Washington will return to Riders for new season

COACH DELIGHTED TO WELCOME BACK GB POINT GUARD

LEICESTER Riders have announced their first new signing for the 20/21 season, with the return of popular point guard Conner Washington.

Last season, Washington played in Hungary for a spell with Oroszlanyi-Sportegylet-E Lions in their first division.

He averaged six points and two assists per game, but stayed only two months, before joining VfL Bochum in Germany, where he averaged 18 points and five assists per game.

The 28-year-old 6ft 1in point guard from Bedford had a very successful six seasons with Riders, from 2011 to 2017, after a short spell in the US.

Washington helped Riders to secure nine pieces of silverware over that period, and led Loughborough University to a BUCS championship.

He then spent a year in the Danish first division before returning to the Riders for their European campaign in 2018/19.

In that last season with Riders, Washington was selected in the BBL Defensive Team of the Year, and Washington and team-mate Jamell Anderson were selected off the bench in the BBL All British

Team of the Year. He also featured for Great Britain’s men in the European Championship qualifying games, excelling on defence.

With Riders that season he averaged 9.2 points, 4.1 assists and 3.3 boards per game.

He also shot 44 per cent from the three point line – the eighth best in the BBL

That Riders team won the BBL Play-offs at The O2 in London for the fourth year in a row.

Washington said: “It is great to be back with the Riders.

“I love the organisation and love the fans, and my family is here, so it is good to be home.

“I feel confident we are going to have success and delighted to have signed a two-year deal.

“I feel there is a lot more to come from me as I am still very much in a learning phase in my career.

“It is also great to again be playing under coach (Rob) Paternostro.

“I know him and he knows me and, with the other guys who are coming back, I feel very comfortable, and anxious to get on court and improve my skills and get ready for the new season.

“I am really looking forward to being back at the Morningside ‘HE PLAYS WITH PASSION AND INTENSITY’: Conner Washington playing for Riders in October 2016

Arena and playing in front of the Riders fans, and cannot wait until that happens.

Head coach Paternostro said he was delighted Washington is back in the fold.

“We are thrilled to have Conner back, and we are excited to see him in a Riders jersey again,” he said.

“He plays with passion, intensity and a flair that Riders fans have enjoyed throughout the years.

“He first came to us many years ago, and we have enjoyed watching him grow, and watching him win many trophies with many different teams here.

“Conner’s defence can be a game changer, and his athletic ability, intelligence and intensity on that end of the floor is valuable for any team, and we look forward to that impact again this season.”

The structure for the new season was announced two weeks ago by the BBL after the 2019/20 season was cancelled without a Championship or Play-off winner.

However no date has yet been announced for the start of the new season, as the BBL awaits updates on government guidelines for indoor sports.