BBL 2013/14 Preview: Leicester Riders
Twelve months ago nobody would’ve expected the Leicester Riders to be treble winners and if it wasn’t for a tough loss north of the border to Sheffield in the BBL Trophy, we’d be anticipating the return of a team who managed a historic quadruple.
Although that may not be the case, it leaves Rob Paternostro and his men the chance to go one step further in 2013/14.
It’s been a busy summer in Leicester, not only have they made a number of on-court changes but off the court, the organisation has taken great strides to stamp their presence in the local community and in British basketball. The team has had a complete image makeover from training kits to a newly designed website.
The Riders have also assigned Assistant Coach Mark Jarram the task of heading up the new elite player development squad based in Loughborough, a system that’s already produced guys like Jamell Anderson and Connor Washington. Not only has a development squad been founded but Leicester will also be fielding a women’s team for the first time this year set to compete in the English Basketball League.
On-court for the men there’s been a few changes since that famous day at Wembley Arena. Most notably, guard Zaire Taylor won’t be returning this season, choosing instead to take his talents to Worcester. Another departure is Pavol Losonsky, leaving the club to pursue other opportunities; the forward was a major and consistent presence for Coach Paternostro last season.
The team have certainly made up for these losses though with the addition of young new talent as well as making sure the core of its amazing run sticks around, including club captain and league MVP Drew Sullivan.
Levi Noel, Anthony Downing and Rashad Hassan are bringing a taste of Division I college ball into the league signing for the Riders straight out of college. Noel, a defence minded guard also joins new boy Harrison Gamble on the court after a year playing in Spain and a summer that included a call up to the GB basketball squad.
Rashad and Downing (both averaging over 10ppg at the their college programme) join up with established Riders players Jorge Calvo, Connor Washington and MVP runner up Jay Couisnard to more than make up for the loss of Taylor at the guard position.
Leicester Riders roster:
Guards: Jay Couisnard, Anthony Downing, Levi Noel, Connor Washington, Jorge Calvo
Forwards: Drew Sullivan, Harrison Gamble, Anthony Rowe, Rashad Hassan, Jamell Anderson
Centre: Barry Lamble
Predictions for Leicester Riders:
BBL Championship: Winners
BBL Playoffs: Winners
BBL Trophy: Runners Up
BBL Cup: Semi-Finalists
