Adekoya ‘excited’ at return to triple-winning Riders

LEICESTER Riders have confirmed versatile forward Jubril Adekoya has signed a new contract for the 2022/23 BBL season.

The American with British nationality, pictured, was central to Riders’ BBL-best defensive record last season.

Adekoya played multiple positions, usually a back-up to captain Darien Nelson-Henry or centre Mo Walker but was also comfortable marking quicker opposition forwards.

The 6ft 7in power forward, who played with intensity and hustle all season, scored a season-high of 18 points against the Glasgow Rocks last season.

His 16-point performance in the BBL Cup quarter-final against Cheshire Phoenix helped the Riders win the competition on their way to the treble.

Adekoya, 27, who was born in Illinois, played college basketball for four years at Valparaiso University in Indiana.

There he averaged six points, four rebounds and one assist per game over his college career.

Adekoya has spent most of his pro career to date in Spain’s LEB Gold playing for

Huesca, Valladolid and, most recently, Almansa Con Afanion.

His talent transcends the box score, however, and he will look to continue to help the Riders to further successes with his defence and basketball intelligence. “I’m excited to be back for a second year in Leicester and add to the number of guys returning to build on what we started last year as a group,” said Adekoya.

“It was an easy decision to return, especially with the number of guys coming back.”

Riders head coach Rob Paternostro said: “Jubril had a great season for us. He was a great teammate who was always prepared to play, and we are excited to have him back.

“He provided us with a versatile skill set, a high IQ, and a toughness that played a huge part in a treblewinning season.

“Defensively, Jubril is very versatile, and he understands team concepts well and has an ability to cover multiple positions.

“Offensively, he is comfortable in many spots on the floor, and he can play with many different line-ups, and he can do damage both inside and out.”

At least seven of last season’s treble-winning Riders team have now been signed up, as well as young prospect Blake Bowman from Derby Trailblazers.

Adekoya joins MVP Geno Crandall, Darien Nelson-Henry, Mo Walker, GB player Patrick Whelan, point guard Conner Washington, and versatile guard Kimbal Mackenzie as announced returnees.