‘I am here to do everything I can to win trophies’

JOE SCOTT LOVING LIFE IN CITY AND CAN’T WAIT FOR SEASON

LEICESTER Riders have had to restructure their team in the off-season after the departure of key players such as Conner Washington and Pierre Hampton – and one of the new signings that they expect to make a big impression is 6ft 4in shooting guard Joe Scott.

The 31-year-old American holds an Italian passport and takes up one of the EU positions in Riders squad, previously filled by Hampton.

Scott, pictured, graduated in 2010 from St Thomas University in the US and since then has pursued a career that has included stops at clubs in Italy, Spain, Germany and Austria.

Last season he played for Vienna Timberwolves, averaging more than 15 points a game, along with three rebounds and over two assists per game.

Riders are looking for Scott to provide some instant offence and solid defence, initially from the bench, as they seek to wear down teams with relentless pressure.

Scott has been delighted with the reception he has received in Leicester.

“So far it has been a phenomenal time for me,” he said. “I have really enjoyed getting to know a lot of people in the organisation. Even just seeing the enthusiasm of the fans in the pre-season, with kids running up to meet you, has been brilliant. I am loving it so far.

“I did a lot of research in the summer to find out about the BBL and the Leicester Riders. I also saw a couTHREE ple of BBL clubs playing recently doing some scouting.

“What I notice is there is a lot more pushing the ball in the BBL, and letting guys do some one-on-ones, compared with more structured basketball elsewhere I have played.

“Riders have a good amount of structure on offence, but you see some very good athletes in this league, and the BBL is definitely on the uptick and I am excited to be part of it this season.

“We have a lot of new faces, but the guys already get on with each other very well, and we are a cohesive unit off the court.

“On the court, I think that if we can improve the way we communicate, it will come together. We got a lot of younger players so that will take a little time but already we are showing good signs.”

Scott has had a chance to show fans what he brings to the Riders in their opening pre-season games against Swedish side Nassjo Basket, and against the touring USA Select side, but believes there is much more to come.

“No matter how good a game you have you can always do better and I am my own harshest critic,” he said.

“I am getting comfortable about the way the systems work and getting to understand how the other players work. I know I can play a lot better than I have so far, and I am excited to show the fans what I can bring to the team.”

“I love the style Coach Paternostro brings to the training and to the games. I particularly like the way he gets fired up for games.

“When you see the coach get fired up, it motivates the team. I am one of those guys that responds to that kind of input. I really like the way he delivers messages to the team, and I can see why he has won championships.

“I came here to win. I came to put everything into every drill, and every training session, and to do whatever is necessary to win.

“Knowing the club has that mindset from top to bottom is a beautiful thing and I and very happy to be a part of it.”

■ Riders round out their pre-season against BBL opponents with a visit to Worcester Wolves on Friday night.

They tip off the regular season in the BBL Cup the following Friday at home to Sheffield Sharks.