‘Dynamic’ US guard Hunter joins Riders

READY TO PLAY HIS FIRST PRO SEASON IN UK

below,

AMERICAN guard Jaylin Hunter has become Leicester Riders’ second signing for the 2024-25 season, writes Charlie Walker.

The 21-year-old, pictured, is set to play in his first professional campaign with Riders following two seasons at the University of Ohio.

The 6ft guard averaged 14 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds for the Bobcats in 2023/24, and was named in the Second Team All-Conference Team after finishing the year as the MAC conference assists leader.

The Connecticut native helped Ohio to the MAC Championship semi-finals last season, scoring 17 points in the final four.

Before attending the University of Ohio, Hunter spent three seasons at Old Dominion University, captaining the team in 2021/22.

Starting all 32 games for the Monarchs, he averaged 9.7 points and ranked top 10 in the Sun Belt Conference in assists, steals, assist-toturnover ratio and minutes played.

Hunter said: “I’m excited to get to Leicester and join my team-mates and the fans to get working on a successful season!

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started with the Riders!”

Hunter becomes head coach Rob Paternostro’s first American signing of the off season, and is the second addition to the Riders roster following the re-signing of club legend Conner Washington last week.

Paternostro said: “Jaylin is a dynamic guard, with an ability to get to the paint, make plays for his team-mates and score in different ways.

“I’ve been impressed throughout the recruitment process with the positive references on his leadership and ability to be a good team-mate.

“I’m excited to work with him. He

has the characteristics you want from a point guard, and someone with the ball in his hands.

“His quickness, strength and shooting range make him a really difficult cover.”