31/10/2002
Leak out for weekend

Leicester Riders co-captain Malcolm Leak is out of this weekend's two BBL Championship games and could miss the Milton Keynes game next week with an elbow injury.

Leak sustained the injury in practise on Monday and it has now been revealed as torn ligaments in his right elbow.

"Malcolm will definitely play no part in this weekend's action," said Coach Billy Mims. "It looks like he's going to be out for ten days to two weeks, so we'll have to hope he can recover in time for the Lions game."

There was better news regarding Jamal Faulkner and Guy Renton, however, with the pair seemingly recovering from illness.

"Jamal has been on medication for the food poisoning he's been suffering from, but he's feeling a lot better and should be good to go," said Mims. "Guy's also getting over the 'flu so assuming nothing takes a turn for the worse both should be OK.

"We'll definitely miss Malcolm's talent and leadership, but these things happen in sport and it could be worse at least Jamal and Guy look like they'll be able to play."

Riders travel to Leopards on Friday night, before returning home to take on the BBL's only undefeated side, Nick Nurse's Brighton Bears, on Sunday (6.00).

30/10/2002
Triple injury woe for Riders

Billy Mims has three injury concerns ahead of this weekend's BBL Championship clashes with Essex Leopards and Brighton Bears.

Malcolm Leak has not practised since picking up an elbow injury on Monday, Jamal Faulkner missed Wednesday's training due to food poisoning, whilst Guy Renton is suffering from a bout of 'flu.

"It's the curse of the road game," said Mims. "We're on our travels this Friday and nothing has run smoothly for us away from the friendly confines of Loughborough University this season."

Leak hyper-extended his right elbow after tangling with Bryan Balser in training and still has swelling at the back of the elbow.

"It's his shooting arm," continued Mims. "We don't know if he'll be ready to go or not, it's just a question of wait-and-see."

Faulkner was struck down with suspected food poisoning on Wednesday morning but following a visit to the club doctor Mims is "hopeful he'll be feeling better in the next 48 hours."

Renton is certainly a doubt for Friday with 'flu.

There was some good news on the injury front for Mims, with Mo Robinson back to full health after missing the Trophy game at Sheffield last week and David Passmore is now fully recovered from the groin injury which limited his minutes against Chester.

24/10/2002
No ban for Mims

Billy Mims has received the standard nine points for his ejection against Teesside Mohawks in the National Cup earlier this month.

The Disciplinary Officer saw no need to add any additional points which would have resulted in Mims missing a future Riders game.

The Riders coach had been ejected after receiving two technical fouls late in the fourth quarter of the 1st Round clash, but his actions were not seen as serious enough to warrant him missing future games.

"I'm delighted not to face a ban," said Mims. "I've never missed a game in my 22 years of coaching and I don't want to miss any."

Mims was ejected for only the second time in his career, but will have to avoid any further misdemeanours this season, as any further penalty points will result in a ban.

23/10/2002
Cole back in BBL

Former Rider guard Freddie Cole is back in the BBL after signing with Milton Keynes Lions. Following the sudden departure of guard Jenis Grindstaff, the Lions have added Cole to the team.

Since leaving the Riders Cole has tried out in the NBA Development League (NBDL) and played in other US leagues.

During his Leicester days, Cole averaged 18.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. He ranked 18th in the league in scoring but struggled to find consistency from behind the arc. Cole was a popular player whilst at the Riders, before he was replaced by Ralph Blalock, and at the time Coach Billy Mims still believed the best was to come from the rookie.

"Part of our early season success was due to Freddie," said Mims in December 2000. "He was the MVP in our pre-season tournament win at Belfast and he had 31 points in our opening game of the season. But unfortunately he's been like a roller coaster with a good game being followed by a poor game. I still think he has the energy, enthusiasm and shooting ability to pursue his dream of playing professional basketball and I wish him well for the future."

Cole makes his debut tonight as the Lions take on Thames Valley Tigers in the Championship.

17/10/2002
Fixture changes after Cup exit

After surprisingly being knocked out of the Cup, Riders have been able to accommodate the outstanding fixture against Birmingham Bullets.

The Riders will now take on Tony Garbelotto's side on Saturday 23 November (7.30) at Loughborough University.

That replaces the contest with Milton Keynes Lions, which was originally scheduled for the 23rd. The Lions game has now been brought forward to Saturday 9 November (7.30) at Loughborough University - the date Riders would have been playing their Cup quarter-final if they had beaten Teesside.

Riders trip to Newcastle on Wednesday 5 February, however, has been postponed with no new date as yet. The Eagles hope to finalise a new date for the game in the near future.

14/10/2002
Mims could face ban

Billy Mims could receive a one-game ban following his ejection from Riders' Cup shocker at Teesside on Saturday.

The Riders play-caller picked up the standard 9 points for an ejection, but will have to wait and see if the Disciplinary Officer will add to that.

10 points would result in a one game ban, 15 is two games and so on.

Even if Mims avoids gaining an extra point when the case is heard, he will be walking the tightrope for the remainder of the season knowing any further dismissal would automatically result in a two game suspension.

No date has yet been set for Mims' case, although it is expected in the next two weeks.

03/10/2002
Balser sidelined for opener

Bryan Balser is set to miss out on a return to his former club Thames Valley Tigers.

The guard, who played in a Championship Final with Paul James' Tigers, has failed to recover in time from a calf injury.

Balser tore the calf muscle in his right leg during a pre-season friendly with Worcester and is not expected to return to training until next week.

"It's a blow for us," said Coach Billy Mims. "Bryan has been excellent for us in the pre-season and he's been an important part of our rotation.

"But he should be back in training on Tuesday or Wednesday next week, so hopefully he'll be fully recovered soon."

Everyone else on the Riders roster is fit for the contest and all the overseas contingent have received the appropriate clearances to play.