench for Sheffield, led the team in +/- with 12. That tally was bettered only by Mo Walker for Leicester, who recorded a +/- of 15.
The strong bench showing from the Sharks in Game One means the Riders should be prepared for a potential mix up to the Sheffield starting five.
Should there be no changes, the Riders bench will be required to lock in to stop the Sheffield second unit, which has showcased their firepower to start the series.
Defence wins championships
“Defensively is where we made our mark,” commented Head CoachRob Paternostrofollowing Game One, and that was especially true down the stretch.
The Riders held the Sharks to 14 fourth quarter points after giving up over 20 in each of the first three periods, and got big plays from players in the big moments.
The best defence was played in the first half of the final quarter, with Sheffield managing just six points. Sam Idowublocked RJ Eytle-Rock and stole the ball from Jalon Pipkins in that period of play, and Teddy Allenstripped Nixon to set up a Thomas and-one.
The lockdown defence allowed the Riders to run in transition repeatedly, playing to the strengths of their rookie pair of Thomas and Holmes who thrived on the break.
In the closing minutes, Nixon scored five straight to keep Sheffield in it against Leicester, which allowed the Sharks two possessions to go for the win. But the Riders’ defence stood firm, forcing misses from Pipkins and Malek Green with less than a minute on the clock.
While the Riders entered the game with one of the highest powered offences in the League, they’ll need consistent performances on the defensive end to go all the way in the Playoffs.
In that respect, they’ll be encouraged from Game One.
Shooting struggles
The opening game followed the trend set by the regular season series between these two sides. The two games played in Sheffield this year saw the teams duel out closely fought affairs, with the Riders struggling offensively compared to their performances at home.
In game one of the season series in November, the Riders shot 5-21 from three in a loss, and they suffered an even worse shooting slump in the playoff opener.
It was a 6-26 game from behind the three point line, but the Riders overcame their struggles by generating offence at the rim and in transition.
Game two in December put an end to the Riders’ difficulties from deep. They went 51% in a blowout win. Leicester will hope to see a similar pattern unfold in the playoffs, and be able to rely on their three point shooting at home.
Riders bring the cavalry
The Riders’ travelling crowd got them over the line, packing the stands in Sheffield to get behind the team.
Holmes said post-game that he felt the energy from the stands:
“It was a huge victory for us, and we wouldn’t have done it without the fans,” said Holmes. “They were tremendous. They fuel us when they come and support us, so to have this many people come out and show up for us truly means a lot to me and the guys in the locker room.”
Leicester Riders got their 2024 Playoff campaign underway with a clutch 84-81 win on the road against the Sheffield Sharks.
The Riders came back from behind in the fourth quarter to snatch the win, and made big plays down the stretch to take a 1-0 series lead back to Leicester.
Thomas said the playoff intensity is something he thrives on through his competitive spirit.
“This time last year, I was playing March Madness,” said Thomas, who won the MAC Championship with Kent State in his final collegiate season.
“I love this environment. I love playing hard in competitive basketball, and tonight was a hell of a show.”
The Riders, without their captain Kimbal Mackenzie, stepped up on the road and came through as a unit to take the win. With the words of Mackenzie echoing in their ears, the team put on one of the performances of the season.
“Kimbal told us to stay together. He’s here with us in spirit- he’s our leader and we know he’s in our corner- but the guys we had here came together and said ‘let’s get the job done.’”
Many of the plaudits this season have gone to the Riders’ leading scorer, Teddy Allen. Allen burst onto the British basketball scene with his incredible scoring performances, earning him the Player of the Month Award in December, but the Riders unit is a deep one, with talent up and down the roster.
Last night’s win, as has been the case with many wins this season, was a total team effort.
“We know Teddy is an incredible scorer, but we have to play well for him to play well. If we don’t run in transition and set good screens, he doesn’t get good looks.
“This is a team unit, not just one guy running the show. Everybody has a role, and we’re really settling into our identity. We play hard for each other.”
Jaren Holmes: “We wanted it badly tonight.”
Also making his first professional playoff outing was Jaren Holmes, who was the other Rider to log a 20 point performance. He put up 21 points and 6 rebounds, and shouldered the scoring load for long stretches.
“I was just trying to make the right plays,” said Holmes. “That’s what I always try and do. I saw lanes and tried to attack, find my teammates and be aggressive. It’s a big part of my game when I’m aggressive and try to get downhill and make plays for others.”
The Riders came back from down seven in the final period to win on the road, holding the Sharks to 14 points in the final quarter. The defence down the stretch was instrumental in getting the job done.
“It came down to getting stops. That was a huge point of emphasis down the stretch. Then we made some big shots, and got big plays from everybody.
“Conner [Washington’s] three midway through the fourth was huge for us. Him coming in and giving us those minutes was so valuable, and it’s going to take a team effort to win these games. It’s the playoffs, which means its a different type of intensity. We wanted it badly tonight.”
The Riders’ road following got the team over the line, making raucous noise throughout. Holmes felt their presence on the court from the stands, and said as much after the game.
“It was a huge victory for us, and we wouldn’t have done it without the fans. They were tremendous. They fuel us when they come and support us, so to have this many people come out and show up for us truly means a lot to me and the guys in the locker room.”
Rob Paternostro: “The guys really stepped up.”
After an electric Riders start, the Sharks took initiative in the second quarter and took the lead, which they held until midway through the fourth.
Despite trailing for much of the game, there was no panic from the Riders’ sideline.
“I felt pretty good about us at that point,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro when asked about the team’s mindset while falling behind in the game.
“We took decent shots and, in the halfcourt, we did a really good job on defence. In the open floor we struggled, so the second half was really important to slow the game down and get back on defence, and I thought we did that.
“We didn’t feel like the momentum was stolen, we just felt like we needed to do a better job of getting back in transition.”
Without Mackenzie running the point, Paternostro’s team stepped up from top to bottom to come away with a momentous win to kick off the postseason.
“We’re missing our leader- our point guard with the ball in his hands at the end of the game- but the guys really stepped up to make the plays they needed to.
“Miryne’s energy was excellent all game, he scored the ball really well. Jaren kept us in it with his scoring, TJ Lall was really good on defence and Conner came in and gave us the minutes we needed to settle us down late in the game. His experience was crucial- he’s been here before.
“It was a total team effort. We are missing our point guard but these guys took on the challenge. A lot of people didn’t think we had much of a chance without him, but defensively is where we made our mark.”
The win means Leicester have stolen home court advantage in this best-of-three series, and return home on Saturday with a chance to end the series and progress to the second round.
Coach called out to the fans to bring the same energy back home that they showed on the road.
“Our fans were amazing today. It was an incredible job from them right behind the bench, and we need more of that at the Mattioli Arena on Saturday!”
Leicester Riders snatched Game One against the Sheffield Sharks in the clutch, winning 84-81 on the road.
Miryne Thomas led the team with 24 points and 8 rebounds, scoring 5 points down the stretch in his professional playoff debut. Fellow rookie Jaren Holmes backed him with 21 points and 6 rebounds.
It was Teddy Allen who sealed the game from the foul line, going 4-4 with the pressure piled high and seconds on the clock. Leicester came back from a deficit of seven in the final quarter to steal home court in the best-of-three series.
For Sheffield, Prentiss Nixon exploded for 25 points off the bench, getting big bucket after big bucket when it got close late. The Sharks scored 59 bench points in the game, but didn’t have a starter score in double digits.
The series will go back to Leicester for Game Two on Saturday May 4, tipping off at 6:45 pm, with the Riders having the opportunity to end the series with a sweep.
Riders bolt out the gate
Allen, who averaged 29 against the Sharks this season, wasted no time getting on the board with an and-one for Leicester’s opening score.
It was an 8-2 start for the Riders, as Jaren Holmes knocked down his first shot of the postseason from the corner, settling any nerves from the visiting camp.
Leicester’s lightning start forced a quick Sharks timeout, after Thomas threw down a fastbreak jam- the ninth of the night for the Riders to make it 4-14.
Holmes made the Riders’ second and-one play of the game with 2:21 left in the period, as they continued to lead from the front early.
Sharks bite back
The Sharks got back in it at the hands of Nixon, who snatched momentum with five straight points. Nixon scored 11 in the first quarter to lead the game, and bring Sheffield back into it.
Jalon Pipkins then cut it to five with a tough fadeaway, before Rodney Glasgow Jr followed with a three for the hosts.
The late surge in the first meant it was 26-28 with one played. And quickly in the second the Sharks took the lead, as Kipper Nichols connected from the corner to make it 31-30.
It was the Riders’ turn to try to stem the tide with a timeout after Pipkins’ 11th points. But they only scored 10 in the second quarter in their attempt to take the lead back.
Glasgow got going midway through the second to build the Sharks’ lead to six, and the score was 38-32 by the media timeout. Sheffield’s leading scorer Malek Green then took the mantle from Glasgow with three quick scores and a big block on Holmes.
The Riders got to the hoop to get their side of the scoreboard ticking over late in the half. Holmes charged to the paint repeatedly to set the tone in that regard, while Thomas got to the foul line after an offensive rebound, and Leicester brought themselves back within five.
But two scores at the rim for Sheffield ended the half with the score 47-38.
Sharks fend off Riders run
The Riders made a run back into the game with Thomas hitting their first three of the half, while Allen took it coast-to-coast to cut it to five once again.
Holmes added another six to his tally, making it 17 on the game midway through the third, and the score was 57-53 to the hosts.
Next time up, Sesan Russell led the fastbreak after a steal. He gave it to Allen, who threw up a lob to Thomas. The American rose high and threw it down with authority, making it a one score game for the first time since late in the opening period.
The Sharks, however, kept ahead with timely scores throughout the third. Jordan Ratinho hit from three with a minute left in the period, and Devearl Ramsey finished inside at the buzzer to make it 67-60 with one to play.
Resurgent Riders win in the clutch
To start the fourth, the Riders were right back in it. Veteran guard Conner Washington hit a transition three two minutes into the period, making it a two point difference. TJ Lall then tied it up with a putback layup, and Allen took the lead with a floater.
For Sheffield, Nixon came up huge in the fourth. He scored nine of the Sharks’ 14 points in the quarter, and hit a three for his 20th points to stop the rampant Riders.
Nixon went back and forth with Thomas, the pair exchanging tough buckets throughout the final stages. The Riders looked in control late after Thomas connected on a fadeaway, but a Nixon midrange jumper and Pipkins three tied the game at 79.
Pipkins had a shot for the lead with 21 seconds left, but he hit the rim and Allen was fouled on the rebound. Allen knocked down both shots, and next time up the floor Green missed a three to win it, and Allen got the rebound again to seal the Riders Game One win.
Taking a win back to Leicester
Tickets are on sale for Game Two of the series at the Mattioli Arena, on May 4 at 6:45 pm.
Tickets also include entry to the women’s playoff opener against Essex Rebels at 2:45 pm, and the first 1,200 fans through the door will receive a free Riders “Dark Horse” t-shirt.
Leicester Riders are set to take on the Sheffield Sharks for Game One of the opening round of the 2024 British Basketball League Playoffs.
The four-seeded Sharks earned home court advantage after their performances in the Championship this season, so the Riders will take the short trip to Sheffield for the first game of a best-of-three series.
The sides have played out some closely fought battles in Sheffield this season. Here’s everything you need to know about the matchup.
Where to watch
The game will take place at the Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield, tipping off at 4 pm.
The Sharks’ midseason acquisition, Malek Green, hit the ground running in the British Basketball League, and finished the season as their leading scorer.
After going 17 and 7 on his debut in only 16 minutes of action, Green has been a consistent source of boards and buckets for the Sharks, finishing the year with 22 and 14 to lock up home court advantage against the Plymouth City Patriots.
From the wing, Green ranked third among players in rebounds this season, and his 8.7 per game is more than he averaged throughout his five-year college career.
Green averaged 19 and 9 in his two games against the Riders this season, and will pose a true threat throughout this series.
Devearl Ramsey
11.1 points, 4.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds
Devearl Ramsey has protected home court against the Riders this season with two explosive scoring performances.
Typically, Ramsey is the Sharks’ source of playmaking, running the point to lead them in assists this season. But against the Riders the former G-Leager put his scoring ability on full display.
His two highest-scoring games this year have come at home against Leicester, putting up 23 points and 9 assists last time out, and going off for 22 to lead Sheffield to a win in November.
He consistently finds his way to the midrange, where he has shot most efficiently all season, so the Riders will need to be locked into their pick-and-roll defence to stop his drives off the dribble.
Jalon Pipkins
11.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 51.9 FG%
Sheffield’s second-leading scorer, Jalon Pipkins, has been a consistent source of points for the Sharks this season.
The efficient bucket-getter has scored double-digit points in 25 Championship games, and put up 17 last time he suited up against the Riders.
The 6’5” three-level scorer is a threat from anywhere on the court. He’s a human highlight reel, showcasing some of the most high-flying throw downs in British basketball over the last two seasons in Sheffield.
The Riders’ rim protection will be on high-alert when Pipkins looks to rise high on drives to the hoop.
Season vs Sharks
The Riders have faced off against the Sharks four times this season, winning the season series 3-1.
There was, however, a disparity in their performances when playing away compared to their home games. At home, they averaged 106.5 points, turning the ball over only six times per game and knocking down 46% of their threes. In Sheffield, however, it was 86 points per game with an average of 15.5 turnovers.
In games where the Sharks forced over 10 turnovers out of the Riders they beat them by a net score of four, but when Leicester kept the giveaways in single digits they won by an average of 21.
In contrast to Leicester’s varying performances at home compared to on the road, the Sharks found consistency in their output both home and away. However, their typically stalwart defence didn’t find the same success against the Riders as it did the rest of the League.
Their League-best defence made them the only team to hold their opponents to under 80 points per game over the season, but they failed to do so against Leicester in their four meetings. They had no answer for Teddy Allen, who averaged 29 points in his three games against the Sharks.
Sheffield did better their scoring average against the Riders over the series, putting up 86 points per game, but the numbers suggest that Leicester’s ability to take care of the ball will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the series.
Playoff History: Riders vs Sharks
Sheffield are a familiar foe in the Playoffs for Leicester. This matchups marks the 10th time in the last 23 seasons where the sides have met in the postseason, and the fourth time in the past 10 years.
The previous two postseason meetings have gone the Riders’ way, most recently last year where Leicester bested them 153-140 over a two-legged series.
2016 was the last time Sheffield beat the Riders in the Playoffs- Atiba Lyons’ men winning 84-77 in the Final.
The Riders have the advantage of unrivalled playoff-winning experience at the reins. Head Coach Rob Paternostro has won the competition five times, the second most of any coach in League history, and four of those wins have come since the Final was hosted at the O2 Arena.
Sharks’ Head Coach Atiba Lyons is no stranger to playoff success himself, winning in 2016 for the second time in the club’s history. It’s been first-round exits for Sheffield in the last two seasons, however, and they now look to avoid falling to Leicester in the postseason for the second straight year.
What they said
With the Championship season in their rear-view mirror, the Riders are looking forward to the chance to set the record straight after what they feel was a season with unmet potential.
Here’s what they had to say ahead of the opening round:
Teddy Allen
“You never want to go out on a down note in win-or-go-home scenarios,” said leading scorer Teddy Allen.
“We feel like we could have done a lot better throughout the year, and now is our chance to prove that. We are locked in as a unit, and it’s time for everyone to work towards a common goal.
“When asked about the Riders’ path to a potential Final at the O2 Arena, Allen expressed his confidence in the team to be able to beat anybody in front of them.
“Anybody can get it. Whoever is in our way, we feel confident that we can win.”
TJ Lall
“Our mentality has to change now,” added TJ Lall, when asked about the difference in approach between the Championship season and the Playoffs.
“We have to be more locked in and in-tune. We’ll see the Sharks multiple times, so we have to adjust and be ready for their adjustments.”
On a similar note to Allen, Lall looks forward to the chance of showing the League what this unit is capable of.
“Everyone here wants to win. We know we’re talented and have not shown our full potential, and were ready to show it during the playoffs. The pressure is good for us. We play better under pressure.”
Duke Shelton
American big Duke Shelton discussed the level of intensity required ahead of a postseason matchup.
“Everyone is going to step up and raise their level of play. It’s the playoffs, which is almost like a new season where anything can happen.
“It’s a new mindset now. I’m sure the rest of the team feel the same way, and that also goes for the other teams in the league. We’re ready to compete.
“The team that’s willing to give a little bit more, most of the time, will win. Basketball is a game where the team with the fewest mistakes has a huge edge, so we need to be focussed and ready to play our best ball.”
Rob Paternostro
Having reached the summit of British basketball five times before, Head Coach Rob Paternostro knows exactly what winning in the postseason requires.
He is as eager as ever to fight on the biggest stage, at the O2 Arena.
“Once you get to the playoffs there’s so much urgency because if you don’t play well you’re going home. Everyone wants to be at the O2 by the end, and we’ve been there nearly every year. It’s wonderful to be there, so that’s always the goal.
“At our best we feel like we’re a really good team, and we’re in good shape going into the playoffs.”
Tickets are on sale for our home fixture against the Sheffield Sharks!
Leicester Riders conclude their Women’s British Basketball League campaign against the Sheffield Hatters, in a game to decide third and fourth place in the Championship standings.
A win for the Riders will see them lock up third with a 16-4 record, but a loss would see the Hatters take the tiebreaker and third place at 15-5.
One to watch
Georgia Gayle
14.1 points, 4.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds
Hatters leading scorer and 2024 All Star Georgia Gayle is the number one scoring threat the Riders will need to key in on in this matchup.
The granddaughter of Betty Codona, the pioneer of women’s British basketball and founder of the Hatters, Gayle is a GB international and experienced professional.
This season, she leads the Hatters in scoring and assists, scoring in double-digits on 17 occasions and putting up 20 three times in 19 appearances.
Gayle put up 13/4/4 last time out against the Riders, shooting 6-12 from the field. Keeping her quiet for 40 minutes would go a long way towards slowing Sheffield’s side of the scoreboard down.
The numbers
These two teams have been some of the highest-powered offences in the League this season, ranking second and third in points per game.
The Hatters are one of two teams to score over 80 a night (82.7), and maximise their possessions by turning the ball over the least in the League. Meanwhile the Riders, who score 78.5 per game, are an efficient shooting group, connecting on a second-best 44% of their field goals.
The Riders have the game’s highest scorer in American rookie Taylor O’Brien, whose 15.7 points per game has earned her two Player of the Month awards over the course of the season.
Meanwhile the Hatters have seven scorers giving them over 7 points a night, their offence by committee giving the Riders issues last time the teams faced off.
Head-to-head
The Riders have faced the Hatters once before this season, falling 78-70 on the road.
Desiree Ramos impressed with her highest-scoring performance on the season, putting up 25 points in 22 minutes, going 9-12 from the field.
Turnovers were the difference in the game. Leicester lost the battle 25-11, and therefore lost a game in which they shot 43% from the field to Sheffield’s 36%.
Riders’ All Star pairing of Sam Ashby and O’Brien combined for 36 (18 points each) to lead the team’s effort.
But the loss means third place is up for grabs for the winner of this matchup.
Playoff tickets include entry for both men’s and women’s playoff games on May 4, and the first 1,200 people through the door will receive a free “Dark Horse” playoff t-shirt.
Season series: Leicester Riders vs Sheffield Sharks
Leicester Riders tip-off their 2024 British Basketball League Playoff campaign against the Sheffield Sharks on Sunday.
The sides have met on four occasions so far this season, the Riders winning the series 3-1.
Here’s how the games played out…
November 17 Game 1: Sharks 91-84 Riders
Sharks battle from the front to take hard-fought home win
Sheffield drew first blood in the series, winning a closely fought battle late on. The Sharks edged ahead in the second quarter, going into the half up 46-39, and the Riders, despite bringing the deficit to two on multiple occasions, couldn’t take the lead back.
The Sharks’ Devearl Ramsey led the game with 22 points, scoring five in the final 2:33 to lead the hosts down the stretch and secure the win. He was backed by 17 points from Jalon Pipkins who went 7-8 from the field in the game.
The Riders made a charge from down 10 to five with four minutes remaining, but couldn’t get it over the line. Miryne Thomas led the team with 21 points and 11 rebounds- his first double-double in Riders red.
A key difference in the game: three point shooting. The Riders went 5-21 while the Sharks shot 8-19, Ramsey leading the way with three makes from behind the arc.
But water found its level in game two from deep.
December 30 Game 2: Riders 103-75 Sharks
On-fire Riders torch Sharks from three
The Riders levelled the season series at home in convincing fashion to close out 2023. A 21-4 start blew the Sharks out of the water, and the Riders cruised home to a wire-to-wire win.
Miryne Thomas led the team out the gate with 10 points in five minutes, and logged another 20 point double-double against Sheffield with 22 points and 10 rebounds by the final buzzer.
But it was Teddy Allen, in his third game for the Riders, who led the game with 25 points. He went 4-9 from three on the game spearheading what was a red hot shooting night for the hosts.
In contrast to the first game against Sheffield in November, Leicester shot 51.9% from three point land in the blowout. It was the Sharks who went cold on this occasion, knocking down just 28.6% of their attempts from behind the arc.
Prentiss Nixon had an effective outing for the visitors, bagging 17 points in 22 minutes of play, going 6-12 from the field. But it was a drop in the water against a Riders torrent, and Leicester entered the new year on a high.
February 16 Game 3: Riders 108-94 Sharks
Allen explosion makes it two-for-two at home
Teddy Allen led the Riders for the second-straight game against the Sharks, this time going off for 35 points. It was a 35-12 double-double for Allen, shooting 50% from the field and 44% from three.
The Riders were trailing 53-57 at the break and down by as much as 12 points in the second quarter. But a 12 point third period from Allen led them back into the tie, and another 10 in the fourth got them over the line.
The scoreline was deceptive come the final buzzer, not reflecting what was a one possession affair with three minutes on the clock. Two straight buckets from TJ Lall gave the Riders separation, and they saw the tie out from there.
Malek Green, making his first appearance against the Riders this season, led the Sharks with 19 points and 11 rebounds. He scored two buckets to start the final period, but Leicester were able to stem his scoring down the stretch to see it out.
The game made it two wins at home for the Riders against Sheffield, giving them a 2-1 series lead with one game to play in South Yorkshire.
March 29 Game 4: Sharks 85-88 Riders
Riders survive Sharks surge in final seconds
The game to decide the season series was fought wire-to-wire, Leicester coming away three point victors after Sheffield battled to give themselves a chance as the clock expired.
Allen led Leicester in the first half with an emphatic performance, going off for 27 first half points, and finished with 29/8. But down the stretch, big buckets came from up and down the Riders’ roster.
Kimbal Mackenzie, Thomas, Duke Shelton and Lall all scored in the final four minutes, giving the Riders an eight point lead with 2:18 left. But a turn of events, including an unsportsmanlike foul called on Shelton, gave the Sharks a chance to tie.
Bennet Koch went one for two from the foul line after Shelton’s foul, and Ramsey drained a three with nine seconds left to make it a one point game.
Mackenzie was sent to the line, and coolly knocked down both, but Sheffield could send it to overtime with a three. The opportunity fell to RJ Eytle-Rock who fired from the right wing, as Allen closed out but was keen not to foul.
Eytle-Rock missed his attempt, and the rebound was pulled down by Thomas to close the season series.
Tickets on sale!
Tickets for our home game against the Sheffield Sharks on May 4 are on sale now!
Riders speak to BBC Radio Leicester ahead of the playoffs
BBC Radio Leicester stopped by to speak to the team for their weekly “Game Night” show.
Ahead of the upcoming British Basketball League Playoffs, Riders players and Head Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on the Championship season, and previewed the postseason.
Here’s what they had to say…
Teddy Allen
Riders leading scorer, Teddy Allen, has spent the final weeks of the season getting into playoff shape. Working through injuries intensely has led to the American being in the best health that he’s been in all season, right in time for the postseason.
“I have been dealing with some injuries, but I feel like I’ve got my body right and I’m ready to get to work in the playoffs,” said Allen.
“The last few weeks I’ve been working closely with our training staff to get my body right. This is the healthiest I have been since I got here in Leicester, and I’m ready to make a run.”
The Riders enter the playoffs as the fifth seed. Reflecting on the second half of the year, Allen expressed disappointment in how the games fell, but is looking at ways to rectify recent results with his own performances.
“I wish we could have got some more wins down the stretch. I have to look at myself first and think about what I could have done better to help our team win.
“If it’s points, rebounds, assists or defence, whatever the team needs me to do I just want to go out there and compete.
“Nobody wants to lose, but we all left everything out there on the court with our effort and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”
The playoffs represent a fresh start for the Riders, and Allen sees that as an opportunity to set right unmet potential from the Championship season.
“You never want to go out on a down note in win-or-go-home scenarios. We feel like we could have done a lot better throughout the year, and now is our chance to prove that.
“We are locked in as a unit, and it’s time for everyone to work towards a common goal. Anybody can get it. Whoever is in our way, we feel confident that we can win.”
TJ Lall
For the Riders’ end of season awards, TJ Lall was named the Defensive Player of the Year and Player’s Player to recognise his efforts.
Lall looked back on his performances, and how he grew into the season as it progressed:
“I feel like I’ve played my role all year. Whatever the team has needed I’ve been able to give. The second half was better than the first for me personally. Playing together more, we’ve been a more cohesive unit, which has helped my game.”
Despite a season filled with ups and downs, the Riders showed up with big wins in important spots all year.
A win-or-go-home victory in the Trophy against the Newcastle Eagles springs to mind, as well as wins against the Sheffield Sharks on the road and the Cheshire Phoenix at home down the stretch.
“We stepped up in some big games this season. But our mentality has to change now. We have to be more locked in and in tune. We’ll see the Sharks multiple times, so we have to adjust and be ready for their adjustments.”
On a similar note to Allen, Lall looks forward to the chance of showing the League what this unit is capable of.
“Everyone here wants to win. We know we’re talented and have not shown our full potential, and were ready to show it during the playoffs. The pressure is good for us. We play better under pressure.”
Duke Shelton
Duke Shelton, an American big who joined the Riders midseason, has stepped into the starting unit in recent weeks.
After an adjustment period where he looked to settle into the team, he feels comfortable in his role going into the playoffs.
“I’ve adapted really well and found my position within the team. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far.
“I feel like I’ve shown flashes of what I can do, but maybe not to my full potential yet. There’s been times where I’ve been consistent but I’m looking forward to what’s to come.
“Anytime you come into a new situation in the middle of the year it can be a little challenging finding your spot. Everyone is comfortable where they are and you don’t want to ruffle any feathers or step on toes. You want to come in, have good energy and try to help the team any way you can.”
Over the course of his nine-year professional career, Shelton has learned that postseason appearances are a valuable commodity, and is looking to make the most of his upcoming run.
“This is going to be my second time in the playoffs in my professional career. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere we’re going to be playing in. Everyone is going to step up and raise their level of play. It’s the playoffs, which is almost like a new season where anything can happen.”
And with the new season comes a new mentality, where the urgency is ramped up and everything is on the line. Shelton understands as much, and the team is ready to go.
“It’s a new mindset now. I’m sure the rest of the team feel the same way, and that also goes for the other teams in the league. We’re ready to compete.
“The team that’s willing to give a little bit more, most of the time, will win. Basketball is a game where the team with the fewest mistakes has a huge edge, so we need to be focussed and ready to play our best ball.”
Rob Paternostro
Five-time British Basketball League Playoff champion, Rob Paternostro, understands more than anybody what it takes to lift the silverware at the O2 Arena.
Since the Playoff Final has been played at the O2, the Riders have been there every year bar one, and Paternostro is keen to continue that trend.
“Once you get to the playoffs there’s so much urgency because if you don’t play well you’re going home. Everyone wants to be at the O2 by the end, and we’ve been there nearly every year. It’s wonderful to be there, so that’s always the goal.”
As was the case for most teams in the League, the gauntlet of the British Basketball League schedule saw ups and downs throughout the season.
But now that the dust has settled, Paternostro feels the team is in a good position to go on a postseason run.
“We had a tough last couple of games, but we’ve been similar to most teams this year on our ups and downs. It’s been a real grind.
“The changes to our roster had a positive impact for us midway through the season. Of course, injuries hurt us in the second half of the year with Jaren and TJ especially late, but at our best we feel like we’re a really good team, and we’re in good shape going into the playoffs.”
Tickets are on sale for the Riders’ round one home game against the Sheffield Sharks on May 4.
Tickets are 20% off until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 24. Get yours here!
The 2024 British Basketball League Playoffs will feature a new format, with the first two rounds taking place over a three game series.
The top four in the Championship standings have home court advantage in the opening round, playing two of the potential three games at home.
Those sides have the choice of the structure of those series, opting for game one or two to be their opening home fixture.
Here’s how the postseason is set to unfold for the Riders…
Riders’ Round One
The Riders secured the fifth seed in the British Basketball League Championship, and will face Sheffield Sharks in round one.
They will open the series on the road on April 28 at 4 pm, host game two on May 4 at 6:45 pm, and if necessary, play a deciding game three in Sheffield on Sunday May 5 at 3 pm.
Tickets are on sale for game two at 5 pm, and thanks to the generosity of the Riders’ sponsorsat RDL Technologies, Vertu Motors, Torr Waterfield, Jelson Homes and EverythingBranded, the first1200 fans at the Arena for our home game on May 4 will receive a free Dark Horse Riders T-Shirt.
If you are travelling to game one in Sheffield and want a Dark Horse T-shirt, you can contact [email protected] to arrange.
Playoff Bracket
After round one has concluded, the seeding will be restructured so the highest remaining seed will play the lowest.
Therefore, the only scenario where the Riders would have home court advantage in the second round would be if two or more of the higher seeds lost in the opening round.
If one or none of the top seeded teams lose, the Riders will host only one game of the second round series.
The Final
As was the case in previous seasons, the Playoff Final will be a single game to decide the 2024 Playoff champions.
Both Men’s and Women’s Finals will be played at the O2 Arena on Sunday May 19.
You can purchase tickets here, but if the Riders should make the Final at the O2, Leicester Riders will release ticket allocation for the Riders section of the Arena.
Leicester Riders play their men and women’s 2024 playoff home openers on Saturday, May 4.
Our men’s home game has been confirmed to be played at 6:45 pm, and will be preceded by our women’s playoff fixture at 2:45 pm.
Tickets will be released on general sale from tomorrow (April 23) at 5pm.
Leicester Riders season ticket holders will receive priority for their usual seats until Friday, April 26, at 11:59 pm.
Tickets include entry to both men’s and women’s quarter-final playoff games.
Thanks to the generosity of the Riders’ sponsors at RDL Technologies, Vertu Motors, Torr Waterfield, Jelson Homes and EverythingBranded, the first 1,200 fans at the Arena will receive a free Dark Horse Riders T-Shirt.
Doors will open at the Arena before our women’s game, at 2:15 pm.
Leicester Riders launch Dark Horse campaign for the 2024 British Basketball League Playoffs
Leicester Riders basketball club are excited to launch their Dark Horse campaign for the upcoming 2024 British Basketball League Playoffs.
The Riders enter the postseason as the fifth seed, and look to start their run to the Finals at the O2 Arena, which take place on Sunday 19 May 2024.
Despite a League campaign which hasn’t reached the heights of previous years in Leicester, the Riders are a team that no team wants to face in the postseason, and is capable of knocking off any team in British basketball.
No matter the opponent, seeding, time or place, the Dark Horse is a team that can bounce with the best the British Basketball League has to offer.
The goal, like any season, is to stand under the confetti at the O2 Arena, lifting the silverware. The six time Playoff champions aim to bring what would be their 20th British Basketball League silverware back to the East Midlands.
The all new Playoff format features best of three series in the first two rounds, before the Final in the O2 Arena, London.
The Riders will open the playoffs in Sheffield against the Sharks at 4 pm.Game two of the first round will be played at Mattioli Arena on May 4 at 6pm. If necessary, game three will be played in Sheffield on a yet to be confirmed date.
Leicester Riders Managing Directors Russell Levenston commented: “We’re excited to launch our Dark Horse campaign ahead of the upcoming playoffs.
“The postseason represents a fresh campaign and we’re looking forward to getting started. As a club, we always feel confident in our ability to win every competition we enter, and these playoffs are no different.
“Thank you to all of our fans for their incredible support this season. We’ll give it everything we’ve got to give you another trip to the O2 Arena!”
Tickets for the Riders first round home fixture will be on sale shortly! Stay tuned for ticket information.
Thanks to the generosity of the Riders’ sponsorsat RDL Technologies, Vertu Motors, Torr Waterfield, Jelson Homes and EverythingBranded, the first1200 fans at the Arena for our home game on May 4 will receive a free Dark Horse Riders T-Shirt.
Report: Riders finish Championship season with a win in Surrey
Leicester Riders concluded their British Basketball League Championship season with an 94-88 road win against the Surrey Scorchers.
Teddy Allen led the game with a red hot 30 point performance, going 11-22 from the field. Allen was cooking from deep, going 6-11 from behind the line, and draining back-to-back triples from deep three point range to get the Riders out of a deficit in the second quarter.
But it was Sesan Russell who got Leicester over the line, logging a season-high 20 points with 17 in the second half. His free throws sealed the game late, capping off an impressive display.
The win sees the Riders lock up the fifth seed for the postseason, ensuring they will face the Sheffield Sharks in the opening round of the Playoffs.
Scorchers survive sharpshooting Allen
Allen wasted no time in taking it to the Scorchers. A four point play, drawing contact from Abdul Mohamed, gave him 9 points in three minutes as the Riders took an 8-12 lead. He was into double figures quickly after with his third three of the game.
The highlights kept coming in a high-scoring first quarter. Next it was Jaren Holmes on the break, throwing it up for Miryne Thomas who threw it down with authority.
Despite the big plays, they couldn’t shake the hosts who had a hot hand of their own: Quin Cooper. He drained three triples early in a back-and-forth start. He stayed hot in the second, hitting from the corner to make it 27-28 with 11 minutes played.
Scorchers take initiative
An 8-0 Surrey run, highlighted by a breakaway jam from Tayo Ogendengbe, gave them their first separation of the afternoon.
The Riders responded with an and-one at the hoop from Russell, before Thomas connected on a tough fadeaway on the buzzer for his 12th points.
But a corner three from Mohamed took momentum back, and Cameron Copeland made a layup inside to give the hosts a nine point lead. He then went back up the floor and nailed a contested triple over Holmes, making it a double-digit advantage.
Teddy takeover
The Riders, whose high-level scoring to start the game cooled off in the Scorchers run, re-found their rhythm through Allen, who took over once again.
He drove to the rim for two, then drew contact for an and-one to pull the deficit down to eight. Testing his range, Allen went back-to-back from deep emphatically, pulling up from the car park and finding nothing but string.
He cut the game to a single possession as the half came to a close, but Dijiani Parkinson ended the quarter from three to make it 54-48 going into the locker rooms.
On fire out of the half
12 points in two and a half minutes gave the Riders the lead quickly after halftime. Allen got them going by driving inside and dishing to Russell, Thomas followed with an and-one play (his sixth make in as many shots), and Russell then tied the game at 56.
After a Cooper miss, Allen pulled up from the elbow and found the bottom of the bucket to force a Surrey timeout. He then made his tally 27 with a steal and score after the break.
Gooden stopped the Riders’ run with a three, but Leicester were back in it.
Riders win out in the clutch
With Russell shouldering the scoring load with buckets to end the third, Blake Bowman gave the Riders a four point lead with one to play, finishing on the fastbreak, plus the foul.
Leicester started fourth on a run to make it a seven point advantage, Russell staying hot to snatch the ball from Cooper and add another two to his now 13 point tally.
Surrey came storming back after stemming the Leicester momentum, however, and Mohamed’s three cut it to a one possession game with 4:52 left.
The Riders seized control, building off the interior defence of Sam Idowu. He sent away Gooden’s attempted layup, and on the other end Russell and Allen hit threes to put Leicester up nine.
Mohamed made an and-one to breathe life into the Surrey cause, but Holmes hit back with a finish inside.
Copeland had a chance to cut the game to four, but dribbled off his knee, and Russell sank his foul shots next time up for his 20th points, sealing the win.
A series with the Sharks
Game one against the Sheffield Sharks will take place on Sunday April 28 at 4 pm, and will be played at the Canon Medical Arena.
Game two, at the Mattioli Arena, will be played at 6 pm on May 4.
Stay tuned for information on game three, if necessary.
How things stand in the Women’s British Basketball League Championship
The postseason is fast approaching for Leicester Riders in a tightly packed Women’s British Basketball League Championship.
The Riders have two pivotal games remaining in their League season, which could see them land in second, third or fourth in the standings.
Here’s how things are shaping up for the Riders ahead of their final two games…
The state of play
The Riders currently sit third in the standings with a 15-3 record, tied with the Caledonia Gladiators and a win behind the undefeated London Lions, who have two games in hand.
The Riders are battling for seeding with the Gladiators and the Sheffield Hatters in fourth, who are their two remaining fixtures.
Sunday’s game against the Gladiators will decide the tiebreaker between the sides, which may prove vital come season’s end. Leicester currently possess it with a four point win against the Scots last week, so a win against Caledonia would lock up the two seed for the Riders.
A loss however, would risk the potential of Leicester falling to the four seed, with a showdown against the Hatters awaiting. Sheffield is a win behind the Riders with the tiebreaker, so the winner of that matchup would take the three seed for the postseason.
Riders’ recent form
Leicester enter this game having won nine of their last 10 games in the Women’s British Basketball League Championship.
They have responded to their only hiccup, a road loss to the Hatters, with three straight wins, including an important victory against the Gladiators in the clutch last time out.
The Riders have beaten the Essex Rebels, who knocked them out of the Trophy in January, the Newcastle Eagles twice and the Gladiators on their recent run, coming out on top against the better teams in the Championship.
The win against the Gladiators made a statement to the League as they approach the 2024 Playoffs.
The numbers
The Riders have established themselves as one of the elite offensive threats in British basketball, putting up the second most points in the League this season with 75.9 per game.
They have done so with efficiency inside, knocking down 49% of their two point looks, led by Rayevn Peeples who is connecting on 65% of her shots in close.
Peeples has been pivotal for the Riders establishing themselves on the glass this year. She ranks first among all players in offensive rebounds, and second in total rebounds per game, while sending away an average of 1.1 blocks, third best in the League.
Defensively, led once again by Peeples, the Riders average the most blocks of any team with 4.3 per game. Katie Janusewska has been key to this from the wing, putting up 0.8 blocks per game.
But the leading scorer of the Riders’ high-powered offence is Taylor O’Brien. The two-time Player of the Month has put up 15.7 points per game in her rookie season. She comes off the back of scoring 13 of the team’s 59n points against the Gladiators, and will look to lead the Riders to a crucial road win in Caledonia.
Leicester Riders are set to take on Surrey Scorchers on the road in their final game of the 2023-24 British Basketball League Championship.
Here’s some of the key head-to-heads in tomorrow’s action…
Saiquan Jamison vs Duke Shelton
Making a forceful impact in the paint this season for the Scorchers is Saiquan Jamison, who has established himself as one of British basketball’s elite big men.
He ranks second among all players in rebounds per game with 9.9, and has logged 13 double-doubles over the course of the season.
Jamison is a weapon in the pick and roll, and is near unstoppable when he receive the ball in motion to the rim. He finishes explosively in close, but can also take defenders off the dribble from the centre position to drive inside, and keep defenders honest from distance with his shooting ability.
Jamison is Surrey’s third leading scorer with 10.5 points per game to his name, and is able to generate his own offence at the rim by consistently pulling down missed shots for offensive rebounds.
Looking to keep him off the glass is Riders centre Duke Shelton. Shelton has stepped into a starting role seamlessly in recent weeks, proving energy and hustle from the centre position.
Three double digit performances in his last five outings has seen the 6’10” American become a reliable source of points, and his 14 points, 16 rebounds double double against the Plymouth City Patriots in late March showed his ability to get on the glass for big numbers.
The Riders will need a similar night on the boards from Shelton against the electric Jamison to control the paint in the final game of the Championship season.
Cameron Gooden vs Jaren Holmes
The Scorchers leading scorer this season, high-flying guard Padiet Wang, is set to miss tomorrow’s game through injury. Therefore, they will once again rely on the services of rookie Cameron Gooden, who went off for Surrey last time out.
The American led his team with 21 points and 5 assists against the League champions, going 5-13 from three as he tried to shoot his team back into the game.
Gooden is averaging 9.4 points in 20 minutes per game, but thrived in an increased role against the Lions.
The shifty guard has elite handles to beat defenders off the dribble, getting to the hole or stepping back and taking midrange jump shots consistently.
Looking to slow down Gooden will be rookie guardJaren Holmes, who is lighting up the League in his first professional season.
Holmes is the Riders’ second leading scorer this season with 13.2 points per game, and leads the team in steals with an average of 1.2.
He led the Riders last time out against the Giants with 20 points, his late three point shooting giving Leicester a chance late.
His work on the defensive end has impressed throughout the year, and he will be faced with the challenge of Gooden in the backcourt in this one. But Holmes’ ability to lock down opponents on defence will put him in good stead to stay in front of his opponent one-on-one.
He has the size to contest Gooden inside when he drives to the hoop, and the offensive skillset to keep him honest on the defensive side of the ball whenever he is in the game. Get ready for a hard-fought head-to-head in this one.
Justin Robinson vs Sesan Russell
To overcome the Scorchers, the Riders will have to contend with a two-time British Basketball League MVP in Justin Robinson from the backcourt.
Robinson won the award back-to-back in 2018 and 2019 for the London Lions, averaging 19.2 points per game in his second MVP season to earn the award.
This year, Robinson has provided valuable experience to the Scorchers roster while putting up 10.8 points per game and shooting 39% from behind the three point arc. He has been a consistent threat from deep over the court of his 12-year professional career, and now is no different.
Faced with the tall task of slowing the experience veteran down is Sesan Russell, who made his first start from the point last time out against the Giants.
Russell’s playmaking has been a key asset for the Riders in recent weeks, and it was no different after his insertion into the starting line-up. He put up 10 points and 6 assists, leading the team through the opening stages of the game.
Two games ago, Russell once again pulled the strings to dish 9 assists against the Bristol Flyers. His court vision has found open cutters to the rim consistently, as he runs the pick and roll from the point effectively with the Riders big men.
Keeping Robinson active in defending the pick-and-roll will go a long way in making his life difficult in the Riders’ last game of the Championship season.
Leicester Riders fell to the Manchester Giants 89-94 in their final home game of the British Basketball League Championship season.
After a quick start, Evan Walshe scored 10 straight in the second quarter to lead the Giants a double-digit lead. The Riders made a run late in the game led by Jaren Holmes, but it wasn’t enough to complete a comeback.
Holmes led the Riders with 20 points, going 8-13 from the field, 3-7 from three and grabbing 6 rebounds. He was backed by Teddy Allen’s 19 and Miryne Thomas’ 18.
But leading the game was Walshe for Manchester with 24, sinking the late free throws to end the game.
Early Leicester lead
Thomas got the action underway in style for the Riders emphatically. The lane opened up for him after Mason Bourcier fell in the paint, and Thomas needed little invitation to drive to the hoop and throw down a two handed jam.
Neither side found an edge in the first five, however. Allen and Russell stringed back-to-back threes, but they were offset by Bouricer and Lee from deep as the sides stayed locked.
But out of the media timeout, the Riders found some separation. Allen got to work to snatch momentum, dancing behind the arc before pulling up for a deep three. Next up, he went to the hole on the drive for a two to put the Riders up 26-16.
Giants battle back
Manchester fought back into the game in response, taking the lead early in the second quarter. Former Rider Walshe logged 10 points in as many minutes off the bench to lead the visitors to a 30-28 advantage.
He scored 10 straight to take momentum back, and was followed by Jalen Harris and Callum Jones who connected from within the arc in the midst of the Manchester run.
Russell stopped the run with an and-one, driving to his right and drawing a foul on Harris for three points the old fashioned way. But the Giants led 38-32 by the media timeout.
The Riders mustered just 12 points in the second quarter, unable to take the lead back. Bourcier scored 5 points to end the half, and the sides went into the locker rooms with the score 38-49 in the Giants’ favour.
All even in the third
Nicholas Lewis found his rhythm in the third, hitting a tough fadeaway and a contested three back-to-back to grow the Manchester lead to 15.
But in response to Lewis, Holmes got his head down to get two on the board at the hoop, before Allen connected from three to peg the deficit to 10, and force a Giants timeout.
Homes drew an offensive foul out of the timeout, before Thomas hit from deep- the Riders recapturing their early form.
Lewis responded to take back the big lead with back-to-back threes, but next time up, Holmes made a four point play by connecting on a three through contact, keeping the Giants within touching distance.
But the score remained there until the fourth, Manchester leading 63-74 with one to play.
Giants respond to Riders run
Holmes sparked life into the team to start the final period, driving to the hoop to get it underway, then throwing a lob to Shelton who threw it down two-handed.
The quick scoring brought it to a five point difference quickly in the final period, as TJ Lall added three more points from the foul line.
But Walshe rebuilt the Manchester lead with a three from the corner and a layup inside, taking away the Riders work to start the quarter.
It was 72-81 by the media timeout, with 4:49 left to play.
Riders give themselves a chance late
A barrage of threes went down for the Riders to give them a late chance. Thomas connected first, before finishing off a fastbreak from a Russell three, then Holmes and Allen caught fire.
The Giants kept their side of the scoreboard ticking, Walshe, Lewis and Nick Stampley combining for seven points, but Holmes fired away from the corner with 52 seconds left to make it a three point game.
The Riders got their stops, Walshe then Stampley missing, but the Giants crashed the offensive boards, getting three possessions and forcing Leicester to foul. Walshe made both from the line to make it a five point difference.
Thomas couldn’t hit from three in response, and the Giants dribbled the game out.
Riders return to action on Sunday, hitting the road to take on the Surrey Scorchers. A win will see them lock up home court advantage for the 2024 postseason.
The Riders take on the Manchester Giants in their final home game of the 2023-24 British Basketball League season.
It’s an important weekend of action for the Riders in their final two games of the Championship, needing two wins to secure home court advantage for the postseason.
Here are the key matchups as the Riders take on the Giants…
Nicholas Lewis vs Kimbal Mackenzie
The Riders will need to zero in on their opponent’s leading scorer this season, Nicholas Lewis. Lewis is putting up 14.9 points per game this season, 11th among all players, and comes into this one on good form.
He has three 25+ scoring games in his last 10 appearances, his best outing being a 27 points, 7 assists and 4 steals game against the Cheshire Phoenix. Lewis played all 40 minutes for the third time this season in the game, putting a high workload on his back to carry the scoring effort.
The American is a shifty guard who makes his money driving inside, and can step back and take consistent twos from the midrange, finish at the hoop, or kick to teammates for open looks after the defence collapses.
Lewis leads his team in assists with 4.5 per game, pulling the string while leading the scoring for the Giants.
Looking to go back and forth with Lewis is Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie, who is enjoying the best statistical season of his career. The Canadian is averaging a career high 13.2 points and 5 assists per game, and has led the team through the biggest moments of the season with his clutch play.
He made a go-ahead and-one in the Trophy final four with seconds left, and took over late to see the Riders past the Caledonia Gladiators on the road. In the absence of Jaren Holmes and Teddy Allen, he played 45 minutes in a double overtime win against Plymouth City Patriots and hit the game-tying shot to send it to overtime.
Mackenzie can match Lewis’ scoring and playmaking, making the head-to-head at the point guard position an interesting proposition going into the game with the Riders’ captain facing up against the Giants’ leading bucket getter.
William Lee vs Miryne Thomas
High-flyer and former Riders William Lee patrols the sky for the Manchester Giants, making huge plays on both ends around the rim.
The “Alabama slammer” is playing in his second season in Manchester having won the League in Leicester in 2021.
Lee is best known for his aerial ability. The human highlight reel throws down monster jams and swats away shots emphatically on a game to game basis. But Lee has a versatile game, and can knock down shots anywhere on the court.
He’s scoring 13.4 points per game, and pulling down the third most rebounds of any player with an average of 8.3. From outside, the 6’9” forward is shooting 38.5% from three, the second best on his team.
Meeting him in the frontcourt will be Riders forwardMiryne Thomas, who has composed an electric highlight reel of his own in his rookie season.
Putting up 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds, the Cleveland native has come up huge for the Riders this season to lead the team to wins. He has scored double digit points in six of the last eight League games, including a 21 point and 15 rebound double double against the Newcastle Eagles.
Thomas is always a threat above the rim, but defenders, like Lee, need to respect the three where he can get hot on any given night. Last month against the Patriots, Thomas went 4-5 from three on his way to 19 points in 22 minutes, demonstrating his threat from anywhere on the court.
The frontcourt matchup between the two athletic fours is sure to get fans out of their seats.
Evan Walshe vs Jaren Holmes
Another former Riders, Evan Walshe, is enjoying his best statistical season of his professional career in his first season with the Manchester Giants.
The Brit, who suited up in Riders red between 2021 and 2023, is putting up 11 points per game with the Giants this season.
Walshe caught the attention of the League from the off this year by putting up 16.5 points per game in his opening two fixtures. He has taken over games for the Giants with seven 20 point performances to his name.
The 6’4” wing is aggressive on offence. He’s quick to get his head down and drive to the hole, but has shown his ability to step outside and knock down shots to keep defenders honest, going four for five from three against the Plymouth City Patriots earlier in the month.
Walshe’s real threat comes in transition, however, where his speed and aggression takes him coast to coast consistently for scores on the fastbreak. He shares this in common with Riders’ guard Jaren Holmes, who made his return from injury last time out.
Holmes was an All-Star in his rookie season after graduating from Iowa State University. He has lit up the league with his energy and effort this season, and is the Riders’ second leading scorer on the season.
Call his name🤙
Jaren is ready to light up the Copper Box for Sunday's @britishbasketm All-Star game 🔥
Michigan-born Holmes is averaging 13.4 points per game this season, and his 1.3 steals per game has led to a multitude of fastbreak opportunities where he is extremely effective. His speed is transition and vision when driving at pace makes him a dual threat to score and pass, in the half court and on the break.
The fastbreak battle between Holmes and Walshe will be fought at an electric pace, and paired with the highlight plays from Thomas and Lee, expect a flurry of highlights from the Riders final home game of the Championship season.
Key Storylines: The final weekend of Championship action
Leicester Riders are fast approaching their final weekend in the 2023-24 British Basketball League Championship.
They face pivotal fixtures in determining their seeding for the postseason, with home court advantage hanging in the balance.
Here are the key storylines for the Riders going into their final two games…
Home court in our hands
The Riders hold pole position for home court advantage in the postseason with two games to go. Wins against the Manchester Giants and Surrey Scorchers would secure fourth place, as the Riders possess the tiebreaker against the Newcastle Eagles and Sheffield Sharks.
This scenario would see Leicester finish the season in fourth with a 19-17 record, and could potentially see all three contenders for home court advantage finish on the same number of wins.
The Sharks hold the season series against the Eagles, meaning if all three teams win out it would be Riders vs Sharks in round one of the 2024 Playoffs.
But above anything, the Riders need to handle business in their final two games, and secure home court with two momentous wins.
Riders look to build late form
Wins are not a given for the Riders in the two games, who enter this weekend having lost two on the bounce.
The first was a 91-96 loss to the Eagles in a game where Leicester could have essentially locked up home court after beating the Sharks two games prior. The narrow loss, however, did mean Leicester secured the tiebreaker against their North Eastern rivals.
Most recently, the Riders fell to the Bristol Flyers 77-89, a big result for Bristol in their mission to secure the seventh seed.
After a weekend off, and a chance to recover, the Riders will look to lock in, bounce back and build their form going into the postseason.
Healthy Holmes
The week away from action was significant for the Riders, who can heal any bumps and bruises and get fresh ahead of an important Playoff campaign.
Head Coach Rob Paternostro echoed that sentiment while looking to the remaining two games of the Championship season.
“These last couple of weeks are really significant,” he commented. “We want to make sure we’re healthy, and that we understand what our strengths are going into the playoffs. When we have everyone available we have a lot of weapons that can cause huge problems.”
Jaren Holmes, in particular, will benefit from the added recovery time, having spent a number of weeks away from action through injury.
He returned to the roster in limited minutes last time out, and will look to build back into game shape in the final two games before attacking his first postseason campaign of his professional career.
Having Holmes back is a major boost, and Leicester will look to maintain a healthy roster in their final two fixtures.
“In any sport, the healthiest do well in the postseason,” added Paternsotro. “We’re happy to be able to spend some time recovering.”
The last few tickets remain for our final home game of the Championship season against Manchester Giants.
Leicester Riders are thrilled to be working with LivingWell Health ClubsLeicester as its official health club provider.
LivingWell Health Club prides themself on being Leicester’s friendliest health club, providing a welcoming and comfortable location to both exercise and relax.
They offer a range of facilities including a swimming pool, spa pool, sauna, steam room, air conditioned gymnasium, pro-shop and relaxation area.
Sam Ford, Health Club Manager at LivingWell Leicester, commented:
“LivingWell Leicester are delighted to be working in partnership with Leicester Riders basketball as their official health club provider, which brings together the power of fitness and athleticism to promote a healthy lifestyle and community engagement.
“We very much look forward to welcoming both the Men’s and Women’s first teams into the club, and building further relations within the community.”
Interested in joining the Riders family? For more information read our corporate brochure here.
Andrew Sullivan named to British Basketball League Hall of Fame
Leicester Riders legend Andrew Sullivan has been named as one of the first 10 inductees of the British Basketball League Hall of Fame.
Sullivan played five seasons of his 13-year professional career with the Riders, helping to bring nine pieces of silverware to Leicester, including two trebles in 2013 and 2017.
He suited up for Leicetser from 2011-2014, before re-signing for two more seasons in 2015.
He was named British Basketball League MVP for the second time in 2013, averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
A serial winner, Sullivan won 20 pieces of British Basketball League silverware and two MVP awards.
Internationally, Sullivan was capped 100 times for Great Britain, and captained his country in the 2012 London Olympic games. He also won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in 2006 in Melbourne.
Sullivan’s services to basketball earned him a place in the League’s Hall-of-Fame, amongst legends of the Men’s and Women’s League, from players, coaches, officials and those who have demonstrated invaluable services to the Legaue.
You can read the full list of inductees to the British Basketball League Hall of Fame here!
Leicester Riders fell 108-71 on the road to the Bristol Flyers, making their record 15-14 in the British Basketball League Championship.
The Flyers led convincingly wire-to-wire, hitting shots consistently all afternoon. Tevin Olison went off for 31 points, and was one of three Flyers with over 20 points.
Jaren Holmes led the Riders with 20 points and 3 rebounds. Despite their All-Star guard’s play, Leicester lost the turnover battle 17-9, and shot 39% to the Flyers’ 49% in the defeat.
The sides exchanged jabs through the first few minutes, the Flyers building a narrow advantage going into the first media timeout. They found joy getting to the rim, generating eight points in four minutes in close, giving the hosts an 11-7 lead with 4:41 left in the opening quarter.
Bristol went on a run out of the break to stretch the difference to nine. An Olison and-one followed by a Levi Bradley long two sparked the run, allowing the Flyers to lead 32-20 after one.
The momentum continued in the second quarter, the hosts building their lead to 16 midway through the period. Miryne Thomas and Jaren Holmes, with 10 and 9 points respectively, led the attempted comeback, but the Flyers had three scorers in double digits 15 minutes into the game in an offensive onslaught.
The Flyers won the second 29-16, led by Tevin Olison who had 25 points at the half. Bristol shot 13-20 from the foul line in the first to the Riders 3-5, turned the ball over four times to the Riders eight, and shot 50% from the field to the Riders 36%.
Leicester trailed 61-36 at the half.
The Riders chipped into the deficit in the third, but the Flyers hit big shots throughout to maintain their hefty advantage. Back to back Flyers’ threes rebuilt their lead, and an Olison corner triple made it 30.
It was 92-57 with one to play, Blake Bowman ending the quarter from the foul line.
The final quarter was a formality, with the game proving out of reach for the Riders. The Flyers won the fourth 16-14 to seal their win.
Leicester returns to action after the All-Star break, hosting the Caledonia Gladiators on March 22.
Leicester Riders are set for their final game before the All-Star break, hitting the road to take on the Bristol Flyers.
The game features two teams with contrasting styles, looking to play the game on their own terms to take control of the fixture.
Here’s what the Riders can expect from Sunday’s opponents…
Battling on the boards
Bristol have made their name on the boards this season, leading the League in total and offensive rebounds. The Flyers pull down an offensive board on 34.48% of their misses, leading to 11.87 second chance points per game.
Their All-Star Brad Greene leads the League in this department, and is the only player averaging double digit rebounds in the British Basketball League this season.
It’s a group effort on the boards, despite Greene’s dominance down low. Five players average over four a game, as the who roster crashes the glass every possession, from front court to back court.
Sam Idowu’s outing last time the Riders faced Bristol neutralised their rebounding threat, however. He grabbed 14 boards to pair with 15 points, making the paint his own as the Riders took a Trophy win.
Greene still pulled down 11 rebounds, but Leicetser won the rebounding battle 45-36 to take the victory. It will take the same level of effort on the glass to come away with the win in the South West.
Points in the paint
On the defensive end of the ball, the Flyers have a stifling defensive interior. They allow the fewest points in the paint of any team this season, allowing only 31.55 points per game around the basket.
Bristol contest without fouling, ranking seventh in fouls per game, and their sixth ranked blocked shots ranking means they have found ways of preventing opponents from driving their way inside, and forcing difficult attempts when they do.
The Riders rank third in points in the paint with 40.18 per outing, and will look to counteract Bristol’s interior defence to establish themselves inside. They can open up the rim from distance, however, with their second ranked 37.74% shooting from three.
Bristol have not prevented the three at the same rate as the layup this season, allowing their opponents to shoot 35.8% from distance.
The Riders, with their sharpshooting quartet of Miryne Thomas, TJ Lall, Teddy Allen and Conner Washington who are each shooting over 40% from deep this season, will hope to continue their hot form from three to get points on the board.
Setting the tempo
The game may feature a tug of war between two sides who play at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Bristol plays a slow paced, half court brand of offence for the majority of their possessions. They play at the second slowest pace of any team in the League at 76.85, compared to the Riders who lead all teams at 80.61.
The Riders continually want to get out and run in transition, using their speed and vision to push the pace and get easy looks at the rim.
In the halfcourt, they take shots early in the shot clock to maximise the amount of possessions they have in the game.
Leicester Riders are set to take on the Bristol Flyers on the road, in their last game before the 2024 British Basketball League All-Star game.
Here are the key battles to watch in the game…
Brad Greene vs Sam Idowu
The Riders face the challenge of taking on the League’s leading rebounder in Brad Greene. The American, who was named the All-Star starter for the centre position, has averaged a double double this season with 12.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
Greene is a force on the offensive boards. He leads all players in offensive rebounds with 3.9 per game, on a team that grabs the most rebounds of any team this season.
The 6’11” California native went off for 19 points and 17 rebounds against the Riders in December, grabbing 14 offensive rebounds.
In the rematch, however, in January, Riders big man Sam Idowu was his equal. Greene was held to 7 points, while Idowu muscled his way to 15 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks, pulling down 5 offensive rebounds going against Greene.
Idowu has been a physical force inside the paint off the bench for the Riders this season, . He has the size, the physicality and the hustle to contest Greene on the boards, and limit the Flyers’ second chance opportunities.
Trejon Jacob vs TJ Lall
Despite his team’s loss, Trejon Jacob led the Flyers in a spirited performance last time against Leicester, scoring 16 points with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.
He scored 10 points in the third to keep Bristol in the game, but the visitors couldn’t capitalise on the offensive momentum, and Leicester kept their opponents at arm’s length.
Jacob has averaged 17 points in the last two games against Leicester, finding joy putting points on the board. The American is putting up 12.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game committing to the glass from the wing.
Tasked with helping to slow Jacob down will be Canadian wing TJ Lall, who is coming off the back of a Team of the Week selection for his performance against the Cheshire Phoenix.
With leading scorer Teddy Allen and captain Kimbal Mackenzie ejected from the game, Lall stepped up in the fourth against the Phoenix to lead the team to a win. He scored seven to start the quarter, bringing his game tally to 22 points and 7 rebounds.
Lall has made his name as an elite two-way wing, able to impact every facet of a contest. His size and length, combined with his playmaking and shooting ability, makes him a versatile threat on the offensive end.
On defence, Lall can pick up all five positions, and will feel comfortable going up against Jacob’s scoring threat from the wing. Should Jacob get hot again in this one, Coach Rob Paternostro will feel confident in Lall’s ability to stem the tide.
Tevin Olison vs Jaren Holmes
Alongside Greene, Bristol’s other All-Star on their roster is Memphis-born guard Tevin Olison, who is shining in his second season as a pro.
Olison is Bristol’s leading scorer, averaging 15.8 points per game on 46.5% shooting from the field. He’s taken a step up from his rookie year, where he averaged 10 points as a rookie for the Flyers.
Olison missed the previous two fixtures against the Riders through injury, but played at home against Leicester at the start of the season. He scored 17 points on 37.5% shooting from three, leading his team’s scoring in a 92-74 Riders win.
Going face to face with Olison in the backcourt will be Leicester’s own All-Star, Jaren Holmes, who has been playing elite hoops of late.
He went off for 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in the game, stepping up alongside Lall. Holmes has gone off for big performances throughout the year, and is the Riders’ second leading scorer on the season.
Michigan-born Holmes is putting up 13.2 points and 4.4 rebounds from the backcourt, and can go toe-to-toe with any guard in the League on both ends of the ball.
Expect a battle between the two All-Star guards in Bristol.
Teddy Allen named British Basketball League Player of the Month for February
Teddy Allen has been named February’s British Basketball League Player of the Month.
Allen averaged 28.6 points and 7.6 rebounds during February, including back-to-back 35 point performances.
He became the first British Basketball League player to score 35 in consecutive Championship games since 2012, and the second player to post 35 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists since 2008.
The Phoenix-born wing is the League’s leading scorer this season, putting up 24.8 points per game, and the Riders’ leading rebounder, pulling down 6.6 per game.
Leicester Riders are the back of a 1-1 weekend, where they faced the top two ranked teams in the British Basketball League Championship standings.
They kicked off with a hard-fought 101-93 victory against Cheshire Phoenix, handing them their first loss in 2024.
On Sunday, they headed to London to face the league champion Lions, falling 105-89.
Riders All-Star guard Jaren Holmes reflected on the weekend of play…
Overcoming adversity
The Riders pulled out the win against Cheshire in the face of adversity. They fell in a 20-2 hole to start the game and battled back to tie it in the second quarter.
Their leading scorer, Teddy Allen, then picked up a double technical foul as the game approached the half, and their captain, Kimbal Mackenzie, picked up a second unsportsmanlike foul in the third quarter.
Despite all of that, playing against a team they were yet to beat this season, they rallied to grind out a win.
“It shows our competitive nature,” reflected Holmes, who went off for 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in the game.
“We had to have a next man up mentality, and we have a great group of guys that love to play the game and compete. It showed that night.
“When Kimbal and Teddy were ejected, we took a breath and continued to play our game. Guys stepped up and it showed in those moments. We have a lot of talent on this team.”
Despite falling in a big hole early, the home crowd willed their team to the win with infectious energy all night.
“There was a great energy in the building, and our team really fed off it,” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro after the game, and Holmes seconded that sentiment.
“The crowd had a huge impact. They willed us to it. They kept getting louder and louder, and bringing that positivity. It truly helped me throughout the entire game. It was an exciting game overall, and they made it fun. They were world-class.
“I think it was our best win of the year so far.”
Battling in the capital
The second quarter is where the damage was done against the Lions. They lost the second 33-14, heading into halftime down 19.
“Playing London, you have to hit shots and get back in transition. We missed a few shots in a row and they ended up with two threes. Those are swings you can’t have when you come up against a team that talented,” said Holmes.
Despite the loss, the Riders won the other three quarters by five, fighting wire to wire despite the heavy deficit.
“There are always positives to take from games. Kimbal had to sit out in the second quarter, and Conner [Washington] stepped up to lead the point.
“It showed his ability to step up in the big moments. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but we didn’t skip a beat. The offence continued to flow, we played hard until the end.
“We were up against a good team who are in the playoffs of the EuroCup. There are moments where anyone can be beaten, so if you keep knocking on that door, it’s going to open.”
Ready to bounce back in Bristol
The Riders are back in action on Sunday, heading to Bristol to face the Flyers.
The last time the sides met in Championship action, the Flyers took an 87-81 win in Leicester. The Riders took revenge in the next meeting, winning 95-74 in the British Basketball League Trophy.
“They’re a great team, coached well with dynamic players,” commented Holmes on his next opponent.
They’re up in your face and they press most of the game. We have to take care of the ball because they thrive in transition, and then limit their three-point opportunities in the half-court.”
The Flyers lead the league in rebounds per game in the Championship this season and pull down the most offensive boards in the League as well. Their All-Star centre, Brad Greene, leads all players in rebounding with 10.2 a game and is averaging a double-double this season.
“They rebound extremely well, especially on the offensive end,” said Holmes. “We have to keep them off the glass. Rebounding is absolutely the emphasis this week.
It’s not just Greene, They all crash and help him, so we have to find ways to create two-on-one against him and take him out of the play when the ball comes off the rim.”
The sides play at opposite ends of the spectrum in regards to their play style. Leicester play at the fastest pace of any team this season, and Bristol at the second slowest.
Holmes says it’s important to establish the game at Leicester’s tempo.
“We have to trust in the work we have, not change who we are regardless of who is in front of us. We want to push the pace, get up shots and play together as a team.”
The game tips off on Sunday, March 10, at 2 pm. You can watch the action live here, on the British Basketball League Youtube channel!
Leicetser Riders lost 105-89 to the London Lions on the road, to fall to 15-13 in the British Basketball League Championship.
The sides were squared at 27 after one, but an explosion in the second quarter from the Lions gave them a 20 point advantage which the Riders were unable to overcome in the second half.
Leicester won the final three quarters by 5, but couldn’t find enough to get back into it.
Teddy Allen led the game with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals, continuing to establish himself as the League’s premier scorer. He was backed by Miryne Thomas, who scored 10 in the third quarter on his way to 17 points to get the Riders offence back in rhythm.
But the issues were on the defensive end. The Lions had five double digit scorers, led by 17 points from Sam Dekker, and the team shot 58% from the field.
The Riders burst out to a 9-2 start, attacking with authority led by four from Kimbal Mackenzie out the gate. London hit back in minutes to tie it at 11, but the Riders established their offence early to go toe to toe with the hosts.
Allen scored seven in the first five minutes, getting buckets on the board early. A minute later, he drove the length of the floor on the fastbreak for the second time in the game, scoring his second and-one play.
Dekker, in his return to the roster from injury, got to work to close the first. He scored seven straight points to take the lead for London. But the first ended 27-27 led by 9 points from Allen.
London started the second quarter 6-0 to extend out to a lead. They found success at the rim, as the Riders did early, scoring their first five buckets of the period in close to force a Rob Paternostro timeout.
Tarik Phillip scored six points in three minutes for London on their run. They made it a double digit lead through David Nwaba, who was found on a backdoor cut to make it 41-30.
The onslaught continued through to the half, the Lions winning the second quarter 33-14 to take a 60-41 advantage, led by 12 from Dekker at the break.
The Lions picked up in the third quarter where they left the second, scoring six straight to grow their lead. Thomas found joy for the Riders to score 10 points in three and a half minutes, but visitors couldn’t slow down London’s scoring to break into the deficit.
The Lions won the third 28-23 to lead 88-64 with one to play.
The Riders went bucket for bucket to start the fourth, once again finding success at the hoop. Blake Bowman’s free throws made it an 8-6 start to the period.
But London saw it out late, having built enough of a lead early to secure the win.
The Riders return to action on Sunday, staying on the road to face the Bristol Flyers.
Leicester Riders are set to take on the London Lions in their second game of the weekend. They will face the League champions for the final time in the British Basketball League Championship, heading to the Copper Box for the second time.
Here, we take you through what to expect from our opponents…
Shooting efficiency
London have operated with killer efficiency on the offensive end this season. They lead the League in field goal, three point and free throw percentage, their effective field goal percentage sitting at 58% on the season, 4% more than the second ranked Riders.
The Lions attack the hoop to generate offence. They lead all teams in points in the paint and free throw rate, getting easy buckets at the rim and putting their opponents in foul trouble consistently.
While their leading scorer, Matthew Morgan, is the second highest scorer in the League with 19.4 points per game, the Lions share the ball to great effect to lead all teams in assists.
The Riders offensive production is close to matching the Lions on the season, scoring just one point less on average in their games, but they’ll have to lock in on the defensive end to find success in this game, especially because of the quality London has on the other side of the ball.
Stifling defence
While some of the Lions’ defensive success can be credited to their high field goal percentage, preventing opponents getting easy looks on the fastbreak, they have ranked among the League’s best in their score stopping.
The Lions are the best at stopping transition buckets, allowing only 15.4 fast break points per game, they also hold their opponents to the worst field goal percentage of any other team at just 41%.
In addition, London close possessions consistently, allowing few second looks at the basket. Their 31.69 defensive rebounds per game is best of any team. Their defence is a contributing factor with that number, forcing their opponents into more misses and getting more opportunities for defensive rebounds.
Another aspect of London’s stifling defence is their rim protection. Led by the league-leading rim protector Josh Sharma, who sends away the most shots of any player with 1.7 per game, London tops the blocked shots charts also.
The Riders’ high powered scoring will need to be at its best to overcome London’s defence.
Giveaways
An area of weakness in the table toppers is their tendency to give away possessions.
The Lions turn the ball over 15.69 times per game, the most in the League. This leads to them giving up the third most points off turnovers per game at 13.86 per game.
While their shooting efficiency means London doesn’t give up many fastbreak points, but the Riders will look to take advantage of any Lions turnovers to generate good shots against London’s defence.
Report: Riders grind out gritty win against Cheshire
Leicester Riders pulled off a gritty 101-93 win against Cheshire Phoenix, snapping the visitor’s undefeated streak in 2024.
The entire Riders unit stepped up after the League’s leading scorer, Teddy Allen, and Leicester’s captain Kimbal Mackenzie were ejected from the game.
TJ Lall topped the team’s scoring off the bench with 22 points, backed by Miryne Thomas’ who had 19 and exploded out of the half following Allen’s ejection.
Leicester were red hot from three, shooting 47% from deep on the game led by Lall and Thomas who combined for six.
Aaryn Rai led the game with 28 points, fighting wire to wire in his team’s effort. But they couldn’t overcome a spirited Riders effort, backed by a raucous home crowd.
Starting slow
Leicester weren’t just faced with the adversity of two ejections. They started slow, falling in a 20-2 hole in the first quarter.
Rai scored 8 points to start the game, and Leicester turned the ball over four times in three minutes in a stuttering start.
Thomas took the lid off the basket with a score at the rim to make it 20-4. One score was all it took for the Riders to find form, and Lall sank a corner triple to make it 20-9 with 4:10 left in the first.
Bouncing back
The Riders rallied, going on a 15-3 run to end the first. Big man Duke Shelton ended the first with a drive to the hoop to make it 23-17, getting Leicester right back in it.
The surge continued in the second, and Sam Idowu grabbed the Riders the lead, as the hosts continued to attack inside.
The sides were locked in a back-and-forth towards halftime. Jaren Holmes put up seven points in the second quarter to shoulder the scoring load, hitting a corner triple after an Allen behind-the-back pass.
But the big moment in the game came minutes later, as Allen picked up a quick double technical which saw him ejected from the game. With the League’s leading scorer out of the tie, the Phoenix ended the period on a 4-0 run to make it 42-42 at the half.
Gunning out of the break
Thomas drained a three to settle the Riders into the second half. Leicester started the quarter in a 7-0 run, after three Skyler White misses on the other end. Thomas came out hot, hitting two quick triples to put Leicester up 55-48.
He brought his game tally to double figures with 3:55 left in the quarter, sinking a tough and-one finish over White.
Up 10, Leicester battled hard to close the third to keep their opponents at arm’s length. But to close the quarter, Riders captain Mackenzie picked up an unsportsmanlike foul after incidental off ball contact, which saw him out of the game with Allen.
Battling it out late
The third ended 70-62, the Riders needing heart and hustle to see it out.
Holmes attacked the hoop for two to start the final quarter, followed by Lall who put Leicester up 12. Lall hit a corner three, assisted by Holmes, before Miryne came down and nailed a triple of his own as the Riders ran away with the tie late.
Cheshire’s star guard LaQuincey Rideau was the third player thrown out of the game, picking up his fifth and final foul in the fourth.
On the other end, Riders’ veteran Conner Washington stepped up in the absence of Mackenzie and Allen, taking a charge on Cam Christon and finishing a layup through heavy contact with four minutes remaining.
Lall put the exclamation point on the performance with an explosive one handed jam, sending the Riders fans into raptures and sealing the win.
The Riders are back in action on Sunday, heading to London to take on the table topping Lions.
The Riders enter this fixture having won their last five games, catching fire in the mid point of the Women’s British Basketball League Championship season.
A winning weekend last week brought their record on the season to 11-2, good for second in the standings behind the undefeated London Lions.
The weekend saw Leicester beat the Newcastle Eagles 90-75 at Mattioli Arena, before hitting the road to beat the Manchester Giants 92-67. All of the Riders wins on this streak have come by over 20 points, and they fire through games and climb the standings.
Star guard Taylor O’Brien has led the team through the stretch. She has led the scoring in the last three, and averaged 27 points over the last two. And the team has continued to assert themselves on the boards, led by Rayven Peeples who has logged a double double in four of the last five.
The Riders return home to take on the Wolves, who they last played in the second game of the season.
Contrasting form
In contrast to the Riders’ hot form, the Wolves enter this matchup looking to avoid making it five losses in the row. They have lost the last four by 20, and will look to turn their form around in Loughborough.
Their last game was a 61-90 loss at home to the third-placed Caledonia Gladiators. They were outrebounded 23-53 by the visitors, so the Wolves will need to crash the glass to get a result against the Riders, who lead the League in offensive rebounding.
Oaklands are typically solid in that department, pulling down 24.7 defensive rebounds per game, good for sixth in the League.
Amy West leads them in rebounding with 6.9 per game, but missed a Gladiators game after a collision with a teammate in pregame warmups, which sidelined her with a head injury. Should she return to action against the Riders, she’ll be in for a battle at the rim with Peeples.
Key matchup
Topping the Wolves scoring charts this season is American guard Caterrion Thompson, who is averaging 16.2 points per game on the season so far.
Thompson’s play this season should come as no surprise for those who have followed her career. She arrives in Oaklands having led the scoring for Finnish side Forssain, averaging 18.1 points per game.
The Ohio-born guard started out her college career at Bowling Green, where she remained until her Junior year. As a Redshirt Junior, Thompson ranked second on her team in scoring with 13.7 points per game and averaged 5.3 rebounds.
In her final college season with Mississippi State, Thompson averaged 8.1 points and 3.1 rebounds, leading the team in 3-point shooting percentage with 41%.
Tasked with the role of going toe-to-toe with Thompson is fellow American O’Brien. O’Brien, who also leads her team in scoring this season, is capable of going bucket for bucket with anyone in the League, as she demonstrated over her last two games.
The rookie signed to the Riders from Florida State, averaging 6.7 points for the Seminoles last season.
She spent four years prior at Bucknell University, leading the team in scoring for two straight seasons and earning a place on the All-Patriot League First team for 2021 and 2022. The Pennsylvania native averaged 16.7 points and 6.5 rebounds in her final season with the Bison.
Expect a battle in the backcourt between these two scoring guards.
Leicester Riders take on the British Basketball League’s only undefeated team in 2024, the Cheshire Phoenix, in their next Championship fixture.
The Phoenix have proved too much to overcome for every opponent this calendar year, including the League leading London Lions who they bested in the Trophy final.
Here have been the keys to their success…
Running the Fastbreak
Cheshire plays fast, with willing runners going coast to coast in transition at the highest rate of any team in the British basketball League.
The Phoenix lead the League in fast break points with 18.97 per game, and get their opportunities on the break often by topping the points from turnovers charts with 16.77 per game
Their ability to get buckets in transition stems from their ball pressure on the defensive end, where they rank first in steals with 8.53.
Trophy Final MVP Laquincy Rideau has been key to getting the Phoenix on the run. The American point guard is first among all players in steals this season with 3.1 per game in his first season in the British Basketball League.
He also leads the League in assists with 6.8 per game, pushing the pace in transition and dishing off to his teammates on the run for easy buckets.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) October 7, 2023
Good shot selection and hustle in transition will be key to keeping Cheshire in the halfcourt in this one, and prevent easy baskets on the break.
Offensive rebounding
As well as getting easy looks on the break, the Phoenix crash the glass for second chance points to generate their offence.
Cheshire ranks second, behind the Bristol Flyers, in offensive rebounding with 13.57 per game, leading to a League-high 11.80 second chance points per game.
🤯 CAM CHRISTON! Hustlin' his way to beat the buzzer and put @CheshireNix up after 10 minutes against @Cal_Gladiators.
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) January 5, 2024
Front court pairing Ethan Chargois and Arryn Rai lead the effort on the glass, grabbing 2.5 and 2.4 offensive rebounds per game respectively. They both rank in the top 10 among all players in that department, their two pronged attack making it difficult to box out from missed Phoenix shots.
The Riders have multiple players willing to do the work on the glass, from the League’s leading scorer Teddy Allen who pulls down a team-high 6.7 boards per game, to the Riders’ depth at the big position of Mo Walker, Sam Idowu and Duke Shelton who all take pride in their rebounding efforts.
With the Phoenix shooting at a 45.55 % rate on the season- third best of all teams- the Riders cannot afford to give them second looks at the hoop.
Points in the paint
Cheshire’s speed in transition, offensive rebounding and halfcourt approach means they rank second in the League in points in the paint. The Phoenix score 39.73 points in the paint per game, led by stars who relentlessly attack the hoop.
Arryn Rai has been key to the offensive playstyle. The new acquisition from the NBL in the offseason is the team’s leading scorer and a top five scorer in the League with 18.3 points per game.
Rai attempts 8.2 shots from within the arc per game, connecting on 62.2% of his looks in close.
This ranks third in the League of those who have taken over 100 shots. Rai’s aggressive drives to the rim opens up shots for teammates and draws fouls on opponents, highlighting the emphasis on the Riders being able to contest without fouling.
The Riders have bodies to throw at Rai in the paint, but staying in front of the talented wing may be key to preventing a big scoring night. Cutting off Rai’s drives to the rim will be tasked with the Riders premier perimeter defenders, who are in for an intense night to limit Rai’s effectiveness.
We need you there!
The team need your help to get over the line in this one!
Key matchups: Leicester Riders vs Cheshire Phoenix
Leicester Riders take on the Cheshire Phoenix on Friday, in an important clash for the team.
The star-studded fixture features three All-Star starters, and some of the best talent the League has to offer going head to head.
Here, we take a look at the key matchups in the game…
Aaryn Rai vs Teddy Allen
Last season’s NBL Player of the Year, Aaryn Rai, has established himself as one of the League’s best in his step up to the British Basketball League.
The Canadian wing ranks top five in scoring (17.38 points per game), sixth in rebounding (7 per game) and top 10 in field goal percentage (56.47%), as well as knocking down his threes at a red hot 41% rate.
Rai leads the League in three point percentage from the top of arc, finding success pulling up in transition and losing his defenders at the top of the three point line.
He has also relentlessly attacked the rim all season long, and his willingness to push the tempo in transition has been key to Cheshire’s high-paced, fastbreak offensive approach.
Rai has exploded for huge games this season, the biggest of which was a 32 point outing against the London Lions. But he’ll be faced with the tall task of keeping up with the League’s leading scorer- Teddy Allen.
Allen enters this game after back-to-back 35 point performances. Only two players have scored more points in their first eight Championship games. Allen has averaged 26.4 points per game in the League so far, and will look to continue to rack up the points in an attempt to overcome the Phoenix.
Laquincy Rideau vs Kimbal Mackenzie
Laquincy Rideau was instrumental to Cheshire’s Trophy success, hitting the game winning layup against the Riders in the Final Four, and winning Final MVP with 25 points and 10 rebounds against London Lions.
He has been the League’s true point guard, leading all players in assists (6.8 per game) and steals (3 per game), making his impact felt on both ends of the ball.
Rideau pulls the strings for Cheshire, and has logged double digit assists seven times this season. This has contributed to his seven double doubles so far, three of which coming against the Riders.
He battled down the stretch with Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie in the Trophy, Rideau having the final say on that occasion, but Mackenzie has stepped up consistently in the clutch for the Riders over the past few seasons, and will look to again when his number is called.
He led the team down the stretch in a clutch win against Caledonia Gladiators, scoring six points in the final two minutes, and has hit a rich vein of form of late.
Mackenzie had scored 15+ in his last three games, earning Player of the Game with his 21 point performance against the Gladiators.
The Canadian has been a killer from midrange, getting to his sports consistently and connecting on over 50% of his looks. Expect a back-and-forth between him and Rideau from the backcourt in this one.
Skyler White vs Sam Idowu
A Cheshire weapon that has been effective against the Riders this season has been stretch four Skyler White, who has put up big numbers from behind the arc.
Two of his best games of the season were against the Riders, the first a 22 point outing on opening night, and 23 points in the Trophy Final Four.
White hit a combined 13 threes in those games, and chucked up 31. His high volume of three point attempts mean the Riders have to close out when he drifts to the perimeter.
Sizing him up in the front court will be Sam Idowu, a versatile forward who is more than comfortable stepping up to the outside.
Idowu has a versatile game on both ends, capable of hitting the three, taking defenders off the dribble and working in the post down low. He has the size to challenge White when he goes to work in the paint, and the athleticism and perimeter defence to follow him out to the three point line and contest his three point attempts.
Idowu has enjoyed good form over the last few months, and went off for 20 against Plymouth City Patriots on February 9. The matchup at the forward position has been a significant factor between the sides this season, and it could be no different in this one.
We need you there!
The team need your help to get over the line in this one!
The Riders led from the opening quarter, and controlled the game throughout. Led by Peeples, they outrebounded the Giants 62-28 in the game.
Brooklynn Mcalear-Fanus led the Giants with 20 in the host’s defeat. Manchester shot well from three, hitting 40% of their attempts, but couldn’t keep Leicester off the glass throughout.
The Riders endured a slow start, falling in a 5-0 hole before O’Brien’s three from the top of the arc took the lid off the basket for the visitors. Marsissa Hamilton, following a 5/5 night from three on Friday, followed her up with a triple of her own, giving the Riders the lead in a quick swing.
The threes settled the Riders down, and they took control of the first quarter. They established the paint, led by six points from Rayven Peeples, and led the first 26-17 after a relentless attack of the rim throughout the period.
O’Brien took over the start to the second with 5 quick points, making her points tally 12 with seven minutes left in the half. Young star Erin Powell also put five on the board to bring her total to seven, and Leicester extended their lead.
O’Brien’s hot first half meant the Riders won the second period 23-15. Peeples bossed the boards with 10 rebounds at the half, contributing to 10 offensive rebounds for the team as they owned the inside. The score was 49-32 at halftime- the Riders in control.
Sam Ashby got the second half underway with a three to set the tone in the third quarter. The sides exchanged buckets, but the Riders held their opponents 20 points away.
The Giants did chip into their deficit with four minutes left in the third, as Idil Turk hit back-to-back from deep to make it a 14 point difference. But Peeples got work out of the resulting timeout, making a tough bucket at the rim in response.
They went 8-0 started by Peeple’s bucket, before the quarter was ended by another Turk three to make it 70-51.
Boasting a big lead, the Riders saw the game out professionally. Ashby, Peeples and O’Brien shouldered the scoring load, and Leicester won the fourth 22-16 to improve their record to 11-2.
Sam Ashby named to 2024 British Basketball All-Star Team
Leicester Riders guard Sam Ashby has been voted a 2024 British Basketball League All-Star starter.
She will suit up for the South, alongside Oaklands Wolves’ Allison Day and London Lions’ trio Shanice Beckford-Norton, Temi Fagbenle and Megan Gustafson at the Copper Box Arena on March 24.
Ashby was the highest-voted player in the guard position in the South. January’s Player of the Month is logging 13.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in her first season in professional basketball.
Ashby commented: “I’m super excited to be selected for the All-Star game! Having the opportunity to play alongside the best players in the League, and under Head Coach Stella Kaltisdou, will be an amazing experience.”
The full starting fives for the All-Star game are as follows.
Position
North
South
Guard
Georgia Anderson (c)- Manchester Giants
Shanice Beckford-Norton- London Lions
Guard
Georgia Gayle- Sheffield Hatters
Sam Ashby- Leicester Riders
Forward
Harriet Ittewill-Soulsby- Durham Palatinates
Allison Day- Oaklands Wolves
Forward
Emma Eichmeyer- Sheffield Hatters
Temi Fagbenle- London Lions
Center
Kirsty Brown– Caledonia Gladiators
Megan Gustafson- London Lions
The remainder of the team will be chosen by the two head coaches, B. Braun Sheffield Hatters Head Coach Vanessa Ellis for the North and London Lions Head Coach, Stella Kaltisdou for the South.
Riders duo named to 2024 British Basketball League All-Star Team
Leicester Riders duo Teddy Allen and Jaren Holmes have been voted 2024 British Basketball League All-Star starters.
They will suit up for the South, alongside London Lions guard Matthew Morgan and forward Sam Dekker, and Bristol Flyers center Brad Greene at the Copper Box Arena on March 24.
Allen is the League’s leading scorer, and has been named captain after amassing the most votes of any player in the South. Since signing with the Riders in mid-December, he’s putting up 26.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, while shooting 47.6% from the field and a red-hot 46.5% from three in the Championship.
Allen commented: “It always feels good to be recognised for what you do, in any light. Thank you to all the fans who took the time to vote!”
Holmes was the highest-voted player in the guard position in the South. He is logging 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in the Championship this season, impressing in his rookie year.
Holmes commented: “It’s an honour to be voted an All-Star. I’m grateful to my teammates for putting me in the situations to be successful, and to the coaching staff for believing in my abilities day in and day out.
“Thank you the fans for voting me in, especially with this being my rookie year. I’m super excited to be making memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait to be there, and have a good time with the rest of the players.”
The full starting fives for the All-Star game are as follows.
Position
North
South
Guard
Larry Austin Jr. (c) –Newcastle Eagles
Matthew Morgan- London Lions
Guard
Jordan Johnson- Newcastle Eagles
Jaren Holmes- Leicester Riders
Forward
Aaryn Rai- Cheshire Phoenix
Teddy Allen (c)- Leicester Riders
Forward
Tajh Green- Newcastle Eagles
Sam Dekker- London Lions
Center
Ethan Chargois- Cheshire Phoenix
Brad Greene- BristolFlyers
The remainder of the team will be chosen by the two head coaches, Caledonia Gladiators’ Gareth Murray for the North and London Lions’ Petar Bozic for the South.
Last week saw the Riders head to Newcastle to face tomorrow’s opponents, coming away with a 77-55 win.
Contrary to the scoreline, the game was contested until late. It was a four-point game going into the final quarter, before the Riders won the fourth 30-14 to blow the game open and take home the win.
Star guard Taylor O’Brien led the team with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, proving the difference in the final quarter with 10 points.
The Riders’ defence won the day, however, forcing 24 turnovers out of their opponents and holding them to 36% shooting from the field.
Season so far
The Riders have established themselves as one of the premier teams in the League once again this season. They sit third with a 9-2 record, their two losses coming to the undefeated London Lions, who they are one win behind in the standings.
They bounced back from a loss to London with three straight wins, beating the Cardiff Met Archers, Durham Palatinates and the Eagles convincingly.
The Riders have made their trade on the offensive glass this season, leading the League with 14.1 per game. They only grabbed nine last time out against the Eagles, so expect the boards to be a point of emphasis in this one.
Despite her team’s loss, Tierra Hodges led the game with 20 points and 9 rebounds for the Eagles.
Newcastle’s December signing exploded onto the scene in Newcastle, leading the League in scoring through six games.
The 5’9” wing is scoring 22.1 points per game, awent off for 30 points on her debut and has failed to score 20 points in just one game for the Eagles.
Hodges signed in the North East after an outstanding collegiate career at Furman University and an excellent rookie campaign last season in Finland.
In her final college season, she was named first-team all-conference by coaches and media, led the Southern Conference in rebounding with 10.4 per game and ranked third in scoring with 16.2 per game
The Riders fell on the road 109-93 to the Plymouth City Patriots.
A second-straight 35-point performance from Teddy Allen wasn’t enough to overcome a red-hot shooting night from the Patriots.
The hosts went 12-26 from three, led by 33 points from Tyrell Green who went from 8-10 distance on the night.
The Riders fall to 14-12 in the British Basketball League Championship, faltering in their pursuit of the Caledonia Gladiators and Cheshire Phoenix above them in the table.
The Riders came gunning out the gate, with Mo Walker and Allen combining for their first 17 points. Allen made the highlight of the first, pulling up from near the logo and banking in a three to make the score 17-10 with 4:20 left in the first.
The Patriots came into the game as the worst three-point shooting team in the League, but caught fire from deep to cut into their early deficit. They hit three straight to cut the difference to three points, Green connecting back-to-back.
The Patriots tied it up at the hands of Jules Dang-Akodo from deep with less than a minute left in the period, but Allen ended the quarter with his 12th points, making it 26-24 after one.
The hosts found their groove in the second, riding the hot hand of Green for 6 points and starting the quarter 14-5. Green hit his fourth three with a contest in his face, making it a double-digit advantage at 41-31.
The Riders came storming out of the following media timeout with eight straight points, Allen pulling up from deep once again for his 18th points to make it 41-39 within a minute.
It took another three minutes to tie the game up, and it was Shelton who did it with a putback layup. It was the last score of the half, and the sides entered the break tied at 46.
Allen got the second half underway with a finish at the rim to get Leicester the lead back. The sides exchanged buckets to start the third quarter, both attacking the rim relentlessly.
Both teams couldn’t miss to start the third. They combined for 36 points through six minutes, Kimbal Mackenzie making the last score before the media timeout to make the score 65-63 in the Riders’ favour.
But the Patriots were the team to find some separation, Green staying hot to knock down his sixth three from seven attempts. Dusha stole the following inbound and beat the buzzer at the end of the period to make it 82-73.
Green hit another to start the fourth to help build the host’s lead to 14. Allen then responded with a three in transition and a spin move in the lane to get five points back. Next time up the floor, he hit a stepback three to complete an 8-0 run on his own. Out of the following timeout, Allen drained yet another triple for 35 points.
The Patriots responded with two straight scores, Cam Copeland with the second at the rim. With the newfound momentum they scored eight straight points, Jacob Wiley’s fastbreak jam off a lob pass forcing a Riders timeout.
Green hit a three out of the timeout, making the difference 14. The Riders couldn’t overcome that deficit and fell to the Patriots on the road.
The Riders return to action after the international break, hosting the Trophy champions Cheshire Phoenix on March 1.
Leicester Riders are set to play the Plymouth City Patriots on the road for the first time this season after beating their opponents twice at home so far this year.
A win would see the Riders improve to
Here are three things to look out for in our game in the South West…
Close games
The Patriots have featured in 10 games that finished within single digits in the Championship this season. Their record in those games is 2-8, including three losses that finished within a single score.
Two games ago, they lost another heartbreaker against the Surrey Scorchers 94-92. Should they have secured a defensive board following Saquon Jamison’s deliberately missed free throw with five seconds left, they’d have had a shot for the win.
Plymouth are 0-2 against the Riders this season, and they remained in both games until late. The first was an 88-81 Leicester win, and the game was within two points with less than two minutes remaining. The Riders saw it out late, led by four points from Mackenzie.
Mackenzie has put the Riders on his back this season and scored six points in the clutch against the Caledonia Gladiators last week to secure an important win.
Should Plymouth keep it close once again, the Riders may look to their captain to get over the line. But the Patriots will expect these close games to bounce their way later in the season, as they look to step it up in the clutch.
TJ Atwood
Plymouth’s leading scorer this season, and a player who has been in hot contention for a place on the British Basketball League starting five, is American TJ Atwood.
Atwood went off for 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists last time he suited up against Leicester, and has been one of the Patriots’ most effective players all season.
He is putting up 15.26 points per game from an efficient 52% from the field this season, leading the team. His 6.74 rebounds per game is second most on the Patriots roster, and he also leads them in steals with 1.44 per game.
Atwood doesn’t need much of the ball to do his damage. He ranks eighth on his team in usage rate at just 18.85%, meaning the Riders will have to remain aware through 40 minutes of his presence on the court off the ball.
If they’re not, he can go off for 30 as he did earlier in the year against the Bristol Flyers.
Offensive rating
Despite the firepower of Atwood, the Patriots’ offence has struggled for rhythm this season, ranking last in offensive rating with 99.95. They score 78.46 points per game, one more point than bottom-ranked Sheffield Sharks, but rely on their offensive rebounding for second-chance opportunities.
Their lack of consistent deep threat has been a contributing factor to this, as they shoot the lowest percentage from behind the arc in the League at 28.67%. From two-point range, they rank fifth, finding success attacking the hoop.
In addition to their shooting percentages, the Patriots have struggled to take care of the ball. They rank second in turnover percentage, giving the ball away on 16.04% of their possessions.
The Riders will need to maintain pressure on the ball to force mistakes while limiting chances within the arc and pulling down defensive rebounds to hold Plymouth to their season trends.
