Couisnard Back As Riders Continue To Strengthen

Leicester Riders have added another name to their roster, as preparations to defend their silverware next season continues.

The BBL Champions, Cup winners and BBL Play-Off winners have announced that guard Jay Couisnard has re-signed for another year for the East Midlands organisation, following a hugely successful rookie season in the United Kingdom.

A graduate of the University of Missouri Kansas City, Couisnard’s charisma both on and off the court led to the 6’6’’ guard becoming a huge fans favourite at the John Sandford Sports Centre.

Couisnard was the centre-point of some monumental games last year, which saw Leicester Riders reach all three competition finals, in addition to finishing the campaign at the top of the BBL Championship.

Averaging 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per-game, Couisnard’s confidence offensively often became a focal point of the team’s performances, whilst his solid defensive abilty further strengthened Riders’ position as the best defensive team in the league.

A 17 point, 3 assist, 4 rebound and 3 steal display over Newcastle Eagles in last January’s BBL Cup Final victory led to Jay being named the game’s MVP, whilst over the course of the season, Couisnard finished second only to team-mate Drew Sullivan as the BBL Most Valuable Player.

However, Couisnard will arguably be remembered more for his shooting heroics in March’s trip to Manchester Giants.

The 25-year-old hit a huge three-pointer on the stroke of regulation time to force the contest into overtime, and went on to hit another big shot from deep at the end of the extra period to seal the win for the Riders. That win set up the home game over Durham Wildcats, which Leicester won to clinch their first-ever BBL Championship.

‘I’m very excited to be back in Leicester,” said Couisnard on returning to the Riders.

“I can’t wait for new season to start. We will all be doing everything we can to bring in more silverware.

“It’s (Leicester) a great city, we have a great team, great coaches and great fans. It was an easy decision, as the support we had was fantastic. We all know it was a great season last year but it is definitely is possible for us to have an even better one this upcoming year.

“I enjoy being in Leicester and there is no other place I’d rather be.”

“I look forward to working with Jay again,” added head coach Rob Paternostro.

“He played very well last season and was able to contribute to our team in many ways. His versatility on the basketball court is extremely valuable and he can do so many things on both ends of the floor.

“Couisnard’s ability to make winning plays was instrumental to our success last season. Time and time again he was able to come up with big plays for us in critical situations. I think anyone who watched him play last season was able to see how talented he is, but behind-the-scenes he is a great team-mate who is intelligent and has excellent leadership skills. Jay is a young player who we believe can continue to develop his game and we are very happy that he will be back in a Riders uniform.”