30/09/2006
Riders 79 - United 81

DMU Leicester Riders suffered an agonising 81-79 defeat to London United as their opening day jinx struck for 11th consecutive season.

After bossing the game for three quarters, Riders appeared home and hosed with a 21-point lead, but somehow managed to let the victory slip from their grasp in the final period.

The opening exchanges were close, with Yorick Williams and Drew Alleyne particularly catching the eye for the Riders.

Five quick points from Terrence McGee early in the second quarter gave Riders a 28-24 lead – an advantage they would not lose until the final basket of the game. With Alleyne continuing to dominate inside, helped by some good work from Del Herriman, Riders posted a 10-2 run to lead 40-31 just before half-time.

A Bucknall triple had Riders’ lead out to 57-43 midway through the third and with Rob Paternostro pulling the strings, Riders finished out the quarter with 11 unanswered points to open a seemingly unassailable 73-52 advantage.

Philip Perre, however, had other ideas and when he bagged nine unanswered points early in the fourth, United were right back in the game at 75-64.

London’s aggressive full court defence was producing results as Riders repeatedly turned the ball over.

With three minutes left the lead was down to five before a superb drive to the basket by Yorick made it 79-72. That, though, was to be Riders final score and on the back of yet another turnover, ex-Rider Marcus Knight nailed a free throw to tie the game at 79 with 54.2s left.

Riders turned it over again on the next offence, but got the ball back when Tarick Johnson missed from 12-feet. Despite playing extremely physical full court defence all quarter, a foul against United with 30s left was only their third of the period and Riders had to take the ball out from the side.

Terrence McGee had the ball and was looking to run down the clock, but Junior Williams was all over him and managed to knock the ball away from him with 18s remaining. Riders forced the ball out of bounds, but London still had the chance to win with the final possession.

Steve Bucknall blocked Phillip Perre’s effort, but Perre managed to grab the loose ball and lay home with 3.5s left.

London used the foul they had to give with 1.9s left and from the ensuing inbound Terrence McGee fired up from 18-feet under double team pressure. It rattled around the ring but couldn’t force overtime and though Yorick tipped home the rebound the buzzer had already sounded.

Riders Achilles heel had been turnovers and it cost the 17 fourth quarter points as they coughed the ball up 14 times.

Andrew Alleyne led the Riders with 25 points and 13 rebounds, with Yorick Williams adding 19 points, 4 boards, 3 assists and 2 steals. Most of Rob Paternostro’s 11 points came from the line and he chipped in with 5 assists as well. Terrence McGee had 9 points and 5 assists, whilst Del Herriman had 6 points and 9 boards. Steve Bucknall added 5 points and 5 boards and Dave Aliu 4 and 7.

Phil Perre was the MVP of the game with 15 of his 30 coming in the fourth quarter rally and he also had 7 boards and 3 steals. Bryant Feggins added 20 points for United, with Tarick Johnson (15) also contributing well. Marcus Knight had a great game against his old team with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals before fouling out in the dying seconds.

28/09/2006
Williams boost for Riders

DMU Leicester Riders head coach Karl Brown has added England and Great Britain international Yorick Williams to his roster. Brown has also signed forward David Aliu on a short-term contract.

Williams averaged 23 points per game for Birmingham last season, whilst Aliu has previous BBL experience with Scottish Rocks

“Yorick is one of the best English players around, so I’m delighted to have him at the Riders,” said Brown. “He’s an explosive scorer who can shoot the three and take it to the basket and he’s a tenacious defender capable of shutting down opponents.

“David is a versatile guy who can play in a few different positions. I think he’ll help the squad, so we’ll see how he goes.”

Williams has played 39 times for England and was a key member of Great Britain’s team in European Championship qualifiers earlier this month. As well as a couple of spells in Birmingham, he has spent time with Brighton, Derby, Essex Leopards and his hometown club Manchester. He also spent a season in Greece with Aris Thessaloniki.

Born in Liverpool, 6’6” Aliu spent last season in Iceland and had a spell with the Rocks in 2004 where he averaged 6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Riders begin the new season against London United at the John Sandford Sports Centre on Saturday night (7.30).

Tickets for this match are available now by calling the Riders office on 0870 116 9719. Season tickets are also still available.

26/09/2006
Brown finally lands Paternostro

DMU Leicester Riders head coach Karl Brown has finally managed to secure the services of Rob Paternostro for the 2006/07 season after trying to sign the point guard for the last two seasons.

The 33-year-old from New Hampshire in America has previously played in the BBL with Birmingham.

“I’ve been trying to get Rob in a Riders shirt for a few years now, but we could never quite get it done,” admitted Brown. “He’s a guy I really like, because he’s a great point guard and he gives you everything he has on the floor.

“He’s got tremendous vision which is essential for any point guard and has led the league in assists before. He’s also so tenacious and such a hard-worker that I think he’ll be very popular with the fans because of his work ethic.”

In over 100 appearances for the Bullets, Paternostro averaged more than 6 assists per game which ranks him seventh in the history of British basketball in that category. As well as creating scores, he has averaged over 12 points per game during his career in this country.

Around two spells in Birmingham, the 5’10” guard has also had spells in Spain, Belgium and in his native America.

Riders begin the new season against London United at the John Sandford Sports Centre on Saturday night (7.30).

Tickets for this match are available now by calling the Riders office on 0870 116 9719. Season tickets are also still available.

25/09/2006
Brown bags Bullets duo

DMU Leicester Riders head coach Karl Brown has secured the services of former Birmingham pairing Barry Lamble and Adam Williams for the 2006/07 season.

Lamble is a 6’10” centre who has represented England at U20 level, whilst Williams is a 6’4” guard from Wales.

“Everyone knows how important it is to me to have a core nucleus of good young British talent and these two fit the bill exactly,” said Brown. “I think Barry went under the radar a bit last season, but towards the end of the year he was walking off the court having chipped in with 6-8 points and rebounds. I think he’s got some great potential.

“Adam’s played in the BBL for three years and he’s got better each year. His shooting percentages have gone up each season and he’s a good defender as well. I think we’ve got two guys who will get better and better.”

Lamble averaged 4 points and 4.5 rebounds in his first season in the top flight last year, having previously played in the lower divisions with Worcester, Bath and Taunton.

Williams has averaged 5.6 points per game during his three seasons with the Bullets and shot 30% from the three-point line last season.

The pair with make their debuts in Riders season opener against London United at the John Sandford Sports Centre on Saturday night (7.30).

Tickets for this match are available now by calling the Riders office on 0870 116 9719. Season tickets are also still available.

21/09/2006
Mills a boon for Riders

DMU Leicester Riders head coach Karl Brown is backing Darren Mills to have his best ever season after signing the forward for the forthcoming campaign.

Mills is entering his fifth season for the club and Brown reckons he will build on the progress he made last term.

“I’ve known Darren since he was a kid playing down at Granby Halls,” Brown admitted. “I’ve watched him develop as a player and I think he’s ready to really make an impact this season.

“He did well for us last year, but I’m looking for more from him this time around. I think he can be a really important player on this team and I’ve told him so. I want him to go out there and play to the level he is definitely capable of week in and week out. His athleticism can make him a real handful for opponents.”

Mills first played for the Riders whilst a student at De Montfort University in 1999. In between time he has had short spells with the Essex Leopards and Scottish Rocks, but most of his career has been with Leicester and he was a member of the double-winning squad in 2001.

Riders begin their 2006/07 campaign next weekend with the visit of BBL new-boys London United to the John Sandford Sports Centre on Saturday night (7.30).

Tickets for this match are available now by calling the Riders office on 0870 116 9719. Season tickets are also still available.

20/09/2006
McGee points the way for Riders

DMU Leicester Riders head coach Karl Brown has snapped up guard Terrence McGee to guide his side for the 2006/07 season.

McGee, 26, was the BBL’s top scoring point guard last season with an average of 19.10 points per game, as well as ranking 3rd in the league for steals with 2.13 per game for Brighton.

“I thought Terrence had a great year last season,” Brown said. “Brighton struggled a bit for various reasons, but he was probably their most consistent player.

“He’s a good floor leader which is a key component for any point guard, but he’s a good shooter as well so he can play either of the guard positions. I think he’s going to do a great job for us this season.”

Last season was McGee’s second in the BBL, having begun his British career with Scottish Rocks in 2003, ironically against the Riders. In between he had a spell in America playing for Des Moines Heat in the IBL.

Whilst with the Rocks the 6’0” American was a driving force behind the side’s run to the BBL Cup Final.

Brown will be unveiling further members of his squad this week ahead of the season tip-off at John Sandford Sports Centre against London United at the end of the month.

Season tickets are still available by calling the Riders office on 0870 116 9719.

Riders fans will have the opportunity to meet the squad Thursday night (6.30) at the Gas Works on Aylestone Road.

19/09/2006
Bucknall to stay for one more year

DMU Leicester Riders head coach Karl Brown has convinced British basketball legend Steve Bucknall to delay his retirement for one more year and play a second season for the Riders.

Bucknall, 40, had announced that the 2005/06 season was going to be the last of his glittering career, but Brown has persuaded the England international to return to Leicester.

“Steve’s in such great shape there is no real reason for him to retire,” said Brown. “I’ll probably play him a little bit less than last season, but if we need major minutes from him, he can still give them too you.

“His CV speaks for itself and he brings so much to the team both on and off the court. He’ll be a player/assistant coach again and he gives a lot to me in both roles because he knows the game inside out.”

Bucknall claimed a bronze medal with England at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne earlier this year and also helped the Riders to the BBL Trophy Final last season.

Having made his league debut in 1984, Bucknall has achieved pretty much everything during a career that has included spells with the legendary ‘Showtime’ LA Lakers team as well as time in almost all of Europe’s major leagues.

He also remains England’s leading scorer of all time with over 1400 points at an average around 15 a game for the national team.

Brown will be unveiling further members of his squad this week ahead of the season tip-off at John Sandford Sports Centre against London United at the end of the month. Season tickets are still available by calling the Riders office on 0870 116 9719. Riders fans will have the opportunity to meet the squad on Thursday 21st September at the Gas Works on Aylestone Road (6.30).

18/09/2006
Alleyne in to join Riders

DMU Leicester Riders head coach Karl Brown has added Barbadian international Andrew Alleyne to his squad for the 2006/07 season.

6’8” Alleyne has been one of the most consistent forwards in the BBL over the last six years during his time at Milton Keynes and Brighton.

“Andrew is a great veteran of the league,” said Brown. “He’s one of the best inside players in the league, either at centre or power forward. He’ll bring a real inside presence to the team.

“He’s been a consistent performer throughout his career and is a fantastic rebounder and a good scorer too.”

Last season Alleyne was won of the BBL’s top rebounders (9.24 per game) and shot blockers (1.13) as well as averaging 16 points per game for the Bears. He was a driving force in Brighton’s league-winning side in 2003/04 season and the following year was named Most Valuable Player as he guided them to Cup glory.

Alleyne was also twice named as MVP of the Caribbean games whilst on international duty for Barbados.

Brown will be unveiling further members of his squad this week ahead of the season tip-off at John Sandford Sports Centre against London United at the end of the month.

Season tickets are still available by calling the Riders office on 0870 116 9719.

Riders fans will have the opportunity to meet the squad on Thursday 21st September at the Gas Works on Aylestone Road (6.30)

11/09/2006
Supporting the Community

The club, as part of its community programme, has developed various initiatives, one namely "Investors in our Future", which is designed for local companies to invest in the future of Leicestershire's youth and community groups or underprivileged children to watch a match, the benefits for local companies are many.

Barrie Pierpoint, Chief Executive, said "Our aim is to secure enough investors to allow 1,000 youngsters to enjoy live sport and entertainment, whilst at the same time provide the ideal opportunity for a company to realise its social community responsibility."

Companies interested or requiring further details in sponsoring one of these community programmes should contact Barrie Pierpoint on telephone number 0870 116 9719 or email barrie@leicesterriders.co.uk

11/09/2006
Herriman In As Brown Puts Squad In Place

DMU Leicester Riders head coach Karl Brown has revealed the first new member of his 2006/07 squad with the signing of England international Delme Herriman.

Herriman was part of the England squad that won a Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne earlier this season.

“The three key things that Del offers the team are leadership, experience and versatility,” explained Brown. “He’s one of England’s most capped players of all time so he’ll be one of our team leaders this season for certain and at 6’6” he can play pretty much any position on the floor.

“He’s played both here and in Europe and having spent a season in the EBL last year, I think he’s keen to prove himself once again at the top level.”

Herriman, 33, played for Manchester Magic last season, having helped Chester Jets to the BBL Championship title in 2004/05. Much of his career has been spent on the continent, with spells in France, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Holland and Germany on his CV.

Brown will be unveiling further members of his squad over the next week or so ahead of the season tip-off at John Sandford Sports Centre against London United at the end of the month.

Season tickets are still available by calling the Riders office on 0870 116 9719.

Riders fans will have the opportunity to meet Delme and the rest of the squad on Thursday, 21st September at the “Meet the players evening” prior to the commencement of the season.

07/09/2006
Riders on the Look Out for New Team Anthem

The Leicester Riders are on the look out for a catchy anthem, for fans to sing and cheer along to, as the team launch their challenge for this season's basketball league.

In a bid to find the perfect tune to add to the electric atmosphere at Riders' games, the musical challenge is being thrown open to the general public.

Fans and the community at large are being asked for their ideas and suggestions on which songs could make a great team anthem for the Riders to run out to at their games this season. Budding musicians can also submit their own songs which could become the new, instantly recognisable, Riders team tune.

Barrie Pierpoint, Chief Executive of the Leicester Riders said: "This is a great opportunity for the fans and community at large to participate and help us to create a powerful and catchy tune to support the team.

"We really want to get this in place for the beginning of the new season so that supporters have something that they can sing with pride as the team shoot their way to success and, hopefully, to the top of the basketball league."

The search for a team anthem came about when Riders fans revealed that they want an all star anthem to sing along to when their players come onto the court for games this season.

People can submit their ideas, suggestions or musical creations to barrie@leicesterriders.co.uk or by post to DMU Leicester Riders Basketball, The Gasworks, Aylestone Road, Leicester LE2 7LZ. For further information please ring the Riders' office on 0870 116 9719. The most popular or effective tune will be chosen as the new team anthem. All entries will be entered into a prize draw with 10 pairs of basketball tickets up for grabs.

Barrie added: "The Leicester Riders Basketball team were established in 1967 and are the oldest club in British basketball. They are currently enjoying success as one of the leading basketball clubs in the British basketball league.

"We want fans to help us find the perfect tune to support the team in their bid for victory this season."