29/04/2002
Leak back as team-building starts

Nurishment Leicester Riders Head Coach Billy Mims has made his first signing of the off-season by bringing back forward Malcolm Leak to the club.

The 6'8" American was part of the Leicester squad which lifted the National Cup and BBL Championship double in 2001.

"Malcolm was a big part of our success in 2001," explained Mims. "He is one of those players who is very versatile because he is an inside-outside player and you don't get too many guys who are capable of playing more than one position when they are 6'8" tall.

"Malcolm handles the ball well for a big man, he certainly shoots the three well and this year we did not shoot the three-pointer very well. He gives us a power-forward who can play inside but also step out and shoot the ball. Also, he is an entertaining player and everybody knows I like my teams to be fun to watch. I want to put a team out on the floor that is exciting for the fans and Malcolm more than fits the bill."

Leak, 31, spent last season in Newcastle where he averaged 17 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for the Eagles, whilst helping them to third in the Northern Conference. Prior to his season and a half at Leicester, he helped London Towers to Championship success.

"One of the key things for me is that Malcolm is hungry," Mims said. "After winning two titles with us last season, he was disappointed not to add to his winner's medals this season with Newcastle. He's hungry for success and I want hungry players on my team - guys who want to pull on the Leicester Riders jersey and win a trophy in front of the best fans in the BBL.

"I'm sure the community of Leicester will be glad to see Malcolm back too. He was a firm fan favourite during his time here and he was very popular in the schools and community development programmes we run."

Mims, who will shortly be travelling to America for his second scouting trip of the off-season, hopes to have a few more names added to his roster in the coming weeks.

16/04/2002
Stars turn out for 'Big Sky'

Clive 'Big Sky' Allen gets his richly deserved testimonial this Saturday as a host of current and former BBL stars turn out to play alongside the Bullets' former centre.

The game takes place at Birmingham Sports Centre, Highgate, Birmingham at 7pm. Due to availability it is recommended that tickets, priced £5 adults and £3 children, are purchased in advance by calling 07889 612 652.

Billy Mims is set to take charge of one of the two teams, whilst Billy Singleton, who began his career in BBL at Birmingham, will be one of the Riders turning out.

Other former Leicester players on show are Justin Phoenix, Nigel Lloyd, Mike Landell, George Branch, Dave Harris, Alvin Scott, Colin Rhooms, Dip Donaldson and Mark Bradbury all of whom also played for the Bullets at one stage or another. Also on the sidelines is former Riders and Bullets boss Pete Mintoft.

Other former Bullets on show include Shawn Jamison, Corey Jackson, Fab Flournoy, Tony Simms, Emiko Etete, Stephen Barnes, Martin Henlan, Phil Cole, Lee Walker, Danny Craven, Mark & Steven Maynard, Russ Saunders, Nigel Hanson, Lijah Perkins, Derek Redmond, Carl Miller, James Cheung, Stedroy Baker, Ian Pollard, Terry Mangum, Steve Assinder, Kurt Samuels, Leon & Delroy Gittens, Wendy Smith (Birmingham Force) plus others still to confirm. The Coaches will be Nick Nurse, Peter Mintoft, Colin Wood, Lance Randall and Billy Mims.