As he prepares to lead his team out in Saturday's BBL Championship play-off final at the NIA, Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders' coach Rob Paternostro revealed that he never thought he would be a coach.
After six years as a player in the BBL, including a season with the Riders, Paternostro became Leicester coach in 2008, but his career plans had been very different:
'I never really thought about being a coach, my college coach said I should give it a try, but I certainly never dreamed about it. I wanted to go into broadcasting and my dream job was to commentate on the New York Yankees [baseball team]. But it's been a great four years at Riders, and I'd like to thank them for the opportunity.'
Paternostro led Riders to their highest ever regular season position - second - this year, and his side will now look to emulate the 2001 Riders team who won the play-offs. The Riders' coach has praise for his players: 'This year's team has been a special group, not just talent-wise, but as individuals as well. Our message was to give the fans something special, we've done a lot of good things this year and deserve to be in the final.
'Our guys have taken care of themselves well, and although we lost Brett Royster for a while, we've had six players play in all 30 league games. We understand as a coaching that that it's a long season and we need to avoid burn-out. We've gone a good job keeping them fresh and ready for the end of season push. We play eight games in 23 days at the end of the season and we were in good condition for that.'
Paternostro also had praise for his assistant coaches, Phil Gleadell and former player LaTaryl Williams who was ruled out for the season with a knee injury: 'Phil has been with me since I started coaching, and it's like having a family member on the bench.
'LaTaryl made a big impact this year. We were number one in points allowed and he did a fantastic job as a defensive coach. He definitely has a bright future as a coach, we spend hours studying film and preparing scouting reports. I'm glad he's with us, he was my first signing as coach and he did a great job in the three seasons he played for me. He sets the tone for the guys around him, he's a true professional and has been a big part in what we've achieved.'
Riders were forced to play their two home play-off games at Loughborough University due to the unavailability of the John Sandford Sports Centre, and Paternostro admitted that his early misgivings about he change of venue proved to be unfounded:
'Early on it was a concern for us. We felt that with a 15-3 home record, we knew how to win in our gym. But we talked about it and it doesn't matter if we're outside in park, we still have a chance to win. We saw how nice it was when we walked in. Russell and the volunteers had set it up really well. The way we shot ball in there shows that we got comfortable quickly. Credit to our fans, it didn't matter where we were they travelled in numbers and have been and have been fantastic. Loughborough looked great on Sky and it was a really intimate place to play.'
Leicester Riders continued with their team building for the 2013/14 season by re-signing 6 foot 8 inch forward Anthony Rowe (203-F-85, college: N.Georgia). The 27 years old Rowe was born in Plymouth and played for his home town club for 4 seasons, after graduating from US college North Georgia, before joining Riders early last season, after a season ending injury to centre John Fraley [read more]
Leicester Riders continued with their team building for the 2013/14 season by re-signing 6 foot 8 inch forward Anthony Rowe (203-F-85, college: N.Georgia). The 27 years old Rowe was born in Plymouth and played for his home town club for 4 seasons, after graduating from US college North Georgia, before joining Riders early last season, after a season ending injury to centre John Fraley.
Rowe knocked down nearly 12 points a game, and averaged nearly 7 rebounds and just over 1 assist per game, for the Jelson Homes DMU backed Riders, which helped Rowe pick up his first silverware in the BBL.
Rowe said, "I am absolutely ecstatic to come back with the Riders. I was really pleased with the way I was welcomed into the Riders team part way through the season, and Leicester has proved a great team, a great Club, and a great organization."
"Winning three trophies was well beyond my expectations, but well deserved, because this team put in a lot of hard work. I really always wanted to stay and defend those titles and keep that success coming to the city."
Rowe admitted coach Rob Paternostro was a factor in his decision, "Rob is a great coach, and good person, and was undoubtedly part of the reason I am here. He has total respect of his players, and I feel I have learned a lot and improved immensely throughout the season."
"And as a team, I think we can step up again. It is great we have already got a number of British players back. If you look at successful teams over a number of years in the BBL, keeping a solid group of good British players is a big factor, and I really like the way the Club is getting on and getting key players under contract early."
Riders Head Coach Rob Paternostro said, "Last season when Rowe arrived he fitted in really well, and proved his ability to adapt to what we were looking for quickly. Anthony can do a variety of things at both ends of the court, but most impressive is his hunger to win. He also brings a lot to the organization in terms of his outstanding work in the community."
"What I really like is, with Rowe's signing, we are building a core of young British talent in our team, when you add in Jamell Anderson and Connor Washington. These guys send a message to the younger players in our organization that if you buckle down, train hard, and listen and learn, there are openings in our team. And, of course, their signings give huge flexibility to our squad."
Leicester Riders took another step to rebuilding their championship winning team, by announcing the return of guard Jorge Calvo(190-G-87).
The 25 year old point guard, born in Ponferrada, Spain, was a huge hit with the Rider's fans last season, with his tenacious defence and in ability to run the offence, but also for his hugely engaging manner off the court. He was the first Spaniard to win a BBL Championship [read more]
Leicester Riders took another step to rebuilding their championship winning team, by announcing the return of guard Jorge Calvo (190-G-87).
The 25 year old point guard, born in Ponferrada, Spain, was a huge hit with the Rider's fans last season, with his tenacious defence and in ability to run the offence, but also for his hugely engaging manner off the court. He was the first Spaniard to win a BBL Championship.
Calvo was very keen to return to the Jelson Homes DMU backed Riders, "From very early on with the Riders, as I came to understand the great mix of players we had, I was really keen to make Leicester more than a one year stop. I believe this is a team that can get better, and I can get better with the team."
"Playing in the BBL is a different challenge to Spain, but I think it is helping to develop my game. I will be looking to do things a little different, add some things to what I bring to the Riders, but it is really working with my team-mates and coaches that will help make the difference."
"I was also excited to see that Drew Sullivan had re-signed, because he is such an important player in our team. He and Rob (Paternostro) our coach are what make the big difference to the team, so that just reinforced my keenness to come back."
Calvo thinks Riders will have it much tougher in the BBL next season, but is looking forward to the challenge, "For sure, teams are going to be gunning for Leicester, and it will be difficult. We set a standard this season, and other teams will be out to put one over on us. But I think the Riders can get better, and particularly if we can keep most of the squad together."
Paternostro was very excited to have Calvo back, "Jorge is hugely under-rated in my opinion. He handles himself extremely well, is a very smart player, and is very much a team guy. There are a lot of decisions to make in his position on the court, particularly in terms of getting other guys involved in the offence, and that is where Jorge excels."
BBL Birmingham has today announced the name of the new professional basketball team representing the city. Saturday nights will never be the same again...... welcoming your Birmingham Knights!
Jo Aldridge, Team Director, said "We decided to run a competition to let the fans name the team and this was a standout winner with the panel. We plan to take the team live in September and are very excited about working with a number of partners to help to bring the brand to life [read more]
BBL Birmingham has today announced the name of the new professional basketball team representing the city. Saturday nights will never be the same again...... welcoming your Birmingham Knights!
Jo Aldridge, Team Director, said "We decided to run a competition to let the fans name the team and this was a standout winner with the panel. We plan to take the team live in September and are very excited about working with a number of partners to help to bring the brand to life."
The Team's management has also been busy building a number of important partnerships within the city. Today they announce the Birmingham A's Basketball Club as the team's "Official Nursery Team" and the City of Birmingham basketball club as their "Official Junior Development Partner". Coach Paul Douglas said "Ensuring an effective player pathway in the city is really important to us. We want to create a team that local young players aspire to and a simple route by which they work their way up to playing professionally. We're confident that these important relationships will help us to achieve this and we're pleased to see the sport of basketball uniting in the city."
Coach Douglas starts his campaign with trials being held at the Doug Ellis Sports Centre on the 18th and 19th May. If you would like to know more about how to take part email info@bblbirmingham.co.uk.
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