Both Anthony Rowe (203-F-85, college: N.Georgia) and Rob Paternostro were pleased to progress to the BBL Trophy quarter-final after Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders won 105-63 at Essex Leopards on Sunday.
The comfortable victory against the vcars.co.uk Division One champions saw Riders set up a last eight visit to either Surrey Heat or Reading Rockets.
"It was one of those games against a side a division below you where you know you have more talent but it comes down to desire" said British forward Rowe (pictured).
"I was impressed with Leopards, though. They showed a lot of heart, we blitzed them early on, but to give them some props they stuck at it and made it a nine point game at half-time.
"They kept battling and had some calls that they weren't happy with, but they have some talent in that side."
It was Riders' first game for a fortnight, and Rowe believed it was beneficial for them: "We definitely needed the game after the Christmas break so we could go through a few things and get back to playing good defence. They wanted that win so we had to focus and not take anything for granted. We needed to be turned in, and I think the game will help us as we prepare for the [BBL Cup] final."
Paternostro was also happy with the victory: "I thought we played pretty well against Leopards, we had a poor few minutes at the end of the first half but was happy with the effort from all of our players
"I thought Zaire Taylor was very active on defence and was able to make plays, he has been playing very well, he is a guard that impacts the game in many ways.
"Drew Sullivan had a nice all around game, I thought he distributed the ball very well and Pavel Losonsky was effective and able to finish at the basket. I thought Jay Couisnard shooting in the second half really opened things up for us on offence, and defensively we played an intelligent game
"Greg Hernandez played well for Essex and I was impressed with how hard they played."
Riders return to action on Saturday with a key BBL Championship game against in-form Worcester Wolves at John Sandford Sports Centre before travelling to London Lions next Tuesday for the first live Sky TV game of the season.
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Eurobasket.com All-British EBL Division Two Awards 2013 - May 24, 2013
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Finals MVP: Karolis Stepanavicius (198-F) of Newham Nept.; Player of the Year: Matt Gwynne (6'10''-F/C) of Cary Invasion; Guard of the Year: Thomas Ward (183-PG) of Manchester M.; Forward of the Year: Karolis Stepanavicius (198-F) of Newham Nept.; Center of the Year: Matt Gwynne (6'10''-F/C) of Cary Invasion; Bosman Player of the Year: Karolis Stepanavicius (198-F) of Newham Nept.; Import Player of the Year: Matt Gwynne (6'10''-F/C) of Cary Invasion; Domestic Player of the Year: Thomas Ward (183 [read more]
Eurobasket.com All-British EBL Division Two 1st Team 2013
Ward
Vear
Reid
Stepanavicius
Gwynne
Finals MVP: Karolis Stepanavicius (198-F) of Newham Nept. Player of the Year: Matt Gwynne (6'10''-F/C) of Cary Invasion Guard of the Year: Thomas Ward (183-PG) of Manchester M. Forward of the Year: Karolis Stepanavicius (198-F) of Newham Nept. Center of the Year: Matt Gwynne (6'10''-F/C) of Cary Invasion Bosman Player of the Year: Karolis Stepanavicius (198-F) of Newham Nept. Import Player of the Year: Matt Gwynne (6'10''-F/C) of Cary Invasion Domestic Player of the Year: Thomas Ward (183-PG) of Manchester M. Defensive Player of the Year: Matt Gwynne (6'10''-F/C) of Cary Invasion Coach of the Year: Sam Stiller of Newham Nept.
All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Thomas Ward (183-PG) of Manchester M.
G: Steve Vear (180-G) of Newham Nept.
F/G: Daniel Watts (198-F/G-88) of Mansfield G.
G/F: Craig Pringle (191-G/F-89) of Eastside E.
F/G: Andrew Chiguiri (191-F/G-92) of Derbyshire A.
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."
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