Riders do the deal for rookie Downing

BBL Champions Leicester Riders have taken a further step to completing their playing roster for the 2013-14 BBL season, following the announcement of the signing of American point guard, Anthony Downing.

The 23-year-old point guard is the fourth overseas signing for Leicester this summer, with Riders already acquiring Spaniard Jorge Calvo and Americans Jay Couisnard and Rashad Hassan.

A graduate of Missouri State University, Downing strengthens head coach Rob Paternostro’s backcourt positions. A hugely versatile player, Downing electrified Bears fans whilst playing college basketball, averaging 13.7 points, 2.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals a game last season, making him the team leader in all four statistical categories.

Ahead of his rookie season in the United Kingdom, Downing expressed his delight at linking up with the reigning BBL league, cup and play-off champions.

“I’m really excited,” said Downing.

“I feel blessed and lucky to be a part of the Riders. I know they are an up-and-coming club, coming off a championship season and nothing feels better than going into a club built with winners!

“I’m just eager to get over there and start working and practice with the team and getting used to working with a new set of guys and Coach Rob.”

Riders head coach, Rob Paternostro, was also pleased to be able to add Downing to his roster next season: “Watching Anthony, what stood out was his ability to play in many different ways,” revealed Paternostro.

“He can play with the ball and he can play without the ball. He played in a programme where he was required to make a lot of big plays and he was able to do so.

“Anthony is a good young talent who we feel has his best basketball days ahead of him and we think he can be a player that can help us in many ways.”