Captain and Icelandic star quit Riders but duo are signed up
TOP-OF-THE-TABLE Leicester Riders women have lost the services of captain Kate Oliver and Sara Hinriksdottir for the remainder of the WBBL season.
Both players provided great contributions and standout performances for the Riders, but due to circumstances surrounding the Covid pandemic, the club has agreed to release them from their contracts so they can return home to Australia and Iceland respectively.
Oliver, right, arrived at the Riders during the 20172018 campaign and has provided leadership and consistency.
The three-time MVP played a key role in three consecutive Trophy titles and recently the WBBL Cup victory, in which she had 18 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals.
During this regular season, the Australian forward averaged 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and three steals per game.
Notably, Oliver made the 2020-21 WBBL All-Star Five selection on five occasions.
She said: “I am gutted to be leaving Riders without one last chance at finishing the season with a championship title.
“But I do not doubt that the team will remain competitive and continue to showcase the hard work and determination they have put in this year.” Hinriksdottir joined the Leicester Riders in the 2019-2020 season and stood out from the start.
The Icelandic guard earned the 2020 WBBL Trophy Final MVP award after leading the Riders with a game-high 23 points and seven rebounds. This season, Hinriksdottir averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, as well as winning the WBBL Cup.
“I’ve loved my time with the Leicester Riders and I am very sad to leave,” said Hinriksdottir. “This is not how I wanted to end my time here but returning home and playing in Iceland is the best decision for me right now.
“I wish the team more success this season and would like to thank everyone for an amazing experience in England.”
Meanwhile, Leicester Riders women have signed Amber Smith and Maya Brewer for the remainder of the 2020-2021 WBBL season.
Louisiana native Smith attended the University of Missouri and appeared in all 31 games as a senior, averaging 11.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
During the 2019-2020 campaign, the 5ft 11in forward had a seasonhigh and best double-double with 27 points, 15 rebounds and four assists.
The three-year starter began her collegiate career as the 2017 All Conference co-freshman of the Year.
She was also honoured as the 2019-2020 Naismith Trophy Pre-season Watch List and finished 20th on the Missouri scoring list with 1,299 points.
Before joining Riders, Smith entered the 2020 WNBA draft, but went on to start her professional career in Greece. “Amber is an undersized inside player that will create a lot of match-up troubles for our opponents,” said Riders head coach Jesper Sundberg.
“Defensively her ability to defend players in the post and away from the basket gives us options to make in-game adjustments.”
Missouri native Brewer brings skill, athleticism and versatility. She is an explosive slasher, good shooter and lockdown defender.
Brewer attended Wichita State and the 5ft 11in guard appeared in all 31 games and averaged 6.3 points and shot 41.1 per cent from the field.
She landed her first professional contract with ETHA Engomis in Cyprus Division 1.
She was named the round 5 Player of the Week after posting a doubledouble of 33 points and 12 rebounds.
Brewer also helped the ETHA reach the Cypriot Cup semi-final with a strong performance of 28 points and 11 rebounds.
“She is a versatile defender who will fit our intense defensive and high-possession style very well,” said Sundberg.