International watch: Riders suit up for GB Under-20s
There was Riders’ representation on the international stage this week in preparation for the FIBA European Youth Championships in July.
Victor Ndoukou and Lane Campbell were joined by Charnwood product Ceejay Hanson to represent Great Britain Under-20s, taking on last year’s fourth-placed finishers, Finland, in Helsinki over two games.
🇬🇧🇫🇮 Proud of our three Riders who represented the @gbbasketball U20s out in Helsinki!
“It was a great environment in Finland,” said Riders women’s head coach Krumesh Patel, who was appointed head coach of GB U20’s in March.
“They are a competitive team that got a lot right! The Riders guys did really well over the two games, and we hope that’s something they can use to build towards the Euros!”
Charnwood College Fall Short in L Lynch Trophy Opener
Charnwood College Riders fell short in a hard-fought battle against Loughborough Riders in the L Lynch Trophy.
Both sides were slow to open the game, with Loughborough being the first to strike and open a small lead behind the inside play of Loughborough newcomer CJ Hayden, to lead 17-13 at the first break.
Charnwood’s Greg Wild exploded in the game, leading the way for Charnwood on route to 28 points on 7-11 shooting to help Charnwood out to a lead until mid-way through the final quarter.
Jonas Dieterich (21 points, 9 rebounds) and Harrison Gamble (27 points, 11 rebounds) led the way scoring wise for the Loughborough Riders and it was a fourth quarter explosion on the offensive end that saw the home team extend the lead and grab victory.
“This was a good good starting point for this group of players, however there’s much more for us to work on. I thought our lack of experience showed down the stretch and a couple of mental lapses saw the game get away from us in the fourth ,” commented Coach Maynard.
“Credit to Loughborough for making big-time plays. For our first game, I am happy with how we competed, especially due to circumstance we have been in over the past month.”
Solid performances from Victor Ndoukou (15 points, 7 rebounds), Giovanni Emejuru (14 points, 13 rebounds) and Kanu Gudza (11 points, 7 assists) to keep the game competitive in the season opener.
Loughborough Open L Lynch Trophy with Victory over Charnwood.
Loughborough Riders took victory over the Charnwood College Riders in the L Lunch Trophy to being the season after delays caused by COVID protocols in the opening two weeks.
Both sides were slow to open the game, with Loughborough being the first to strike and open a small lead behind the inside play of newcomer CJ Hayden, to lead 17-13 at the first break.
Charnwood’s Greg Wild exploded in the game, leading the way for Charnwood on route to 28 points on 7-11 shooting to help Charnwood out to a lead until mid-way through the final quarter.
Jonas Dieterich (21 points, 9 rebounds) and Harrison Gamble (27 points, 11 rebounds) led the way scoring wise for the Loughborough Riders and it was a fourth quarter explosion on the offensive end that saw the home team extend the lead and grab victory.
“No doubt great to be back playing and we want to make the most of it whilst we can,” commented Coach Jarram.
“But definitely showing the anticipated challenges of a new group and our first game in long time. We have many things to work on and look forward to building and figuring it all out.”
Kyle Jimenez produced a staple all round game with 13 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds to open the year whilst Justin Hedley finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in his Loughborough debut following his transfer from Germany.
Loughborough now look to Tuesday where they will face off against the Nottingham Hoods in their second game of the L Lynch Trophy, back home at Loughborough University and live on Basketball England’s Youtube page.
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
Loughborough Riders will boast a large returning core ahead of the NBL and BUCS Premier seasons, with key faces making a return to the line up ahead of a unusual season set to begin.
Jonas Dieterich, Kyle Jimenez, Liam Johnson, Carl Ntifo, Harrison Gamble, David Oputa return to the Loughborough side as a positive returning core for Coach Jarram’s roster with Loughborough second team players Conor O’Reilly and Mayowa Oloke stepping up to group in training camp.
Head Coach Mark Jarram will continue to build a combination roster built around student athlete players eligibly for BUCS Premier competition and a weekend roster including a number of alumni and Charnwood College students.
“We’re extremely fortunate to return a lot of our core group from last season,” commented Coach Jarram.
“With a large number of incoming freshmen it’s important to have some continuity and corporate knowledge. Harrison, Jonas and Kyle are all respected voices in the locker room whilst also leading by example.
“We’re also intrigued to see how the other returners can grow and develop as second year players.”
The Loughborough Riders will continue pre-season as league details and schedules are finalized for October. Be sure to follow @lborobasketball on social media for news and updated throughout the season as basketball returns.
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
Coach Oli Parr Graduates following 4 years coaching.
Oli Parr is set to graduate this summer from Loughborough College following coaching within the Leicester Riders programme for the last four seasons across multiple levels.
Coach Parr joined the programme in 2016 following time spent with the Manchester Mystics Junior programme – studying Sports Management and coaching within the Loughborough University
“My time in Loughborough was life changing,” commented Coach Parr. “The people I met and worked alongside, has shaped me to be the person I am today. Learning day to day how important the little details are in order to be successful.”
Coach Oli Parr advanced from assisting at Charnwood College to leading multiple teams in his final season in the programme at both the academy and the National League level, whilst also joining the WBBL Leicester Riders team as an assistant coach.
Coach Parr with the Leicester Riders Women’s team.
Charnwood College claimed the WEABL title last season, whilst Loughborough Riders claimed the National Cup for the first time two seasons, just two 15 accolades Coach Parr achieved, being recently nominated as Student Coach of the Year at Loughborough Sport in his final season.
“The amount of time you put into something, the better the potential outcome can be, whether that’s university work or basketball coaching.” Coach Parr mentioned talking on things he will take away from his time at Loughborough.
“Things aren’t just going to given to you because you’ve arrived on campus, you’ve gotta put your own mark in the history books. Growing professionally definitely helped, learning how to treat and manage players and other professionals has put me in a better position to excel in the future.”
As Coach Parr moves on from the Riders programmes in Loughborough he had a clear message for incoming student coaches to the programme.
“As soon as you walk through the door, grind. Set short term and long term goals, academically and for basketball. Challenge yourself to be the best you can be.
“Advice which I was given and prospered. And most importantly, enjoy what you do. It’s the little things people take for granted, celebrate success and enjoy the journey.”
Coach Parr leading the Loughborough Riders in Division One National League.
Netflix star Bryan Penn-Johnson on joining Loughborough Riders
