A message from Mo

Hello everybody! It’s great to be back! 

I’m so happy that the management, coaching staff and fans still believe in me after all that we’ve been through. 

I’m grateful to be able to reach and motivate others, sharing the blessings that basketball has allowed me. 

As you all know, I’ve missed some time with injury over the last couple of seasons. It’s been a long road, but God and my girlfriend have helped me mentally. They have been with me every day to help me heal and grow as a person on and off the court. 

During my recovery, I enjoyed working with the Foundation. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes and in the community around basketball.

Connecting with the kids was great: helping to motivate and inspire them to get through any difficult times they face. 

Now I’m healthy, I can’t wait to get back out there. Expect us to give our best effort every time we step onto the floor. Personally, I expect myself to bring veteran leadership to help the younger players learn and grow. 

I know the fans will have our back every game and bring the energy and noise we need in tight spots to get us over the edge. 

I’m excited to still be a part of the Riders. I’m grateful to be able to make up for lost time, and I’m looking forward to being back out there with all the fans!

Praise God.

Mo Walker

Riders re-sign Walker

The Riders are thrilled to announce the return of Mo Walker for the 2023/24 season. 

It will be the Canadian/British big man’s fourth season with the Riders, after signing for the 2020/21 season. 

Walker was an integral part of the club’s treble-winning success in 2022, averaging 11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game that year. 

Before last season was cut short due to injury, the  University of Minnesota graduate was putting up 10.3 points and 4.5 rebounds, shooting 58.6% from the field. 

“I’m excited to still be a part of the Riders!” said Walker. 

“Anyone who has followed the club and has watched my journey knows I have lost time in the past due to injury. But I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to make up for lost time, and I’m looking forward to being back out there in front of the Riders fans!” 

“We are all looking forward to having Mo back on the court for us next season,” commented Head Coach Rob Paternostro. 

“I thought he started off very well last season and was playing good basketball before the injury. He can be very difficult to match up with, can score in different ways and has the ability to put real pressure on the opposing defence.

“Mo has always shown great leadership during his time here and we have valued that on and off the court.”

Walker makes return to Riders

Mo Walker will return for the Riders for the 2020-21 season, it can also be revealed that having initially signed a two-year deal, Walker has now extended his stay by a further year making him a Rider for the next two seasons.

Mo was all set to make his Riders debut last season but for a season-ending injury which stalled his Leicester debut. Despite this, Walker will be a familiar face to BBL fans after spending a short stint with the Worcester Wolves three seasons ago in which he averaged 18 points and 9.5 rebounds per outing.

“I’m excited! I feel like I have a chip on my shoulder and something to prove from sitting out last season,” reflected Mo. “I want to make the city of Leicester and the fans proud by continuing to build on the winning culture already established by the Riders in the BBL.”

Coach Rob Paternostro is excited to have the 6’10” big available this time out, speaking to the club’s official website, Paternostro said:

“We can’t wait to see Mo put on a Riders uniform. Last year’s injury was unfortunate for both him and the club, and I know that he is really excited about getting back on the court.”

“Although he didn’t play in any games for us last season he settled in very well, he was a part of the team and was able to get a feel for what we do and how we do it.”

“He was a dominant player last time he was in the league, first team all BBL player, a player that opponents feared and had to game plan for.”

“Mo is a big who uses his size to get great position and can really score with his back to the basket. He is also a guy that rebounds both offensively and defensively, passes the ball well and plays with intelligence on both ends. We are expecting big things.”

The new Riders jerseys were unveiled earlier in the week and are available for pre-order until August 15. Check out our online store to order yours!