Riders blow as Jackson is ruled out for rest of the season
AMERICAN STAR WILL REQUIRE SURGERY ON ANKLE INJURY
LEICESTER Riders’ shooting guard Zach Jackson has been ruled out for rest of the BBL season after suffering an ankle injury.
The American was a starter for Riders this season but has been struggling in recent weeks and now needs surgery.
He missed the BBL Trophy match last week against London Lions but turned out against Manchester Giants on Sunday.
Jackson was averaging nine points, two rebounds and two assists per game, while shooting an excellent 55 per cent from the floor and 44 per cent from beyond the arc.
Riders are now urgently seeking a replacement, with the deadline for signing new players at the end of February.
Head coach Rob Paternostro, below, knows the loss of Jackson will be a blow to the team.
“Obviously, it is very disappointing for Zach and the team,” he said.
“He has been struggling for a few weeks now and needs to get it sorted properly.
“It is a blow, because Zach fit in so well with the team.
“We wish him a speedy recovery and know he has a great career ahead of him.
“In the meantime, we need to move quickly to find a replacement ahead of the registration deadline.” Meanwhile, the BBL and WBBL have had significant funding confirmed in the latest Sports Winter Survival Package.
It is the second tranche of funding to be announced from the government’s £300 million package to help major spectator sports severely impacted by coronavirus restrictions survive the winter.