24/10/2003
Perry returns to Riders

Leicester Riders are delighted to announce the return of popular forward Purnell Perry to the team. In a related move, the club have released Gary Durrant from the roster.

Perry, 33, was a firm fan favourite during his previous spell with the Riders between 1999 and 2001. The 6'5" forward was amongst the league's best in scoring and rebounding during his two seasons with the Riders and has a career average in the BBL of 22.15 points per game.

"It's fantastic to have Purnell back in a Riders uniform," said head coach Billy Mims. "He's a great guy on and off the court and the fans love him too. Purnell gives us something we've been lacking so far, in terms of his shooting and rebounding ability.

"He shot over 60% from the floor in both seasons he was with us which led the league and he averaged over 9 rebounds a game as well. We've struggled in those two areas and in Purnell we have a guy who will help bring up our shooting percentages and our rebounding numbers."

Perry played a vital role in the Riders' double-winning season of 2000/01, before moving to Korea to play for SBS Stars. Whilst there he averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds per game and was selected for the All Star Game.

The New Yorker will go straight into the Riders line-up for tomorrow's BBL Championship game against Thames Valley Tigers at Loughborough University (7.30pm).

Tickets for the match will be available on the door or for advance bookings please call the Riders office on 0116 262 9979.

* In a separte matter, the Leicester Riders have reached an acceptable agreement in regards to Derrick Crayton and have allowed international clearance to be granted. Crayton, who left the Riders claiming a family issue needed to be sorted, has now signed for Swiss club MSG.

17/10/2003
Riders in action in Leicester

Leicester Riders are offering their season ticket holders an opportunity to see the side take on top American College side Virginia Commonwealth University in Leicester tomorrow.

Riders are playing an exhibition match against VCU and, as thanks for supporting the team through the difficult summer, Riders season ticket holders are offered the chance to see the game. There will be an entry charge of £2 per person and all money raised will go towards the Riders development programme.

The game takes place at Fullhurst Community College, Imperial Avenue, Leicester. Doors open at 1.00pm with tip-off at 1.30pm.

The visit of VCU gives John Smith a chance to play against his alma mater and the college has given the BBL other stars such as Kendrick Warren and Martin Henlan.

10/10/2003
Riders land McCaw at last

Leicester Riders Head Coach Billy Mims has filled the gap left in his roster by Derrick Crayton's departure, with the signing of Sean McCaw. The 6'9" forward joins the Riders from Austrian side Montan Bears Kapfenberg.

McCaw, 30, played for CAB Madeira in 2001/02, averaging 16 points per game, and it was whilst he was with the Portuguese side that Mims first saw him. CAB played at the Riders pre-season season tournament in Loughborough and McCaw was the star of the show.

"Sean caught my eye as one of the most exciting players in the tournament," admitted Mims. "He had 38 against us and also played well against Sheffield and London. After our game he said he liked what he saw and was interested in coming to the Riders at some stage. We've kept in touch since then and although I've tried a couple times before, we've never managed to make it happen until now.

"He's a guy with plenty of European experience and we're excited to have another veteran on the team."

Born in America, McCaw is now an Austrian citizen and represents the Austrian national team. After leaving Southern Utah University, McCaw spent his first four professional seasons in Austria, where he has won the league and played in the All Star Game.

In 2000/01, he moved to French side Ruiel Malmaison, before moving to Portugal. Last season, McCaw played for EWE Baskets Oldenburger in the German Bundesliga.

McCaw has been cleared to play for the Riders this weekend, although he will not arrive in Leicester until Sunday morning, so he will not be available for Riders home opener against BBL Champions Westfield Sharks Sheffield tomorrow night.

That game tips-off at 7.30pm at Loughborough University and tickets will be available on the door. McCaw is expected to make his debut in Sunday's trip to Chester Jets (5.30pm).

05/10/2003
Crayton leaves the Riders

Leicester Riders announce with disappointment that Derrick Crayton has left the club to return home to Alabama for a family related matter.

Crayton said: "Whilst I've only been here a short time, I've enjoyed being in Leicester and working out with Coach Mims and the guys, but my family is more important than basketball right now, so I have to be with them. I'd like to thank the club for giving me an opportunity and wish the guys well for the season."

Riders travel to play-off champions Scottish Phoenix Honda Record Rocks today without Crayton.

"It's a hammer blow just before our first game," said Coach Billy Mims. "Derrick was going to be a starter so obviously it hurts the team, but we'll give it out best shot up in Scotland without him."

The club are now in the process of looking for a replacement, but given the time taken to receive a work permit and international clearance, it is unlikely any replacement will be available in time to play in Riders home opener against Westfield Sharks Sheffield next Saturday (7.30pm).

In another blow, Riders Coach Billy Mims told Bryan Balser not to travel to Scotland today after the guard broke a tooth whilst eating last night. Mims explained, "The side of Bryan's face has swollen up and half his tooth was missing - it looked like he'd been in the ring with Lennox Lewis. He wanted to come, but there was no way he could play like that, so he has stayed behind to get treatment. Two guys out and we haven't got to the first game yet, it certainly doesn't rain but it pours!"

03/10/2003
Duo confirmed to complete Riders roster

Billy Mims has completed his Leicester Riders' roster with the confirmation of James Hurrell and Jermaine Gonsalves ahead of the trip to Scotland on Sunday.

The duo are both familiar faces to Riders' fans having each made their debuts for the club in 1997 and Mims is delighted to have them both back on board.

"I think James is one of the best young prospects we've had at the Riders since I joined the club," he said. "He's actually grown a bit and is now about 6'8" and he's been religiously in the gym so his physique has improved too. Our fans know James loves to play above the rim and I hope with his extra size and strength we shall see more good things from him this year.

"Jermaine is one of the hardest working guys we have. He always gives us 110% in everything he does for this club, whether that's in practice, in a game or out in the community. Jermaine also does a tremendous amount of work for the club in the community and is a fantastic ambassador for the Riders."

Hurrell returned to the Riders' squad last season after undergoing a serious operation towards the end of the 2000/01 season. Gonsalves, 5'11", is now entering his fifth season with the club.

Riders now boast a full compliment of players heading into Sunday's trip to Scottish Phoenix Honda Record Rocks. The new overseas players, Gary Durrant, Mike Wiatre, Mike Pegues, John Smith and Derrick Crayton have all received the necessary clearance to make their debuts at Braehead Arena (5.00pm).

The first home game of the season for the Riders is Saturday 11 October (7.30pm) when BBL Champions Westfield Sharks Sheffield provide the opposition. Tickets for that match are on sale now and can be purchased in advance by calling 0116 262 9979.

02/10/2003
Meet the Riders

It's been a summer of change at the Leicester Riders and the club is offering the fans an opportunity to meet all the new faces ahead of the home opener against Sheffield Sharks.

Riders are inviting their fans to come and join them at the Tiger Bar at Leicester Tigers' Welford Road ground on Friday 10 October.

As well as an an opportunity to meet all the new summer player signings, fans will also get the chance to meet the new Chairman Prof Jim Saker and new board members.

The evening starts at 7.30pm and the bar will be open. There's no need to book, just turn up on the night.

02/10/2003
Steddy ready to go for Riders

On the eve of their first game of the season, Leicester Riders' Head Coach Billy Mims has made a further addition to strengthen his squad, with the capture of 5'8" point guard Stedroy Baker.

The former England international joins the Riders after spending last with Milton Keynes Lions. Baker, 34, has played for Billy Mims before when the pair were at the Leopards in 1998/99.

"I'm extremely excited to have signed a veteran English player like Steddy," said Mims. "He's a smart player with tons of experience. When he was with me at the Leopards, he was an instrumental part of us reaching the Cup Final, including hitting a couple of free throws in the semi-final to force overtime.

"Steddy is a great team player and his enthusiasm for the game and commitment to his team is without question. I'm sure the Riders fans, like me, will be delighted to see in him in a Leicester uniform."

During his 18-year playing career, Baker also has played for a host of clubs in the BBL including London, Thames Valley, Derby, Worthing and Newcastle. He has also played on the continent in Belgium and Germany.

Capped 14 times by England, Baker has made 428 league appearances in British basketball, which is the 13th highest total by any player in the history of the game. During that time Baker has won the Play-off crown, the BBL Trophy and was a runner-up in the Championship in 1993.

Baker's addition puts him alongside Bryan Balser, Mike Pegues, John Smith, Derrick Crayton, Mike Wiatre, Chris Webber and Gary Durrant on the Riders' roster.

Riders take on Play-off champions Scottish Rocks in their opening game of the new season. Braehead Arena plays host to the contest on Sunday 5th October (tip-off 5:00pm).

Home fans get their first look at the Riders on Saturday 11th October when BBL Champions Westfield Sharks Sheffield are the opposition (7.30pm). Tickets are available by calling 0116 262 9979.